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If you’ve ever watched a backyard fill with laughter, competition, and the clink of plastic blocks, you already know the magnetic pull of lawn games. They turn a dull patch of grass into an instant social hub, like chalking a playground onto your garden. Whether you’re hosting a barbie, a birthday, or just a lazy afternoon with friends, lawn games bring people together without complicated setup or a five‑page rulebook. And in the UK, the choice is huge — from novelty sets sold by Menkind to classic croquet and cornhole kits stocked across high-street stores and online marketplaces.
Lawn games are more than just fun. They get kids away from screens, encourage gentle exercise for adults, and bridge generation gaps: grandparents can play alongside toddlers. These games often improve hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and communication — all while the sun warms your shoulders. Want a quick way to inject energy into a party? A set of ring tosses or a giant Jenga tower will do the trick, and you’ll be surprised how quickly strangers on neighbouring lawns become teammates.
Not all lawn games are created equal. Some are great for small gardens, others for picnics or beach trips. Below are tried-and-tested favourites you’ll find in UK stores, with notes on why each one works, ideal group sizes, and where they typically crop up on price lists.
Menkind Winning Ring Toss is a classic novelty that’s perfect for family fun and gift-giving. The set is lightweight and portable, so you can sling it into a trunk and head to the park. It’s great for mixed-age groups and adds a cheeky retro vibe to your garden. Menkind specialises in playful, often themed products, so you’ll often find ring toss sets bundled with other party games or as part of seasonal promotions.
Giant Jenga is dramatic, addictive, and surprisingly tactical. Boards are usually around 8 to 10 inches tall per block and stack up to several feet, creating tense moments as the tower wobbles. Argos and John Lewis commonly stock robust versions that can withstand a few tumbles, with John Lewis leaning towards slightly more polished wooden sets. If you like theatrical suspense and friendly sabotage, this is your go‑to.
Croquet is timeless — a genteel game for lazy afternoons with tea on standby. Sets often include mallets with handles a few feet long and hoops that stand flush with the grass. Decathlon and home-improvement stores like B&Q offer beginner to pro kits: lightweight, portable sets for casual players and heavier, well-balanced mallets for those who want something that lasts. Croquet is perfect for groups of two to six players and fits nicely on lawns that are at least 30 feet long.
Cornhole has skyrocketed in popularity across backyards and beaches. The boards typically measure about 2 feet by 4 feet with a hole drilled near the top; bean bags are soft and easy to throw. Amazon UK and The Range offer everything from foldable travel boards to handcrafted tournament-grade sets. Cornhole is brilliant for mixed-skill groups and works well in spaces where you can maintain a throwing distance of about 27 feet for regulation play or shorter if you have a smaller garden.
Choosing where to buy comes down to what you value: novelty, budget, quality, or convenience. Let’s break down the strengths of stores where UK shoppers commonly hunt for lawn games.
Menkind stands out for quirky, themed sets — think funky designs and playful packaging. If you want something unique or a themed game to match a party, Menkind is a top pick. Prices for novelty games like Winning Ring Toss tend to be mid-range, but the value is in the original design and the instant party-appeal.
Argos is the place to check for solid value and convenience. With a wide stock of classic lawn games and click-and-collect options, it’s handy for last-minute shoppers. Argos often lists budget-friendly sets that work well for casual players and families looking for reliable gear without paying premium prices.
John Lewis is synonymous with quality and customer assurances. Its garden games are often better finished, with smoother wood and more durable components. If you’re thinking long term — a set that looks good and holds up season after season — John Lewis is worth the extra pound or two.
For more athletic lawn games and equipment, Decathlon and sports retailers offer sturdy, performance-oriented kits. Think tournament-style cornhole, heavy-duty croquet mallets, or sports-target games that can take a beating. These stores are ideal if you want something performance-focused rather than novelty-focused.
Buying lawn games can feel overwhelming with so many options. Here are practical points to guide your decision, especially if you’re shopping online or assembling a price list to compare stores.
Look for treated wood, sealed surfaces, or weather-resistant plastics if you plan to leave games outdoors. Untreated timber can warp after a rainy weekend; plastic that feels flimsy might crack after a season. Pay attention to UV protection and whether bags or pieces come with a storage bag to protect against moisture and mildew.
Measure your garden in feet before buying. A cornhole board that’s 2 feet by 4 feet might be perfect for a medium lawn, but if you live in a flat with a small balcony, foldable sets or travel versions are better. If you want to host tournaments, allow about 30 to 40 feet of playing area. Portability matters if you plan to take games to parks or beaches, so check for carry handles, folding designs, or lightweight materials.
Prices vary widely depending on materials, brand, and whether the set is novelty or pro grade. Here’s a rough UK price list to help plan your budget when comparing stores like Menkind, Argos, John Lewis, and online marketplaces.
Expect simple ring tosses, plastic croquet for kids, or compact Jenga towers in this range. These are great for kids, casual use, and parties where you don’t need something built to last. Menkind often offers themed entry sets that look great for a one-off event.
Here you’ll find sturdier cornhole boards, solid wood giant Jenga, and adult croquet kits. These sets strike a good balance between quality and price and are perfect for regular backyard use. Argos and The Range frequently have popular mid-range options with seasonal discounts.
For handcrafted boards, tournament-grade cornhole, and solid hardwood croquet mallets, expect to pay more. John Lewis and specialist makers often supply these sets with better finishes and longer lifespans. These are ideal if you host regular events or want a gift that’ll last for years.
Setting up well can make a backyard game feel like a mini stadium. With a few smart tweaks you can optimize fun and safety.
Think in feet: leave at least 10 to 15 feet between casual game stations so laughter doesn’t become a hazard. For games that require throwing, like cornhole, allocate 27 feet for regulation play or cut it down to 15–20 feet for casual fun. For multi-game setups, create lanes about 4 to 6 feet wide so players can move without bumping into each other.
Check the ground for holes, stones, or slippery patches. If the lawn is damp, lay down a groundsheet or use a wooden platform for game pieces to sit level. Avoid setting up games near sharp garden furniture or fragile plants. For family gatherings, keep a small first-aid kit nearby — you never know when an enthusiastic dive for a falling Jenga block might be necessary!
With a little TLC, your favourite games will last for seasons. Proper care protects your investment and keeps pieces looking great.
Wipe wooden pieces with a damp cloth and dry immediately; use a wood conditioner once a year for untreated timber. Store bean bags in a dry bag to keep them fresh and prevent mildew. If a set came with a storage chest or carry bag, use it — it’s the easiest way to keep everything together and ready for the next barbecue.
Loose screws? Sand small splinters and apply a sealant. For loose boards, a couple of weatherproof screws can extend life dramatically. Most components are easy to fix at home, so don’t toss a set over a minor wobble — some elbow grease and basic tools will usually do the trick.
Want to elevate a garden party into an unforgettable tournament? Themes and small prizes turn casual play into an event people remember for years.
Create simple house rules: best of three rounds, rotating teams, or handicaps for younger players. Use easy scoring methods — one point for near misses, two points for direct hits — so kids can follow along. Keep scoreboards visible and fun: a chalkboard or clipboard works perfectly and adds to the event vibe.
Prizes don’t have to be lavish: a small trophy, a funny hat, or a themed medal can motivate players and make victory sweeter. For multi-game tournaments, use a points ladder where winners of each round collect points toward an overall champion title. Rotate the final rounds to include different game types so skills and luck both matter.
Before you click buy or head out to a store, run through this checklist: measure your space in feet, decide if portability matters, choose materials suited to UK weather, and set a budget. Compare price lists across retailers — Menkind for novelty, Argos for value, John Lewis for quality, and Amazon/The Range for variety — and you’ll land a set that fits both your garden and your social calendar.
Whether you go for Menkind Winning Ring Toss, a robust cornhole kit, or a polished croquet set, lawn games are a low-effort way to create big memories. They’re the kind of purchase that pays back in laughs, photos, and long afternoons that feel like a holiday. So pick your set, invite a few mates, and let the good times roll — the garden is waiting.
Conclusion: Lawn games are an affordable, flexible, and social way to upgrade any gathering. From novelty finds at Menkind to high-quality sets at John Lewis or budget-friendly options at Argos, there’s a lawn game for every garden, group, and wallet. Measure your space in feet, think about portability, and choose materials that cope with British weather. With the right pick, your lawn will become the neighbourhood’s favourite hangout.
Lawn Games | Price | |
---|---|---|
Winning Ring Toss Game | £ 15,- |