Summer is in full swing, back-to-school is just around the corner, and everyone is looking to get the most out of their remaining months of summer.  With a global pandemic (hopefully) in the rearview mirror, more and more homeowners are inviting guests and family over to bask in the long summer days and enjoy the outdoors.  What better time to get the crew together and play some lawn games?

If outdoor space and outdoor activities are a goal for you and your family this summer, then check out our ideas for the best lawn games of the summer.

Horseshoes

An American favorite, horseshoes is a game that can be played by virtually anyone in your backyard posse without any prior experience or skill.  All you need is a horseshoe set, about twenty feet of space, and some willing participants.  Horseshoes is an inexpensive game to purchase or create as you need little more than a metal rod, post, or sturdy wooden stick, a handful of horseshoes (real or purposefully manufactured), and a backstop (optional).

Horseshoes can be set up quickly, and space requirements are negligible and flexible depending on how much room you have to work with.  Additionally, up to four people can play the game at a time, games are relatively short in duration, and additional activities such as barbecuing or grilling can take place simultaneously.

Bocce Ball

Bocce ball is another popular backyard game.  Similar to horseshoes but with more strategy involved, bocce ball is generally played on a pitch with gravel or sand in it.  Naturally, you don’t have to have a gravel pitch to play bocce ball, but you’ll need a fair amount of space similar to the requirements of horseshoes.

Unlike horseshoes, there is a somewhat moving target in the pallina ball.  The pallina ball is thrown to establish the target for both teams who throw from the same area each round.  From there, teams each throw four bocce balls (about the size of a softball) towards the pallina.  The closest bocce balls earn points until the game reaches its agreed-upon point total.

Kubb

Kubb combines the strategy of both horseshoes and bocce ball.  Kubb is a Scandanavian game possibly originated by the Vikings to pass the long summer days of northern latitudes.  Kubb uses wooden blocks known as kubbs as well as wooden dowels known as batons.

Teams align on a pitch approximately 12-15 feet in width by approximately 20-25 feet in length.  Each team of one or two takes turns pitching their batons underhanded at their opponent’s kubbs positioned on the back edge of the field’s pitch.  The defensive opponent then throws any kubbs knocked down by the offensive team back on the opposite side.  The game continues until one team eliminates all of the kubbs on their opponent’s side of the pitch and knocks down the “king” in the center of the field.

More Games for Your Home

There are virtually limitless numbers and types of games you can play in your backyard.  Cornhole, croquet, and giant Jenga are popular games that can be set up, played, and dismantled in no time and can involve plenty of your closest friends and family members.

Whether you’re looking to up your backyard games or simply upgrade your backyard, Tidewater Mortgage Services, Inc. can help you find the right financing and mortgage solutions to make your backyard paradise truly unique!