The holidays are finally behind us, which means tailgating season is in full swing. Instead of simply kicking the proverbial can down the road this year, take your tailgating parties up a notch with these awesome games. The best tailgating games include classics like cornhole, beer pong and jumbo Jenga (plus a few more obscure options).
Remember: the best tailgating games don’t need to be complicated, but they do need to be fun.
Because party games are to tailgating what popcorn is to watching movies, no tailgate is complete without a few fun activities. So grab a few friends, stock up on some brewskies, load the car and make your next tailgating party the best one yet with these fun everyday games.
1. GoSports Premium Cornhole Set
BEST OVERALL
Cornhole is by far the most popular tailgating game, and for good reason. This game can be played competitively or casually depending on your mood and skill. And, most importantly, you can play this game well even with a can of cold beer in your hand. If you don’t have your own cornhole set, then this premium wooden set from GoSports is one of the best tailgating games available. The set includes two tailgate-sized boards (3 feet by 2 feet), eight beanbags, and a carrying case. The blank wood boards have a light varnish that can easily be painted to show off your team colors. Plus, the boards’ legs fold up for easy portability.
2. Giant Connect 4
BEST KIDS GAME
Seriously, when was the last time you played Connect 4? As one of the easiest games to pick up (which is definitely a plus when you and your buds are in booze mode), this giant Connect 4 features a portable wooden board that measures roughly 2.5 feet tall. It also comes with 42 large coins (21 blue and 21 red) and can be set up in minutes. It’s sure to provide a few laughs while you wait for the game to start.
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3. Giant Wooden Tumbling Timbers
MOST STRATEGIC
Giant Wooden Tumbling Timbers (AKA jumbo Jenga) is easily one of the most popular tailgating games. It has everything: strategy,skill, anxiety and, of course, sweet bragging rights for the winning team. This set includes 60 surprisingly well-crafted wooden blocks that when fully stacked can top five feet—though we doubt you’ll make it that far.
4. Yard Games Giant Yard Pong
BEST DRINKING GAME
The only thing better than regular beer pong is giant beer pong, and this set delivers the fun in spades. Instead of using Solo cups, this kit utilizes actual buckets — 12 to be exact. Complete with two heavy-duty balls and a handy carrying case, you and your buds can help pass the time by making each other drink way more than necessary, making it one of the best drinking games.
5. Spikeball Standard 3 Ball Kit
MOST COMPETITIVE
Two-on-two Spikeball games are fast-paced, frenetic, and extremely fun. This new game has quickly become one of the best tailgating games, and it’s even birthed a competitive league of dedicated players. For when you want to show off your skills, this kit is easy to set up and works in practically any environment. Best of all, you get to decide how big (or small) you want the game to be. All you need is four people, a little open space, and lots and lots of hand-eye coordination.
6. Jazzminton 3 in 1 Paddle Ball Game
GREAT FOR SMALLER GROUPS
For when you’re traveling with a smaller crew — or you and a friend are waiting to meet up with the rest of the caravan — this 3-in-1 paddleball set is a great way to pass the time. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this set comes with badminton balls as well as traditional paddle balls. The paddles themselves are extremely lightweight, making this a great game for both novices and paddle pros.
7. GoSports Portable PVC Framed Cornhole
MOST PORTABLE
Wherever there’s a tailgating party, you can be sure someone is playing a game of cornhole. This portable outdoor game comes with two fully collapsible cornhole boards (one blue and one red) and eight bean bags. Perhaps even better, this set also comes with its own handy carrying case, which is thin and light enough to stuff in any car—regardless of how many people you have packed in the backseats. When trunk space is at a premium, this portable version of corhole is a great choice. And at just $36, this also makes a great gift for anyone who loves tailgating or backyard games.