Outdoor & Yard Games: Complete Rules, Setup & Scoring Guides

Mölkky and Kubb are perfect BBQ games because they are easy to learn, accommodate large groups, and let players socialise between turns. Cornhole and Bocce are also excellent choices for casual gatherings since they require minimal setup and players of all ages can join in. The key is choosing a game where people can drop in and out without disrupting play — all four of these games handle that well.

Space requirements vary widely. Klask needs only a tabletop, while Kubb requires a 5 m × 8 m pitch. Most throwing games like Mölkky and Cornhole work well in a standard garden or park space of around 10–15 metres in length. Always check the specific setup guide for each game before choosing your playing area. If space is limited, Klask, Crokinole, and other tabletop dexterity games are ideal alternatives.

Most lawn games like Kubb and Mölkky work best on flat grass, but they can also be played on sand or packed earth. Avoid hard surfaces like concrete as wooden pieces can break or bounce unpredictably. Bocce and Pétanque actually prefer hard-packed gravel or dirt surfaces — that is how they are traditionally played in France and Italy. Klask is a table game and can be played anywhere you have a flat table.

Most outdoor yard games are family-friendly. Mölkky is excellent for children aged 6 and up since the underhand throw is easy to learn and adding up scores provides useful maths practice. Kubb works well for mixed-age groups because teams can include younger players alongside adults. Cornhole has simple rules that children pick up immediately. For younger kids, you can shorten throwing distances to keep things fun and accessible.

Absolutely. Mölkky has an official World Championship held annually in Finland that draws teams from over 30 countries. Kubb has a massive following in Sweden, Germany, and the United States, with the U.S. National Kubb Championship attracting hundreds of teams each year in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. These games have spread globally because they combine simple rules with genuine strategic depth — and because they are brilliantly social. You can hold a drink in one hand and play with the other.

Yes, many outdoor games can be DIY-built from basic materials. A Mölkky set can be made from a wooden broomstick or dowels cut to size and numbered with a marker. Kubb pieces can be cut from standard 90 mm × 90 mm timber posts. Cornhole boards are a popular woodworking project using plywood and 2×4 lumber. Our individual game guides include DIY instructions where applicable, so you can start playing without buying a commercial set.

Both are bowling-style games where you throw heavy balls toward a small target, but there are key differences. In Bocce (Italian), players take a running approach and can roll or loft the ball on a longer court. In Pétanque (French), players stand still with both feet inside a small circle and throw the ball from a stationary position. Pétanque balls are also smaller and made of metal, while traditional Bocce balls are larger and can be made of various materials. The strategy and scoring are similar, but the feel of each game is quite distinct.

Klask is purpose-built for two players and offers intense head-to-head competition at a tabletop. Crokinole is another outstanding two-player option with a beautiful wooden board. If you want to play outdoors in the fresh air, Mölkky and Kubb both work perfectly well as one-on-one games, though they really shine with larger groups. Bocce and Pétanque are also excellent for a relaxed two-player session in the park.