Unique Yard Games to Elevate Your Champaign IL Party Experience
- Janelle Hermann
- Jun 2
- 4 min read
When planning a party, whether it's a casual get-together, a birthday celebration, or even a wedding reception, having fun activities for your guests is a must! In Champaign, IL, where locals love to be outside in the spring and summer months, unique yard games bring all the excitement to your get-together. Here at The Gathering Place, we welcome games of all sorts on the manicured lawn surrounding our building. Let's look at some party favorites that will have your guests laughing in friendly competition at your next event!
The Allure of Unique Yard Games
This past summer, we were able to corral our employees out to The Gathering Place for a day of yard games. But these weren't your normal yard games! I had done my homework and had come up with unique, fresh variations of the old games everyone knows to create something unexpected. And it was a huge hit! The best part was that these games were so versatile that they could accommodate many players or just a few, making them perfect for any type of gathering.
I quickly realized that the charm of these games comes from encouraging anyone, regardless of their age or ability, to participate. Everyone left that day full of laughter and memories, with the intention of doing it again next year.
Giant Jenga
If you've played Jenga before, you know it can be a nail-biter as blocks are carefully pulled from the tower and strategically stacked on top of each other. Now imagine that excitement on a grander scale with Giant Jenga—played the same way, only the blocks are extra large along with the sound of the ear-splitting crash as the tower topples to the floor. The best part about Giant Jenga is the unpredictability of the game—you think you may be the one to make the tower fall, but it might just remain standing!
Spikeball
Spikeball is a fast-paced, action-packed game that has gained popularity in recent years. Played with a circular net set low to the ground, players take turns hitting a ball against the net, trying to make it bounce off in a way that opponents cannot return. The energetic gameplay encourages movement and laughter, making it perfect for outdoor parties in Champaign and easily accommodating for smaller groups.
Ladder Toss
For a game that combines skill and a bit of strategy, ladder toss is an excellent choice. This game features a ladder-like structure with three horizontal rungs where players throw bolas (two balls connected by a string) aiming to hook them around the rungs.
To add a slightly more competitive element, players can keep score. The top rung is worth 3 points, the middle 2, and the bottom is worth 1. The scoring is similar to bags, where you play in rounds. For example, if your team scores 5 points and your opponents score 2, then the higher scoring team ends up with a total of 3 points for that round. The first team to make it to 21 points is the winner.
Kubb
Originating from Sweden, Kubb, often referred to as “Viking Chess,” involves throwing wooden batons to knock down blocks, or “kubbs,” from the opposing team’s side. This game blends bowling with horseshoes, combining skill, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it perfect for larger groups.
Kubb is simple to set up and can easily be played on grassy fields, often drawing in onlookers when played with intensity and excitement. Kubb players must plan their tosses to outmaneuver their opponents to secure the win.
Bocce Ball
Perhaps my all-time favorite game that involves a little bit of relaxation with a little strategy, bocce ball is a classic option. Played on a flat surface, it involves rolling balls toward a smaller target ball, known as the "pallino." Players score points based on how close their balls come to the pallino.
Bocce ball can take on a leisurely pace, allowing for socializing while still providing enough opportunity for competition to keep everyone engaged. It's a traditional game that can appeal to all ages and can be played on both grass and gravel. You can also find other versions of bocce ball that don't require such a permanent playing field.
Washers
If you're looking for a yard game that’s a blast from the past, consider washers. Similar to horseshoes, this game involves tossing washers into a box or hole placed a set distance away.
The laid-back vibe of this game ensures that everyone can participate without feeling intimidated. It also sparks conversation as players take turns tossing their washers, fostering connections and conversations.
Capture the Flag
For parties with plenty of yard space and energetic guests, consider organizing a game of Capture the Flag. This classic game involves dividing into two teams, each with a flag they must protect while trying to capture the opposing team's flag.
Capture the Flag is excellent for larger gatherings as it sparks competition and strategy with more people.
Final Thoughts
As you prepare for your next party in Champaign, IL, think about incorporating some unique yard games to take your celebration to the next level. From the nail-biting suspense of Giant Jenga to the strategic plays of Kubb and the interactive fun of Spike ball, plenty of options exist to keep your guests entertained and engaged.
These games can transform a typical gathering into an extraordinary event filled with laughter, friendly competition, and fond memories. Embrace the outdoor setting and let these unique yard games create the vibe at your next party! Consider renting a Champaign, IL venue equipped for these activities (such as The Gathering Place!), and you're sure to host an unforgettable gathering. Happy gaming!
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