Best Outdoor Drinking Games For Summer Parties, BBQs, And Camping

Who doesn’t love a good outdoor party during the summertime? And what makes it even better than adding fun and exciting drinking games to the mix? 

Whether hosting a backyard BBQ, camping with friends, or throwing a summer bash, these outdoor drinking games will bring some laughs and friendly competition. 

From classic favorites like Beer Pong and Flip Cup to unique gems like Kan Jam and SpikeBall — there are a gazillion outdoor party games to keep you and your friends enjoying outdoor drinking.

So grab your beers, and let’s get ready to play. Whether it’s a backyard game, summer parties, or camping trips, we’ve listed the best outdoor drinking games you can try.

Classic Outdoor Drinking Games

At the top of the most favorite drinking games are the three most well-known classic games that set the pace for an exciting and friendly competition during a summer or barbecue party: 

• Beer Pong 
• Flip Cup
• Cornhole

Let’s dig deeper into the details of each game.

Beer Pong

Beer Pong is an excellent outdoor drinking game that combines competition, socializing, and beer consumption. It involves two teams throwing ping pong balls across a table to land them in beer-filled cups. 

The first team to eliminate all their opponent’s cups wins.

Beer Pong has become so popular that official tournaments are held worldwide. But you don’t need to be an expert player or attend a fancy tournament to enjoy this fun drinking game. 

You can set up your Beer Pong table at home, at a summer party or BBQ, or even during camping trips. The easy setup and unending fun make it a game that never goes out of style.

If you’re looking for ways to elevate your next party or gathering, throw in some friendly competition by organizing an epic round (or several) of Beer Pong. Whether you play as individuals or form opposite sides with friends and family, remember not to take things too seriously while still keeping sportsmanship alive.

Flip Cup

Flip Cup is another classic outdoor drinking game that brings laughter and fun to any party or gathering. This team-based game involves a race between two teams with players holding a red solo cup filled halfway with beer. 

The objective is to chug your beer, then flip the plastic cup from the edge of the table until it lands upside down.

It’s easy to see why Flip Cup has become such an iconic outdoor game — it’s simple, fast-paced, and highly competitive. Plus, it can be played by any number of people, making it perfect for large groups at summer parties or camping trips. 

If alcohol isn’t your thing, you can easily swap out beer for another beverage like water or soda so everyone can join the fun.

So whether you’re looking for a team-based game that will get everyone involved or just want a quick activity to kick off your next BBQ or camping trip, Flip Cup will surely deliver hours of entertainment and excitement for all involved.

Cornhole

Cornhole is a classic outdoor drinking game that has been around for decades. It involves tossing bags filled with corn kernels onto a raised platform with a hole in it. 

The goal of the game is to get the bag inside the hole, and each successful toss earns points.

Playing Cornhole requires little preparation or equipment, making it an easy favorite among party-goers. You only need two Cornhole boards and eight bags filled with corn kernels. You don’t need an opposing team — people can play individually.

There’s no better way to bond with friends than over a few rounds of entertaining Cornhole set. If you’re looking for an easy-to-learn outdoor drinking game that all ages can play, Cornhole is worth trying at your next summer party or BBQ.

Unique Outdoor Drinking Games

If you’re tired of the regular old beer and con hole games, we’ve put together a list of unique outdoor drinking games like Kan Jam, SpikeBall, Giant Jenga, high noon, Lawn Twister, and Hammerschlagen to keep your party exciting.

Kan Jam

Kan Jam is a unique and ultimate outdoor drinking game to add to your list. The game combines the excitement of frisbee with a target-style goal and plenty of opportunities for competition. 

Played by two teams of two players, Kan Jam involves throwing the frisbee at a specially designed goal to score points by getting it through a slot or hitting it directly.

Kan Jam has been listed as one of the top 15 outdoor drinking games on several websites, making it a popular choice for summer parties, BBQs, camping trips, and other outdoor gatherings. 

With its team-based strategy and physical activity involved in playing the game, Kan Jam is perfect for anyone who loves sports games or enjoys fun social activities with friends and family.

If you’re looking for an exciting new addition to your outdoor drinking game repertoire that combines athleticism with friendly competition, try Kan Jam. The game will appeal to any gathering looking for something active and engaging – whether you’re tailgating before a big game or enjoying some time outdoors with loved ones this summer.

SpikeBall

Spikeball is one of the most exciting and unique outdoor drinking games and has quickly gained popularity among summer partygoers, campers, and beach lovers. The active game combines elements of volleyball and four squares to create an exhilarating experience perfect for groups of four players.

One great thing about Spikeball is that it’s suitable for a broad audience over 12 years old. The game aims to deliver friendly competition while delivering fun when you’re enjoying your favorite drinks. 

You can even find different levels on Wayfair if you want to take your skills up a notch or two.

So why not try Spikeball at your next outdoor gathering? Your guests will love the excitement and the bouncing ball’s fast-paced action off each other instead of over a net. As one of the top 15 outdoor drinking games in 2022, Spikeball will get the party started on a high note and create an unforgettable time.

Giant Jenga

Giant Jenga is one of the most popular and unique outdoor drinking games played at summer parties, barbecues, camping trips, and other outdoor events. It’s an oversized version of the classic stacking game where players take turns removing blocks from a tower without causing it to fall. 

The big wooden blocks make it even more challenging, fun, and nerve-racking. Besides being an excellent adult socializing activity, Giant Jenga also helps develop hand-eye coordination skills and requires strategic thinking. 

No matter how many people you have or what kind of weather you’re having, anyone can play this entertaining and physically engaging game in any condition. 

Other similar games often enjoyed outdoors include the  Tumbling Timbers stacking game, Dizzy Bat, or Oversized Connect 4 – all adding another level of entertainment to any outdoor party.

Lawn Twister

When you’re ready to go to the next level of fun in summer parties or BBQs, Lawn Twister is a unique outdoor drinking game. The classic game involves the whole group, and you can easily incorporate drinks when you’re playing to make it even more entertaining.

To set up Lawn Twister, you only need a large mat with colorful dots scattered across it, just like in a regular twister. Instead of playing indoors on a small mat, you play outside on your lawn with friends and family. 

Once everyone is ready to play, grab some drinks and take turns spinning the spinner to see which body part goes where on the board. It’s fun to socialize while enjoying refreshing beverages in the sun.

Lawn Twister pairs excellently with other outdoor games like Cornhole, Beer Pong Golf, or Giant Beer Pong, making an unforgettable day filled with entertainment, laughter, and memories.

Hammerschlagen

Hammerschlagen is another outdoor drinking game you can add to your event. The game originated in Germany and involved players hammering nails into a tree trunk. 

The objective is to be the first player to hammer in your nail successfully. The game’s easy to set up, requires minimal equipment other than a stump or log and nails, and can be played with any number of people. 

You can curve a great outdoor drinking experience with Hammerschlagen’s competitive nature, which adds excitement to any backyard party or camping trip.

Games For Different Occasions

Some drinking games are more suitable for specific occasions than others. Let’s examine events and games that best suit them.

Summer Parties Games to Play

Summer parties are the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors and have fun with friends around drinking. Whether throwing a pool party, backyard barbecue, or beach bash, there’s no shortage of outdoor drinking games to play.

Best drinking games for summer parties include:

• Beer pong
• Flip Cup
• Kan Jam
• Giant Jenga
• Flying Disc

Regardless of the nature of your event, you’ll find a suitable game for you. These games will promote socialization, unite occasion attendees, and deliver hours of endless fun.

You can play the games in groups or couples. All you’ll need is enough space, supplies, and game rules to have fun.

Barbecues Fun Outdoor Drinking Games

The smell of grilled meat, refreshing drinks, and good company — there is much to love about barbecues. Take the thrill a notch higher and set a celebration mood by incorporating BBQ games such as:

• Classic Cornhole
• Giant Jenga
• Charades
• Minute to Win
• Horseshoes
• Ladder
• Classic Beer Pong

If you’re not into drinking games, plenty of non-alcoholic alternatives, such as water pong or jumbo Jenga, can still excite the party.

Incorporating outdoor games at your next BBQ is an easy way to keep everyone entertained while enjoying great food in good company. While having fun, remember to keep hydrated and play safe.

Camping Trips

When having a weekend trip or a more extended adventure into the wilderness, you can play plenty of games around the bonfire in the evenings. One of the best options is Cornhole as it doesn’t require much space, multiple people can play simultaneously, and it’s portable to take on the go.

Aside Cornhole, other games like Medusa can spice up any camping trip. In this game of beer, everyone sits in a circle with their drinks while one person stands in the middle calling out categories such as “people wearing hats” or “people with red shirts.” If the person in the middle calls out your category, you must switch seats quickly without spilling your drink. It’s an exciting way to mix things up during your time in nature.

Outdoor Drinking Games For Large Groups

There are plenty of outdoor drinking games for large groups, but let’s focus only on the top five.

Quarters

Quarters is a classic outdoor drinking game that anyone can play. The game involves bouncing a quarter off the table into a cup or shot glass. If successful, the player assigns drinks to another player or takes one themselves if they miss.

This game is popular among large groups playing outdoors during summer parties, BBQs, and camping trips. 

Quarters Cup is sometimes called beer pong’s little brother because it requires less set-up but still provides hours of fun for everyone involved. Variations of the basic gameplay may involve different rules that make it even more challenging and exciting for players to join in on the action.

Kings

Kings is another classic drinking game that’s perfect for large groups. All you need is a deck of cards and some drinks. 

Each player draws cards and follows the corresponding rule to start the game. Some popular rules include “drink if you’ve ever been in love” or “make a rule.” The person who draws the final king card has to finish their drink.

Kings can easily be personalized with your house rules to add a fun twist to the standard gameplay, making it unique to your group’s preferences. Plus, it’s an excellent icebreaker for any gathering.

Thunderstruck Drinking Game

When it comes to outdoor drinking games for large groups, the Thunderstruck Drinking Game is a popular choice. 

This game involves playing the song “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC and taking a drink every time the word “thunder” is sung. The game continues until the song ends, making it a quick and fun way to get everyone involved.

You can play the Thunderstruck Drinking Game at various outdoor events such as:

• Summer parties
• Barbecues
• Camping trips

The game is an excellent way to break the ice and enjoy friendly competition with friends or family. This game’s easy-to-follow rules and straightforward gameplay will make it a crowd favorite.

If you’re planning on hosting an outdoor event anytime soon, deliver hours of entertainment for guests of all ages by adding this drinking game to your list of activities. You’ll paint unforgettable memories into your guest’s mind even long after the party ends.

Drunk Jenga

Drunk Jenga is a popular outdoor drinking game for large groups. This exciting game involves removing blocks from a tower while attempting to keep it from collapsing. 

The game’s rules involve writing different actions or challenges on each block, which players must act out when the block is pulled.

Drunk Jenga is a variation of Giant Jenga, perfect for adult summer parties, barbecues, and camping trips. This fun and competitive activity will require strategy and teamwork among players as they try not to knock over the tower while enjoying a few drinks with friends in the sun.

Outdoor Drinking Games For Couples

Amp up your relationship by playing exciting outdoor drinking games for couples that guarantee fun while connecting you at a deeper level. Here are some games that can lead to a steamy moment between you and your significant other.

Never Have I Ever

Never Have I Ever is a classic drinking game that couples can enjoy during outdoor parties. It’s an excellent icebreaker and can reveal interesting facts about each other. 

In this game, someone says, “Never have I ever,” such as “Never have I ever stolen something.” If the other person has done it, they take a drink. This continues until someone finishes their drink or gets too hammered to play.

Hosting Never Have I Ever for couples is simple; you only need drinks and are good to go. This game is perfect for getting to know your partner better and sharing experiences without being too competitive. 

Remember not to get too personal or disrespectful during the game – keep it fun and light-hearted.

If you’re looking for an easy-to-play drinking game, perfect for couples at outdoor parties, try Never Have I Ever. It’s entertaining, revealing, and friendly – just what makes summer parties so much fun.

Truth Or Dare

When it comes to outdoor drinking games for couples, Truth or Dare is a popular one. You can spice up this classic game by adding a drinking element, making it perfect for summer parties and BBQs. 

Players take turns asking each other embarrassing questions or challenging them to do daring tasks.

Truth or Dare adds an exciting twist to the traditional outdoor games and keeps everyone entertained throughout the party. It’s also an excellent way for couples to get to know each other better while enjoying drinks in the sun. Plus, non-drinking options allow everyone to enjoy the fun without feeling left out.

Strip Pong

Strip Pong is a popular outdoor drinking game that couples can play. This game is similar to the traditional Beer Pong but with a twist. 

The game aims to throw ping pong balls across the table and remove your opponent’s cups. Whenever one team eliminates all of their opponent’s cups, they get to demand any clothing item from their opponents.

While Strip Pong might seem like a fun way for couples to spice up their day drinking parties, setting boundaries and ensuring everyone feels comfortable playing is essential.

It’s also crucial to drink responsibly and avoid overindulging in alcohol while playing these games,s as they promote excessive drinking habits. Remember, safety always comes first when engaging in outdoor activities that involve alcohol consumption.

Non-alcoholic Alternatives

For those who prefer to stay sober or switch things up, there are several non-alcoholic alternatives to classic outdoor drinking games, such as Water Pong and Jumbo Jenga. 

Let’s examine creative ways to entertain and engage everyone at your next event with these two games.

Water Pong

Water Pong is one of the best outdoor drinking games for people who don’t drink. The game is a perfect alternative to traditional Beer Pong, making it an excellent non-alcoholic option for those who don’t drink or want to slow their alcohol intake.

The game works by filling cups with water and forming two teams across each other. Opposing players take turns attempting to throw ping pong balls into the opponent’s cups filled with water.

If a player successfully throws the ball into one of the opponent’s cups, they must drink that cup’s contents before removing it from play. The team that scores all their opponent’s cups first wins the game. 

For extra fun, you can incorporate other outdoor drinking games like:

• Cornhole
• Kanjam
• Tipsy Toss
• Bucket Ball Giant Beer Pong

Instead of alcohol, use refreshing nonalcoholic drinks.

Water Pong is a fun way to have healthy competition while enjoying your favorite beverage outdoors. With its simple gameplay mechanics and customizable variations – such as adding unique challenges or reducing cup size – this party game will keep everyone entertained for hours during summer parties or camping trips.

Jumbo Jenga

Jumbo Jenga is a must-try for people who love outdoor drinking games. This fun game involves stacking oversized wooden blocks and then carefully removing them one by one without causing the entire tower to fall. 

It’s suitable for all ages, making it a perfect non-alcoholic alternative to traditional drinking games.

Jumbo Jenga has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The game can provide hours of entertainment for groups of all sizes, plus it’s easy to set up and play almost anywhere. 

And if you need help with how to play or some inspiration on variations of this classic game, you can leverage plenty of online resources that offer suggestions and rules for different game versions. You can then tailor the rules for a specific group.

Whether you’re at a summer party or camping trip, Jumbo Jenga is sure to be a hit with everyone.

If you’re looking for an affordable way to spice up your next outdoor gathering, consider investing in a set of Jumbo Jenga blocks. You won’t regret it.

7 Tips For Hosting Successful Outdoor Drinking Games — For Lots of Fun and Laughs

When planning to host a party or a get-together with friends and family and want extra fun with outdoor drinking games, you need to:

• Plan ahead
• Set some ground rules
• Keep safety in mind

Here are seven tips to help you host a fun, safe, and engaging outdoor drinking game at your next party or event.

Provide Enough Space Where Game Can Be Played

Outdoor drinking games require enough space where everyone can participate and move around comfortably.  Depending on the number of participants, you may need a large backyard or park area to host a successful outdoor drinking game.

Apart from enough physical space for players, ensure you have plenty of seats and tables for spectators and drinks. Some outdoor drinking games require a lot of supplies like cups or ping pong balls, so having different surfaces available for these items is crucial.

Enough space is one of the most important aspects of hosting successful outdoor drinking games. Without sufficient space, it’s almost certain your outdoor drinking game won’t be successful. 

Adequate room and resources enhance people’s play when playing fun summer party classics like Beer Pong or Kan Jam.

Have Enough Supplies 

As someone who has hosted many outdoor drinking games, I can’t stress the importance of enough supplies. Nothing kills the vibe more than running out of cups or balls mid-game. Ensure you have plenty of cups, ping pong balls, and other necessary equipment for the games you plan to play.

It’s also a good idea to have extra supplies if anyone accidentally breaks or loses something during the game. Keep extra cups and balls tucked away so that replacements are easily accessible when needed. 

Your guests will appreciate it when they don’t have to wait for a new setup when people play.

Having enough supplies ensures a gameplan, helps keep things organized,d and minimizes potential messes. So stock red Solo cups and spare ping pong balls, and prepare for some epic outdoor drinking game fun.

Set Up Rules And Boundaries

Outdoor drinking games are a fun way to bond with friends and create unforgettable memories. But you should set up clear rules and boundaries to ensure everyone’s safety.

Before starting any game, ensures that everyone understands the rules and limitations of acceptable behavior. This will prevent any potential accidents or misunderstandings.

It’s also important to establish boundaries regarding alcohol consumption limits during the game. While drinking games encourage drinking, you should establish when people should stop drinking so they can play responsibly without risking themselves.

Provide plenty of water and food options for players, especially if you plan to play for an extended period. You can encourage responsible drinking by providing non-alcoholic alternatives such as water pong or jumbo Jenga.

Hydrate And Provide Snacks

Prioritize hydration and snacks when hosting outdoor drinking games. If you’re throwing your party during the hot summer months, dehydration can become a real issue, so be sure to provide plenty of refreshments like:

• Water bottles
• Sports drinks
• Snacks

You can also encourage participants to take breaks between games to hydrate.

For snacks, opt for easy-to-eat finger foods like chips, dip, pretzels, or mini sandwiches. Set up a designated “snack station” with coolers full of drinks and trays of snacks so players can quickly grab what they need without interrupting the flow of the game.

Prioritizing hydration and tasty treats throughout your outdoor drinking game event will energize and entertain your guests.

Know Your Limits And Play Safe

As much as we all love to have fun while playing outdoor drinking games, knowing our limits and playing safe is crucial. There should be no pressure on anyone to drink more than they can handle, and players must watch their friends’ alcohol consumption.

To ensure everyone’s safety, ensure players follow the rules of each game and limit the amount of alcohol consumed within a specific time frame. 

Always have water or other non-alcoholic beverages readily available for everyone. Responsible drinking keeps us safe and enhances our overall experience of playing outdoor drinking games during summer parties, BBQs, or camping trips.

Decorate And Enhance The Atmosphere

Decorating and enhancing the atmosphere can elevate any outdoor drinking game experience. Adding a creative touch to your space can set the mood for all players and make everyone feel more engaged.

Add colorful string lights, tiki torches, or paper lanterns to create an inviting ambiance. You could also add decorations that match your theme, such as beach balls, Hawaiian leis, or bandanas.

Remember music. A well-curated playlist can energize your guests and complement the vibe of your outdoor drinking games. 

Whether you’re looking for pumping party tunes or chill background melodies, music is a great way to enhance the overall atmosphere of your event. Choose songs appropriate for all ages if children attend the party or camping trip.

To set the tone of your party, consider how seating arrangements and playing areas affect gameplay and comfort levels during outdoor drinking games. Having enough chairs or picnic blankets will ensure everyone has a place to sit while not participating in games.

Provide shade on hot summer days so players don’t get too dehydrated while having fun under the sun.

Have Backup Plans For Inclement Weather

Like any other important thing, you need a contingency plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate. Nobody wants the rain or extreme heat to ruin their fun.

Consider renting tents or umbrellas to provide shade and cover from precipitation. Alternatively, have indoor spaces available where you can move the party.

You can also choose games that inclement weather won’t affect too much. For example, opt for lawn games that can easily be played indoors, like Giant Jenga or Hammerschlagen. If playing water-based drinking games, prepare plastic pools as an alternative water source when swimming is impossible due to poor weather conditions.

Ensure your guests know of any changes you may need to make due to bad weather. Create an email group or social media event page for updates and inform everyone of your backup plans. This ensures everyone has a great time regardless of the elements.

Creating Lasting Memories With Outdoor Drinking Games

There is nothing quite like the excitement of playing outdoor drinking games during summer parties, BBQs, and camping trips. There are endless options, regardless of your event type or size. You can tap into the thrill of:

• Classic Beer Pong
• Flip Cup
• Kan Jam
• SpikeBall

The list is endless. Whether you’re looking for fun activities for large groups or intimate gatherings with your significant other, these games offer a perfect blend of competition and socialization.

However, remember that while these outdoor drinking games can be enjoyable, you should play responsibly. Ensure you:

• Have ample playing space
• Set clear rules and boundaries beforehand
• People hydrate regularly
• Provide snacks for sustenance
• Never drink excessively beyond your limits

With these tips in mind, hosting a fabulous outdoor party with unforgettable memories has never been easier. So grab some friends or loved ones today and get ready to take on summer with style.

FAQs on Outdoor Drinking Games