20 Tailgating Games That’ll Make Your Party the Talk of the Lot

Tailgating is about more than just grilling burgers and cheering for your team. It’s a time to relax, connect, and enjoy some friendly competition before the game begins. With the right mix of games, everyone from toddlers to grandparents can join in the fun. Let’s explore some of the best tailgate games everyone will enjoy.

Tailgating is a pre-game tradition where fans gather outside stadiums to eat, drink, and celebrate before a sporting event. It ranges from simple cookouts with burgers and hot dogs to elaborate setups with grills, TVs, and themed decorations. Fans play games, toss footballs, and enjoy music while wearing team gear. Overall, tailgating is about food, fun, and team spirit.

Now that you’re all set to bring the fun, it’s time to pick the perfect games for your tailgate. These crowd favorites are easy to set up, fun to play, and guaranteed to keep everyone entertained while you wait for kickoff.

Cornhole is a classic tailgating game where players take turns tossing small bean bags at a raised wooden board with a hole near the top. The goal is to land the bag on the board for one point or sink it in the hole for three. It’s a simple but competitive game that’s easy to play while socializing.

In ladder ball, players throw bolas—two balls connected by a string—at a three-rung ladder-like structure. The goal is to wrap the bolas around the rungs. It’s a fun, laid-back game that combines skill and luck.

Spikeball is a fast-paced, competitive game that’s a mix of volleyball and four-square. It’s played with a small, round net on the ground and a bouncy ball. Teams of two take turns hitting the ball off the net, aiming to outplay their opponents in a rally-style game. Players move 360 degrees around the net, diving and spiking to keep the game going.

In horseshoes, players take turns tossing metal horseshoes at a stake to land the shoe around the stake (a "ringer") or as close as possible for points. It’s a laid-back game that players of all ages can enjoy. While horseshoes is traditionally a stationary game, there are portable versions that are ideal for tailgating.

Washer toss is a simple but competitive backyard game where players throw small metal or plastic washers toward a box or board with a hole in the center. The goal is to land washers in the hole for the most points or on the board for a lower score. It’s easy to learn but takes skill to master, making it a fun addition to tailgates.

Jumbo Jenga is an oversized version of the classic block-stacking game, where players take turns removing one wooden block at a time from a tall tower and placing it on top without causing it to collapse. This one is always a crowd-pleaser!

• Kan Jam is a fast-paced disc game where players work in teams to throw and deflect a flying disc into a tall, slot-topped can.

• The goal is to score points by hitting the can, having a teammate redirect the disc, or landing it through the slot for an instant win.

• It’s easy to learn but requires precision and teamwork.

Giant tic-tac-toe is played on a large grid marked with Xs and Os. Players toss bean bags at the grid in hopes of hitting their letter and getting three across. The larger format makes it more interactive and fun for groups.

PaddleSmash combines elements of pickleball and spikeball. Players use paddles to hit a small ball off a central, angled net, aiming to keep the rally going while making it difficult for opponents to return the shot. It’s fast-paced, strategic, and easy to learn, making it a great choice for tailgates.

Lawn darts is a classic outdoor game where players take turns tossing weighted darts underhand toward a target, usually a circular ring placed on the grass. The closer your dart is to landing inside the ring, the more points you score. The darts are rounded rather than pointed, so they're safe to use at crowded tailgates.

Mini tabletop sports games are compact, scaled-down versions of sports like football, basketball, soccer, and hockey. They typically use flicking, rolling, or spring-loaded mechanics to mimic real gameplay in a fun and competitive way. They’re easily portable, so you can play your favorite games anywhere!

Quoit is a ring toss game where players throw metal, rubber, or rope rings toward a peg or stake. The goal is to land the rings around the peg. ​​It’s similar to horseshoes but typically uses a smaller target and lighter rings.

Looking to turn up the competition a bit? These tailgating games for adults bring the energy and laughs, with just the right mix of skill, strategy, and maybe a little trash talk. They’re perfect for keeping the good vibes going while you count down to game time.

Life-size pong is a giant version of the classic party game where players throw or bounce oversized balls into large buckets arranged in a triangular formation. The goal is to land the ball in all of the opponent’s buckets before they do the same, and it is typically played as a drinking game. It’s a fun, interactive game that adds a competitive edge to tailgates.

Hook and Ring Battle is a head-to-head game where players swing a ring attached to a string in an attempt to land it on a hook. Each successful hook earns a point, and the first to reach the target score wins.

When played as a drinking game, the player who loses each round takes a drink. Some versions add a fast-paced twist, where each player races to hook their ring and move a center piece toward their opponent’s side.

Jumbo left right center dice is a simple, luck-based game that’s perfect for tailgating. Players start with an equal number of chips (or drinks, if playing a drinking version) and take turns rolling the oversized dice to see whether they keep or lose their chips. The last player with chips wins!

Keeping the little fans entertained is just as important as prepping the snacks. These tailgating games for kids are fun, easy to play, and a great way to burn off some energy before heading into the stadium.

Limbo is a classic party game where players take turns leaning backward and shimmying under a horizontal bar without touching it or falling. After each round, the bar is lowered, making it harder to pass. The game continues until only one player remains.

Giant Connect 4 is an oversized version of the classic strategy game. In it, players take turns dropping large discs into a vertical grid, aiming to line up four in a row before their opponent. Its larger-than-life design makes it even more engaging for players and spectators alike.

Catch mitt is a toss-and-catch game where players use Velcro-covered mitts to catch and throw a fuzzy ball. The mitts make catching easier, making it a fun and accessible game for all ages.

No matter who’s joining your celebration, the best tailgate games can make your pre-game party one to remember. From family-friendly favorites to competitive showdowns, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Ready to stock up on fun? Check out the tailgating games at Academy Sports + Outdoors!