Tailgating parties are a great way to celebrate your favorite sports team. They’re also the perfect opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. Liven up your party and strengthen family bonds with these fun budget-friendly tailgating games.
Bean Bag Toss
Bean bag toss is growing in popularity and is now a staple at most tailgating parties. Similar to horseshoes, you score points based on how close you can toss to the goal. This game features soft bean bags and portable plastic targets that are easy to transport and set up. When played properly, this game is safe for all ages.
Cornhole
Cornhole is similar to the bean bag toss, but it’s an official sport and therefore comes with official rules to follow. Players trade off tossing cornhole bags at a raised platform with a hole in the far end. If you’re into deep competition, check out the official rules from the American Cornhole Association. Because of the complex rules involved, Cornhole is best for those 13 and up.
Ladder Ball
Ladder Ball may be the most popular tailgate game right now. It’s fun, portable and the rules are easy to follow. This game is played using vinyl cords weighted with lightweight plastic balls or bolos. Each team tosses one bolo at a time onto colored ladder rungs; you score points when the bolo catches on a rung. Points are canceled out when the opposing team either hangs a bolo on the same rung or successfully knocks the opposing team’s bolo off the rung. This game is safe for ages 13 and up and should only be played outdoors.
Finger Football
Everyone is familiar with the finger football game of yesteryear, which featured a folded-up piece of paper and a field goal formed with pointed fingers. But now, finger football comes prepackaged with a game mat complete with the logos of your favorite teams, a mini-football and real — albeit miniature — scoring posts. Perfect for any age, you can easily set up this family-friendly game on a small collapsible table at your tailgating party.
Washer Board Game
As the name implies, you play this game with washers. You score points by shooting the washers at the target holes on the board. Points are awarded based on the proximity to the target. If you’re a die-hard football fan, you can usually purchase this game readily decorated with your favorite NFL team in mind. It’s a ton of fun for all ages and can be set up for different skill levels.
The Classics
Sometimes kids just want to keep it simple. When you’re packing your car, don’t forget to bring the tailgate classics — a football and a Frisbee.
