Why BBQs and Games Go Hand in Hand
There’s nothing like a summer barbecue: sizzling food, ice-cold drinks, and friends gathered under the sun. But once the plates are full and the grill cools down, the real magic happens when the games come out. Backyard games transform an ordinary cookout into an event people talk about long after the night ends. From time-tested classics like Cornhole to rising stars like BocceRoll, here are the top 10 games that make every BBQ unforgettable.
1. Cornhole
Cornhole has become a backyard institution, and for good reason. Two slanted boards, a set of beanbags, and simple rules make it one of the most accessible and addictive games around. Whether you’re keeping score to 21 or just tossing casually while the burgers cook, Cornhole works for all ages.
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2. Bocce Ball
Traditional bocce is centuries old, but it still feels fresh at modern barbecues. All you need is a set of bocce balls and a patch of lawn. Players take turns trying to land their throws closest to the small target ball, known as the pallino. Bocce is social, competitive, and surprisingly strategic, making it a BBQ staple.
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3. BocceRoll
The new kid on the block, BocceRoll blends bocce’s precision with an arcade-style ramp and numbered target zones. Lightweight, portable, and stylish, it sets up in under a minute and keeps players entertained for hours. Its design makes it easier to carry than Cornhole boards and more dynamic than standard bocce. Expect this to be the breakout game of the summer.
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4. Ladder Toss (Ladder Golf)
Ladder Toss, sometimes called Ladder Golf, features bolas (two balls connected by a cord) tossed at a ladder-like target. Points are scored depending on which rung the bola wraps around. It’s easy to learn, and the suspense when a bola swings onto the highest rung never gets old.
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5. Spikeball
Originally a beach craze, Spikeball has earned a permanent place in backyards. The fast-paced 2-on-2 game is played with a small trampoline-like net and a bouncing ball. Its energy level makes it the perfect option for younger guests and anyone who wants a workout along with their barbecue.
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6. Giant Jenga
Sometimes, the simplest games have the biggest impact. A supersized Jenga tower adds a dramatic flair to any BBQ. As the stack gets higher and wobblier, the crowd gathers, and the tension builds. The crash at the end? That’s the highlight.
👉 Grab a Giant Jenga set on Amazon.
7. KanJam
A Frisbee-based game with a unique twist: teams of two try to toss or deflect the disc into a slotted can. KanJam is compact, highly interactive, and works well in almost any backyard. It’s also easy to transport to parks and tailgates.
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8. Horseshoes
A classic that never goes out of style, horseshoes offer straightforward competition and timeless appeal. Plant two stakes in the ground, grab some shoes, and aim for ringers. It’s slower paced than Spikeball or Cornhole, which makes it perfect for players with a drink in one hand.
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9. Badminton
If you’ve got the space, setting up a badminton net instantly transforms your BBQ into a backyard tournament. With lightweight racquets and a shuttlecock, everyone from kids to adults can get in on the action. Games can be short and casual or competitive and intense.
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10. Giant Connect Four
For a touch of nostalgia, bring out a giant Connect Four board. It’s a visual centerpiece and a great way to involve kids who might not be ready for ladder tosses or bocce. Even adults get pulled into the strategy once the discs start stacking.
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Final Thoughts: Build Your BBQ Game Lineup
The best BBQs are about more than food—they’re about laughter, friendly competition, and memories made under the summer sky. Cornhole may be the undisputed king, but newcomers like BocceRoll are proving there’s always room for innovation. Mix in a few classics like bocce, horseshoes, or badminton, and you’ve got a backyard setup that guests will never want to leave.
