What are the best backyard games to play (while social distancing) during the Coronavirus for summer?

How are you spending your time during this coronavirus pandemic?

With the governments and medical experts constantly advising against leaving our homes, our top priority remains to keep our families safe, both physically and mentally.

If you’re looking for some fun ways to pass the time during this pandemic, I have a perfect idea to make the time you spend at home with your loved ones good – Outdoor backyard games. These games will keep you physically fit and help you and your family to emerge stronger when things turn back to normal.

This outdoor games guide covers ten of the best games to play in your backyard while maintaining social distance, as per the CDC guideline. Apart from mentioning the different types of games, this guide will also cover the necessary instructions for beginners or learners. Also, I’ll be recommending at least two products for each game. 

Staying safe doesn’t always mean staying indoors. If you can do something outdoors, all the better.

10 Best Backyard Games for this Coronavirus Summer

Game	Category	Best game set
Croquet	Yard game	Check Price
Cornhole	Tossing yard game	Check Price
Ladder toss	Tossing yard game	Check Price
Horseshoes	Tossing yard game	Check Price
Bocce Ball	Tossing yard game	Check Price
Badminton	Sports lawn game	Check Price
Spikeball	Sports lawn game	Check Price
Yard Yahtzee	Outdoor board game	Check Price
Giant yard chess	Outdoor board game	Check Price
Giant Connect Four	Outdoor board game	Check Price

1. Croquet

Croquet is a fantastic summer game which is played by two to six people. Although professional croquet is played at international levels, it’s mostly a social game played for fun among friends and family members. There are different versions of croquet namely;

• Garden croquet
• Golf croquet
• Association croquet
• Short croquet

How to play

As mentioned above, this game has to proceeds while people maintain the recommended 6-foot social distance. The game has four balls in two pairs, black-blue, and red-blue. One team uses the first pair while the other uses the second pair. To win, a team must score six hoop points, then one peg point for each of its balls before the other team.

A single player can play this game, a pair or trio on each side. If the contest involves only one player, it’s easier because the two players will not be close to each other. On the other hand, if the game consists of a pair or trio on each side, the players have to take turns when hitting the balls to maintain the 6-foot physical distancing.

For formality, this guide will focus on the standard Garden croquet, as regulated by the World Croquet Federation. This version involves four balls and six mallets. There are also a variety of sets used to play this game. Different croquet sets are usable depending on players’ skill level, age, and type of gameplay. Always target to get the best croquet set on the market for maximum fun.

Best Croquet Set: Juegoal Six Player croquet set

This croquet set is an excellent source of enjoyment with your family or friends. Besides the fun, you also get to improve your motor skills while playing. The game is best played on the outside, yard, to maintain the 6-foot social distance.

Thanks to the quality hardwood used to fabricate the mallets and handles, the Juegoal Six-Player set is durable so you won’t be shopping for another set any time soon. The mallets have with caps for additional protection. Assembling the handles and mallets is easy and straightforward. Two to six players can use this set.

For more accessible storage and transportation, the set comes with a carrying bag. The steel wickets have a vinyl coating to stand against tear. A manual is also included in the package to get the game going effortlessly. This set is available on Amazon, among other e-commerce sites.

Product specification

Dimensions	6.7”x3.1”x26.8”
Weight	9.59 pounds
Hardwood handles	6 x 26.”
Mallets	6 x8”
Steel wickets	9
Ending stakes	2 x 18.”
Weather-resistant balls	6 x 2.8.”

Good: Baden Deluxe Series croquet set

Summer is always enjoyable, but you can increase the fun by adding this classic croquet series in your backyard. The Baden Deluxe series set is highly portable and best suited for gameplay on mornings or evenings, especially during this stay at home. It’s ideal for social events, family outings, or even camping sprees.

This set comes loaded with all the pieces you need to set up the game. It’s also super easy to assemble and only take a couple of minutes to get the game rolling in your backyard. The set also comes with a nylon casing for secure storage and transportation.

Overall, the best thing about this set is that it’s affordable for most households and available in most stores such as eBay and Amazon.

Product specification

Dimensions	28”x10”x3.5.”
Weight	13.6 pounds
Handles	6 x 27”
Mallets	6
Balls	9
wickets	9
Carrying case	Yes

2. Cornhole

This game involves players throwing 16-ounces bags on a board with a hole in the end. The player scores 3 points and 1 point if the bag lands inside the hole or on the board. The game can be played in singles or pairs. The first team to score 21 points through cancellation scoring wins the game. The fact that players on each side throw the bags in turns, maintaining the CDC’s recommended social distance is made easy.

Even though some players prefer making the cornhole board via DIY projects, a professionally designed set can serve you better. In this guide, we’ll cover two of the best corner boards.

Best: Tailgating Pros Cornhole Boards

This corner board is a simply constructed ACA regulation board. The board comes in two measurements, 4’x2’ and 3’x2’. It is built with high-quality wood, making it durable. It only weighs 15 pounds and thus highly portable.

Moreover, the bean bags are double stitched, with the exterior fitted with cotton duck canvas for quality and durability. The toughness of the bags makes it easy to play in diverse environments like asphalt, lawn, sand, etc.

The bags are also easy to toss since each bag weighs a partly 16 ounces. The bags are available in more than 150 color assortments.

Good: The GoSports Cornhole Pro Bag Toss Set

When purchasing any accessory, everyone prefers the most durable one. The GoSports corner hole pro is best suited for durability, thanks to its non-wood make. The medium-density fiberboard and an aluminum frame guarantee its lightweight yet durable design.

Measuring just 4’x2’, this board weighs a partly 31 pounds, so setting the game in the backyard is quite easy. The set is also easy to store and move thanks to its foldable design.

3. Ladder Toss

This game has numerous monikers such as monkey ball, ball rope, ladder golf, ladder ball, goofy ball, and many more. The game is played by tossing bolas (two balls joined by a string) to a ladder.

How to play the game

Players stand 25 feet from each other and toss the bolas on the ladders placed about 15 feet apart.  The ladders have three rungs; the top one is worth 3 points, the middle one, and the bottom have 2 points and 1 point. One player from both teams plays at a time, tossing the bolas three times. The winner is the first player to reach 21 points without going over. 

When purchasing ladder toss equipment, amazon and eBay have good deals to choose from, including the;

Best: GoSports Premium Ladder Toss Outdoor Game Set

GoSports Premium Ladder Toss is a perfect backyard game to play or learn during this pandemic. The fact that most of the parts come pre-glued makes the assembly super-easy, and thus setting up the game is straightforward.

The set also comes in two options, a giant set, and a standard game – it’s more fun to play with the giant-sized ladder. The Gigantoss measures 31″ x 54″, that’s two times larger than the usual ladder toss (22″ x 38″). The pipe’s diameter of the giant set is 35% more than the standard.  

The set also comes with six bolds, three red ones, and three blue ones. Thick ropes connect the bolds to prevent tangles. Also, the game has a travel carrying case for portability and more accessible storage. The score trackers are also an excellent addition.

Specifications

Dimensions	32”x32”52”
Weight	15 pounds
Bolo balls	3 red, 3 blue
Bolos rope	21”
PVC targets (with score trackers)	2
Size	Giant (54”x31”) & standard (38”x22”)
Carrying case	Yes

Good: Franklin Sports Ladder Ball Set

Franklin’s professional ladder ball set is 100% steel, making it sturdy and long-lasting. Despite its robust construction, this set requires zero tools during assembly. It is, therefore, perfect for use on the beach, backyard, or lawn.

The set includes two official ladder ball targets, each measuring 36″ x 24″. The game has six golf tosses (3 blue & 3 red). It also comes with a carrying bag, in case you need to toss the 7.2 pounds set away.

Game specifications

Dimensions	24”x36”x36”
Weight	7.2 pounds
PVC Frames & dimensions	2 x (36”x24”)
Bolas	3 red, 3 blue

4. HorseShoes

HorseShoe set is a perfect backyard game. It requires two players or two pairs in turns where each player is on one side of the court, making it ideal for 6-feet social distance.

The game involves throwing a horseshoe from one stake pit to the next one. Calculate your scores, and the winner is who has the most innings or points. The players should maintain a safe distance when throwing the horseshoes.

To ensure the game is enjoyable, a good set of a horseshoe is necessary. Below are two sets that are worth your money.

Best: Champion Sports Horseshoe Set

This convectional outdoor lawn game comprises four solid steel horseshoes with steel stakes and a storage case for hassle-free portability. The Champion has three sets, namely, tournament, classic and deluxe.

The solid stellar horseshoes and stakes are professionally designed to ensure that they last for a lifetime. They include 2 brass plated and 2 chrome-plated pitching shoes, and two heavy-duty stakes. 

The set also comes with a durable and water-resistant nylon bag for easy portability and storage. An instruction manual is added to make your work setting up the game easier.

Specifications

Dimensions	25.8 “ x 10.5” x 4”
Weight	1 pound each, 14.8 pounds (set shipping weight)
Material	Steel, and brass

Good: Franklin Sports Horseshoe set

The set is a classic outdoor game starter pack. It’s available in various variants; professional, American, family, and starter. The franklin horseshoes set also features two silver and two black horseshoes, all fabricated with forged steel.

It’s perfect for use on the beach, an outdoor party, or the backyard. The newly introduced starter pack is designed to maximize playability.

Set specifications

Dimensions	Two 23.5” stakes
Weight  per horseshoe	2.4 pounds
Shipping weight	14.1 pounds
Color of horseshoes	Two gold, two silver
Horseshoes Material	Cast iron
Stakes Material	Solid steel

5. Bocce ball

This ancient lawn game, which originated from Italy, involves two teams throwing four balls per frame. Each side can contain one, two, or four players. To play, one needs a bocce set, a 76″ x 10″ court, a tape measure, one smaller ball (pallino), and eight more massive bocce balls (two pairs of colors).

You start by tossing a coin. The team which falls in favor of the coin picks a player to throw the pallino. The player also rolls a bocce ball, and the opposing team works to hit the smaller bocce balls. Some of the best bocce sets to consider for the game include;

Best: Bocce Ball Set – Best Budget Pick

Bocce Ball is an ideal outdoor family game set in the backyard – with either grass or sand surfaces. This game proceeds in turns, and thus the 6-foot social distance is maintained. People of all ages, including children, adults, and teenagers, can enjoy bocce ball. Besides its quality construction, the set comes with eight balls, four green, and four red ones. It also has a carrying case, and also the price is welcoming. The carrying case is heavy-duty, all-weather, and features carry straps for easy transportation.

Specifications

Dimension of casing	7” x 7.”
Product dimension	8.5” x 8.6” x 8.5”
Weight of the product	10 pounds
Size of pallina ball (Diameter)	1.5”
Size of the larger balls (Diameter)	3.5”
Shipping weight	14.2 pounds

Good: GoSports Premium Bocce Set

This set contains eight 100mm balls, a pallino, a measuring rope, and a classic carry case. The GoSports Premium Bocce Set achieves both professional standards and casual satisfaction. 

The set is also stylish and of high quality. At its price, it’s a real bargain as compared to the competitor’s products. This set also meets the professional regulations size and thus ideal for bocce ball. You will have fun irrespective of your abilities and ages.

Specifications

Product dimensions	4 x 12 x 12
Throwing balls, Palino	8, 100mm, 1, 45mm
Shipping weight	20.7 pounds
Weight of throwing the ball	2 pounds, 5 ounces
Material	Poly-resin

6. Badminton

Badminton is a perfect backyard game that involves hitting a shuttlecock across the net using racquets. The game is played in singles or doubles in some instances. The basics of the game make it ideal for social distancing.

Since the recommended court measures 20 feet by 44 feet, each player occupies 22 feet on one side for a singles game. In the case of a doubles game, two players are on each side. Two players on one half occupy a distance of 20 feet by 22 feet, which is sufficient to maintain the CDC physical distance guidelines.

A match consists of three-game sets. The first team to score three sets in a row wins the game. The game proceeds in case both sides have 20 scores. There are more rules to play the game and enjoy. For maximum enjoyment, you’ll need a good badminton set.

Best: Baden Champions Badminton Set

The Baden set comes with everything you need to set up the game and start playing. The set has a regulation size net and all hardware necessary during assembly. Also, it has professional badminton racquets and nylon shuttlecocks.

Furthermore, the set has durable, adjustable, powder-coated aluminum posts for hassle-free setup and break down. For more accessible storage, the set comes with a top weather-resistant carrying case, fitted with straps for portability.

This Baden Champions set is ideal for two or four people, backyard game, beach, summer camp, or social events. For easy assembling, the set comes equipped with instructions.

Specifications

Net dimension	2.5” X  20”
Net visibility	2” net tape
Official badminton height	1.55 m
Shipping weight	12.4 pounds

Good: EastPoint Sports Badminton Set

This EastPoint Sports Easy Setup Regulation set will take the family bond to another notch. The set features a net, four racquets, two shuttle stocks, and a carry storage base. It’s ideal for a backyard badminton game while maintaining social distancing. Setting it up is super easy and works on a multi-environment, lawn, beach, or sand.

The racquets are also very strong – made from sturdy metal frames and reinforced polymer. Besides, they are lightweight and come in a variety of attractive colors. The set is suitable for both casual and tournament games. Also, it’s ideal for kids, adults, and players with diverse skill levels. 

Product specifications

Product dimensions	4” x 27.5” x 12.5”
Product weight	8.47 pounds
Racquets	4
Shuttlecocks	2

7. Spike Ball

Spike ball is probably one of the most recent games to be introduced. The game borrows so much from volleyball and foursquare. It’s ideal for physical fitness and will serve you a great deal during this stay at home. Also, it’s suitable for crosstraining. You can also join the online community to find other players within your locality.

The game involves bouncing the ball on the circular net that is usually set slightly above the ground. The competition aims to catch your opponent off-guard. Pairs or a combination of four people can play the game. It’s also highly competitive and can be played on the backyard, beach, or indoors. But bearing in mind the social distancing measures, its best played in the yard.

Best: Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit

This spikeball standard kit comes with four robust and foldable legs. The heavy-duty legs can endure frequent falls. The fact that the legs are foldable makes its portability and storage easy.

The net is adjustable to cater for more extensive skillsets. You can choose to play using the industrial standard or tailor the net’s tightness to your preference.  The balls are orange-sized, smooth, and resemble volleyball.

The spikeball standard 3 ball kit also comes with a fashionable black drawstring carrying case with strategically placed straps. The lifetime warranty guarantees free repairs and replacement, in case the package develops any faults.

Game Specifications

Product dimensions	21” x 4” x 9”
Weight	2.8 lbs.
Net circumference	36”
Ball diameter	3.5”
Number of balls	3

8. Yard Yahtzee (1 bucket per person)

Yard Yahzee is a popular dice game, with the only variation being the size of the dices. This outdoor board game is perfect for the backyard. The game consists of 5 dices, each of them marked like the convectional dice. In case you are more than one player, each player should use his/her bucket to minimize body contact and maintain a safe social distance.

The game has 13 rounds, and the objective is usually to obtain the highest score after throwing the five dice. Since scores are determined differently on each round, you can check the advanced guide. The game is played on a flat surface to ensure the dice land flat. Once you throw the dice, they land, and you record your scores on the Yahtzee scoreboard. For each round, you can roll the dice up to three times.

You can make the Yard Yahtzee dices or scoreboard as a DIY project. There are numerous tutorials and guide on how to create one. Alternatively, you can purchase the game set on Amazon or eBay.

Best: Sports Beats Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set

This set comes with large dice suitable for outdoor activities, backyard, and wedding, and beach day. The set allows you to get the dice rolling right, left, and center with your family in your yard.

The dice are made of sturdy, solid-pine wood and are hand-sanded on the corners and edges to prevent splitting. The dice are large enough to be played by more than one person. The dies have burned in dots to avoid fading and preserve gameplay.

This set comes with six huge wooden dice, an oxford drawstring carry bag, marker pen, and dry erase scorecards. Sports Beats understands the hassles associated with shipping, and they request all buyers to inspect the set on arrival and raise any queries if any.

Products Specifications

Dimensions	11” x 7.7” x 4.3”
Weight	4.45lbs.
Supersize dice dimensions	3.5” x 3.5.”
Supersize dice	6
Dry erase yardkle yardzee	2
Marker pens	2

Good: Ropoda Giant Wooden Yard Dice set

This giant outdoor gaming dice set is everything you need to have fun with your family or friends in your backyard. It’s ideal for both adults and kids. Although you can play it indoors, it’s currently requisite to play the game outside due to the physical distance rules. 

The wooden yard dice game is made from solid pine wood, giving it a natural taste. Burned dark brown spots on the wood ensure they never fade. The edges and corners are also hand-sanded to achieve a smooth surface.

This Ropoda set comes with two dry-erase score sheets (with instructions on the backside of the cards) and a dry erase marker to ensure reusability. The wooden set includes a heavy-duty canvas carrying bag for portability and storage.

Product specifications

Giant set Dimensions	11”x3.5”x7”
Shipping weight	4.6 pounds
Dice dimensions	3.5”x 3.5.”
Dry erase score sheets	2
Number of dice	6
Dry Erase Marker	1
Drawstring bag	1

9. Giant Yard Chess

Giant yard chess is similar to the standard chessboard. The only discrepancy is the size of the chessboard and the checkers. It is a perfect outdoor and backyard game. Given the current situation due to the pandemic, the game is suitable for chess players because the distance between them is vast and safe. You can choose from a variety of sets.

Best: MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Chess Pieces Complete Set

The MegaChess set is one of the most widely used games. The collection includes 16 black and 16 white pieces. The most significant piece is the 37-inch king, while the 28-inch pawn is the smallest piece.  The set is long-lasting, and you can use it both indoors and outdoors.

The set is highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions, thanks to the high-density polyethylene injection-molded plastic. The pieces are resistant to both UV rays and rain. What’s surprising is that they all retain the original color despite the weather.

This mega chess set is also highly flexible and uniquely constructed. The pieces are lightweight to lift around while playing regardless of the player’s age and size. On the other hand, the parts can be increased or decreased in size; for instance, the 37-inch transforms to 25 inches. It can also be elongated using additional inserts.

The game’s large size is that while playing, the players will be able to maintain a 6-foot distance between each other. This set will bring together your family and friends. The pieces are also crafted individually and, thus, the quality and unique appearance.

Product specifications

Dimensions	28”x66”x31”
Weight	107 pounds
Minimum age	Seven years
King size	37”
Pieces	16 white & 16 black

Good: Get Out! Giant Checkers Board Outdoor Games for Family

This long-lasting mat redefines the outdoor chess game. It’s made of plastic nylon, making it easy to lay on the backyard or lawn. The large size of the mat ensures that all the family members enjoy the game while maintaining at least a 6-ft social distance. It’s ideal for use with giant checkers only.

Product specifications

Dimensions	2.7m x 2.7m.
Weight	2.66 pounds
Checkers board	1
Drawstring carrying pouch	1
Ground stakes	4

10. Giant Connect Four

Giant connect is another enjoyable outdoor board game to play in your backyard while practicing social distancing.

Best: Giant 4 Connect in a Row

This set features a strong giant wooden board, cut from premium wood, and finished with natural stain. The legs are beautiful, with a sturdy frame and bottom bar for stability on any outdoor area. The case has 42 perfect coins for faultless gameplay.

YardGame’s Giant 4 connect set is also easy to set up in the backyard, and it’s portable. The nylon case has zips, comfortable handles, and adequate pockets to fit in all the game pieces. The customer case is also amicable and offers replacement free of charge for game pieces.

Product specifications

Dimensions	33”x3”22.”
Wooden board dimensions	31”x23”
Game stands	2.5 feet
Weight	14.15 pounds
Coins	21 red, 21 blue

Good: Premium Wooden Four Connect Game set in 4’ Wood Grain by Rally & Roar

This Rally & Roar wooden four connect game lets you interact with your family and friends freely. It’s perfect for outdoor activity and ideal for both kids and adults. This incredible game will keep you, and your crew entertained maximally.

The board is crafted from premium pine wood, making it resistant to water and pests. The quality construction of this set makes it’s rival the plastic counterparts. The chips are blue and orange in color plus a wear-resistant bag.

The bag ensures secure storage and portability of the set. Assembling the game is also easy and straightforward. Rally & Roar ensured that this premium connect-game set is big enough to keep the fun going, and its 2 feet tall.

Product specifications

Weight	10 pounds
Plastic coins	21 blue, 21 orange
Disc size	2.75”
Pinewood parts to make the board	4
Travel bag availability	2ft, 3ft

Buying guide – Factors to consider while buying outdoor games set

Carrying bag – A carry bag is an essential aspect of the outdoor game. Reason being that the game set may need to be moved or properly stored. Make sure the carrying case that you choose has durable straps, for hassle-free storage and transportation. The bag should also be heavy-duty and usable in multiple environments.

Age of players – Since the game in question targets families and friends, it’s crucial to go a set that everyone will be comfortable using. For instance, some game sets have various sizes, standard and giant. Having the ages of your players in mind when buying a game set is essential.

Durability – No one wants to buy a new game set today, tomorrow, next week, and so on. It’s therefore essential to buy a quality set which will last for ages while still entertaining you to the next level.

Playing distance – During this coronavirus pandemic, the government, through CDC, has issued guidelines for interaction. Therefore, it is necessary to purchase an outdoor game that you can play while maintaining the 6-ft social distance.

Budget – When buying a game set, always ensure that it’s offering value for the money its worth. There are numerous quality backyard game sets at your disposal at affordable rates.

Standards – Depending on your skill levels and fellow players, it’s worth getting professional game sets that meet the regulation standards. Even though you’re playing casually and for fun, the rules are somewhat worth considering if you want to take your family or buddy-game rivalries to the extreme.

Nature of your backyard – Different people have different materials covering their yards, with the majority having grass lawns while others have tarmac or even sand. Depending on your garden, choose an outdoor game set suitable for your environment.

FAQs

Conclusion

Keeping fit and physically active in this crazy coronavirus summer is paramount. Fitness and health are related, and you better have good health. In case you are already playing some games, it’s probably time to add another game set in your back yard.

While it’s essential to learn a new game, it’s more important to do it safely. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people maintain a social distancing of at least 6 feet. Some of the outdoor games above involve players standing at a greater distance than six feet. Good examples are spikeball and badminton.

As well, remember to sanitize and disinfect the game products once you are done playing.