7 Best Backyard Games for Your Next BBQ or Pool Party

Picture this: it's Saturday afternoon, the grill is fired up, your friends and family are arriving, and you need something to keep everyone entertained between burgers and cold drinks. The right backyard game can turn a good gathering into one people talk about for weeks.

We've rounded up seven of the best backyard games for parties and BBQs - games that work for large groups, are easy to learn, and keep the energy high all day long. Whether you're hosting 4 people or 14, there's something on this list for every crowd.

1. Cornhole

No backyard game list would be complete without Cornhole. It's the gold standard of lawn games for good reason - it's simple, competitive, and works for all ages and skill levels. Two teams of two take turns tossing bean bags at angled boards with a hole in the center. Three points for a bag in the hole, one point for a bag on the board. First team to 21 wins.

Players: 2–4
Best for: Casual players, all ages, easy setup
Where to get it: Available at most sporting goods stores and Amazon

2. Spikeball

If your crowd skews younger and more competitive, Spikeball is a guaranteed hit. Inspired by volleyball, two teams of two compete to spike a small ball off a round net set low to the ground. It's fast, physical, and gets people moving. Rounds are quick which means more people rotate in and stay engaged.

Players: 4
Best for: Active adults, competitive players
Where to get it: spikeball.com or Amazon

3. Cannonball

If you're looking for something that takes the strategy of a classic yard game and adds a twist nobody sees coming - meet Cannonball. This is the only backyard yard game that puts a pool at the center of the action, and that one detail changes everything.

Two teams of up to four take turns tossing three different types of balls - Scorers, Cannonballs, and Gold Pieces - each worth different points depending on where they land in relation to the scoring rings floating in the pool. The water keeps things unpredictable. Rings drift. Balls bounce differently. No two rounds ever play out the same way, which means the strategy is always evolving and nobody checks out before the final point.

With up to 8 players actively competing at once, there's no sitting on the sidelines waiting for your turn. First team to 11 points wins - and the rematch requests start immediately.

It's the perfect centerpiece for a pool party or backyard BBQ, and at $40 it includes everything you need to play right out of the box - pool, balls, rings, perimeter rope, and carrying bags.

Players: 2–8
Best for: Pool parties, BBQs, large groups, competitive adults, families with kids 6+
Get yours: Cannonball Game - $40 | Cannonball Jr. - $35

4. KanJam

KanJam is a frisbee-based game that's become a staple at tailgates and backyard parties everywhere. Two teams of two take turns throwing and deflecting a frisbee toward a large can. Points are scored based on hitting the can, having your partner deflect the disc into the slot, or landing a direct slot shot for an instant win. It travels well and sets up in under two minutes.

Players: 4
Best for: Tailgates, beach parties, quick setup
Where to get it: kanjam.com or Amazon

5. Ladder Toss

Ladder Toss - also called Ladder Golf - is one of those games that looks simple but gets surprisingly competitive once everyone gets a feel for it. Players toss bolas (two balls connected by a rope) at a three-rung ladder, scoring points based on which rung they wrap around. It's easy to learn, packs flat, and works great as a warm-up game before bigger competitions.

Players: 2–4
Best for: All ages, casual play, easy to transport
Where to get it: Available at most sporting goods stores and Amazon

6. Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball is one of the oldest lawn games in the world and it holds up for good reason. Players take turns rolling large balls as close as possible to a small target ball called the pallino. It's low energy, social, and perfect for guests who want to stay in the conversation while still playing. It also works on nearly any surface - grass, gravel, sand, or pavement.

Players: 2–8
Best for: Mixed age groups, casual gatherings, longer parties
Where to get it: Available at most sporting goods and home stores

7. Giant Jenga

No list of backyard party games is complete without Giant Jenga. The oversized version of the classic block-stacking game is a crowd magnet - everyone gravitates toward it, everyone has an opinion on which block to pull, and the collapse moment never gets old. It's a great game to keep running in the background all afternoon.

Players: 2 or more
Best for: All ages, background entertainment, conversation starter
Where to get it: Available at most toy stores, Costco, and Amazon

The Bottom Line

The best backyard game is the one that keeps your crowd laughing, competing, and coming back for one more round. Cornhole and Spikeball are classics for a reason - but if you want something that genuinely surprises your guests and becomes the talk of the party, Cannonball is the one to try. There's nothing else like it.

Ready to make your next BBQ unforgettable?
Shop Cannonball Game - $40
Shop Cannonball Jr. (ages 6+) - $35