A truly memorable backyard BBQ cookout is about more than just offering your guests tasty smoked or grilled food. It’s also about the connection old and new that people make, over a shared experience. One of the best ways to take your BBQ cookout to the next level is to give your guests some great games to play, while the food smokes away.
While smaller games like bocce ball, horseshoes and corn hole are traditional, they don’t necessarily lend themselves to big laughs. If you want big laughs and perhaps a touch of the absurd to punch up the conversation at your next BBQ cookout, you might want to consider one or more of the following giant yard games.
The Best Giant Yard Games For A Memorable BBQ Cookout
The size and sometimes absurdity of a giant or “Jumbo” outdoor yard games are just the thing to get people talking and laughing. It’s also a great foundation for making memories that go beyond simple competition.
Giant Connect Four
Connect four is one of those classic games that kids love to play for hours on end. To the point that it can even fuel a friendly rivalry or two. When you upscale it into a jumbo yard game, it becomes something that raises an adult eyebrow. Even if you lose a little interest after a while, the pieces can be repurposed for a feisty game of outdoor checkers.
GoSports Giant Wooden 4 in a Row Game – 3 Foot Width – with Coins, Portable Case and Rules
10 used from $58.41
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Amazon.com - GIANT SIZE FUN: Game measures over 3 feet wide and 32 inches tall and can be setup in seconds
- 100% WOODEN CONSTRUCTION: Each game is crafted from wood and painted white for our signature look
- GAME PIECES INCLUDED: 42 GoSports Plastic Coins (21 red + 21 blue) - The coins are made from extremely durable plastic and will never break
- TRAVEL CASE: Includes premium carrying case for neat storage or taking the game on the go
Amazonbasics Giant 4-In-A-Row Premium Plastic Game Set - 47 x 43 x 22 Inches
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Amazon.com - Jumbo-size version of the classic 4-in-a-row, 4-to-score game; ideal for birthday parties, backyard barbecues, camping trips, and more
- Safe for indoor/outdoor use; durable, weather-resistant design made of BPA-free high-density polyethylene
- Easy to assemble; includes 7 columns and 6 rows with open slots on top for taking turns dropping in a blue or yellow disc
- Fun for kids and adults; interactive and educational; can help kids learn counting, eye-hand coordination, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Giant Dice Games
Giant dice are always a good time. The world is also rife with dice games like Farkle and Yahtzee as well as traditional games like 6-5-4. If the kids are away, you might even be able to play an exaggerated version of craps! Best of all these giant, versatile dice sets are typically inexpensive and made from woods that will last a long time.
Jungle Gym Kingdom Yardzee & Yard Farkle Giant Wooden 6 Dice Set for Outdoor Fun Lawn Games Picnic Barbeque Party...
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Amazon.com - Our giant yard games have everything you need in 1! 6 jumbo wooden dice, 2 large reusable score cards, a collapsible bucket, and a dry erase marker.
- With this 2-for-1 family favorite! Just choose your yard game, shake those dice, and you'll be on a roll.
- Inside or out, these attractive outdoor yard games are robust enough to brave the elements. So, beach, picnic or tailgating, you're on to a winner!
- Crafted from hardwearing New Zealand pine, our yard dice have burned-on numbers for durability and stow away in a handy collapsible bucket after use.
GoSports Giant 3.5" Wooden Playing Dice Set with Bonus Rollzee Scoreboard (Includes 6 Dice, Dry-Erase Scoreboard and Canvas Carrying Bag)
5 used from $14.48
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Amazon.com - GIANT SIZE: Each die measures: 3.5 in x 3.5 in x 3.5 in to bring added excitement to any traditional dice or board game
- ROLLZEE AND FARKLE BOARD INCLUDED: Double Sided Dry-Erase Scoreboard with Pen for Endless Fun
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: Includes 6 hand sanded wooden dice with canvas carrying case
- USE WITH ANY DICE GAME: Giant size fun for countless dice games
- INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE: Numbers are burned into the wood so they will never rub off
ROPODA Giant Wooden Yard Dice Set for Outdoor Fun, Barbeque, Party Events, Backyard Games, Lawn Games Includes 6 Dice, Collapsible...
1 used from $32.43
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Amazon.com - 【GREAT YARD FUN】- Kids and adults all enjoy this fun set of giant wooden dice for outdoor entertainment. It can be used both indoors and outdoors at BBQs, beach, backyard games, and much more. Also it‘s great gift idea for grad parties or housewarming .
- 【EASY TO STORAGE AND CARRY】- ROPODA giant wooden lawn dice set included a collapsible bucket, built to withstand repeated use from both kids and adults. Easy to carry to your next group outdoor event. It's prefect lawn games for kids and adults.
Splinter Woodworking Co Yardzee, Farkle & 20+ Games - Giant Yard Dice Set (All Weather) with Collapsible Bucket, Lid, 5...
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Amazon.com - ✅ ALL-IN-ONE - All equipment included for Yardzee & Yard Farkle for up to 5 players. Includes 6 solid wood jumbo dice, 5 large reusable score cards, collapsible bucket (red or green), lid, & marker for a complete yard dice set.
- INCLUDES 20+ GAMES - Never get bored with this life sized game. Includes everything necessary to play over 20 different huge dice games.
- WEATHER & WATER RESISTANT - Polished and sealed to withstand the elements. Take to the beach, pool, camping, picnic or to the lake. Great for indoor and outdoor use.
Giant Outdoor Checkers
Checkers is another one of those games that even a novice can pick up and still be competitive. When you jumbo size it, and take it outdoors, it opens the door for a backyard checkers tournament. You could even go so far as to put money on it and build brackets. In this way, you can engage multiple people into what is technically a two-person game.
EasyGoProducts Giant Checkers Game – Indoor Outdoor – Family Game – Lawn Game - 5' X 5'
1 new from $25.77Free shipping
Amazon.com - Fun, eye-catching conversation piece – our checkers large folding board game is a classic! ! everyone loves a good game of checkers and multiple the fun by the size of the game set! Fun to play, fun to watch! ! !
- Checkers on the go – Take this folding oversized checkers game with you to BBQ’s, parties, Church activities, classrooms, picnics, or use it at home as a fun family game!
- Easy to set up, transport & store – our deluxe checkers board game is Lightweight and easy to take with you and to set up as a floor game or outside as a lawn game. Just fold it up for easy transport and storage.
4Fun Jumbo Chess and Checkers Set | Giant Chess/Checkers Game
Amazon.com - MULTI-USE: 2 in 1 oversized game set- Chess and Checkers Blow molded chess set with removable bases
- JUMBO SIZED: Chess pieces range from 10" to 6" height Diameter of checkers pieces is 4. 25"
- STURDY MAT: Mat size 70 x 62” 4 color printed Non woven material with waterproof backing
- INCLUDES: 1st mat can be used for chess and checkers Includes storage bag
2-in-1 Reversible Giant Checkers & Tic Tac Toe Game ( 4ft x 4ft )
3 used from $42.81
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Amazon.com - GIANT CHECKER GAME - Includes non-toxic EVA foam tiles that interlock form a huge 4ft x 4ft checkers board & 5in diameter solid foam mega checkers pieces for better grip. Perfect size for grown-ups, kids, and players of all ages.
- ❎️ REVERSE TO PLAY TIC TAC TOSS - Rearrange the squares in a matter of seconds to form a 3ft x 3ft tic tac toe board. Flip over the checkers pieces to reveal X's and O's. Make it a tossing game for added challenge and fun.
MegaChess Giant Checkers Set - 10 inch
Amazon.com - (12) Black Garden Checkers Pieces; (12) White Garden Checkers Pieces; (6) Plastic Rods
- Light enough to take with you on any outing; Most popular size of all
- Made of high-density plastic; Waterproof; UV protected; Resists staining and fading
- Perfect for playing at the park, beach, campground or anywhere friends or family gather
- Giant Chess Board and Mat are sold separately
Giant Outdoor Chess
On the small board, chess can be a little bit of an intimidating game for the uninitiated. Even on a casual walk through the park, you might stumble across old men and tech guru college students pairing off in deep games of contemplation.
When you take chess outside and you pump it up to a large scale, it seems to take the pressure out of the equation. There’s even a little bit of an opportunity for melodrama when your bishop topples your opponent’s rook.
Here again, there’s room for a tournament with brackets, which will help keep multiple people engaged. Though you could just as easily turn it into a team game where one person is calling the moves and one or two others help move the pieces. There’s also something about jumbo chess that invites a crowd, and maybe even a little trash talking.
MegaChess Giant Oversized Premium Chess Pieces Complete Set
Amazon.com - MOST POPULAR SET: The Premium 25-Inch Plastic Giant Chess Set is the most popular set from MegaChess. It includes 16 black and 16 white pieces. The Giant Chess Pieces range in height from a 25-inch king to a 16-inch-tall pawn. The set can be used both indoors and outdoors and is made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. Chess can become a communal experience and bring together family and friends when played out in the open on a lifesize set. Chess board is sold separately.
MegaChess Large Premium Chess Set with 16 Inch Tall King Black and White with Quick Fold Nylon Mat
Amazon.com - ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR SETS: The Premium 16-Inch Plastic Giant Chess Set is one of the most popular sets from MegaChess. While still 8 times larger than most tabletop chess sets, this set is a little smaller than our giant chess sets. It includes 16 black and 16 white pieces. The Large Chess Pieces range in height from a 16-inch king to an 9-inch-tall pawn. The set can be used both indoors and outdoors and is made with high-quality, long-lasting materials. Chess mat or board sold separately.
Giant Jenga Tumbling Blocks
Technically Jenga is a trademarked name for a game of stackable wooden blocks made by Hasbro. Though there are certainly other manufacturers who make the same game, just under a different name. Like the smaller indoor version, you carefully slide a wooden block out of the lower part of the stack and place it gingerly on top. As the game goes on the tower of stacked wooden blocks starts to become more and more unstable. The person who knocks it over loses.
Some version of this stackable tower game come with color-coded blocks. You roll a dice and it tells you what color you have to pull out. This adds to the tension when you happen to roll a red, and there simply are no easy reds to pull out.
Of course, there are some structural considerations when it comes to playing an outdoor version of Jenga. If you set it up on a soft surface like grass, the tower is more likely to fall early, or simply be too unstable to stand for long on its own. Ideally, you want a flat patio or a truly level section of your driveway. If you are going to set it up on a deck, make sure the bottom layer of wooden blocks is laid down perpendicular to the boards. This will improve the overall stability of the foundation.
Ultimately, choosing a smooth surface for the foundation of the tower increases the chances of your guests having a memorable time game after game. Rather than feeling like they are killing time picking up and restacking blocks every few minutes. If you do need to set it up on a soft surface, try to put down a firm surface like a plywood handy panel or a large flat concrete paver stone.
Giant Timber - Jumbo Size Wood Game
Amazon.com - ✅ GIANT SIZE: Comes with 54 large precision-crafted wood blocks - 7.5" x 2.5" x 1.5" timbers for a full 18 storey / 2.25 ft. tall tower – the HIGHEST in the market!! (Can grow to over 5-feet while playing) + Enjoy the free Wood Care Oil along with another small gift that awaits you inside.
- ✅ PLAY ANYWHERE: Perfect for indoor or outdoor events such as parties, BBQ's, tailgating, group events, camping and much more. Use a permanent marker to add numbers on each block and write down rules corresponding to each number to add spice to the game or play it as a drinking game.
GoSports Large Toppling Tower with Bonus Rules – Starts at 1.5 Ft Tall and Grows to Over 3 Ft
1 used from $21.79
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Amazon.com - LARGE SIZE: Tower starts at 1.5 ft tall and grows to over 3 ft, that is 2x larger than standard size sets! Includes 54 Blocks (18 rows)
- PARTY RULES: Includes dry erase board for the option to assign your own rules to the numbered blocks: goofy rules, adult themed rules, and more
- TOTE CARRYING CASE: Includes robust canvas carrying case for easy portability of blocks and accessories
- CLASSIC GAMEPLAY: Pull blocks out of the body of the tower and replace them at the top without the tower falling over
Giant Sidewalk Chalk
One of the lesser-known challenges in hosting a memorable BBQ cookout, is making sure that the kids are also entertained. After all, when your kids are bored, they will inevitably seek out adults to keep them entertained. One great way to keep young kids engaged, and outdoors, rather than on their electronic devices is to give them art opportunities.
Sidewalk chalk is often available in jumbo sticks that even a young child with clumsy hands can easily grasp. Even if they mark up the entire driveway, patio, and sidewalk, a quick spray with the garden hose will clean it up. They can also use the sidewalk chalk to draw pictures, make mazes, or just layout a good old fashioned game of hopscotch.
Ready 2 Learn Jumbo Sidewalk Chalk - Set of 126 in 9 Colors - Washable, Non-Toxic, Colored Chalk - Chalk...
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Amazon.com - DRAW, COLOR, CREATE! -- This bulk sidewalk chalk set features 126 pieces. The chalks measure 4"L x 1"dia. There are 14 each of pink, turqoise, orange, gray, red, light green, blue, yellow and white!
- MAKE YOUR MARK -- Drawing with chalk can help to develop creativity, concentration and fine motor skills. Add color and personality to the world around you
- PORTABLE AND WASHABLE -- Take chalk anywhere and easily clean it off clothing, pavement, asphalt and more
Sidewalk Chalk Party Pack – 30 x Pack of 4 Multi-Color Jumbo Street Chalks – 4 Bright & Cheerful Colors...
Amazon.com - A THOUGHTFUL GIFT. If you’re desperately looking for a perfect birthday gift for your curious, fun and active kid, or a fun party favor for your little guests, but are tired of giving toys that just break or get discarded after a few uses, there is no better option than our SIDEWALK CHALK PARTY PACK!
- PERFECT FOR SMALL HANDS. Our dust free sidewalk chalks are thoughtfully designed with your little kids and students in mind (1-inch in diameter and 4-inches in height), and offer a comfortable grip for easy manipulation.
Crayola Washable Sidewalk Chalk, 128 ct, Includes Glitter, Neon
3 new from $59.97Free shipping
Amazon.com - Sold as 64/Pack.
- Crayon-shaped chalk.
- Anti-roll shape keeps chalk from rolling away.
- Washes away with water.
- AP certified non-toxic.
Giant Beer Pong
Adults need fun too, and when a party with drinks is afoot, nothing is more fun than the popular beer pong drinking game. So imagine the fun you’ll have with it super-sized. These giant beer pong sets have everything you need to get the party started, and going all night.
Jumbo Beer Pong Set for Outdoors
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Amazon.com - BEER AND SUN - WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?: With the Rally and Roar Oversized Beer Pong Game, getting you friends and loved ones off the couch and interacting has never been easier. With our yard and patio game, get your tan, laughs, and drink on.
- A TWIST ON A POPULAR CLASSIC: Beer pong has been an American favorite with college kids and young adults, but not like this! Our 9” buckets and 3.8” pongs put a giant, twist on the favorite drinking game - ideal for the park, backyard, or beach.
Goplus Yard Pong, Giant Pong Game Set with 12 Buckets, 2 Balls and a Carry Bag
Amazon.com - Perfect for All Occasions: This yard pong game set is ideal for activities such as parties, barbecues, camping, etc. The easy to understand game play and flexible rules make it suitable for adults, beginners or advanced players.
- Fun to Play: Split into two teams and place six buckets on each side arranged in triangle (your court size can be adjusted depending upon the skill level of the players). The buckets can be filled with sand or water to keep in place without being easily knocked over. Then take turns tossing balls into opponents' buckets to knock them out of play.
Giant Bowling Game Set
Everyone loves bowling. It’s an easy game thats fun for everyone of all ages. Your guests will be cheering and roaring with laughter, except for the person who has to set up the pins after every set. These giant bowling sets are great for any outdoor surface such as lawns, gravel or concrete, and will keep your guests engaged for hours and hours.
Bowling Set Indoor Games or Outdoor
4 used from $20.00
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Amazon.com - HILARIOUS OUTDOOR GAMES FOR KIDS, perfect indoor or outdoor games for family or kids party games. it's lightweight and easy to carry. wonderful games for kids to play and uses no electricity. this giant inflatable bowling set is sure to get your kids off the couch, get some exercise, and develop their hand/eye coordination, balance, and some friendly competition
- SAND WEIGHTED BOTTOM, yes, thats right, our flat sand weighted base provides just enough weight to keep the pins standing even in light wind while playing some lawn games, but not too much to prevent them from being knocked over when struck by the ball
Lawn Bowling Game/Skittle Bal
6 used from $20.53
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Amazon.com - BACKYARD GAME SET – This lawn bowling game is suitable to play both European Skittle Ball or Classic Ten Pin games - this set is sure to provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike
- PLAY ANYWHERE – This bowling set is perfect for indoor and outdoor play, but works best on short cut lawns, dirt, sand, carpet, and hard, flat surfaces
- DURABLE BUILD – This wooden backyard bowling game set is beautifully constructed out of New Zealand pine and then polished for a high-quality finish
Outdoor Giant Lawn Bowling
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Amazon.com - Lawn Bowling Game Material: hardwood. It’s a kind of nature hardwood and resistant not easy to crack,Allow for proper wear and tear.360-Degree polished by hand and smooth without burr.
- Product details :10 bowling pins,2 bowling balls,and 1 black carry bag.
- Portability:carry bag makes portability simple and storage,Suitable for outdoors backyard yard games.but works best on short cut lawns, dirt, sand, carpet, and hard, flat surfaces.
Outdoor Games Honorable Mentions
Twister Ultimate: Bigger Mat,
3 used from $19.49
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Amazon.com - GREAT INDOOR AND OUTDOOR GAME: This Twister game includes a spinner and a plastic floor mat that’s twice the size of the original with more and bigger colored spots. It's easy to set up and put away
- FUN PARTY GAME: Liven up a party for kids, teens, and tweens. It's also a great game for family reunions, recess, and team-building
- ALL IN WITH OPTIONAL SPINNER-LESS PLAY: For spinner-less play, use the Twister Spinner Alexa skill (Alexa device sold separately). Note: When using Alexa, sound comes from the paired Echo device
Wicked Big Sports Kickball-Supersized Kickball
1 used from $10.53
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Amazon.com - Featured on Barstool Sports-Classic Kickball but BIGGER and BETTER!
- Set includes 1 oversized kickball, 1 pump with tube, 2 ball plugs and ball stand.
- Wicked Big Takes your Outdoor, Tailgates, Beach day, Yard games, Camping trips, and Indoor fun to the next level!
- Over 3X the size of traditional kickball!
- Take your game to the next level! Fun for all ages!.Number of players: 2
Super Jumbo Playing Cards
1 used from $12.20
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Amazon.com - Humongous 8-1/4" x 11-3/4" cards
Giant Inflatable Ball, 12 Foot Pole-to-Pole
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Amazon.com - GIGANTIC: Measuring 12 feet from pole to pole, we're pretty sure this puts other "jumbo" beach balls to shame
- CLASSIC: With an astounding 659,000 cubic inch volume, it's just like a classic beach ball, only gianter
- DURABLE: Made of thick, durable 30mil vinyl with reinforced seams, so play hard!
- FULL OF HOT AIR: Large, secure airtight valve keeps air in and won't tear or detach from the vinyl
- DON’T BLOW IT: Electric pumps only! Please do not manually inflate. We had an intern try it, and he's still blowing
Popsport 10X10ft Inflatable Soccer Darts Board
Amazon.com - Inflatable soccer darts board size:10*10ft (L*H);Material:0.4mm reinforced PVC Tarpaulin, true thickness material, more durable and better waterproof
- Inflatable soccer dart is made of Environmental screening network PVC fabric no irritation to the skin, non-toxic to children without injury
- The inflatable football darts with cold heat resistance, good flame resistance, tear resistance, tensile, anti-stripping, high air tightness, durability, ease of maintenance and other characteristics
Wicked Big Sports Football-Supersized Football Outdoor Sport Tailgate Backyard Beach Game Fun for All, One Size
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Amazon.com - Wicked Big Sports football takes traditional folleyball to a whole new level
- Classic Football is 11" But the Wicked Big Sports volleyball is 16"
- This set includes: 1 wicked big ball, 1 pump, 1 needle-NEEDLE FOUND IN PUMP HANDLE!
- Soft fabric covers the Wicked Big Sports football
- Great for the beach, park, yard and tailgating! Ages 14years+
MegaChess Garden Checkers Set and Garden Checkers Mat - Checkers are 4 inches Wide
Amazon.com - (24)Garden Checkers Pieces - 4-inch diameter; (6) Plastic Rods; (1) Garden Checkers Mat
- Made of high-density plastic; Waterproof; UV protected; Resists staining and fading
- Includes Nylon Garden Checkers Mat - 7-inch squares; 5 x 5 feet(L x W) when in use
GoSports Foam Fire Alien Invaders Game Set
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Amazon.com - ALIEN INVADERS: Set your sights on fun with Alien Invaders; Full game set Includes 1 Alien Invaders target, 2 Foam Fire Blasters, 40 foam balls (20 green + 20 orange) and carrying case
- HIGH SCORE FRENZY: Shoot the foam balls into the target to score the most points in a competition with friends and family and defeat the alien invasion; The target features varying scoring pockets and multiple fun ways to play (full rules included)
GoSports Shuffleboard and Curling 2 in 1 Table Top Board Game with 8 Rollers - Great for Family Fun
14 used from $25.57
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Amazon.com - 2 GAMES IN 1: Premium tabletop Shuffleboard on one side and Curling on the other
- SLIDING PUCKS: Includes 8 rollers that glide across the board to mimic original Shuffleboard and Curling courts; Rules included
- FAMILY FUN: Ideal for game nights, parties, BBQs, and more; 2-4 players
- HUGE SIZE: game board measures 45 in x 13 in and is made from solid wood
GoSports 8' x 8' Football Trainer Throwing Net | Improve QB Throwing Accuracy - Includes Foldable Bow Frame and Portable...
7 used from $33.36
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Amazon.com - ULTIMATE TRAINING AID: Perfect for players of all abilities for snapping, throwing, short pass, long pass drills and more!
- HUGE SIZE: 8 ft x 8 ft passing net with 3 target pockets simulating prime receiving areas
- IMPROVE ACCURACY: Aids QBs and players in hitting their location with passes to improve in-game completion percentages
- FOLDABLE SETUP: Reinforced bow type frame with high density polyester netting and storage carry case
