People say, “Life’s a beach” — but it can also be a park, and perhaps even your backyard, because spending the day outdoors is always a great idea. Add a great game that will keep your family active while having fun, and you have all the ingredients for a good time.
We went in search of the best beach and outdoor games to keep your family fit, and we came up with 15 that can be set up anywhere, whether you go on a camping trip, to the beach or for a quick trip to the park.
Kan Jam Portable Disc Slam Outdoor Game ($39.99; amazon.com)
Kan Jam Portable Disc Slam Outdoor Game
A cross between Frisbee and cornhole, Kan Jam is an easy, fun-for-all-ages game where teams of two take turns tossing a disc at the opponent’s target, a goal can with a hole big enough to accommodate a flying disc. The team that hits the target the most wins. Collapsible and easy to carry, the game is perfect for backyards, camping trips or picnics. There’s even a water-resistant Splash version that’s perfect for pool and beach days.
Spikeball Game Set ($59.99, originally $69.99; amazon.com)
Spikeball Game Set
Very much like volleyball but with teams of two, Spikeball is super popular in part because it debuted on “Shark Tank,” plus it’s fun for all ages and an easy game to play on grass, sand or almost any surface.
The only requirement to play is that you have a competitive streak because just like volleyball, the game moves fast and you’ll be diving and lunging more times than you can count. If you’re playing with friends and you want to start your own mini tournament, the Spikeball app lets you connect with nearby players. The set’s sturdy construction folds easily and fits inside most car trunks.
Himal Collapsible Portable Cornhole Boards ($31.99, originally $37.99; amazon.com)
Himal Collapsible Portable Cornhole Boards
Cornhole has so many fans that bars and restaurants have been setting up games as a way to motivate customers to linger longer. The game even has its own pro group of 20,000 known as the American Cornhole League. It’s also beloved by families because it’s so easy to play at any age.
You simply toss square bags filled with corn kernels (or sand, beans or rice) into a circle at the center of the opponent’s board several feet away. The person or team with the most “holes in one” wins. This extremely portable version comes with its own lightweight carrying case so you can take your game to the beach, the park or your next cookout.
’American Ninja Warrior’ Obstacle Course Race Set ($56.99, originally $69.99; wayfair.com)
‘American Ninja Warrior’ Obstacle Course Race Set
Whether or not you’re a fan of the TV show, there’s nothing like an obstacle course to get everyone on their feet either competing or cheering. Play one-on-one or compete as teams with this 37-piece set that can be set up with dozens of different configurations, ensuring no one ever gets bored. Kids as young as 5 can play and set up the course themselves (no adult supervision is required).
In the rule book, a different diagram is provided for each course so you can set up your game according to age and skill level. Even the hurdles that come with the game are height adjustable.
Speedminton Fun Set ($29.99; amazon.com)
Speedminton Fun Set
For fans of racket sports, Speedminton’s no-net version combines them all into one fun game that can be played anywhere with minimal equipment. While there are different versions of Speedminton, this set comes with a regular cone-shaped Speeder that gets tossed back and forth using a racket and a rotating Heli Speeder designed to travel shorter distances, perfect for beginners and families with young kids. Keep the fun going after dark with two glow-in-the-dark Speedlights that can be attached to the Speeders.
Body Bumper Bubble Soccer Balls for Kids/Adults (starting at $130.77; amazon.com)
Body Bumper Bubble Soccer Balls for Kids/Adults
Take your family soccer game to the next level with inflatable, wearable “bubbles” that’ll have you bumping, rolling and crashing into each other one giant belly laugh at a time. Designed to cover a player’s head and upper body, each bumper bubble comes with adjustable shoulder straps so you can find a comfy fit. Both wear- and tear-resistant, the bubbles take only a few minutes to pump so you can get your bump on in no time.
Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings, 2-Pack ($12.99; amazon.com)
Activ Life Kid’s Flying Rings, 2-Pack
A favorite on Amazon, these lightweight rings really soar if there’s even a slight breeze. And because of their weight, they’re much safer to throw around. They’re available in eight different colorways of your choosing.
4Fun Delux Cosmic Glow Golf Course Set ($159.99; dickssportinggoods.com)
4Fun Delux Cosmic Glow Golf Course Set
For glow-in-the-dark outdoor fun, this 24-piece portable golf set comes with everything you need to practice your swing and aim. A variety of obstacles means there are tons of different ways to set up the five-hole course, perfect if you’re teaching a newbie and want to keep them on their toes. The neon colors glow come nightfall so you can keep the game going longer.
Sportsquad Portable Lawn Games Net ($67.99, originally $79.95; wayfair.com)
Sportsquad Portable Lawn Games Net
If you instantly flock to football tosses at carnivals and theme parks, now you can play anytime you want. This version of the game comes with both footballs and discs so you can mix things up depending on your mood and skill level. The sliding scorer on the side of the game system makes it easy for competitive families to keep score. The sturdy, foldable game is perfect for tailgating but can be set up anywhere.
Franklin Sports Washer Toss Set in Red/White/Blue ($29.99; bedbathandbeyond.com)
Franklin Sports Washer Toss Set in Red/White/Blue
Get your chuck on with this washer toss game where you earn points when your washer lands anywhere inside the target, with bonus points going to anyone who can make it land in the center cup. If you grew up playing Skee-Ball, it’s kind of the same thing except the washers are the new balls and the target folds up so you can take the game wherever you go.
GoSports Standard Croquet Set ($51.99; wayfair.com)
GoSports Standard Croquet Set
Kids as young as 5 can play croquet, a game that uses mallets to drive balls through a series of wickets. This colorful, mod take on the basic set is made of hardwood with leather-wrapped handles that make it easier on the hands, especially if you play for a while. A handy storage bag keeps all 23 pieces together no matter where you go.
Baden Champions Volleyball Badminton Combo Set ($126.48; amazon.com)
Baden Champions Volleyball Badminton Combo Set
If you’re having a hard time choosing between badminton and volleyball, well, you don’t have to. This set comes with everything you need for both, including a net, ball, rackets, shuttlecock and more. Suddenly your beach outing just became a lot more exciting.
GoSports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set ($39.99; amazon.com)
GoSports 90mm Backyard Bocce Set
Fans of this bocce ball set say the balls have a nice, balanced weight to them that makes it easy to play, and it even comes with a measuring tape to help you determine the real winner. A durable carrying case protects all the pieces so you can set up your game in a pinch on just about any grassy or sandy surface.
Rope Bridge Play Tunnel ($279.99, originally $319.99; wayfair.com)
Rope Bridge Play Tunnel
Before you say, “That’s just for kids,” when was the last time you climbed through a tunnel? Not only is it fun, it’s quite the strength-building exercise too! If you’re looking to add a playful touch to your outdoor adventures, this play tunnel that’s big enough to accommodate kids and adults is perfect. Made of heavy-duty, weather-resistant rope, the tunnel can be hung from any two sturdy trees or posts. It’s perfect for camping and park days, and it’s a fun alternative to a set of swings in the backyard.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers’ listed prices at the time of publication.
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