Tailgating isn’t just about the food and sports. A tailgate party it’s about creating a fun atmosphere where buddies can bond over games while the grill master works their magic. Whether you’re just throwing a frisbee or tossing a bean bag a little friending competition completes the gameday atmosphere. So, while the burgers sizzle and the aroma of grilled delights fills the air, play some fun games in the parking lot or grassy field on gameday.
Why are tailgate games an important part of gameday.
Tailgate games are a huge part of the gameday tradition, bringing people together as the grill sizzles with food. Folks are excited for the upcoming game so a little competition is exactly what tailgaters crave, The grill and games set the tone for the day, creating an electric atmosphere filled with excitement and anticipation. Easy to learn and fun for everybody, these games are always a hit before the big game. Tailgate party games add a layer of tradition and a big part of gameday that fans sometimes look forward to as much as the game itself. As the steaks grill and the beverages chill, tailgate party games provide the backdrop for fun smack talk between tailgaters.
Reasons why these games were picked as the best tailgate games.
- Competitive Games: Ideal for engaging guests of all ages and skill levels, adding excitement and friendly rivalry.
- Versatility: Suitable for playing on both asphalt and grass, offering flexibility depending on the venue.
- Portability: Many games come with convenient carrying bags, making them easy to transport to and from the stadium.
- Ease of Storage: Compact design ensures simple setup and breakdown, minimizing hassle before and after the event.
Best tailgate games while the grill is fired up.
Ladder toss – Perfect for all ages.
This is a popular outdoor game, often enjoyed at tailgating parties. Players throw bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a ladder-like structure with the goal of wrapping them around the rungs for points .
Ladder toss is a fun game at a tailgate for several reasons. Its simple rules and easy setup make it accessible and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels. As an outdoor game, it fits perfectly into the tailgate environment, offering a light-hearted and engaging activity that gets people moving and interacting. The game involves a blend of skill and luck, which adds an element of friendly competition that keeps everyone entertained. Plus, the satisfaction of scoring points by wrapping the bolas around the rungs of the ladder provides instant gratification. It’s a great way to pass the time and build excitement while waiting for the main event to start.
Spikeball – Looking for a fast paced game to give you a little exercise at the tailgate party?
Spikeball is a dynamic and fast-paced sport played by two teams of two players each. The game involves a small, round net placed at ankle height, similar to a mini trampoline. Here’s a quick overview of how Spikeball is played:
- Setup: The net is placed in the center, and players stand around it. Teams alternate around the net, with teammates standing across from each other.
- Starting Play: The game begins with a serve. The server hits the ball off the net towards the opposing team.
- Gameplay: The receiving team has up to three touches (similar to volleyball) to return the ball by bouncing it off the net. The players can hit the ball in any direction, and once the ball is in play, there are no sides or boundaries, allowing for 360-degree play around the net.
- Scoring: A point is scored when the opposing team fails to return the ball onto the net, hits the ball out of bounds, or commits an infraction (like a double hit by the same player).
- Winning: Games are typically played to 21 points, with a two-point margin required to win.
Spikeball is known for its quick reflexes, teamwork, and adaptability, making it a popular choice if you’re looking to get the heart rate up in the parking lot or field. The game is easy to set up and portable, with most sets coming in a carrying bag.
Spikeball fosters a lively and engaging atmosphere, encouraging tons of trash talk. This keeps the players intensity up but also attracts fellow tailgaters to watch. Also, the physical activity involved in Spikeball makes eating a few grilled meals acceptable after you play a few games.
Kan Jam – How good are your frisbee skills?
Kan Jam is a popular outdoor game played with a frisbee and two large cans or “goals.” It’s often enjoyed at picnics, beach outings, and tailgating parties. A simple game yet competitive, requiring accuracy and teamwork. Here’s how it’s played:
- Setup: Two plastic cans, each with a slot on the front, are placed 50 feet apart. Each can has an open top.
- Teams: The game is played with two teams of two players each. One player from each team stands behind the opposing team’s can.
- Gameplay:
- One player throws the frisbee towards the opposite can.
- The teammate can deflect the frisbee to hit the can or aim for the slot or open top for a direct score.
- Scoring:
- Dinger (1 point): The teammate deflects the frisbee to hit the outside of the can.
- Deuce (2 points): The thrower hits the can directly without any deflection.
- Bucket (3 points): The teammate deflects the frisbee into the top of the can.
- Instant Win: If the thrower lands the frisbee into the slot on the front of the can, the game ends immediately with an instant win.
- Winning: The first team to reach exactly 21 points wins. If a team exceeds 21 points, they drop back down to 17.
Kan Jam is known for its simplicity along with its ease to be transported and set up, making it a great choice for outdoor activities.
Cornhole – Beloved by College Tailgaters everywhere!
Cornhole is a popular outdoor game often played at tailgating parties, backyard gatherings, and other social events. It involves players or teams taking turns throwing bean bags at a raised platform with a hole in it. The objective is to score points by getting the bags into the hole or landing them on the board. Here’s a brief overview of the game:
Setup
- Boards: Two boards are set up opposite each other, typically 27 feet apart. Each board has a hole near the top and is angled so that the hole is higher than the rest of the board.
- Bean Bags: Players use small bags filled with dried corn kernels or synthetic materials, hence the name “cornhole.”
Gameplay
- Teams: The game can be played with two or four players. In the case of four players, teammates stand across from each other on opposite boards.
- Throwing: Players take turns throwing the bags from behind the front edge of their board (the foul line) towards the opposite board.
Scoring
- In the Hole (Cornhole): A bag that goes through the hole scores 3 points.
- On the Board (Woody): A bag that lands and stays on the board scores 1 point.
- Off the Board: A bag that lands off the board or bounces off the ground before landing on the board does not score.
Winning
The game is typically played to 21 points, with the exact winning conditions varying by house rules. Points are scored based on the difference in points scored by each team in a round, a system known as “cancellation scoring.”
Cornhole has seen a surge in popularity recently due to several key factors. It’s simple and accessible, making it a favorite for people of all ages and skill levels. With straightforward gameplay and easy-to-learn rules, anyone can join in quickly, making it an excellent option for casual play. Beyond the gameplay, the game’s social aspect shines. Cornhole promotes interaction and friendly competition, allowing players to chat, cheer, and bond over a game. This dynamic makes it ideal for gatherings and enhances a sense of talking trash at a tailgate party. Adding to its appeal is the portability of the boards and bags, which are easy to set up anywhere. Tailgaters also love the customizability of cornhole, personalizing their boards and bags with logos or team colors.
Mini Golf – Bring the golf course and trashing talking to the tailgate.
Bringing a mini golf pad to a tailgate is a brilliant idea because it offers an unexpected and exciting twist on traditional tailgating activities. Unlike standard games, mini golf provides a unique challenge that draws in both seasoned fans and newcomers, making it a refreshing change of pace. You might not be a great athlete, but if you can sink a put you’ll be the king of the tailgate for a few hours!
Beer Pong -No need to say anything else.
Bringing a portable beer pong table to a tailgate is a great idea as it turns a tailgate into a true party. This classic game encourages team play and interaction, bringing people together through not so friendly trash talking competition. Plus, its easy setup and compact design make it perfect for the tailgate scene.
Yard Pong – Oversized cups will attract some spectators.
Giant yard pong is a fantastic idea for tailgates because it transforms a classic party game into an exciting outdoor activity. The oversized setup is visually striking and instantly draws a crowd, making it a perfect centerpiece for any tailgate. Its simple rules and large-scale play make it accessible and fun for all ages, encouraging everyone to join in on the action and create memorable moments together.
Badminton – Perfect for a field or parking lot.
Badminton is a racquet sport played by either two opposing players (singles) or two opposing pairs (doubles). It is played on a rectangular court that is divided by a net. However, set it up in the middle of a tailgate parking lot a make up the size of the court and have fun. Players use lightweight racquets to hit a shuttlecock, a feathered projectile, back and forth over the net. The objective is to score points by landing the shuttlecock in the opponent’s half of the court.
Bringing badminton to a tailgate is a great idea because it’s easy to set up and enjoy in any open space. So slap that shuttlecock all over the tailgate and laugh the day away until the game.
Equipment Needed
- Badminton Set: Includes rackets, shuttlecocks (birdies), and a portable net.
- Space: A flat, open area to set up your net and play.
Setting Up
- Net Setup: Assemble the portable net according to the instructions. Adjust the height if necessary, usually around 5 feet at the center for badminton.
- Court Area: Mark the boundaries of your court using cones, tape, or chalk. A typical badminton court is about 20 feet wide and 44 feet long, but you can adjust the size based on available space.
Rules of the Game
- Teams: You can play singles (one player per side) or doubles (two players per side).
- Serve: The game starts with a serve. The server must stand behind the service line and hit the shuttlecock diagonally to the opponent’s service court.
- Rally: Players rally the shuttlecock back and forth over the net using their rackets. Each side can hit the shuttlecock only once before it goes over the net.
- Scoring: A point is scored when the opposing team fails to return the shuttlecock over the net, or the shuttlecock lands out of bounds. Games are typically played to 21 points, and you must win by at least 2 points.
QB54 – Great way to toss around the football before the game.
QB54 is a unique, tailgate-style football game that combines elements of cornhole with traditional football. The game is played with two specially designed chairs that have goalposts and a hole in the seat, similar to cornhole boards. A realatively newer game compared to some of the others on the list, its a great option for either the parking lot or tailgating field.
So there you go. The ultimate list of tailgate party games for your buddies to play while you are manning the grill. You’ve got the car packed with all the grilling tailgate party items you need for a tailgate spread that everyone will love. Now don’t forget one or two of the list above and your tailgate buddies will have a blast from the minute the gates to the parking lot open up to minute you finish you last game and burger after your team won.
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