Lawn game rentals are one of the easiest ways to turn a simple backyard gathering into a party guests actually remember. Backyard parties don’t need over-the-top entertainment to feel special — they just need something that gets people moving, laughing, and interacting.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular lawn games to rent, how each one works, how to choose the right mix for your event, and smart planning tips to keep everything running smoothly.
- Why Lawn Game Rentals are Popular for Parties
- Should You Rent or Buy Lawn Games for a Party?
- Popular Lawn Game Rentals
- How Many Lawn Games Will You Need?
- How to Set Up Lawn Games for a Smooth Party
Why Lawn Game Rentals Are Popular for Parties
Lawn game rentals solve one of the biggest problems in event planning: keeping guests engaged without micromanaging them. Instead of relying on you to “entertain,” games create built-in activity. People naturally gravitate toward them, reducing awkward downtime and keeping the energy consistent throughout the event.
Another reason lawn game rentals are so popular? They adapt to nearly any event style. A laid-back backyard BBQ, a casual DIY outdoor wedding, a company picnic, or a graduation party can all benefit from interactive entertainment.
They’re also one of the few entertainment options that genuinely work for all ages. Kids can jump in, teens get competitive, adults relive backyard nostalgia, and even grandparents can play at their own pace.
Should You Rent or Buy Lawn Games for a Party?
When planning an event, it’s natural to wonder whether you should buy lawn games or go with lawn game rentals. While buying can make sense for frequent hosts, renting is often the more practical choice for most events.
Buying works best if:
- You host large gatherings regularly
- You have dedicated storage space
- You’re comfortable transporting, setting up, and maintaining equipment
Renting makes more sense if:
- This is a one-time or occasional event
- You want delivery and pickup options
- You need larger, event-quality versions
- You’d rather not store bulky equipment afterward
- You want the flexibility to choose different games each time
The Most Popular Lawn Game Rentals
When it comes to lawn game rentals, a few classics consistently rise to the top. These are the games guests recognize instantly, feel comfortable joining, and return to throughout the event.
Below, we’ll break down the most popular lawn games to rent, what makes each one a crowd favorite, and how they’re typically played.
Giant Jenga
Giant Jenga is the oversized version of the classic block-stacking game — but instead of a small tabletop set, players build and dismantle a tower made of large wooden blocks that can grow several feet tall. It’s simple, recognizable, and instantly inviting.
How it’s played: Players take turns removing one block at a time from the tower and placing it on top without causing the stack to fall. The game continues until the tower collapses — and whoever made the last move is usually declared the “loser.
Cornhole
Cornhole is one of the most requested lawn game rentals — and for good reason. It’s easy to learn, competitive without being intimidating, and familiar to almost everyone. The setup includes two angled boards placed a set distance apart, with players tossing bean bags toward the opposite board in an attempt to land them on the surface or through the hole.
How it’s played: Players or teams take turns tossing four bags each per round. Bags that land on the board score points, and bags that go through the hole score more. Games are typically played to 21 points, using cancellation scoring to keep things competitive.
Giant Connect 4
Giant Connect 4 takes the classic tabletop game and scales it up into a freestanding, eye-catching lawn attraction. It’s one of the easiest lawn game rentals to set up and play, and it doesn’t require much space compared to tossing games.
How it’s played: Two players take turns dropping colored discs into the vertical grid, aiming to connect four in a row — horizontally, vertically, or diagonally — before their opponent does. It’s quick to reset and easy for new players to rotate in.
Ladder Golf (or Ladder Ball)
Ladder Golf — also known as Ladder Toss or Ladder Ball — is a compact, competitive lawn game that’s easy to learn but surprisingly strategic. The setup includes a small ladder-style frame with three horizontal rungs and sets of bolas (two balls connected by a string) that players toss toward the target. It doesn’t require a lot of space, making it a great choice for tighter backyards or events with multiple game stations.
How it’s played: Players take turns tossing their bolas toward the ladder, aiming to wrap them around the rungs. Each rung is worth a different point value, and games are typically played to a set score, often 21 points.
Giant Checkers or Chess
Giant checkers or chess adds a visually striking, interactive element to outdoor events without introducing high-energy competition. These oversized board games are typically set up on large mats with durable, freestanding pieces, creating an eye-catching feature that doubles as entertainment. They naturally draw attention and often become a conversation starter, even for guests who don’t immediately sit down to play.
How it’s played: Giant checkers follows traditional checkers rules — players move diagonally and capture opponent pieces by jumping them. Giant chess mirrors standard chess gameplay, with each piece moving according to its classic rules and the objective being to checkmate your opponent’s king.
Horseshoes
Horseshoes is a classic lawn game rental that brings a traditional, competitive feel to outdoor events. The setup includes two metal stakes set a distance apart, with players tossing horseshoes to land them around the stakes. It’s straightforward, skill-based, and especially popular with adult guests who enjoy a little friendly rivalry.
How it’s played: Players take turns throwing horseshoes toward the opposite stake. Points are awarded for landing closest to the stake, with higher points given for a “ringer,” when the shoe fully encircles the stake. Games are typically played to a set score, often 21 or 40 points.
Ring Toss
Ring Toss is a simple, low-pressure lawn game rental that works especially well when you want something inclusive and easy to rotate through. The setup typically includes a small base with upright pegs and a set of rings that players toss toward the targets. It doesn’t require much space, making it ideal for tighter yards, kids’ zones, or events with multiple activity stations.
How it’s played: Players take turns tossing rings toward the pegs, earning points for each successful toss that lands around a target. Games can be played to a set number of points or simply for fun, depending on the vibe of your event.
Spikeball
Spikeball is a fast-paced, high-energy lawn game rental that instantly raises the energy level of any event. Played with a small round net placed at ground level and a lightweight ball, it combines elements of volleyball and four-square into a competitive, team-based game. It’s athletic, quick, and exciting to watch — which means even guests who aren’t playing tend to gather around.
How it’s played: Two teams of two players stand around the circular net. One team serves the ball by bouncing it off the net toward the opposing team, who then has up to three touches (like volleyball) to return it back onto the net. Points are scored when the opposing team can’t return the ball cleanly.
Putterball
PutterBall is a newer lawn game rental that blends casual golf with the competitive feel of beer pong — minus the cups. The setup includes two putting mats placed several feet apart, each with cup-style targets built into the surface. Players use putters to sink golf balls into their opponent’s target holes, making it both skill-based and surprisingly addictive.
How it’s played: Two players or teams take turns putting golf balls toward the opposing team’s target holes. When a ball lands in a cup, that hole is considered “claimed.” The first player or team to sink putts into all of the opponent’s cups wins.
Bocce Ball
Bocce ball is a relaxed, strategy-based lawn game rental that works beautifully for social events where conversation and competition go hand in hand. The setup includes a small target ball (the pallino) and larger bocce balls that players toss, aiming to land as close to the pallino as possible. It’s simple to understand but still rewards skill and precision.
How it’s played: One team throws the pallino to establish the target. Players then take turns tossing their bocce balls, trying to land closest to the pallino. Points are awarded at the end of each round based on which team has the balls nearest to the target.
Croquet
Croquet is a classic lawn game rental that adds a polished, vintage feel to outdoor events. Played with wooden mallets, colored balls, and a series of wire hoops set into the grass, it blends light competition with a relaxed, garden-party atmosphere. It’s structured enough to feel intentional, but slow-paced enough to encourage conversation as players move across the lawn.
How it’s played: Players take turns striking their assigned ball with a mallet, aiming to pass through each hoop in a specific order before hitting the final stake. Points are earned by successfully navigating the course, and games can be played individually or in teams.
Kubb
Kubb (sometimes called “Viking Chess”) is a strategic lawn game rental that combines precision throwing with team-based competition. Originating in Sweden, the game includes wooden blocks (kubbs), throwing batons, and a larger center piece known as the “king.” It looks unique compared to more common backyard games, which often sparks curiosity and draws guests in.
How it’s played: Teams take turns throwing wooden batons to knock over the opposing team’s kubbs. Once all of a team’s kubbs have been knocked down, they can attempt to topple the king in the center — but only after clearing the field. Knock over the king too early, and you lose the game.
Shuffle Putt
Shuffle Putt is a hybrid lawn game rental that combines elements of shuffleboard and mini golf. The setup typically includes a long, narrow putting mat with marked scoring zones at the end. Instead of aiming for cups, players putt lightweight balls toward different scoring areas, aiming to land in the highest-scoring areas without overshooting.
How it’s played: Players take turns putting balls down the mat toward designated scoring zones. Points are awarded based on where the ball stops, and rounds continue until all balls have been played. The highest total score at the end wins.
Golf Beer Pong
Golf Beer Pong is a creative lawn game rental that combines the familiar format of beer pong with a putting challenge. Instead of tossing ping-pong balls into cups, players use putters to sink golf balls into cup-style targets on a large outdoor mat. It keeps the head-to-head competition people love while adding a skill-based twist.
How it’s played: Two players or teams take turns putting golf balls toward the opposing side’s cup targets. When a ball lands in a cup, that target is eliminated. The first player or team to sink putts into all of the opponent’s cups wins the round.
Kickball
Kickball is a nostalgic, high-energy lawn game rental that turns your event into an instant backyard classic. Played similarly to baseball but with a large rubber ball that’s kicked instead of hit with a bat, it’s simple to organize and easy for guests to understand. Most people already know the basics from school or recreational leagues, which makes it quick to get started.
Kickball works best for larger gatherings with plenty of open space — think company picnics, family reunions, school events, and birthday parties with an active crowd.
How it’s played: Two teams take turns kicking the ball and running bases while the opposing team fields and attempts to record outs. Runs are scored when players safely circle the bases and return home. The team with the most runs at the end of the game wins.
Yardzee
Yardzee is the oversized outdoor version of the classic dice game Yahtzee, making it one of the easiest lawn game rentals to add to any party. Instead of small tabletop dice, players roll large wooden dice in the yard and track their scores on a reusable scorecard. It’s familiar, simple, and requires very little setup space.
How it’s played: Players take turns rolling five oversized dice, aiming to achieve specific number combinations — such as three-of-a-kind, full house, or five-of-a-kind (Yardzee). Points are recorded after each round, and the player with the highest total score at the end wins.
How Many Lawn Games Should You Rent?
One of the most common planning questions around lawn game rentals is: how many is enough?
Here’s a quick rule of thumb based on guest count:
- 5-15 guests: 1-2 games
- 20–30 guests: 2–3 games
- 40–60 guests: 3–5 games
- 75+ guests: 5–8 games
You don’t need a game for every guest, just enough variety to keep activity spread out.
To avoid bottlenecks:
- Mix fast-turn games (cornhole, ladder toss) with slower-paced games (bocce ball, giant chess).
- Create small “game zones” instead of clustering everything in one spot.
- Make sure there’s room around each setup so guests can rotate in easily.
Lawn Game Rental Setup Tips for a Smooth Party
Even the best lawn game rentals can fall flat if they’re placed randomly or left without guidance. A little intentional setup goes a long way toward keeping your event organized, comfortable, and easy to navigate.
Create “Game Zones”
Instead of clustering all your games in one corner of the yard, spread them out into small activity areas.
This:
- Prevents crowding
- Encourages guests to move naturally through the space
- Keeps noise levels balanced
- Makes your layout feel planned instead of chaotic
For larger events, consider grouping high-energy games (like Spikeball or kickball) away from slower-paced ones (like bocce ball or giant chess).
Provide Simple Rule Cards
Not everyone will know how to play every game — and you don’t want to spend the party explaining rules.
Place a small printed rule card at each station that includes:
- Basic objective
- Simple scoring breakdown
- Target score to win
This keeps games moving and allows guests to self-start without needing you.
Plan for Shade
Outdoor comfort matters more than you think. If games are set up in direct sunlight, guests may avoid them during peak heat.
To improve participation:
- Position games near natural shade if possible
- Use umbrellas or pop-up tents for longer events
- Keep water nearby
Comfort directly affects how long guests stay engaged.
Have a Backup Weather Plan
The weather can change quickly, especially for outdoor events.
Before the party, plan:
- Can any games move indoors?
- Is there a covered patio or tent option?
- Should you prioritize games that work on multiple surfaces?
Having a backup plan protects your investment in lawn game rentals and keeps the party running smoothly no matter how the weather acts.
Where to Find Lawn Game Rentals Near You
Once you know which games fit your event, the next step is finding reliable lawn game rentals near you.
With Reventals, you simply add your lawn game rentals to your cart and submit your event details. From there, we handle the rest.
