World Lawn Games
From Pétanque to kids' games — outdoor games by group size
Gateball 101 — Japan's Homegrown 5-vs-5 Team Lawn Sport
Invented in Hokkaido, Japan in 1947, Gateball is a team sport where two teams of five use T-shaped mallets to hit numbered balls through three gates and strike a goal pole. Strategic 'spark' shots knock opponents out of position. Played in 50+ countries worldwide. Rules, equipment, and tips.
Cornhole 101 — America's Favorite Backyard Bean Bag Toss Game
Cornhole (bean bag toss) is a 2v2 outdoor game where players toss fabric bags at an angled wooden board to sink them in the hole. A staple at BBQs, tailgates, and camps across the USA — simple rules, multigenerational appeal, and growing fast worldwide. Rules, equipment, and tips.
Croquet 101 — England's Strategic Lawn Mallet Game
Croquet spread across Victorian England and remains a beloved garden classic. Hit coloured balls through U-shaped wickets in order, and use 'croquet' shots to send opponents flying. Strategic depth, gentle pace, and multigenerational fun. Rules, equipment, and tips.
Ogostic 101 — Brooklyn's Antler-Stick & Hemp-Ball Outdoor Game
Born in Brooklyn, NY, Ogostic is an indie outdoor game where two players use antler-shaped wooden sticks to throw and catch a hand-woven hemp ball. Compact, graceful, and growing fast among lawn, beach, and camping crowds.
Tóu Hú 101 — The 2,500-Year-Old Chinese Vase-Throwing Game
Tóu hú (投壺) is a classical Chinese game dating to the Zhou dynasty: throw arrow-like sticks into a special vase with side handles to score points. Recorded in the Confucian Liji, later spread to Korea (tuho) and Japan. A graceful, family-friendly game for festivals and gardens.
Spikeball / Roundnet 101 — The Fast 2-vs-2 Outdoor Game from the USA
Invented in the US, Spikeball (officially "Roundnet") pits two pairs around a trampoline-style net on the ground. Hit the ball off the net within 3 touches — equal parts volleyball, dodgeball, and street culture. Rules, equipment, and tips.
Bocce 101 — Italy's Beloved Lawn Ball Game with Ancient Roots
Bocce traces back to Ancient Egypt and Rome, and remains Italy's most popular lawn ball game today. Roll bigger balls towards a small target (pallino) — easier than bowling, more rolling than petanque. Rules, equipment, and tips.
Kubb 101 — Sweden's 'Viking Chess' on the Lawn
Popularized on the Swedish island of Gotland, Kubb is a team throwing game where players knock down opponents' wooden blocks and finally the king. Strategic enough to earn the nickname 'Viking Chess', easy enough for families. Rules, equipment, and tips for enjoying it on the grass.
Mölkky 101 — Finland's Wooden Throwing Game with the Magic 50
Born in Finland in 1996, Mölkky is a throwing game where you knock down numbered wooden pins to score exactly 50 points. Family-friendly, deeply strategic, and rapidly popular worldwide. Rules, equipment, and tips for enjoying it on the grass.
Petanque 101 — France's Beloved Lawn Game with Boules
Born in Provence, France, petanque is a casual yet strategic boules game where players throw metal balls to land closest to a small target. Rules, equipment, and tips for enjoying it on the grass.