Ah, the backyard BBQ—a glorious tradition where sizzling meats meet refreshing drinks and good company. But let’s face it, after the first few burgers and beers, even the best BBQs can start to fizzle out faster than a wet matchstick. So, how do you keep the fun rolling and ensure your guests leave with more than just a food coma? With these super fun BBQ party games, of course!
From the tried-and-true classics like cornhole and horseshoes to the wacky fun of Throw Throw Burrito (yes, that’s a real game), there’s no shortage of ways to entertain your crew. These backyard BBQ games aren’t just fillers – they’re the secret sauce that will ensure your guests have an absolute blast from start to finish.
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Best BBQ Party Games For Backyard Entertaining
If you’re planning a BBQ party, you can keep your guests entertained with these engaging and fun backyard party games.
The list of BBQ party games below is divided into categories, making sure there’s something for everyone – from minimal equipment games to activities that require a bit of setup and games that are perfect for kids or better suited to the grown-ups.
Simple BBQ Games: Minimal Or No Equipment Required
If you want no-fuss games that need absolutely no pre-planning, like when your BBQ party starts to fizzle and you’re trying to revive it quick smart, or you just like no-prep games… either way, these games can be played anywhere at any time.
Most of these are also great options if you’re looking for less active games to play too!
1. Two Truths and a Lie
Take turns sharing two true statements and one false statement about yourself. The other players must guess which statement is the lie. It’s a fun way to see how well your friends really know each other!
2. Outdoor Charades
Act out movies, songs, TV shows, or animals – anything you please really, for others to guess within a time limit. This is a fun backyard party game that can be played in small groups or large groups, and you can divide your guests up into teams of 2 or more.
3. Name That Tune
Play snippets of popular songs and have players guess the song title or artist. You can do this two ways – either keep playing the song until someone guesses correctly or just play the first few sections and see how good their music knowledge is.
4. Truth Or Dare
This one will make you feel like you’ve stepped back into the days of teenage slumber parties and is sure to get some laughs… or surprising truths. Take turns asking each other truth questions or daring players to complete fun challenges. Set some ground rules at the start if needed.
5. Would You Rather
A simple game that works well for socializing around the fire pit during a barbecue party. Pose hypothetical scenarios and have players choose between two options, leading to interesting discussions and debates.
6. Trivia
Always an easy option, and it can be fun to see which of your friends or family happens to be the best trivia buff! A quick internet search will bring up plenty of free online trivia questions to suit every theme you can think of.
7. Never Have I Ever
This can be a family-friendly game or a drinking game if you’re playing with adults! Take turns revealing things you’ve never done before and either use a points system where players who have experienced it lose a point, and the player with the most points wins.
Or start with full beverages each and each time there’s something you have done, take a sip until someone has an empty glass.
8. Human Knot
Stand in a circle, grab hands with two different people, and work together to untangle yourselves without letting go. This can be hilarious fun! Just make sure someone’s still attending to the BBQ if you play this while cooking… just in case it takes a while. No one wants burnt snags!
9. Alphabet Soup
This is one of our favourite road trip games but it works just as well as a group game! Pick a theme and for each round each person must come up with a unique answer for each letter of the alphabet.
For example, boy’s names and each player needs a boy’s name for A that no one else has said. 1 point is awarded for each successful round until you get to Z, with the most points deemed the winner.
10. Statues
This is another game that will transport you back to schoolyard days. Players dance or move around while music plays, but when the music stops, they must freeze in place. Anyone caught moving is out, and the last player standing wins.
11. Simon Says
A classic game where one person gives commands starting with “Simon says,” and players must only follow the command if it starts with those words. If “Simon” gives a command without saying “Simon says,” players who follow it are out.
Backyard Party Games To Play That Need A Few Supplies
These fun barbecue party games require a bit of extra preparation and equipment to play, but they are so much fun and guarantee all your guests will have a great time.
12. Yard Pong
Make a family-friendly (or not so family-friendly) version of beer pong by setting up cups filled with water or beer on a table. Take turns tossing ping-pong balls into them and be the first team (or player) to eliminate the opponent. When a ball lands in one of the opponent’s cups, it is removed from the table, and the opponent must drink it. Keep going until none remain.
You can also get a giant yard pong game that’s great for playing with the family.
13. Throw Throw Burrito
Combine cards with dodgeball and you’ve got Throw Throw Burrito – a totally hilarious game where you get to launch foam burritos at your friends! Take it up a level by grabbing Throw Throw Avocado too where you can play each game separately or combine then for the ultimate combo game.
14. Backyard Scavenger Hunt
Create a list of items or clues to solve around the backyard that players must find or complete to finish the scavenger hunt. You can hide little prizes around the yard, such as candies, mini bottles of adult beverages, trinkets, etc., or just have a prize for the person who reaches the end first.
You can make scavenger hunts to suit any age group. If you’re sending adults on a treasure hunt, make it more challenging or have tricky clues for them to solve.
15. Karaoke Battle
Turn your backyard into a stage and have a karaoke competition with friends competing for the best performance. This is fun even if you don’t add any competitive element to it. Just enjoy belting out your favourite tunes together… and serenading the neighbours (sorry neighbours).
You can use a karaoke machine, set up a gaming console on an outdoor screen or just sing along over the top of your playlist for this one.
16. Flip Cup
Set up a row of cups along a table edge, fill them halfway with a beverage, and race against another player or team to drink and then flip the empty cup upside down by flicking its rim with your finger. The first to flip all their cups wins.
17. Limbo
How low can you go? Grab a broomstick or wooden pole (or even a stiff rope) for your limbo stick and have players see who can bend backwards the furthest without falling or touching the ground as the bar gets lower each round. Try not to do your back in, though!
This limbo bar kit doubles as a flying disc game!
18. Relay Races
Classic fun! Set up a series of relay races, such as potato sack races, three-legged races, or spoon-and-egg races. They’re perfect for getting everyone moving and laughing, especially if you haven’t played these games since you were kids!
You can just do a simple running relay race too without needing any extra equipment – just high-five the next team player.
19. Water Balloon Fight
Gather a bunch of water balloons, fill them up, and split your guests into teams. Let the water balloon battle begin! It’s a great way to cool off during a Summer BBQ party and have some laughs.
Save time by getting a bulk water balloon bundle that fills many balloons at once so you’re not filling them one by one. Game-changer!
And if you want to avoid having a backyard covered in busted balloons, grab some reusable magnetic water bombs instead. We have these and they are great! Or just use wet sponges as your ammo.
20. Nerf War
Set up a battlefield with obstacles and arm your guests with Nerf guns. This energetic game will bring out everyone’s competitive side and is a blast for adults reliving their childhood. See how good your hand-eye coordination really is, as you get into the competitive spirit!
21. Balloon Stomp
Tie a balloon to each player’s ankle with enough string so that it drags on the ground behind them and try to pop others’ balloons while protecting your own. The last unpopped balloon holder is the winner.
We play this at our kids’ birthday parties sometimes, and it’s so funny to watch. However, we tend to play on a giant picnic rug or the patio instead so they don’t pop on the spiky grass.
22. Hot Sauce Roulette
Get a range of drink cans with straws and add hot sauce to one of them. Players take turns picking a drink and hoping they don’t get a mouthful of hot sauce instead of sweet soda. Such a fun BBQ party game that will have everyone full of nervous energy.
23. Balloon Pop
Hide a small piece of paper or similar inside one balloon (or more if you want multiple winners). Make sure you use balloons that aren’t transparent for this so people can’t peek. Guests have to try to pop their balloons using only their butts – sitting on them. No hands allowed other than to place your balloon on your chair. Whoever pops the balloons with the hidden token or note gets a prize.
This is a popular baby shower game too where the letters for BABY are hidden inside balloons and players have to keep popping until someone finds all 4 letters. You could do the same with the letters BBQ.
24. Bocce Ball
Find a flat bocce zone in your backyard and play this relaxing and strategic Italian game that’s a bit like lawn bowls. It’s perfect for encouraging some friendly competition.
25. Musical Chairs
Musical chairs is another of those classic party games that was fun in childhood and will get plenty of laughs from your adult friends too. Make sure you’ve got enough chairs to play and a big enough backyard to set them up in outward facing circle. Hit play on the tunes, removing one chair each round and prepare to battle it out for that final chair.
26. Finska
Finska goes by a few different names, like Mölkky or Kubb but essentially it’s a Finnish throwing game where players aim to knock down numbered pins to reach a specific score. It’s all about precision and luck. It’s a fun backyard game and one we play often with family and friends.
27. Giant Jenga
Build a tower from oversized wooden blocks and take turns removing one block at a time without making the tower collapse. It’s suspenseful and fun and you can pick up a giant Jenga tower game that’s ready to go or make your own if you’re handy with woodwork.
28. Giant Checkers
Set up a giant yard checkerboard on the lawn and use big pieces to play a game of checkers. It’s a great way to enjoy a classic game with a twist.
29. Giant Connect 4
A supersized version of the traditional Connect 4 game, where players try to align four of their pieces in a row before their opponent.
30. Ring Toss
Toss rings onto pegs from a distance and see who has the best aim. It’s a simple but entertaining game for all ages and you can grab a ring toss kit really cheap! Change it up by using hula hoops and people for a giant human ring toss variation of the game!
31. Tug Of War
Divide into two teams, grab a sturdy rope with a flag or ribbon tied on the centre, and see which team has the strength and teamwork to pull the other across the line.
32. Darts
Play a game of darts by tossing the weighted darts towards the dartboard to see who can get the best score. This is a game played in pairs typically but you can create teams instead. Just make sure to keep safety in mind!
33. Horseshoe Toss
Try to toss horseshoes around a stake in the ground. It’s a traditional backyard game perfect for a BBQ setting.
34. Water Passing Game
This water passing game is a hilarious Summer BBQ party game if you don’t mind getting a bit soaked! Each player sits in a row of chairs with a bucket or tub, while blindfolded.
The first person tips their full bucket of water behind them and the next player needs to do their best to catch all the water while blind folded, repeating until there’s no water left!
35. Frisbee
Whether you’re playing Frisbee golf or just tossing it around, a Frisbee is a versatile and fun addition to any backyard party. You can’t get much more simple than a round of frisbee and sometimes simple is perfect!
36. Escape Room Challenge
Design or purchase a printable escape room kit that can be played outdoors. Set up different puzzles and clues around your yard, requiring guests to solve them to “escape.” This can be themed to match your BBQ or tailored to your guests’ interests.
37. Croquet
Set up a croquet course in your backyard and enjoy this classic game of strategy and precision. I don’t know about you, but this game always reminds me of the Disney animated Alice In Wonderland movie.
38. Kick Darts
For a twist on the typical dart board, lawn darts is a fun variation. Get a giant kick dart inflatable board and the goal is to kick soccer balls at the board. You can play with smaller balls to throw or large kick balls instead.
39. Yard Dominos
Play a game of giant dominos with oversized pieces. It’s a fun twist on the traditional game and great for the outdoors.
40. Twister
Lay out a Twister mat and get ready to laugh as players try to contort themselves to match the spinner’s calls. Make it more challenging by squirting dishwashing liquid or bubble bath onto the mat for a slippery fun time.
41. Backyard Chess
Set up a giant chess board on the lawn and enjoy a strategic game of chess in the fresh air. They also double as a backyard checkers board.
42. Kan Jam
Combine the best elements of Frisbee and football in this fast-paced and active game of Kan Jam.
43. Giant Pick Up Sticks
Use large sticks to play a supersized version of the classic pick-up sticks game. It’s challenging and fun for all ages to play in the backyard.
44. Corn Hole (Bean Bag Toss)
Set up a cornhole board and bean bags for a quintessential backyard game. Players take turns tossing bags towards the boards, aiming to get them through the hole.
45. Murder Mystery Game
Host a murder mystery game where guests are assigned characters and must solve a fictional murder case. You can find pre-made kits online that include character descriptions, clues, and a storyline. Encourage guests to get into character and dress up to enhance the experience.
46. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Create a photo scavenger hunt where guests have to take pictures of specific items or complete certain actions. This can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and it’s a great way to capture fun memories from the party.
47. Board Game Session
Just grab a pile of classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble or something more modern and combine your backyard BBQ with a game night.
48. Backyard Olympics
Set up a series of challenges in your backyard. They don’t have to be traditional Olympic events. Try some silly challenges instead such as some minute to win it games and see who is the champion once each player has moved through the different events.
Give points for each event, such as 3 points for first place, 2 for second and 1 for third so you can keep score.
49. Backyard Casino Night
Turn your backyard into a casino with card tables, poker chips, and dealers (you or other guests). Games like poker, blackjack, or roulette can provide a sophisticated twist to your BBQ party.
50. Spikeball
Spikeball is a fast-paced game involving a small trampoline-like net placed at ankle level. Teams of two take turns hitting a small ball onto the net in a way that makes it difficult for the opposing team to return.
51. Ladder Toss
Ladder toss, also known as ladder golf or ladder ball, involves throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder structure. Each rung of the ladder is worth different points.
52. Badminton
Set up your own mini badminton arena with a net and have some friendly competition versing each other in pairs or singles matches.
53. Chicken Vs Hotdog
Chicken Vs Hotdog is another fun card game fusion where you need to race to flip your character in the air when you draw the same card as your opponent. This game suits 2 to 10 players and will guarantee some laughs with the ridiculous-looking chicken and hotdog flip characters.
54. Super Soaker Tag
Perfect for a hot day, water gun tag adds an exciting twist to the classic game of tag. Players use water guns to tag each other instead of just touching them. Or just have a blast getting soaked together.
You might want to give everyone some advance warning to bring spare clothes if you’re planning to play water-based backyard games!
55. Slip N Slide
Get the slip N slide out, squirt on some dish soap and connect the hose for a slippery wet good time. Who says the slip-and-slide is just for kids? Pftt… you’re never too old for fun!
56. Obstacle Course
Set up a backyard obstacle course with various challenges like crawling under ropes, jumping over hurdles, and balancing on beams. Time participants to see who can pass the finish line the fastest.
57. Shaking Swing Balls
You can DIY this game with an empty tissue box and ping pong balls tied around the waist, but this Skirfy shaking swing balls game is a fun minute-win-it style game where players need to shake their booty to be the first to get all of their balls the hole. So funny to watch!
58. Disc Golf
Set up targets around your yard and play a round of disc golf. Use regular Frisbees or specialized disc golf discs.
59. Bottle Bash
A disc-throwing game where players attempt to knock a bottle or can off a ledge using a Frisbee.
60. Saran Wrap Game
The saran wrap game, or cling wrap game, is a hilarious party game that we often play at birthday parties. It’s fun no matter your age and you can make it harder for adults if you like.
Essentially you wrap a heap of little surprises in plastic wrap to make a huge plastic wrap ball with a bigger gift in the centre. Players must roll a dice and land a 6 to get control of the ball and unwrap as much as they can before the next person rolls a 6. It’s fast-paced and chaotic. So fun!
Night Games For BBQ Parties
When the sun has set and you’re still keen to party on, there’s no need to stop the fun. Try one or more of these after-dark outdoor party games:
61. Glow In The Dark Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt with glow-in-the-dark items hidden around the yard. Give each participant a flashlight and let the adventure begin as the sun sets.
62. Laser Tag
Rent or buy a laser tag set for an exciting, high-energy game. Create barriers and hiding spots around your yard for a thrilling experience.
63. Glow In The Dark Capture The Flag
Divide into teams and play glow in the dark capture the flag with a special kit that includes light-up items. It’s an exciting way to enjoy the game after dark.
64. Glow Bowling
Make your own DIY bowling game using empty water bottles with a glow stick in each. Line them up and see who can get the most strikes to become the glow-in-the-dark bowling champion! Make our your bowling alley lane with extra glow sticks if needed.
You can also buy a glow bowling set instead if you aren’t keen to DIY it!
65. Lawn Darts
Glow-in-the-dark hoops and glow-in-the-dark darts make up this night time lawn darts game. But you can play it during the day too!
Tips for Hosting a Memorable BBQ Party
Not all outdoor parties are created equal. Especially if you’ve got crappy weather conditions and no dry backup plan. But weather aside, here are some tips for making sure you have an epically awesome time at your next backyard party:
- Comfortable Seating: Have enough seats for everyone. If you’ve got kids coming too, set up a few picnic blankets with cushions for a bit of a shabby chic comfort.
- Shaded Areas: Add shaded spots with umbrellas, and tents, or make use of big shady trees to keep guests cool and comfortable.
- Variety of Food and Drinks: Have a diverse menu that caters to different dietary preferences. Include a mix of meat, veggies, salads, and an array of beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) so everyone’s sorted for food and drink.
- Music Playlist: Create a fun, upbeat playlist to set the mood, but keep the volume at a level where people can still have conversations.
- Outdoor Lighting: As the sun sets, make sure your yard is well-lit with fairy lights, lanterns, or outdoor lights to keep the party going.
- Bug Repellent: Keep pesky insects at bay with citronella candles or provide bug spray for guests.
- Activity Stations: Set up different game stations to keep guests entertained. Again, if you’ve got kids coming, have a kids’ corner so you know they will have plenty to do.
- Safety First: Make sure there are no hazards in the play areas and keep a first aid kit handy.
A well-planned BBQ party is more than just great food and drinks – it’s about creating unforgettable memories with fun activities and games. From simple, no-equipment-required games to more elaborate setups with water fights and obstacle courses, your guests are going to have the best time EVER!
So fire up the grill, set up those games, and get ready to host the ultimate backyard BBQ party!
