17 Outdoor Drinking Games for Backyard Parties and the Great Outdoors
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When you’re looking for fun ways to keep your guests active and entertained, outdoor drinking games are the perfect choice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard party, a birthday bash, or just enjoying a weekend in the great outdoors with friends, these games bring energy, laughter, and a little competitive spirit.
In this list, you’ll find 17 fun outdoor games — from classic favorites like lawn bowling and ring toss to giant versions of popular board games — all perfect for adding fresh air and outdoor fun to your next get-together!
Let’s dive into some of the best outside activities that guarantee laughter, friendly competition, and unforgettable memories!
1. Bocce Sets
Bocce is a classic game that's perfect for backyard parties. Grab a drink, form teams, and toss your bocce balls to get closest to the pallino. It’s easy to learn and a relaxed way to enjoy the great outdoors while sipping on your favorite beverages.
2. Cornhole
Cornhole is one of the ultimate backyard games — and even better with drinks in hand. Teams toss bean bags at raised boards with a hole in the center, racking up points with each hit. It’s perfect for large groups and a must-have at any backyard party or local park hangout.
3. Croquet
Add a classy twist to your outdoor drinking games with Croquet. Set up your mallets, hoops, and balls, and make it a rule to sip every time you miss a shot. It’s an easy-going, social outdoor activity that works perfectly for birthday parties and summer gatherings.
4. Giant 4-in-a-Row
Take a favorite board game and make it giant! In Giant 4-in-a-Row, players race to connect four discs in a row — but with a twist: add a drink every time you drop a disc outside the frame. It’s simple, colorful, and the perfect fun outdoor game for any backyard bash.
5. Kubb
This Viking lawn game is built for outdoor fun with drinks nearby. Kubb pits two opposing teams against each other, tossing batons to knock over wooden blocks. Easy to set up on grass, sand, or at the local park, it’s a great way to combine fresh air with a little friendly rivalry.
6. Giant Wood Dominoes
Classic dominoes, but super-sized for the lawn! Stack, match, or topple dominoes while enjoying a cold drink. Giant Wood Dominoes is simple to play outdoors and is a fun way to keep large groups laughing and engaged between rounds.
7. Hook & Ring
Don't be fooled — Hook & Ring is tougher than it looks, especially after a few drinks! Players try to swing a ring onto a mounted hook. Set up quick mini-tournaments at birthday parties or casual backyard hangouts for a fun, low-maintenance challenge.
8. Horseshoes
Few games scream “great outdoors” like a classic game of horseshoes. Set up a horseshoe pit, grab some drinks, and see who can land the most ringers. Perfect for big outdoor spaces, birthday parties, or lazy afternoons with friends.
9. Lawn Bowling
Bring bowling to the backyard! Lawn Bowling lets players roll balls toward pins set up on the grass — and you can add challenges like drinking every time you miss. For extra fun, create glow-in-the-dark lanes using sidewalk chalk for nighttime play.
10. Mountain Blocks
Think Jenga, but giant. Mountain Blocks challenges players to stack large wooden pieces as high as possible without causing a collapse. Take a sip if you cause the tower to tumble! It’s one of the best games for outdoor drinking events that need a little suspense and a lot of laughs.
11. Paddle Ball
Looking for a quick-paced outdoor game that doesn’t require too much setup? Paddle Ball is a backyard favorite. Make it interesting by creating “loser drinks” rounds for missed volleys. It’s perfect for beach days, local park outings, or backyard get-togethers.
12. Pickleball
Pickleball is a fast-growing outdoor activity — and while it’s usually competitive, you can easily turn it into a casual, fun drinking game. Set up a few easy rules (like sip when you miss a serve) and enjoy fresh air, friendly competition, and outdoor fun.
13. Ring Toss
Ring Toss is a fun outdoor drinking game where players aim to toss rings onto pegs. Miss a peg? Take a drink! It’s simple, portable, and great for birthday parties, backyard gatherings, and late-night outdoor hangouts.
14. Social Scatter
This team game involves throwing wooden batons at numbered blocks in an attempt to knock them over and score points.
As the numbered blocks become scattered across the playing field, strategic targeting becomes a necessity. It's a great way to spend time outdoors, get some exercise, and enjoy some friendly competition.
15. Social Pong
The Captain Social Pong is a portable cup pong game with an adjustable height stand designed for standing or seated play. Its mahogany finish gives it a classic, stylish look that will fit well in any setting. This game is perfect for parties, weddings, tailgating, or any other social gathering.
16. Washer Toss
Washer Toss is simple, portable, and makes for great outdoor drinking fun. Toss washers into boxes or holes for points — or drinks — depending on your house rules. It’s an ideal game for local parks, beach trips, or backyard birthday parties.
17. Yard Dice
Giant Yard Dice lets you create all kinds of drinking challenges. Play games like Yahtzee or invent your own — for example, every time a team member rolls doubles, the opposing team drinks. It’s one of the most versatile games to be played outdoors with a drink in hand.