All Kinds of Outdoor Party Games and Entertainment for your Next Summer Bash
Brittany Anderson
Editor
If you're planning a summer get-together, one thing's for sure: good outdoor entertainment (along with outdoor party games) can make or break the party. Sure, great food is important, but it's the activities and memorable moments that keep guests hanging around at a summer party long after they've finished eating.
Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, birthday party, family reunion, or neighborhood block party, these outdoor entertainment ideas are guaranteed to keep everyone laughing, mingling, and having a great time. From classic lawn games to live performers and unique interactive experiences, here are some of the best ways to take your summer celebration to the next level.
Outdoor Party Entertainment
If you really want to make your outdoor party the one everyone talks about all summer, it's time to think beyond burgers and lawn chairs. Bringing in live entertainment or an interactive activity is an easy way to turn a good party into an unforgettable one. Better yet, you can book every one of these party entertainment ideas right here on The Bash, making party planning almost as easy as showing up with a cooler full of drinks.
Band
From small country bands to large cover bands, and everything in between, a band will be the perfect party entertainment for a backyard milestone birthday party, or event with an adult crowd.
DJ
More than just having a playlist prepared, a DJ will spin popular hits, can encourage guests to dance (if that’s what you’re looking for) and can facilitate party games as an emcee.
Pro Tip: For a smaller outdoor event, you may want to consider booking a mobile DJ who requires less setup and brings their own equipment.
Dancers
For a summer party, guests will be highly entertained with a performance from some dancers. Whether it’s hula dancers, belly dancers, flamenco dancers, or fire dancers, their unique skills will be a hit with guests of all ages.
Bounce House
Although typically considered kids party entertainment, a bounce house or party inflatable can be enticing to a variety of guests. If it’s going to be a hot summer day, you can search for a bounce house with a sprinkler system option to cool down guests.
Magician
A strolling magician who can perform various tricks throughout an event, without requiring a sit-down show, is the perfect party entertainment experience for a small outdoor event this summer.
Caricaturist
Not only is a caricaturist party entertainment that all guests will love, but their drawings, whether digital or traditional print, can double as party favors.
Henna Artist
Perfect for a luau, kids’ birthday party, or even a teen party, a henna artist will be an exciting option for the younger crowd at your outdoor summer party.
Face Painter
A standard for kids party entertainment—you can’t go wrong with face painting as your kid friendly party activity. Check with your vendor to see if they offer other fun options like temporary tattoos or airbrush tattoos.
Bartender
Bring in a bartender to craft custom cocktails for your next outdoor soiree. With a professional behind the bar, it’s one less thing to worry about on your list of party to-dos, and it'll add some flair to the whole affair.
Food Truck
Hire a food truck to stop by for an hour or two and provide additional exciting treats for your guests. From mini donuts to ice cream, and tacos to pizza, you’ll be surprised at the variety of options available from a local food truck.
Outdoor Party Games
Whether you own it, borrow it, or buy it, the key to an outdoor party game is that it can be easily set up, right in your own backyard. Here are a few of our favorite party games that are perfect for both kids and adults this summer.
Corn Hole
Potentially the most popular of all the yard games, corn hole is a staple activity at most summer soirees. Whether you have your own custom boards or are borrowing them from a friend, a corn hole tournament is a perfect game to encourage a little friendly competition among guests.
Yard Pong
Typically an adult drinking game, yard pong is appropriate for all ages. If you’re really feeling creative, you can make your own life size yard pong with trash barrels and volley balls.
PutterBall
For the golf enthusiasts in your life, PutterBall combines golf with beer pong and is the perfect activity for an outdoor guys night.
Kan Jam
Guests will test their frisbee skills when you set up Kan Jam as a backyard party activity. Whether it’s Kan Jam original, mini, or splash—teams of two play with a goal of getting their frisbee into their teammates bucket.
Ladder Golf
You don’t need to be a golf pro to play and enjoy Ladder Golf! Comprising teams of two or four, party guests will aim to get their bola on one of the three tiers of the game ladder.
Bocce ball
One of the most traditional backyard party games to play, bocce ball will be a hit for the adult party guests. Bocce ball can be played by 2, 4, or 8 on two different teams striving to get their bocce balls closest to the pallino.
Spikeball
Fast-paced, competitive, and surprisingly addictive, Spikeball is a fantastic game for guests who don't mind breaking a sweat. Teams of two bounce the ball off a small round net, creating quick rallies that are just as entertaining to watch as they are to play.
Giant Jenga
A backyard classic that gets more suspenseful with every turn. Giant Jenga is easy enough for kids and adults alike, and nothing gets a crowd cheering (or laughing) quite like watching a towering stack come crashing down.
Giant Connect Four
Bring everyone's favorite childhood game outdoors with a life-sized version of Connect Four. It's simple, colorful, and perfect for guests of all ages, whether they're playing strategically or just trying to block their opponent.
Croquet
If you're going for a laid-back garden party vibe, croquet is hard to beat. Players take turns hitting colorful balls through a series of wickets, making it a great conversation-friendly game that doesn't require a ton of athletic ability.
Kubb
This Scandinavian lawn game has become more and more popular in North America. Teams toss wooden batons to knock over their opponent's blocks before taking down the king. It's easy to learn, surprisingly strategic, and super fun for groups.
Find more outdoor party ideas here The Bash.
