MU insights | 10 Best Outdoor Drinking Games – 2024 Updated

Forget those lukewarm beers and awkward silences. We’re diving into the ten best outdoor drinking games to turn your next gathering into a legendary bash. Whether you’re a seasoned party pro or just looking to add some spice to your backyard BBQ, we’ve got you covered. Get ready for some friendly competition, laughter, and maybe a few spilled drinks…

Here’s what we’re serving up:

• Classic games with a boozy twist
• Active games to get the party moving
• Games perfect for large groups
• Easy-to-learn options for casual fun
• Unique and creative games for a memorable experience
• Drinking game ideas for those that want to test their luck
• Games that will keep you and your friends entertained for hours
• Perfect drinking games for those who want to mix competition with their drinks

So, grab your favorite beverage, round up your crew, and let’s get this party started.

1. Flip Cup – The Classic with a Kick

Let’s kick things off with a crowd-pleaser: Flip Cup. This fast-paced game is a staple at any party, and adding a bit of booze only makes it more hilarious.

How to Play:

1. Divide your group into two teams and line them up facing each other across a table.
2. Each player has a plastic cup filled with their drink of choice.
3. The first players on each team start simultaneously, chugging their drink and then placing the empty cup upside down on the edge of the table.
4. They then attempt to flip the cup so it lands right side up on the table.
5. Once successful, the next player on their team goes.
6. The first team to have all their players complete the flip wins.

Tips for Flip Cup Domination:

• Practice your flip: It’s all in the wrist. A quick flick of the wrist is usually the best technique.
• Don’t overfill your cup: Spills slow you down, so keep the drinks at a reasonable level.
• Teamwork makes the dream work: Cheer on your teammates and keep the energy high.
• Get creative: Add fun variations like using different sized cups or trying to flip with your non-dominant hand.

Flip Cup is a guaranteed way to get the party started and break the ice. It’s simple to learn, endlessly entertaining, and perfect for groups of all sizes. So, grab those cups and let the flipping frenzy begin.

2. Beer Pong – The Backyard Champ

No outdoor party is complete without a rousing game of Beer Pong. It’s a classic for a reason – it’s easy to set up, insanely fun, and always brings out the competitive spirit.

How to Play:

1. Arrange 6 or 10 cups in a triangle formation on each side of a long table.
2. Fill each cup with a bit of beer (or your preferred beverage).
3. Teams take turns throwing ping pong balls into the opposing team’s cups.
4. If a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks the contents and removes the cup.
5. The first team to eliminate all the opposing team’s cups wins.

Power Up Your Pong:

• Re-racks: Give each team a few chances to rearrange their cups during the game for a strategic advantage.
• Island Cup: Place a cup in the middle of the table. If you sink a ball in it, the other team loses two cups of your choice.
• Death Cup: Designate one cup as the “Death Cup.” If it’s hit, the game is over, and the opposing team wins instantly.
• Bounce Shots: Bouncing the ball off the table into a cup counts as two cups. But be warned, the other team can swat it away mid-air.

Beer Pong is all about good times and friendly rivalry. So, set up those cups, grab your ping pong balls, and let the games begin.

3. Cornhole – Toss Your Way to Victory

Cornhole is a fantastic outdoor game that combines skill and relaxation. It’s perfect for all ages and skill levels, making it a great addition to any gathering.

How to Play:

1. Set up two cornhole boards 27 feet apart.
2. Teams take turns tossing bean bags at the opposite board, aiming for the hole.
3. A bag in the hole scores 3 points, while a bag on the board scores 1 point.
4. Play continues until a team reaches 21 points (or another agreed-upon score).

Elevate Your Cornhole Game:

• Trick Shots: Practice throwing “airmail” shots (directly into the hole) or “slide” shots that land on the board and slide into the hole.
• “Dirty Bag” Rule: If a bag hits the ground and then lands on the board, it’s removed. This adds a bit of challenge and strategy.
• “Cancellation Scoring”: Instead of adding up each team’s points each round, subtract the lower score from the higher score. This keeps the game competitive.
• DIY Boards: Get creative and personalize your cornhole boards with paint, stencils, or other decorations.

Cornhole is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, sip on some drinks, and engage in some friendly competition. So, grab those bean bags and see who’s got the best aim.

4. Ladder Toss – Aim High, Score Big

Ladder Toss (also known as “Ladder Golf” or “Monkey Ball”) is a fun and challenging game that will test your accuracy and coordination. It’s perfect for smaller groups and adds a unique twist to your outdoor party.

How to Play:

1. Set up two ladders about 15 feet apart.
2. Each team has three bolas (two golf balls connected by a string).
3. Players take turns tossing their bolas at the ladder, aiming to wrap them around the rungs.
4. The top rung scores 3 points, the middle rung 2 points, and the bottom rung 1 point.
5. The first team to reach 21 points (or another agreed-upon score) wins.

Ladder Toss Tips and Tricks:

• Underhand Toss: Start with an underhand toss to get a feel for the bolas and the distance.
• Focus on Accuracy: Aim for specific rungs rather than just throwing randomly.
• Practice Different Throws: Experiment with different throwing styles, such as overhand or sidearm, to find what works best for you.
• Mind the Wind: Wind can significantly affect the bolas’ flight, so adjust your throws accordingly.

Ladder Toss is a great way to add some excitement and friendly competition to your outdoor gathering. It’s easy to learn, but mastering it takes practice, making it a game you’ll want to play again and again.

5. Kan Jam – Frisbee Fun with a Twist

If you’re looking for a more active game that involves teamwork and coordination, Kan Jam is the perfect choice. It combines the fun of frisbee with a competitive scoring system, making it a great addition to any outdoor gathering.

How to Play:

1. Set up two Kan Jam goals (cans with slots) about 50 feet apart.
2. Teams of two take turns throwing and deflecting a frisbee towards the goal.
3. Points are scored depending on how the frisbee interacts with the goal:
   1. Instant Win (3 points): The frisbee lands directly in the slot.
   2. Deuce (2 points): A teammate deflects the frisbee, and it hits the goal.
   3. Bucket (1 point): A teammate deflects the frisbee and it lands in the goal.

Kan Jam Pro Tips:

• Communication is Key: Talk to your partner and strategize your throws and deflections.
• Practice Your Aim: Work on throwing the frisbee accurately towards the goal.
• Master the Deflection: Learn to control the frisbee’s flight with subtle deflections.
• Vary Your Throws: Mix up your throws with different speeds and angles to keep the opposing team guessing.

Kan Jam is a fantastic way to get some exercise, enjoy the sunshine, and have a blast with your friends. It’s easy to learn but offers plenty of room for skill and strategy, ensuring hours of fun.

6. Dizzy Bat – Spin, Stumble, Swing

If you’re looking for a game that guarantees laughter and silly moments, Dizzy Bat is the way to go. It’s a simple yet hilarious game that combines drinking, spinning, and attempting to hit a ball – what could possibly go wrong?

How to Play:

1. Place a baseball bat on the ground and a ball a short distance away.
2. Players take turns chugging a drink, then placing their forehead on the bat and spinning around it a set number of times.
3. Once dizzy, they try to stand up straight and hit the ball with the bat.

Dizzy Bat Safety First:

• Play on Soft Ground: Choose a grassy area to minimize the risk of injury from falls.
• Spotters are Essential: Have friends nearby to help dizzy players and prevent them from stumbling into danger.
• Know Your Limits: Don’t overdo it with the spinning or drinking. Safety and fun should always come first.
• Keep it Lighthearted: This game is all about laughter and good times, so embrace the silliness and enjoy the moment.

Dizzy Bat is a surefire way to create unforgettable memories and hilarious moments at your next outdoor gathering. Just be prepared for some wobbly legs, missed swings, and plenty of laughter.

7. Giant Jenga – Stack, Pull, Don’t Crash

Giant Jenga takes the classic block-stacking game to a whole new level. It’s a thrilling test of skill and nerves, as players carefully remove blocks and try not to topple the tower.

How to Play:

1. Build the giant Jenga tower by stacking the blocks in alternating directions.
2. Players take turns removing one block at a time from any level of the tower, except the top.
3. The removed block is then placed on top of the tower.
4. The game continues until the tower collapses. The last player to successfully place a block without causing the collapse wins.

Giant Jenga Tips for Success:

• Steady Hands: Take your time and use a gentle touch when removing and placing blocks.
• Plan Your Moves: Look for loose blocks or areas where the tower is less stable.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Take Risks: Sometimes, a bold move can pay off and put pressure on your opponents.
• Embrace the Suspense: The anticipation of the tower collapsing adds to the excitement of the game.

Giant Jenga is a fantastic way to bring people together, create suspense, and enjoy some friendly competition. It’s a game that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats, making it a must-have for any outdoor gathering.

8. Water Balloon Toss – Cool Down with a Splash

When the temperature rises, a water balloon toss is the perfect way to cool down and have some splashy fun. It’s a simple game that’s easy to set up and guarantees plenty of laughter and refreshing moments.

How to Play:

1. Fill a bunch of water balloons and divide your group into pairs.
2. Each pair stands facing each other, a few feet apart.
3. They toss a water balloon back and forth, taking a step back after each successful catch.
4. If a balloon breaks, that pair is out.
5. The last pair standing with an intact balloon wins.

Water Balloon Toss Tips:

• Start Close: Begin with partners standing close together and gradually increase the distance.
• Use a Gentle Toss: Don’t throw the balloons too hard, or they’ll burst on impact.
• Communicate with Your Partner: Coordinate your throws and catches to avoid mishaps.
• Embrace the Chaos: Getting wet is part of the fun.

A water balloon toss is a refreshing and exciting way to beat the heat and create lasting memories. It’s a perfect activity for hot summer days and adds a playful element to any outdoor gathering.

9. Croquet – A Classic Lawn Game with a Boozy Twist

Croquet is a timeless lawn game that combines strategy, skill, and a touch of elegance. Adding a few drinks to the mix makes it even more enjoyable and adds a playful twist to the traditional game.

How to Play:

1. Set up the croquet course with wickets and stakes according to the rules.
2. Each player has a mallet and a colored ball.
3. The objective is to hit your ball through the wickets in the correct order and finish by hitting the stake.
4. Players can also use their ball to hit other players’ balls, sending them off course.

Croquet with a Kick:

• Drink for Each Wicket: Every time a player successfully hits their ball through a wicket, they take a sip of their drink.
• “Poison” Shot: If a player hits another player’s ball, the hit player has to take a drink.
• “Croquet Cocktail”: Create a special cocktail for the game and enjoy it as you play.

Croquet is a fantastic way to enjoy the outdoors, socialize with friends, and add a touch of sophistication to your gathering. With a few boozy additions, it becomes even more entertaining and creates a memorable experience for everyone involved.

10. Bocce Ball – Roll, Aim, and Conquer

Bocce Ball is a relaxing yet competitive game that’s perfect for laid-back outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to learn, suitable for all ages, and provides hours of fun in the sun.

How to Play:

1. Choose a flat playing surface and mark off the boundaries.
2. The game starts by throwing the pallino (a smaller ball) onto the playing area.
3. Teams take turns rolling their bocce balls, aiming to get them as close to the pallino as possible.
4. Points are awarded to the team whose ball is closest to the pallino at the end of each round.

Bocce Ball Tips:

• Practice Your Roll: Master the underhand roll to control the speed and accuracy of your throws.
• Aim for the Pallino: Get your bocce ball as close to the pallino as possible to score points.
• Knock Opponents’ Balls Away: Use your bocce balls to strategically move other balls away from the pallino.
• Teamwork is Key: Communicate with your teammates and strategize your throws to maximize your points.

Bocce Ball is a fantastic way to unwind, enjoy the company of friends, and engage in some friendly competition. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but offers plenty of room for skill and strategy, making it a crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.

Conclusion

These are the ten awesome outdoor drinking games to take your next gathering to the next level. Keep in mind, it’s not just about the drinks. It’s about the memories you make with friends and family. So, get outside, have some fun, and let the good times roll.

• Mix it up: Choose a variety of games to keep things interesting.
• Keep it safe: Drink responsibly and designate a driver.
• Embrace the fun: Laugh, cheer, and create unforgettable memories.
• Don’t forget the snacks: Fuel the fun with delicious food and drinks.

Looking for More Fun? Check Out MU Group

At MU Group, we know a thing or two about having a good time. We’re passionate about creatinghigh-quality toys and hobbies that bring people together and spark joy. From backyard games to indoor activities, we’ve got something for everyone. So, next time you’re planning a get-together, check out our selection and let the fun begin.