Nothing ties together a good old-fashioned outdoor barbecue like some friendly competition for people of all ages. While the burgers are grilling and the corn on the cob is roasting, encourage your guests to work up a sweat, as well as their appetites, by participating in traditional outdoor games. It’s a thoughtful way to turn a casual gathering into one your guests won’t soon forget.
Step One
Bocce Ball – The best thing about bocce is that it can be played in almost any open space. Bocce ball is a lawn game that closely resembles bowling. It is a simple, relaxing outdoor game that draws people together and brings out their competitive spirit. The best thing about bocce is that it can be played on almost any open space, including grassy knolls, dirt surfaces, sandy beaches and even coarse asphalt. The game requires 2, 4, or 8 players and is played with eight large, uniquely designed and colored balls, plus one smaller ball called the pallino. The rules of the game are simple, and it doesn’t take a whole lot of energy to play.
Step Two
Croquet – Croquet has gone from recreational pastime to competitive sport. Croquet is a lawn game that has been around for centuries, and is traditional entertainment at picnics and garden parties. Over the years it has evolved from a recreational pastime to a competitive sport. The object of the game is more than just hitting plastic balls through wired wickets with mallets. It turns out that it is a fierce competition waiting to happen, taking your barbecue to a whole new level of thrill.
Step Three
Horseshoes – The game of horseshoes is an old family favorite. The sound of horseshoes clanking against a stake can add charm to an outdoor party. Horseshoes is a leisurely competition played between two people (or two groups) using four horseshoes and a couple of throwing stakes. The rules are simple and you can play it in the backyard or on the beach.
Step Four
Volleyball – Volleyball is one of those outdoor competitions that engages the masses. Volleyball may be an Olympic team sport in which two teams are separated by a net and the desire to take home the gold, but you can organize an outdoor volleyball game of your own. Volleyball is one of those outdoor competitions that engage the masses, beginning with two teams which can be made up of anywhere between two to six players. It also inspires spectator involvement from the sidelines. If you and your guests are up for some extreme competition that requires more exertion, then volleyball is your game.