The Fourth of July BBQ is a touchstone of summer. Friends, family, and neighbors gather in the backyard to grill hamburgers and watch fireworks. You look forward to hosting every year, but this year you’d like to amp up the fun. Here are 10 backyard games for you and your guests to play. Try one, try two, or try them all. One of them is bound to become the talk of the party.
Water Balloon Fight
Beat the heat with a water balloon fight. Purchase a bag of water balloons and hook up the nozzle onto the hose. Kids and adults will enjoy chasing one another through the backyard. A water balloon fight is not limited to water balloons; it can also include squirt guns. Don’t have water balloons? Simply turn on the sprinkler and watch the fun unfold!
Flag Decorating Contest
Looking for something novel to do with the grandkids? Try holding a flag decorating contest. Use whatever art supplies you have lying around—paint, markers, colored pencils, etc. Redesign or replicate the American flag. The winning flag goes on grandma’s refrigerator. Fulfill the itch to get crafty with this creative activity.
Marshmallow Golf
Don’t mind us as we use grandpa’s golf clubs for this activity. Buy a bag of marshmallows, preferably red, white, and blue ones, and head to the backyard. Your guests will see who can drive a marshmallow the furthest with a golf club. This may surprise you; it’s a lot harder than it looks. But that just makes it all the more fun.
Fourth of July Trivia
Test your knowledge with Fourth of July trivia. How well do you know American history? Can you name U.S. presidents? This is a game you can play casually or competitively. While you’re lounging in lawn chairs while hamburgers and hot dogs sizzle on the grill, pass the time with trivia. It’s perfect for low-key entertainment.
Yard Bowling
This yard game can be enjoyed on the Fourth of July or any other day. Set up some pins and grab a ball. Kudos if you can get red, white, and blue colors. This will be a hit with the grandkids, nieces, nephews, and the whole party. Not only is it fun, but you can play while holding a beer.
Hot Dog Eating Contest
Here’s a fun, nontraditional game. Instead of playing cards or dominoes, hold a hot dog-eating contest. Safety is paramount, so avoid overdoing it. Consider it a light competition; we don’t want someone getting sick at our BBQ. Grill up a ton of dogs and see who can eat the most. The winner earns major bragging rights.
Cornhole
Cornhole, or bean bag toss, is a favorite backyard game. The object is to toss a bag onto the wooden ramp. Your shot is worth more points if it goes through the hole. Play one-on-one or with teams. When you ask everybody at the party “who wants to play cornhole?” don’t be surprised if the game has a waiting list. Additional bonus? You can hold a beer and play.
Tag
This game is a schoolyard classic. The simple yet entertaining game has endured. Kids still love playing today. Start with someone who is “it.” The object of the game is to avoid being tagged. The little ones might already be playing tag in the backyard, making it easy to join in. Work up a sweat and get some exercise chasing each other around.
Scavenger Hunt
Are the kids driving you nuts, yelling, screaming, and running around in the backyard? This game will require some planning—consider creating a scavenger hunt to enhance the experience. Have them look for random objects they might find at the party, like a bottle cap, a sparkler, or a hat. That should keep the kids preoccupied and engaged. Get creative with your list and add something they are going to have a difficult time finding.
Baseball
Celebrate the Fourth of July by playing America’s favorite pastime: baseball. For this, you’ll need a spacious yard, a baseball, baseball gloves, bats, and bases. Play a casual game or get competitive. The kids at the BBQ will have fun playing baseball. If they don’t know the rules, teach them. Play ball!
