Is there anything better than the sound of laughter echoing through your backyard on a sunny afternoon? I’ve been daydreaming about creating the ultimate backyard game area—like, a place where friends and family can gather, play some cornhole, or have epic frisbee battles. You know that feeling when you’re outside, the sun is shining, and you just feel alive? I want to bottle that up and spread it around my yard. Just last weekend, I watched my kids have the time of their lives chasing each other around, and it hit me—what if I could bottle that joy? Maybe a small fire pit for roasting marshmallows, or even a slackline to test our balance? Who wouldn’t want to escape the chaos of everyday life and step into a little slice of fun right outside our door? Let’s dream about turning that plain grass patch into something magical, shall we?
Items You’ll Need
- Cornhole boards and bags
- Bocce ball set
- Giant Jenga game
- Spikeball set
- Frisbee
- Ladder toss
- Outdoor ping pong table
- Badminton set
- Croquet set
- Kubb game set
- Water balloon slingshot
- Tennis balls and rackets
- Horseshoes set
- Ring toss game
- Giant Connect 4 game
- Picnic table and benches
- Shade umbrella or gazebo
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Plan the Layout
I start by looking at my backyard and deciding where I want to set up the game area. I measure the space to make sure it's big enough for all the games I want to include. I sketch out a rough layout on paper, placing the larger games like the outdoor ping pong table and picnic table centrally, leaving space for the lawn games.
Step 2: Clear and Prepare the Area
Next, I clear the designated area of any debris, rocks, or plants that might get in the way of fun. I want a flat surface, so if necessary, I level out the ground or lay down some grass seed to make the area nice and green for my game zone.
Step 3: Set Up Cornhole Boards
I set up the cornhole boards at a distance of 27 feet apart. I ensure they are stable and mark them with some small flags to make them stand out, ready for some friendly competition later on.
Step 4: Create a Bocce Ball Court
I pick a corner of the lawn to set up the bocce ball court. I mark out a rectangular area about 80 feet long and 10 feet wide using small stakes and string. I tidy the edges so that the court looks sharp.
Step 5: Assemble Giant Jenga
I bring out the giant Jenga blocks and stack them in a tower. I find a flat surface adjacent to the picnic area to set it up, ensuring there’s enough room for players to move around and strategize their next move.
Step 6: Set Up Spikeball
I locate a spot in the yard with some soft grass for setting up the spikeball net. I set up the circular net and show my family how the game works—it should be the perfect mix of fun and laughter!
Step 7: Organize Other Games
Now I arrange the rest of the games. I place the ladder toss and horseshoes in another corner of the backyard, ensuring they are spaced out enough to avoid chaos. I put the ring toss game on a small table nearby for easy access.
Step 8: Create a Lounge Area
Next, I set up the picnic table and benches under a shade umbrella. This will serve as a cozy spot for breaks, snacks, and drinks between games. I make sure it's comfortable and welcoming.
Step 9: Prepare for Outdoor Activities
I gather my badminton set and set it up by marking the playing area with boundary lines. I place the rackets and shuttlecocks on the picnic table for easy access. The same goes for the croquet set and the giant Connect 4 game, which I position at the edge of the game area.
Step 10: Test the Games
Now it's time for the fun part! I invite my friends and family over for a testing session. We divide into teams and take turns trying out the games, making sure everything works well and that everyone understands the rules.
Step 11: Add Finishing Touches
Finally, I fill a bucket with water balloons and set up the water balloon slingshot for some extra fun later in the day. I also make sure to have extra tennis balls and rackets ready, just in case we decide to play a few rounds.
Step 12: Enjoying the Game Area
As the day goes on, we laugh, play, and enjoy the beautiful backyard game area I've created. The mix of games keeps the energy high and everyone having a blast, making it a perfect spot for sunny days.