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Warmer weather is finally on its way after what felt like forever, meaning it's time for you to get some garden games on the go. Yes, you might have stocked up on a picnic blanket and a cooler box, and the garden furniture is almost definitely sorted. But what about something fun to play while the BBQ is heating up?
The best garden games are the ones you can play with friends and family, or can even take to the park when you want to get a big group together. And whatever your budget, or number of players, there's something for everyone.
Whether you fancy a game of giant jenga (so simple, so fun) or Mölkky, which you've almost definitely seen a cool group of people playing in your local park. Ring toss is always a good shout, as is a classic game of giant Connect Four. All you need to do now? Work out where you're going to store them.
Cons
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: This game originates in France and the aim is to throw the boules (or balls, in English) as close as possible to the smallest boule whilst trying to displace rivals boules as far away as possible.
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Nothing quite says British summertime like a game of rounders. The name of the game is to hit a ball with a bat. then need to run around four bases to score. The team with the most runs at the end of the game is deemed the winner. Don't forget to catch your breath!
Age range: Any age
Best for: Couples
How to play: A jumbo-sized garden version of a classic game, this maxi Four In A Row is made from a handprinted wooden frame and measures 61.5cm x 58.5cm. Big enough to pull out in the garden but not too big that you won't have anywhere to store it!
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Potentially one of the oldest games out there, Kubb dates all the way back to Viking times and is thought to have been played for over 1000 years (also referred to as Viking chess). The aim of the game is to knock over 12 numbered pins by throwing a wooden stick. Simple but endless fun!
Big Game Hunters Target Toss Inflatable Dart Board with Balls
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Feeling strong on the hand-eye coordination front? This inflatable dart board comes with three tennis-style balls that stick to fabric targets. Hang the dart board on a tree/fence/anywhere that suits, then take it in turns to throw balls, making a note of your scores (highest wins, of course).
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: More boules! Again, the aim of the game is to throw the boules (or balls, in English) as close as possible to the smallest boule whilst trying to displace rivals boules as far away as possible.
Age range: Any age
Best for: Couples and icebreakers
How to play: You know the drill - just think jumbo. The garden game comes with 58 wooden blocks that can be built up to reach a huge 230cm. No, you probably don't want them landing on your little toe.
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Now you're really talking. If you've got a flat (and relatively large) patch of grass for a garden, consider getting a croquet set. Set out six gates in the correct formation, and take it in turns to try and hit your croquet ball through them and be the first person to the striped stick in the middle. Be warned, though - players are allowed to hit each other's balls away in a bid to be the winner.
Exploding Kittens Throw Throw Burrito: A Dodgeball Card Game - best garden games
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: This is a super-size outdoor version of the original Throw Throw Burrito game. You have to collect matching sets of oversized cards (120 in total) faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging, and throwing a three-foot tall inflatable burrito. You did indeed read that right. You earn points by finding sets of three in the deck and you lose points if you get hit by a flying giant burrito. Definitely don't try this one indoors.
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Similar to Kubb, Mölkky is fun to play as a pair or in a bigger group. Like with Kubb, you need to throw a piece of wood at the numbered skittles, and the first to get exactly 50 points wins. Score any more and you drop back down to 25 points. If you're playing in the garden, the only downside is that your grass may take a bit of a beating (but it's so worth it).
Age range: Any age
Best for: Friends and families
How to play: Lay the wooden structure on the floor at a fair distance from players, who must take it in turns to throw the rope circles over different poles in an attempt to win points. The player with the most points wins.
Bex Ladder Game - best garden games
How to play: Team up or play with one other, the aim of the game is to throw the spin balls onto the ladder. The first player to reach 21 points is the champ. Made from rubber wood, the game includes a ladder, two sets of balls (three blue, three red) and wooden bricks.
How to play: Roll the dice and if you land on a ladder you move up the board. If you land on a snake, down you go. The first to the top of the board wins. Double the size of the original Snakes and Ladders, it's perfect to use in the garden on a sunny day.
How to play: A classic family game that often brings back bad childhood memories for people whose siblings took it far too seriously. Bad memories aside, this game provides endless fun as you hit the ball back and forth between you. It's height adjustable up to 160cm and can be planted easily into grass.
How to play: The aim of the game is to get the bean bags in the hole. Simple. The well-built stands are made of high-density board and the frame is wrapped with aluminium alloy. As well as eight blue and red bean bags, it also comes with a waterproof carry case.
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