Outdoor summer games are one of my most favorite ways to spend time with family and friends.

We are a G-A-M-E family. Every night while our boys were growing up we played games over dinner. Apples to Apples, Exploding Kittens, Hedbanz and various card games. It was a great way to interact with them without “momming” them with a bunch of questions. They would accidentally tell us all sorts of things over dinner and games. 

Now that they are all older, our baby is heading to college in August, our games have changed. 

You will find us on a pickleball court, playing cornhole, bucket golf, jumbo Jenga and many more in the backyard. Country music and the smell of BBQ are a constant. Often a homemade margarita in our hands. 

When we host a summer BBQ with family and friends, we always have set up our outdoor summer games for our guests. I am one of those people who has a lot of social anxiety, small talk does not come easily. But give me a game to play where I can focus on the game which gives me something to do with my hands and anxiety and I am suddenly calm and ready to chit chat. 

I wanted to share some of our favorites with you in case you are looking to up your game … game. 

Spikeball Smashball, Cornhole, Yard Dice, Croquet, Bucketgolf, Jenga Giant, Bocce Ball, Ring Toss, Four in a Row, Ladder Toss

What games did we miss? What are your favorites? Tell us below! We will add them!