Fun & Sun & Everyone

Fun & Sun & Everyone

Outdoor games for the whole family

Words by Lifestyle Staff

Pickleball: Rally the Fam For This Racket Sport

Sour or sweet? Neither! Both? Pickleball combines elements from tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, using paddles and a smaller court. Its quick rallies and strategic shots offer fun for entry-level players and seasoned players, making it ideal for families!

Frisbee Golf: Leisure to the Extreme

Is a hole-in-one with frisbee golf a basket-in-one? Your family can decide! Frisbee golf, or disc golf, combines the fun of frisbee throwing with the precision of golf putting. Players aim to complete each "hole" in the course, marked by metal baskets, in as few throws as possible. The game is ideal for any skill level, and is low-impact for any older family members. (P.S. A hole-in-one is called an “ace”.)

Badminton: A Little Birdie Told Us…

What do you get when you have a birdie, rackets, a net, and 2-4 players? Badminton! This centuries-old sport is active and intense, with exciting rallies sending the birdie (or shuttlecock) back and forth over the net. Families will enjoy this spirited game, testing quick reflexes (and true sportsmanship when they miss a stroke).

Volleyball: Bump, Set, Spike!

Yelling “MINE!” counts as good communication—on the volleyball court, that is. This high-energy sport emphasizes teamwork and communication and promotes physical fitness, social interaction, with a heaping helping of family fun. Plus, nothing feels better than blocking your sibling’s killer spike.

Bocce Ball: Garden-Variety Strategy

Bocce, a classic Italian game, is a fun relaxed game for most age groups. On flat ground, each player takes a turn throwing their larger bocce ball toward the “pallino”—the smaller target ball. Whoever can get their ball closest to the target during this social, engaging game wins. Bonus points if you pair this with an Aperol spritz (recipe on p. 39) for the adults.

Cornhole: Tossing Fun for Everyone

Over the past few years, this backyard game has skyrocketed in popularity—probably due to its simple setup. Players score points by tossing bean bags toward an angled board with a hole, aiming to get the bags into the hole or onto the board. Luck, skill, and easy socializing make this popular with plenty of families, with some creating a tournament to add extra competition.

Whether you have a group of teens that won't put away their phones, or a variety of ages that want to get involved, you can find the right activity for your family to bond and have fun again...outside! Gather up the equipment, dust off the ice chest, and polish up the family trophy (even though everyone's a winner when you spend time together).