Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a fun-filled BBQ party. But what’s a BBQ without some entertaining games to keep the guests engaged? With a plethora of options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of 24 BBQ games for adults to enjoy while they mingle, laugh, and create lasting memories.
From classic games like Giant Jenga to unique challenges that will test your skills and creativity, this list caters to a wide range of interests and skill levels. So whether you’re planning a backyard bonanza or a simple get-together by the grill, these games are guaranteed to spice up your event and make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Classic BBQ Games
Among the many fun games you can enjoy during a BBQ party, there are a few classics that have stood the test of time. These games are beloved by many and are perfect for bringing people together in a friendly competition.
- Cornhole: Also known as bean bag toss, this game requires players to toss bean bags onto a raised platform with a hole in it. Score points by landing your bean bags in the hole or on the platform.
- Horseshoes: In this game, players take turns tossing horseshoes at a stake in the ground. Points are scored for horseshoes that land close to or around the stake.
- Giant Jenga: A supersized version of the classic puzzle game, players take turns removing blocks from a wooden tower and placing them on top without toppling the structure. See options here.
- Ladder Toss: Also known as ladder golf, players throw bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a ladder-like structure, attempting to wrap the bolas around the rungs. It is also easy to create a DIY ladder toss game using 2×4 or 4x4s, plywood, dowels, screws, washers, and bolts, or you can find one already built here.
- Kan Jam: Also referred to as garbage can frisbee, this game involves teams of two trying to score points by throwing a frisbee into a can with a slot in the front. It is an easy-to-set-up game.
These classic games have endured because of their engaging gameplay and social nature. Including them in your next BBQ event will undoubtedly lead to laughter, conversation, and memories that your guests will cherish.
Drinking Games
BBQ parties with adult attendees might enjoy incorporating some entertaining drinking games. Here are a few drinking games perfect for your next BBQ event:
- Beer Pong: One of the most popular drinking games, Beer Pong involves 2 players or teams and 12-20 plastic cups filled with beer. Arrange half the cups in a pyramid shape on one end of the table and the other half on the other end. Each team takes turns attempting to throw a ping pong ball into the cups of the opposing team. If successful, the opposing team drinks the beer from that cup.
- Party Pong: A lit-up twist on Beer Pong, Party Pong uses glowing cups and balls for a fun game to play after the sun goes down. The rules remain the same, but with added excitement from the neon lights.
- Flip Cup: In this team game, line up players on opposite sides of a table, each with a cup of beer or other beverage. When the game starts, the first player on each team drinks their beer, then attempts to flip the cup upside down by flicking the rim of the cup. Once successful, the next player in line repeats the process. The first team to finish wins.
- Drunk Jenga: Add a twist to the classic Jenga game by writing various drinking-related instructions on each block. Whenever a player pulls a block, they must follow the instruction written on it. This game becomes even more enjoyable as the tower gets taller and participants become tipsier.
- Kings Cup: Spread a deck of cards around an empty cup (the “King’s Cup”) in the center of the table. Each player picks a card on their turn, with assigned rules and actions tied to each card value. For example, drawing an ace might require everyone to take a drink, while drawing a queen might require the player to start a waterfall, during which everyone drinks until the person on their right stops. The game ends when all four kings have been drawn.
These games can add extra enjoyment to your BBQ, but always remember to consume alcohol responsibly and know your limits. Cheers!
Team Competitions
Team competitions can add a fun and exciting element to your BBQ party, bringing guests together in friendly games. Here are some ideas for team-based BBQ games for adults:
- Kickball: Divide your guests into two teams and set up a field for a classic game of kickball. This fan-favorite is easy to play and guarantees a great time.
- Bocce Ball: Bocce ball is a popular yard game where teams take turns throwing balls at a smaller target called a pallino. The team with the ball closest to the target earns points. Find here a Bocce Ball game kit.
- Spikeball: In this fast-paced and fun game, teams of two hit a small ball onto a net, trying to make it difficult for the opposing team to return it. See Spikeball options here.
- Volleyball: Set up a net in your yard and divide your guests into two teams for a classic game of volleyball. This game is perfect for large groups and adds some friendly competition to your BBQ party.
- Capture the Flag: This classic game involves two teams working together to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to their base. It’s a fun way to get everyone running and working together.
- Beer Pong: We’ve already talked about beer pong, but since there is a team aspect to it, we couldn’t leave it out. Set up a table with cups and ping pong balls for a fun game of beer pong. Teams take turns throwing balls into the cups to make the other team drink.
- Water Balloon Toss: Have your guests form pairs and toss water balloons back and forth. The pairs will take a step back in each round, making it more challenging. The last team with an unbroken water balloon wins.
- Scavenger Hunt: Divide your guests into teams and provide them with a list of items to find. The first team to locate all the items wins. You can customize the list to your BBQ party theme.
- Kan Jam: This easy-to-set-up game involves teams throwing discs toward a can, trying to score exactly 21 points.
- Giant Connect Four: This is an oversized, outdoor version of the classic tabletop game Connect Four, designed to bring fun and excitement to your barbeque gatherings. This supersized game encourages friendly competition, teamwork, and strategic thinking among players of all ages, making it the perfect entertainment choice for your next BBQ party. Find here a giant connect four game.
These team competitions are bound to make your BBQ party a memorable event. Don’t forget to encourage team spirit, and most importantly, have fun!
Brain teasers are an entertaining addition to any BBQ party for adults. These games challenge your guests’ mental abilities and encourage friendly competition. Here are some brain teasers to include in your party:
- Logic Puzzles: Present your guests with puzzling scenarios that require logical reasoning skills to solve. You can find a variety of logic puzzles on sites like Pinterest or Woman’s Day.
- Riddles: Offer a mix of easy, funny, and hard riddles for your guests to solve. You can find a curated list of riddles with answers on websites like Reader’s Digest or Let’s Roam.
- Number Slide Puzzle: Test your guests’ numerical skills with a number slide puzzle game, where participants must arrange numbered tiles in a specific order. Purchase a set of number slide puzzles on Amazon or make your own using cardboard and markers.
- Word Games: Incorporate word games like Scrabble or Bananagrams into your BBQ party to keep guests engaged and entertained. These games help enhance vocabulary and encourage strategic thinking.
- Trivia: Organize a trivia game composed of categories that cater to a diverse range of interests. Create questions from various subjects like sports, movies, history, or general knowledge, and challenge your guests to answer them as accurately as possible.
By including brain teasers and puzzles at your BBQ party, you’ll ensure your guests have fun while sharpening their minds. Choose the right balance of difficulty and entertainment to keep everyone engaged and enjoying themselves throughout the event.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve shared 24 exciting BBQ games for adults, perfect for enhancing the fun at your next backyard gathering. From the classic Cornhole and Giant Jenga to strategy-based games like Giant Connect Four, there’s something for everyone.
When organizing a BBQ event, it’s essential to provide a variety of games that cater to different interests and skill levels. Some guests may prefer relaxed games like Horseshoes, while others might enjoy more competitive activities like Spikeball and Kickball.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match games to keep the party atmosphere engaging and dynamic. The addition of these BBQ games will not only provide entertainment for your guests but also create lasting memories to be cherished for years to come.
Remember, the goal is to create a fun and enjoyable environment for everyone in attendance. By providing a diverse selection of BBQ games for adults, your backyard gathering will be a surefire hit!
