Listen and follow The Wirecutter ShowApple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadioA soccer ball, a football, a tried-and-true set of cornhole are all classic go-to’s for a summer gathering. But there are a lot more outdoor games worth trying.This episode, Wirecutter staff writer and resident games expert James Austin shares his favorite lawn games for every kind of summer hangout, from backyard barbecues to picnics and camping trips. He explains a few under-the-radar picks that might earn a permanent spot in your warm-weather rotation this season.This episode covers:Exploring alternatives to cornhole: James recommends outdoor games that go beyond mainstream classics like cornhole, discussing his hands-on testing process for evaluating portability, setup, and fun.Scenario-based game recommendations: Whether you’re with a competitive group of adults, at a mixed-age gathering or in a tighter space, James has an outdoor game you might love.Compact and active options: We cover which games are the most portable, travel-friendly, and ready for the elements.Products we recommend:The best corn hole board set AllCornhole Tournament Series Cornhole BoardsAllCornhole Tournament Series Cornhole BoardsUnlike lighter, portable options, this board minimizes bounce and lets bags slide, allowing more consistent play.Buying options: $250 from Dick's Sporting Goods, opens in a new tab$300 from Wayfair, opens in a new tabAn extremely competitive game SpikeballSpikeballThis 2-on-2 sport game is both highly physical and competitive that promises to work up a sweat.Buying options: $70 from Amazon, opens in a new tabA tailgate mainstay EastPoint Sports Steel Ladderball SetEastPoint Sports Steel Ladderball SetYou can choose from many versions of this popular throwing game, but in our testing, this set provided the best mix of challenge and accessibility for our testers.Buying options: $65 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$65 from Walmart, opens in a new tabAn engaging throwing game GoSports Kubb Viking Game Regulation SizeGoSports Kubb Viking Game Regulation SizeThis versatile, relatively portable outdoor game can accommodate two to 12 players of all ages.Buying options: $60 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$54 from Wayfair, opens in a new tabAn extremely portable shuffleboard-like game Helinox StringTreesHelinox StringTreesThis straightforward and delightful game packs down into a minuscule package. It’s perfect for people who are looking for a bit of entertainment that doesn’t take up too much room in a pack.Buying options: DEAL, original price $60, sale price $42 from Amazon, opens in a new tabYou save $18 (30%)$60 from REI, opens in a new tabA fun game that travels well and resists the elements Hive PocketHive PocketThis insect-theme, two-player game plays like chess, but it’s more portable and easier to learn.Buying options: $32 from Amazon, opens in a new tabA tile-laying game you can play most anywhere AzulAzulWith a focus on pattern recognition and a fun press-your-luck mechanic, this game is ideal for a picnic table.Buying options: $32 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$32 from Walmart, opens in a new tab$34 from Target, opens in a new tabA focused flying-disc game Kan JamKan JamThis team game provides an invigorating mix of exertion and precision. From teens to adults, anyone who can fling a flying disc will have fun.Buying options: $40 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$40 from Walmart, opens in a new tabA great kite for wide open spaces Prism VertexPrism VertexThis slightly larger but easy-to-put-together kite really wants to fly with the lightest breeze.Buying options: $35 from Amazon, opens in a new tab$35 from Walmart, opens in a new tab