Picnics, family reunions, barbeques, camping trips and casual weekend gatherings all provide opportunities to get outside and enjoy outdoor activities. Families have found yard games are a great way of involving people of all ages. For these recreational times, there are many different games that can be played. To choose the right yard games, people should consider their budget (some equipment may need to be purchased), the durability of equipment required, the available outdoor space they have, and what age groups will be participating in the games.
Washers is a popular game requiring very little space and a limited number of participants. People can play individually or in teams, allowing for just two people or for a far larger number of people to play. The participants toss washer cups into a "pit" (which is most often a small, wooden, outlined square). This game is somewhat similar to horseshoes, which can also be played individually or in teams. In horseshoes, you can use an iron horseshoe or a more inexpensive, kid-friendly plastic horseshoe.
Badminton and volleyball nets are often sold in inexpensive packages. These games are appropriate for both children and adults and the quick set-up and tear-down allows for the game to be constructed easily. It also proves to be a great game to take to a neighbor's house or on a camping trip.
Other games with a simple set-up that are easy to travel with include ring toss, cricket, Frisbee and lawn bowling. If families prefer to have the game set up for a long period of time, such as the duration of a summer, investing in a more expensive version (which will provide greater durability) is recommended. However, if the game is to be used just for the occasional weekend, an inexpensive of the game may be a better investment.