What better way to enjoy a nice day than with family and friends? Whether it’s a Saturday afternoon or a casual weekday evening, there’s always an excuse to pop open the cooler, fire up the grill, and get everyone together for a fun day of games. But how do you set up the perfect backyard game day? Well, keep reading, and we’ll give you some tips to make your next game day the best one ever.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT GAMES
Choosing the right games is crucial to a successful game day. Depending on the age group you’re catering to, you might have to pick games that are challenging but still fun. Some of the classic backyard games include bocce ball, cornhole, horseshoes, and frisbee. But if you want to mix it up, try adding some fun activities like water balloon toss or tug of war. The most crucial thing here is to ensure that the games are easy to set up and can be played without too much supervision to allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy your day with family and friends.
Playing Cornhole At Your Backyard Get-Together
Cornhole is a classic backyard favorite that never fails to bring hours of fun and competition. It is a simple game that involves tossing bags filled with corn kernels or beans at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. It’s not only a test of aim and skill but also a great way to engage in friendly rivalry with your friends and family.
Setting up a cornhole game is straightforward. All you need is a pair of regulation cornhole boards spaced 27 feet apart and eight cornhole bags. The objective of the game is to toss your bags into the hole or at least land them on the board. The first team to reach or surpass 21 points is the winner.
What makes cornhole perfect for a backyard get-together is its universal appeal. It doesn’t demand too much physical exertion, making it suitable for all ages. Additionally, you can always add a personal touch with custom cornhole boards that feature your favorite sports team or family emblem. This way, a simple game of cornhole can turn into an event that celebrates your shared interests and values.
Playing Bocce At Your Backyard Get-Together
Bocce is an exciting, yet simple game that has been enjoyed by generations. This Italian game is similar to lawn bowling and can be played by two to eight players. The game consists of throwing a small ball, known as the ‘pallino,’ down the court. Once the pallino is in place, players then take turns tossing their bocce balls with the goal to get as close as possible to the pallino.
To set up a game of bocce in your backyard, you’ll need a set of bocce balls and a flat, level playing surface. A traditional bocce court is 90 feet by 13 feet, but you can adjust this to fit your available space. Bocce can be played in teams or individually, making it a versatile choice for any gathering.
What makes bocce entertaining for a backyard gathering is its easy rules and relaxing pace, making it an ideal choice for players of all ages. It also encourages friendly competition and provides an opportunity to bond with family and friends. A game of bocce can be a fun and engaging addition to your backyard game day.
PREPARE YOUR SPACE
Clear out the playing area to create ample space for games. Put away any tripping hazards or obstructions that can render the games unusable. Ensure that you have enough chairs and tables to accommodate your guests while they take a break or enjoy their grilled meals. You might want to invest in some outdoor shade accessories like an umbrella, or even a pop-up canopy, to provide relief from any glaring sun or late-afternoon showers.
Setup Your Grill
Grilling is a must-have for any game day get-together, but the key is to have the grill set up for easy access. It would help if you had a grilling station that is close enough to the playing area to allow for some interaction between the players and the grill master. Consider seasoning and marinating your food the night before to allow the flavors to deepen. Also, be sure to have a variety of meats and vegetables that cater to different dietary restrictions of your guests.
Plan For Refreshments
When the sun is beating down and your guests are working up a sweat during game time, keeping them refreshed is crucial. Pack a cooler with plenty of bottled water, sodas, and juice. Consider throwing in a few cold beers and cocktails while keeping in mind that some of your guests might not partake. For snacks, consider chips, dips, and finger foods that your guests can nibble on without interfering with the game.
Customize Your Playlist
Music sets the tone for any event, so be sure to customize your playlist to fit the games you’ll be playing. Consider playing some upbeat music that will keep your guests entertained and eager to dance and play. Spotify and Apple Music have curated playlists that will cater to different music tastes and moods that you can tap into for free.
Create A Comfortable Atmosphere
The atmosphere you create can significantly impact your backyard game day’s enjoyment. Consider putting on some background music to set a relaxed and fun vibe. If feasible, you might want to string up some outdoor lights for when the sun begins to fade. This allows you to extend your game day into the evening and adds a touch of magic to the setting.
Providing adequate seating is also important. Lawn chairs, picnic tables, or outdoor blankets can offer a comfortable place for guests to sit and enjoy their food or take a break between games.
ENJOY THE DAY!
The final and most essential tip for a successful backyard game day is to enjoy it. Remember, the goal of this gathering is to have fun, build relationships, and create lasting memories. Engage with your guests, participate in the games, and most importantly, don’t forget to relax and have a good time. After all, the best game days are those filled with laughter, camaraderie, and a little friendly competition.