30 Outdoor Games for Adults in 2025

Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a party, or just looking to enjoy the great outdoors, there are plenty of exciting games that adults can enjoy. 

Finding fun and engaging activities for adults can be a challenge, but outdoor games offer a perfect solution. 

In this article I’ll share 30 outdoor games that are perfect for adults; whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, these games will keep everyone entertained.

Let’s dive in!

30 Outdoor Games for Adults

1. Cornhole

Cornhole is a popular backyard game where players take turns tossing bean bags at a raised wooden platform with a hole at the far end. 

Each team has four bags and aims to score points by landing the bags on the platform (1 point) or through the hole (3 points). 

The game is played until one team reaches or exceeds 21 points. The platforms are set 27 feet apart, and players stand beside or behind their own platform when throwing. 

2. Capture the Flag

In the Capture the Flag players are divided into two teams, each with a flag placed in their territory. The objective is to capture the opponent’s flag and return it to your own base while defending your flag from being taken. 

Teams can tag opponents in their territory, sending them to “jail” until freed by a teammate. The game continues until one team successfully captures the flag and brings it back to their side.

3. Frisbee Golf

In the Frisbee Golf combines players aim to complete a course by throwing a frisbee into a series of targets (usually baskets) in as few throws as possible.

Each hole has a par, and players tally their throws to see who has the lowest score at the end. Courses can be set up in parks or open spaces using trees, poles, or designated targets. 

4. Badminton

Badminton is a fun and active game that can be set up in a backyard or park. To play, you need a net, rackets, and a shuttlecock (birdie). 

Players or teams hit the shuttlecock back and forth over the net, scoring points when the opponent fails to return it. 

A match is typically played to 21 points, and the game can be enjoyed as singles or doubles. It improves hand-eye coordination and provides a good workout.

5. Ladder Golf

Ladder Golf involves tossing bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a ladder-like structure with three rungs. Each rung carries different points, with the top rung usually being worth the most. 

Players take turns throwing their bolas, aiming to wrap them around the rungs to score points. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins.

The game is easy to set up and can be played almost anywhere, making it a versatile and enjoyable outdoor activity.

6. Horseshoes

Horseshoes is a traditional outdoor game where players throw horseshoes at a stake in the ground, aiming to encircle the stake or land closest to it.

Each horseshoe that wraps around the stake scores 3 points, and those landing close to the stake score 1 point.

Players or teams take turns throwing from a set distance, typically 40 feet from the stake. The game continues until a player or team reaches 21 points. 

7. Bocce Ball

Bocce Ball is a game where players throw larger balls towards a smaller target ball, called a pallino. Teams take turns throwing their balls, aiming to get as close to the pallino as possible. 

Points are scored based on the proximity of the balls to the pallino at the end of each round. Typically, a game is played to 12 or 21 points. 

It’s easy to learn and can be played on various surfaces, which makes it a versatile game for outdoor fun with friends and family.

8. Kickball

Kickball is a lively game similar to baseball, but instead of hitting a ball with a bat, players kick a rubber ball. Teams take turns kicking the ball and running bases, trying to score runs. 

The defensive team tries to get outs by catching the ball or throwing it to base players before the runners reach them.

It’s a great game for large groups, encouraging physical activity and team coordination. The simplicity of the rules makes it accessible and fun for players of all ages.

9. Scavenger Hunt

In a Scavenger Hunt, participants are divided into teams and given a list of items to find or tasks to complete within a set time limit. The hunt can take place in a park, neighborhood, or any large outdoor area.

Teams use creativity and teamwork to solve clues, find objects, and accomplish challenges. The first team to collect all items or complete all tasks wins.

It’s an engaging and interactive game that promotes problem-solving and collaboration, making it perfect for team-building and social events.

10. Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is an outdoor version of the classic stacking game, using oversized wooden blocks. Players take turns removing one block at a time from a tall tower and placing it on top without causing the tower to collapse.

The game requires careful planning and steady hands, as the tower becomes more unstable with each move.

It’s a fun and challenging activity that encourages concentration and dexterity. Suitable for all ages, is a great addition to any outdoor party or gathering.

11. Ring Toss

To set it up, you’ll need a few pegs, which can be either purchased or made using wooden dowels and a baseboard. 

Players stand at a designated distance and take turns tossing rings, made of rope or plastic, trying to land them on the pegs. 

Each peg can have different point values based on difficulty. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins. 

12. Lawn Darts

In the Lawn Darts players throw darts at a target on the ground. To play, you need a set of lawn darts and target rings, which can be set up on any grassy area.

Players take turns throwing the darts from a specified distance, aiming to land them inside the target ring for points. 

The game can be played individually or in teams, with the objective being to score the highest points.

13. Bubble Soccer

Bubble Soccer combines the elements of soccer with the fun twist of wearing inflatable bubble suits. 

Each player dons a large bubble suit that covers the upper body, leaving the legs free to run and kick. 

The objective is to score goals while bouncing into each other in the bubble suits, adding a layer of hilarity and physical challenge. 

The game is played with standard soccer rules but allows for much more physical contact and falling without injury. 

14. Water Balloon Toss

In this game players pair up and toss water-filled balloons back and forth, taking a step back with each successful catch. The goal is to see how far apart the pairs can get without bursting the balloon.

If a balloon bursts, that pair is out. The last pair with an intact balloon wins. This game is easy to set up and provides a cool, fun challenge that can be enjoyed by participants of all ages.

15. Outdoor Yoga

Outdoor Yoga involves practicing yoga in natural settings like parks, beaches, or forests. It combines the benefits of physical exercise with the mental relaxation of being in nature. 

Participants can follow a guided session by a professional instructor or a self-led routine. The fresh air and natural surroundings enhance the yoga experience.

Yoga mats and a comfortable, quiet outdoor space are all that’s needed to set up. This activity is perfect for individuals or groups looking to unwind.

16. Truth or Dare

Truth or Dare is a classic game where players take turns choosing between answering a question truthfully or completing a dare. 

To play, participants sit in a circle and one person asks another “Truth or dare?” If the player chooses “truth,” they must honestly answer a question.

If they choose “dare,” they must perform a challenge set by the group. This game can be as tame or as wild as the group prefers.

17. Hopscotch

In the Hopscotch players hop through a chalk-drawn pattern on the ground. The pattern typically consists of numbered squares arranged in a sequence.

Players take turns tossing a small object, such as a pebble, into a square and then hopping through the pattern on one foot, avoiding the square with the pebble.

If a player steps on a line or loses balance, their turn ends. The game continues until a player successfully completes the entire pattern.

18. Camouflage

Camouflage is a hide-and-seek variant perfect for wooded or natural areas. One player is the seeker, and the others hide within a designated area. The seeker must remain in a fixed spot, looking for the hiders without moving. Hiders must use the natural environment to blend in and remain unseen. The seeker calls out when they think they spot someone, and if correct, the hider is out. This game requires creativity and stealth from the hiders and keen observation skills from the seeker, making it a fun and challenging outdoor activity.

19. Relay Races

In the Relay Races participants run a designated course, passing a baton to the next runner in their team. The race can involve various activities such as sprints, obstacles, or themed challenges. 

Teams line up, and each runner completes their leg of the race before passing the baton to the next teammate. 

The first team to have all members complete the course wins. Relay races promote teamwork, strategy, and physical fitness.

20. Petanque

In the Petanque players throw hollow metal balls as close as possible to a small wooden ball called a cochonnet. The game is played on a dirt or gravel surface.

Players take turns tossing their balls, trying to position them nearer to the cochonnet than their opponents. 

Points are scored based on the proximity of the balls to the cochonnet at the end of each round. Petanque is easy to learn but requires strategic thinking and precision.

21. Croquet

In the Croquet, players hit balls through a series of wickets set up in a yard, aiming to complete the course in the fewest strokes. 

To set up, place six hoops (wickets) in a double-diamond pattern and two stakes at either end of the course. 

Players take turns using mallets to hit their balls through the wickets in the correct sequence, aiming to hit the finishing stake at the end.

The game encourages strategic play, as players can knock opponents’ balls away from the wickets or closer to the finishing stake.

22. Tug-of-War

Tug-of-War is a test of strength and teamwork where two teams pull on opposite ends of a sturdy rope, attempting to drag the other team across a centerline. 

To play, mark a centerline on the ground and position the rope so that its middle aligns with this line. Teams grasp the rope and, on the signal, start pulling with all their might.

The team that manages to pull the opposing team across the centerline wins. This game is simple to set up and provides a fun and physical challenge.

23. Musical Chairs

Musical Chairs is a lively game where participants walk around a circle of chairs while music plays, quickly finding a seat when the music stops. 

Start by setting up chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players. Play music and have players walk around the chairs. When the music stops, everyone must find a seat. 

The player left standing is out, and one chair is removed. The game continues until one chair remains, and the last seated player wins. 

24. Simon Says

In the Simon Says one player, “Simon,” gives commands that players must follow only if prefixed with “Simon says.” 

To play, choose one person to be Simon. Simon gives various commands such as “Simon says, touch your nose.” Players must follow the command only if it starts with “Simon says.” 

If Simon gives a command without saying “Simon says,” players who follow it are out. The game continues with varying commands, and the last player remaining wins. 

25. Red Light, Green Light

Red Light, Green Light is a classic game where one player, the traffic light, controls the movement of other players. 

The traffic light faces away from the group and calls out “Green light” to signal players to move forward and “Red light” to stop. 

Players must freeze instantly when “Red light” is called. If caught moving, they are sent back to the starting line. 

26. Red Rover

In the Red Rover players form lines and call over opponents to try and break through their linked hands. To play, split into two teams and form lines facing each other, holding hands. 

One team calls, “Red Rover, Red Rover, send [player’s name] right over.” The called player runs toward the opposite line, aiming to break through the linked hands. 

If successful, they return with a player from the broken link. If not, they join the opposing team. 

27. Crab Soccer

Crab Soccer is a variant of soccer where players move in a crab position, using hands and feet to navigate the field and kick the ball. You should set up goals at either end of the playing area.

Players get into a crab position with their feet and hands on the ground and attempt to kick the ball into the opponent’s goal without using their hands. This position makes movement challenging and adds a humorous twist.

28. Color by Corner

Color by Corner involves running to designated corners when a specific color is called out. To set up, place colored markers, flags, or balloons in four different corners of the yard. 

One player is the caller, who stands in the middle and closes their eyes while players move around. When the caller shouts “Stop!” and names a color, players must quickly run to that color’s corner. 

The last player to reach the corner is out. The game continues until one player remains.

29. 500

In the 500 a thrower announces a point value and throws a ball for others to catch. The thrower stands with a ball and announces points (e.g., “100 points, dead or alive”). 

If the catch is in the air, it’s “alive”; if it bounces, it’s “dead or alive.” Players try to catch the ball to accumulate points, with the goal of reaching 500 points first. 

The winner becomes the new thrower. This game combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck.

30. Outdoor Connect Four

Outdoor Connect Four is a giant version of the classic game, where players aim to get four discs in a row while blocking their opponent. 

Set up a large Connect Four grid outdoors. Players take turns dropping colored discs into the grid, trying to line up four discs horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. 

The game requires strategic thinking to plan moves and block opponents. It’s a fun and engaging game that can be played by all ages.