Are you looking for some fun outdoor activities to enjoy with your family and friends this summer? Well then, buckle up and get ready because we've got some awesome backyard game ideas that'll take your outdoor fun to the next level! 

These five yard games are sure to keep your loved ones entertained for hours on end. So, grab a cold beverage, put on some sunscreen, and let's dive into the wonderful world of outdoor games!

1. Cornhole (Easy and Popular)

Cornhole — the classic and popular lawn game that everyone loves! Whether you're at a backyard BBQ or a tailgate party, this game is sure to bring out everyone's competitive spirit.

The game is played with two boards, each raised and angled with a hole at one end. Players or teams take turns throwing bean bags at the board with the goal of scoring points. You can either land the bean bag on the board and score one point, or if you manage to get it through the hole, you'll score three points.

Cornhole is a game that has been around for quite some time, with its first description found in a patent from 1883! It's safe to say that this game has stood the test of time and is still enjoyed by many to this day.

The game can be played in three different formats: singles, doubles, and crew. In singles, two players throw their designated four bags while standing on opposite sides of the same board, alternating throws between the two players. In doubles, one partner stands in the left pitcher's box of one board while the other partner stands in the right pitcher's box of the opposite board. In crew, two teammates stand at each of the two boards, each pair facing each other, in the same lane.

When tossing the bean bags, players have 20 seconds to throw a legal pitch from within the pitcher's box. If they step beyond the line or foul on the throw, it's considered a foul and doesn't count. If a bag lands only partially on the board and is also touching the ground, it doesn't count and should be removed before the next throw.

When it comes to scoring, you want your bean bags to either be on the surface of the board or fall through the hole. Bags remaining on the board score one point, while bags that land directly in the hole earn three points. Cancellation scoring is used, which means that the higher-scoring team is awarded points equal to the difference between both sides.

Now, for the fun part — strategy! At the professional level, players can slide all four bean bags into the hole if there's no blocker bag in the way. Defensive strategies are often employed to slow down gameplay or force opponents to make difficult decisions, such as throwing a blocker bag that rests in front of the hole or throwing a bag that knocks other bags out of the way.

Cornhole is a game that's easy to pick up but challenging to master, making it perfect for all ages and skill levels. So, gather your family and friends, set up the boards, and get ready for some friendly competition. Who will be the cornhole champion of the day?

2. KanJam (A Fun Twist on Frisbee)

KanJam is the frisbee game with a fun twist that you've been looking for! It's a competitive game of skill where two teams of two players take turns throwing a frisbee at two plastic cans while their partner tries to help them deflect the disc. The goal of the game is to score points by hitting or deflecting the frisbee into the can or scoring an instant win by tossing the disc into the slot or top of the can without any help. 

If you're wondering how to play, the rules are pretty simple and straightforward. The game is played to a target score of exactly 21, but a team can also win if a player throws the disc through the slot or top of a can without the help of their teammate. In each turn, a player throws the frisbee while their partner tries to deflect it and get it into the can for points. The game ends when a team scores exactly 21 points or "chogs" the disc for an instant win. 

But what happens if a team's score goes above 21 points? Well, points are deducted from their score. For example, if a team has 20 points, and a teammate redirects the disc into the can for a 3-point bucket, their score is reduced to 17 points. But don't worry, you can always make a comeback! In the event of a tie, additional rounds are played until one team has more points than the other at the end of a round. 

Now, let's talk about the different ways to score points. Points are awarded for a dinger, which happens when the flying disc is deflected by your partner into the side of the can (1 point). A deuce (a.k.a. "direct hit" or "direct") is scored when the flying disc hits the side of the can without any help from the deflector (2 points). Finally, a bucket is scored when the flying disc is deflected through the top or into the front slot (3 points). 

And if you're really feeling confident with your tossing skills, you can aim for a perfect game! A perfect game occurs when one team reaches 21 points in only 7 shots, which would require scoring all 3-point or bucket shots. But beware, a perfect game can be overthrown if the opposing team's hammer throws the last shot as an instant win. 

Overall, KanJam is a fun and competitive yard game that offers a great way to spend time with family and friends. It's easy to learn, quick to play, and can be enjoyed by players of different skill levels. Plus, it's a great way to get your body moving and practice your hand-eye coordination skills. 

Conclusion

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we'll reveal the remaining three must-have yard games for your next gathering. Get ready to level up your backyard game and make unforgettable memories!