Best Lawn Games for 2026
The EastPoint Sports Foldable Ladderball Set ($26.99) is the best lawn game pick for 2026. Its all-weather foldable construction travels with you anywhere and plays as well on grass as on pavement.
See Today’s Price →At a Glance
Lawn Games for Buying Guide
Ladder toss (also called Bolo, Hillbilly Golf, or Redneck Golf) and lawn darts are two of the most played outdoor games in the U.S. — both require no athletic build, scale from two to eight players, and play equally well on grass, gravel, or pavement. The primary distinctions between products: construction material (plastic vs. metal vs. wood), portability (foldable vs. fixed), and in the case of lawn darts, safety design (foam vs. rubber-tip vs. original metal, with metal versions banned since 1988).
Ladder Toss: Plastic vs. Metal Construction
Plastic PVC ladder toss frames are lightweight and often foldable — ideal for transport to tailgates, camping sites, or parks. Metal frames have a more premium feel, don't flex under the weight of bolas, and resist cracking in cold weather. For backyard-only use where the set lives outdoors in the summer, either works. For players who carry their game to events, the foldable plastic EastPoint set is the obvious choice. The GoSports Premium Metal set is the correct choice for players who value appearance and build quality over portability.
Lawn Darts: Safety First
The original metal-tipped lawn darts were banned by the CPSC in 1988 after causing multiple fatal injuries. Modern lawn dart sets use rubber tips (Sportcraft) or foam (NERF). Rubber-tip versions most closely replicate the original game's throwing mechanics and distance control. NERF foam darts are the safest option for households with young children — a wayward throw cannot seriously injure anyone. If children under 8 are playing, NERF foam is the only reasonable choice. For adult gatherings, rubber-tip versions provide a more authentic game experience.
Scoring in Ladder Toss
The standard set is placed approximately 15-20 feet apart. Each bolo (two balls connected by a string) scores different points based on which rung it wraps around — top rung scores 3, middle 2, bottom 1. Players alternate throwing all their bolas, then score. First player to reach exactly 21 points wins (going over resets your score for that round). Most sets include a reference card; the EastPoint and GoSports sets both include rules sheets.
Setup and Storage
Ladder toss sets vary in setup time: foldable plastic sets open and lock in under 2 minutes. Metal sets may require screwing in cross-bars or legs depending on the model. Most bola sets come with a carry bag. Measure your storage space — metal ladder frames don't collapse and need dedicated storage space. Foldable plastic sets store flat under a deck or in a closet.
“EastPoint Foldable Ladderball Set: all-weather, folds flat for transport -- perfect for tailgating and camping.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Foldable frame
- All-weather construction
- EastPoint value
- Includes bolos
Watch out for
- Plastic ladder rungs flex slightly under aggressive play
- Carrying bag is loose and bags fall out
- Not as stable on grass as on flat pavement
“GoSports ladder toss with 6 rubber bolas and carry bag -- complete two-team setup under $33.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- 6 rubber bolo balls
- Carry case
- GoSports quality
- Easy assembly
Watch out for
- Rubber bolos bounce out of cups on hard surfaces
- Ladder can tip on uneven ground
- Score pegs are small and easy to lose
“Sportcraft rubber-tip lawn darts: modern safety version of the classic game with authentic throwing mechanics.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Rubber safety tips
- 4 darts
- 2 target rings
- Storage bag
Watch out for
- Rubber tips limit long-distance throws compared to traditional metal darts
- Smaller hoop targets require more precision
- Not suitable for competitive sanctioned dart play
“NERF foam dart set: foam tips prevent injury -- the only lawn dart option safe for young children.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Soft foam tips
- 4 darts
- 2 target rings
- NERF brand safety
Watch out for
- Short throw distance caps skill progression
- Darts are lightweight and affected by wind more than traditional sets
- Ring targets are small for the dart size
“GoSports Premium Metal ladder toss: powder-coated metal construction for backyard entertainers who leave it out all season.”
See Today’s Price →What we like
- Metal frame construction
- Premium bolos
- GoSports quality
- Regulation size
Watch out for
- Metal frame is heavier to transport than PVC alternatives
- More expensive than plastic sets
- Rungs can scratch if stored without a cover
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