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Classic Summer Backyard Games

Classic Summer Backyard Games

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With all those summer Fridays and long daylight hours, it’s time to get outside. But you don’t have to be into adventure sports to enjoy it. In fact, we’d argue that the best outdoor activities are the ones you can do in high style right in your own backyard.

Lawn sports are great because, while you don’t always break much of a sweat, you’ll still be healthier than if you just laid out with a pitcher of margaritas (not that there’s anything wrong with that). 

Entertaining at home is also a great way to socialize while sticking to a budget. There’s no need to make every get-together a lavish barbecue, which can get costly. Refreshing, no-cook snacks will delight your guests while keeping things simple.

Best of all, unlike more strenuous sports, these activities lend themselves to great style, which is half the fun! Here are some ideas for fun summer leisure games and, importantly, what to wear when you play them.

Croquet

Croquet is a lawn game that has been around for centuries. The game is played with wooden or plastic balls and metal wickets, and it can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The object of the game is to hit the ball through all of the wickets in order, and then finish by hitting a stake at the end of the course.

Croquet can be played individually or in teams, and it is a great way to get fresh air and exercise. Whether you are playing with family or friends, croquet is a fun game that everyone can enjoy.

GoSports Premium Croquet Set - Full Size for Adults & Kids, Multicolor (CROQUET-01)

This classic game calls for a little ‘20s style with a modern attitude. Since it requires zero athletic exertion, you’ll be comfortable in anything from flip flops to short and t-shirt.  A big, floppy sun hat tops off the outfit and will keep the sun out of your face so you can focus on the game.

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ApudArmis Six Player Croquet Set with Premiun Rubber Wooden Mallets 28In,Colored Ball,Wickets,Stakes - Lawn Backyard Game Set for Adults/Teenagers/Family (Large Carry Bag Including)

 

Badminton

Badminton is a racket sport played using a light, feathered shuttlecock and racket. badminton can be played with two or four players. The game is played on a rectangular court divided by a net.

Badminton is popular in many countries, including India, China, and Indonesia. badminton is an Olympic sport and was first played at the Olympics in 1992. badminton is a relatively easy sport to learn and can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Badminton is livelier than croquet, but it’s still a great opportunity to show some retro flair and have fun with a group! 

 

AboveGenius Badminton Rackets Set of 6 for Outdoor Backyard Games, Including 6 Rackets, 6 Nylon Badminton Shuttlecocks, Lightweight Badminton Racquets for Beginners

 

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Triumph Sports 4-Player Badminton Set with 4 Rackets, 3 Shuttlecocks and 1 Carry Case, Black (35-7119-2)

Cornhole

 

Cornhole, aka beanbag toss, has more of a down-home vibe, so you could go one of two directions with this. The most obvious route is country chic, with little cutoff shorts and a fun tank. Finish the outfit with a trucker hat and a pair of casual leather sandals. Alternately, you could go Southern preppy with a giant t-shirt, Nike shorts, and sport sandals.

GoSports Dark Regulation Size Solid Wood Cornhole Set - Includes Two 4' x 2' Boards, 8 Bean Bags, Carrying Case and Game Rules

 

Whatever leisure activity you choose, make sure your outdoor space is just as fashionable as your outfit. Keep seating and entertaining areas tidy and well appointed. Comfortable patio furniture is always nice, but a simple picnic blanket works just as well and is much more affordable. Also, make sure there is some source of shade to provide a break from the sun, whether that’s a leafy tree or a large umbrella.

Don’t leave your game gear cluttering the yard—pack it away when you’re not playing to keep the lawn looking clean. A set of metal lockers, either out on the patio or in a mud room, lends a kitschy, retro vibe, and will hold everything from croquet mallets to cornhole bags. Alternately, keep your gear in a storage bench or chest that doubles as outdoor seating, because you’ll need it—all the neighbors will want to party at your house.

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