National Yard Games Day kicks off the summer season every June 21, inviting everyone to enjoy outdoor play. It’s a perfect opportunity to gather friends and family in your backyard for classic and new games, fostering community and healthy competition. Dust off the cornhole, set up a badminton net, or invent a new challenge to make the most of the longest day of the year.
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Expected National Yard Games Day Deals
As National Yard Games Day approaches, expect retailers to roll out exciting promotions on outdoor games and summer essentials. In 2027, look for significant discounts from brands like Dick’s Sporting Goods on everything from cornhole sets to giant Jenga. Target and Walmart will likely feature sales on backyard entertainment, including inflatable games and water toys. Specialty stores like Fat Brain Toys might offer unique, innovative yard games. Don’t forget picnic and BBQ supplies from Kroger or Publix, and outdoor furniture deals from Home Depot or Lowe’s to complete your setup. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as June 21 approaches.
Platform Guide for National Yard Games Day
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalYardGamesDay. Share vibrant photos and reels of your favorite yard games in action, showcasing creative setups and joyful moments.
TikTok
Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalYardGamesDay. Film short, engaging videos of game tutorials, funny fails, or innovative new yard game ideas that go viral.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalYardGamesDay. Create event pages for local yard game gatherings or share tips for hosting the ultimate backyard play day.
National Yard Games Day Hero
Frank and Eleanor Beard
History of National Yard Games Day
In 2021, the Tailgating Challenge’s president, Luke Lorick, decided to revive people’s love for yard games by creating a national day for it. National Yard Games Day has only been celebrated once, but the success of the day’s celebration has made the forthcoming ones an anticipated event. This is corroborated by the countdown on the Tailgating Challenge website showing the number of days, minutes, and even seconds remaining to the first day of summer — the day yard games dominate American yards.
There are numerous kinds of yard games available for players. From those that test players’ precision to those that test endurance, all yard games have one thing in common — they are fun to play and bring friends and families together. Yard games have been around for hundreds of years. Cornhole, horseshoe, ladder toss, bowls, and many others, are some examples of available yard games. Some of these games have survived for centuries, and in one case, for millennia, of human history. The game of bowls, for example, was played 5,000 years ago in ancient Egypt. Bocce became exceedingly popular in the Roman Empire around the 16th century. The classical game of cornhole, which is iconic to the National Yard Games Day celebration, evolved from an earlier game described in 1883. And although some reports suggest that it has been around as far back as the 14th century in Germany, the 1883 game more fittingly matches cornhole’s modern version.
To celebrate National Yard Games Day, the Tailgating Challenge releases a list of 10 fun yard games for people to play. In 2021, Tic Bag Toe — a hybrid of the yard games cornhole and Tic Tac Toe — was named the number one game for the year’s celebration. We can’t wait for the organization’s game list for this year’s celebration.
National Yard Games Day timeline
A game similar to bowls is played in ancient Egypt.
The games of bowls and bocce become popular in England and Italy, respectively.
Windt's patented game's description shows features of the game of cornhole.
The city of Bronson organizes the first horseshoe tournament.
Sales of lawn darts are banned in the U.S.
The A.C.L. is founded by Stacy Moore.
How Businesses Can Celebrate National Yard Games Day
Local businesses can tap into the festive spirit of National Yard Games Day by hosting community events or offering themed promotions. Restaurants and breweries can set up cornhole tournaments or giant Jenga on their patios, attracting families and groups. Sporting goods stores can offer discounts on yard game sets and outdoor accessories, while event planners can promote backyard party packages. Consider partnering with local parks for a ‘Play Day in the Park’ featuring various games and family-friendly activities, encouraging outdoor engagement and community bonding.
National Yard Games Day FAQs
When is National Yard Games Day?
In 2027, National Yard Games Day is celebrated on Monday, June 21. This mid-week observance provides a great opportunity to extend weekend festivities or plan an evening of play.
What are the most popular yard games?
Beyond the classics, newer games like Spikeball and Kubb are gaining traction, offering fresh twists on outdoor play. The popularity often depends on group size and desired activity level, from casual tossing to more strategic challenges.
How many people play yard games?
The appeal of yard games is broad, crossing generations and skill levels. While exact numbers are hard to pinpoint, nearly half of American households own at least one yard game, indicating significant engagement.
What is the history of yard games?
The concept of outdoor games played in designated areas has been a part of human culture for centuries. From simple stick-and-ball games to more complex lawn sports, they’ve always served as a way to socialize, compete, and enjoy the outdoors.
National Yard Games Day Activities
Play yard games
There's no better way to celebrate this day than to do what the day was meant for — play fun and designated games.
Create a new game
If you have any wonderful game idea you think can fit into the yard games category, then celebrate this day by introducing it. You can even give it your own name!
Invite others
To spice up the day's celebration, don't just have friends over. Invite neighbors and acquaintances as well and engage them in the fun.
5 Important Facts About Cornhole You Should Know
The original name
The yard game was originally known as Parlor Quoits.
Numerous names
It is also known as Baggo, Backyard Toss, The Beanbag Game, e.tc., depending on the location.
The earliest design
The round hole used in the modern version of the game was originally square-shaped.
There’s an official song
The duo musicians — Rhett and Link — composed a cornhole song in 2007, boosting people's fondness for the game.
The cornhole capital
The Ohio city of Cincinnati is considered the capital of cornhole.
Why We Love National Yard Games Day
It is fun
We know everyone likes to have fun with friends and family. Why then shouldn’t we love a day that offers exciting and fun activities?!
It builds skills
With loads of fun and challenging games played during the day, people get to improve the skills necessary to win. This adds to their pool of human skills.
It brings people together
The day is best celebrated with friends and family. This ensures that the close bonds between people and their friends remain intact.
Social Media Tips for National Yard Games Day
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