When our SWELL family isn’t on an adventure, we are usually engaged in some kind of competition. What better way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, than with yard games! Here is a list of our top 10 favorite yard games.
Our SWELL Time Top 10 Yard Games
Kingdoms: While scouring the web looking for new and exciting yard games, we stumbled across the Kingdoms yard game. This game combines aspects from multiple different yard games but does it in such a way that it does feel fresh and exciting. Each player will try knocking down the other kingdom castles using wooden balls. The twist is that each player has a unique special power to try and help them secure victory. What we love about this game is that it scales well for all age groups. Our six-year-old has just as much fun as our 12-year-old. You can even get expansions and play a game with up to 12 people! Build your Kingdom here!
Molkky: Molkky (we call it Skittles) was one of the biggest surprises in our yard gaming experience. After our first play-through, we fell in love with this game. The game’s aim is to knock over numbered pins to gain their point value. The catch is that if you knock over more than one pin, you get points equal to the number of pins you knocked over. As the game continues, the pins spread out and create an ever-changing playing field. This game also packs very well for any adventure you may need to bring it on. Find Molkky here.
Kubb: Our love for Kubb started when one of our relatives had a foreign exchange student from Europe. She showed us this exciting game where two sides try to knock over their opponent’s blocks. Play goes back and forth, trying not to hit the kingpin in the center of the field until their side of the pins is cleared out. Kubb is a wonderful team game and can be played 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, or even 6v6. Check out Kubb here.
Rollers: A cool fact about Rollers is that a veteran from Minnesota invented this game! This game is like bowling meets horseshoes, where each team rolls their disk, trying to get it closest to the goal. Each disk has a different point value on either face of the disk to add some variability to scoring. This game also packs nicely for adventures and has a speedy setup time so everyone can play immediately. Roll on over.
MashBall: This game is pretty much beer pong without the beer. What makes it to the top ten list is how easy it is to transport. The carrying case opens into the game and is set up and ready to play. All ages can play this game, as the balls you throw are soft little bean bags. They are even soft enough to set up the game inside if needed. Buy MashBall here.
Ramp Shot: Ramp shot is an active version of beanbags that replaces the beanbag with a bouncy ball. This game is played 2v2 with three people having active roles every throw, keeping the game interesting throughout. This game is for a slightly older audience because of the active play and the hand-eye coordination needed, but it still gives everyone a great experience. Ramp up your yard game selection here.
Spikeball: This is another active game where players try to smash their ball on a bouncy net to try and make it so their opponent can’t do the same. You will run all around in this high-paced, exciting game. Spikeball is one of those games where we have had many “did you see that?” moments. Don’t miss this one.
Croquet: What a classic. First played in 1856, this game continues to be fun for our family. We often set it up when and make the playing area as tricky as possible because we have some “expert” players and need to slow them down as much as possible. Croquet is played by knocking balls with wooden mallets around a coarse lined by hoops you need to hit through. It is kind of like the yard version of mini golf. If you can get your hands on an older set, the mallet quality is usually better; otherwise, check out this set.
Beanbags: I don’t think we will ever call it cornhole in the SWELL family, but either way, beanbags are a staple yard game. It is easy to play for all, not a lot of active play, but fun nevertheless. We set up a beanbag tournament every year at one of our large annual family reunions. Everyone has a blast, and the game is requested every year. These are a great option.
Bocce: This classic would be hard to knock off the top ten list. Bocce is a very versatile game that can be played almost everywhere. We don’t play on a fancy court; we throw out the pallino (the little target ball) into the yard, and whoever rolls their ball closest to it gets the points. Check out a good Bocce set here. We also have a bonus game called Disk Bocce. We play it like the other Bocce rules except that you throw plastic frisbees instead of rolling balls.
If you know of any other amazing yard games, please leave us a comment, as we would love to check them out!
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May all your adventures be SWELL!