Tailgate season is all about good food, great company, and unforgettable fun. While the grill is heating up, having the right lawn games on hand is the secret to keeping the energy high and creating lasting memories. From classic toss games to fast-paced team competitions, the perfect game can turn any parking lot or backyard into an instant party arena.
Choosing the best games means considering portability, ease of setup, and broad appeal for all your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned tailgater or hosting your first pre-game party, this roundup features eight top-rated lawn games designed for maximum enjoyment and easy transport. Get ready to score the winning point before the team even takes the field.
Our Top Picks for Tailgate Party Games
- ropoda Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set
- GoSports Giant Portable 4 in a Row Game
- Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game
- Trademark Games Bocce Ball Set Regulation Size
- GoSports Premium Birch Wood Washer Toss Game
- Toss and Catch Ball Set with Paddles
- Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit Game Set
- Juegoal Rubber Horseshoe Set
ropoda Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set
Bring the casino to your tailgate with this oversized wooden dice set. Perfect for a wide range of simple or creative games, these 3.5-inch dice provide fun for all ages. The solid pine construction and hand-sanded edges ensure a smooth, safe feel, while the burned-in dark brown dots are permanent and won’t rub off with use.
This set goes beyond basic dice by including a scoreboard for keeping track of your yard game favorites. When the game is over or you’re ready to move locations, everything packs neatly into the included sturdy canvas carrying bag. Its versatility makes it a great choice for tailgates, beach days, camping, and backyard parties.
GoSports Giant Portable 4 in a Row Game
Experience a life-sized version of the classic strategy game with this giant 4-foot wide set. Its innovative design sets up in seconds, making it ideal for spontaneous tailgate fun. Crafted from premium wood with a classic dark stain, it’s both a visually appealing game and a durable piece built for many seasons of use.
This game naturally draws a crowd as players take turns dropping the large discs. It encourages friendly competition and is simple enough for kids to understand but strategic enough to engage adults. As a social event favorite, it serves as both an activity and a decorative centerpiece for your party setup.
Kan Jam Original Disc Toss Game
Kan Jam offers fast-paced, team-based action that is perfect for tailgaters looking for an active game. Played with two teams of two, the objective is to toss the disc toward the goal and have your partner help “jam” it in for points. It combines elements of skill and teamwork for an exciting experience.
The game is highly portable, as the goals are designed to fold down completely flat. This makes transportation and storage remarkably easy. Included with the goals is a regulation-weight flying disc, providing everything you need for a thrilling match that can be played almost anywhere you have a bit of open space.
Trademark Games Bocce Ball Set Regulation Size
Enjoy a timeless classic with this regulation-size bocce ball set. It includes eight colored balls (four green, four red) and a pallino, allowing for traditional tournament-style play between two teams. The balls are made from a durable polyresin compound that resists cracking, making them suitable for various surfaces from grass to sand.
This game is known for its relaxed yet competitive pace, making it perfect for social tailgate environments where conversation is just as important as the game. The set comes with a convenient carrying case, so you can easily bring this enduring favorite to the park, beach, or any tailgate location.
GoSports Premium Birch Wood Washer Toss Game
Washer toss is a beloved backyard and tailgate game, and this GoSports set delivers with premium quality. The set is fully assembled and ready to play right out of the box, featuring two targets and eight washers. The targets are handcrafted from birch wood with precise mitered corner joints for a clean, sturdy build.
This set meets official regulation size guidelines, making it excellent for both casual fun and more serious practice. The simple rules and satisfying clink of a washer landing in the cup make it endlessly entertaining for players of all skill levels. Its durable construction is made to handle enthusiastic play season after season.
Toss and Catch Ball Set with Paddles
This active game set is fantastic for younger tailgaters or for anyone wanting a lively game of catch. The set includes six paddles and three soft, sticky balls, allowing multiple people to play at once. The paddles are made from high-toughness materials, and the balls are designed for easy catching.
Safety and durability are key features, as all materials are laboratory-tested, non-toxic, and comply with child safety standards. It’s a versatile set that can be used in the backyard, at the park, or even at the beach, providing a simple and engaging way to stay active during your tailgate party.
Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit Game Set
Spikeball brings intense, energetic fun to any tailgate. Often described as a mix between volleyball and four-square, this game involves two teams of two who hit a ball off a small, circular net. The fast-paced rallies and 360-degree gameplay guarantee laughter and excitement for players and spectators alike.
The set is highly portable, with a net that folds down into a compact size for easy transport. Its popularity has soared due to its engaging team dynamics and the moderate space required to play. It’s an excellent choice for tailgaters looking to get their heart rate up and enjoy some friendly competition.
Juegoal Rubber Horseshoe Set
Enjoy the classic game of horseshoes with a safer, tailgate-friendly twist. This set uses heavy-duty rubber horseshoes instead of metal, making it perfect for play on grass, sand, or other surfaces where metal stakes aren’t practical or safe. The set includes four horseshoes and two stakes for immediate setup.
The rubber construction reduces the risk of injury or damage, allowing everyone to join in the fun without concern. It maintains the satisfying challenge of ringing the stake while being much easier to pack and carry than a traditional metal set. It’s a simple, enduring game that fits perfectly into the tailgate atmosphere.
Buying Guide: Picking the Perfect Lawn Game for Your Next Tailgate Party
Choosing the right lawn game for your next tailgate party can make the difference between a good time and a great one. I’ve been to my fair share of tailgates, and the games that get the most play share a few key traits. Let me walk you through what I look for when I’m picking out a new game to add to my collection.
First, think about portability and setup. You’re already hauling coolers, chairs, and a grill. The last thing you need is a game that requires a trailer. I always look for games that pack down into a single, manageable carrying case. Lightweight materials like PVC or aluminum are winners. Quick setup is also huge—you want to be playing within minutes of arriving, not fiddling with complicated instructions while the burgers are on the grill. Games that use simple targets or boards you can just plop on the grass are ideal.
Next, consider the player count and skill level. A great tailgate game should be easy to learn but have enough depth to stay interesting. Look for games that can handle anywhere from two to eight players, either in one-on-one matches or team formats. This flexibility means no one gets left out. The best games have a low barrier to entry; anyone should be able to get the hang of it in a round or two, regardless of athletic skill. This keeps the mood light and inclusive, which is the whole point of a pre-game party.
Finally, durability and playing surface are non-negotiable. Tailgate gear gets knocked over, stepped on, and exposed to the elements. I avoid games with lots of small, easily lost pieces or fragile components. Look for sturdy construction that can survive a tumble off a tailgate. Also, think about the space you usually have. Some games, like a full ladder ball set, need a good 15 feet of clear space. Others, like cornhole or a compact ring toss, can be played in a tighter spot between parked cars. Matching the game to your typical tailgate footprint is a pro move.
By focusing on these three areas—easy transport, flexible gameplay, and tough build quality—you’ll find a lawn game that becomes a staple for your next tailgate party. The goal is to add to the fun without adding stress, so you can focus on the friends, food, and football.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest lawn game to set up at a tailgate?
In my experience, games like Washer Toss or a simple Ring Toss game are among the easiest. They typically involve just placing two targets on the ground a set distance apart. There’s no assembly of frames or nets, and you can start playing literally in seconds. This makes them perfect for when you want to get the fun started immediately at your next tailgate party.
Can these games be played on asphalt, or do I need grass?
It really depends on the game. Classic bean bag toss (cornhole) requires a hard, flat surface for the boards to sit properly, so asphalt or a parking lot is actually perfect. However, games involving stakes or spikes that get driven into the ground, like horseshoes, obviously need a soft surface like grass or sand. Always check the game’s requirements. Many modern sets come with weighted targets that work fine on pavement.
How do I keep score in games like ladder ball or cornhole?
Scoring can be the trickiest part! For ladder ball, I remember that each rung is worth a different number of points (usually 1 for the bottom, 2 for the middle, 3 for the top). Only one team scores per round, earning the points for their bolas that are hanging, minus the points of their opponent’s hanging bolas. For cornhole, a bag on the board is 1 point, and a bag in the hole is 3 points. Again, you cancel out points, so only the team with the higher total in that round scores the difference. It sounds complex, but after one round it clicks.
Are there good lawn games for large groups or teams?
Absolutely. Games like Giant Jenga or Giant Connect Four are fantastic for large groups because they create a natural spectator area and people can easily cycle in and out. For team play, cornhole is a classic because you can have doubles matches with people subbing in. I’ve also found that a simple game like KanJam works really well for fast-paced team play with lots of players taking turns quickly.
What’s the best way to store and transport lawn games?
The carrying case it comes in is your best friend. If a game doesn’t come with one, I strongly recommend making or buying one. For games with separate pieces, I use a small plastic bin with a lid to keep everything together. Before I pack up my vehicle, I always do a quick piece count to make sure nothing got left behind in the grass. Keeping everything contained not only protects the game but makes setup and teardown a breeze every single time.