Best Backyard Games and Outdoor Fun
Your backyard is the best venue you've got. No cover charge, no dress code, and the fridge is right there. But a bare yard with some lawn chairs gets old. A few good games and comfortable seating turn it into a place people actually want to hang out. We're covering the gear that makes your outdoor space fun — from the cooler that keeps drinks cold all day to the hammock you'll fight over and the camp chairs that don't collapse when your buddy who 'doesn't weigh that much' sits down. Plus a hot tub pick for people who want to go all in without spending hot tub money. The best backyard setups we've seen aren't the most expensive. They're the ones where someone thought about comfort and entertainment. A good chair, a cold drink, some games, maybe a hammock. That's the formula.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Key Pros | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler | Cooler | Permafrost insulation keeps ice for multiple days | Buy on Amazon |
| Kammock Roo Double Camping Hammock | Outdoor | Ultralight and packs small | Buy on Amazon |
| ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair Heavy Duty | Outdoor | 800-pound weight capacity | Buy on Amazon |
| Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub 4-Person | Hot-Tub | Fraction of the cost of a permanent hot tub | Buy on Amazon |
| RTIC 30 oz Tumbler | Tumbler | Excellent insulation | Buy on Amazon |
Detailed Look at Each Product
Yeti Tundra 45 Hard Cooler
The Yeti Tundra 45 uses Permafrost insulation and a freezer-quality gasket to maintain ice for days in challenging conditions. Its rotomolded construction withstands rough handling, bear encounters, and years of outdoor abuse. Interior capacity holds 28 cans with ice for a weekend camping trip.
- Permafrost insulation keeps ice for multiple days
- Rotomolded body is nearly indestructible
- Bear-resistant certification for wilderness camping
- Heavy at 23 lbs empty, much more when loaded
- Very expensive compared to traditional rotomolded coolers
Kammock Roo Double Camping Hammock
Ultralight double camping hammock made from durable 40D ripstop nylon that packs down to fist-size yet supports up to 500 pounds. Integrated stuff sack and included whoopie sling suspension straps allow complete setup in under two minutes. A built-in bug net channel and ridgeline attachment point add functionality without extra gear.
- Ultralight and packs small
- Supports up to 500 lbs
- Suspension straps included
- Bug net channel built in
- No integrated rain fly
- Takes practice to hang perfectly level
ALPS Mountaineering King Kong Camp Chair Heavy Duty
Heavy-duty camp chair with an 800-pound weight capacity and wide deep seat for exceptional comfort around the campfire. The powder-coated steel frame resists rust and the 600D polyester fabric holds up through seasons of outdoor use. Four built-in mesh cup holders and side pockets keep drinks and gear within easy reach.
- 800-pound weight capacity
- Extremely comfortable wide seat
- Durable powder-coated frame
- Four cup holders
- Heavy at 13 pounds
- Too bulky for backpacking
Coleman SaluSpa Inflatable Hot Tub 4-Person
This inflatable hot tub seats four adults and heats to 104 degrees with 140 bubble jets for a relaxing soak without the cost of a permanent installation. The I-Beam construction provides a rigid feel, and the insulated cover with safety lock retains heat between uses.
- Fraction of the cost of a permanent hot tub
- Sets up in about 20 minutes with the built-in pump
- Insulated cover retains heat and keeps debris out
- Takes 12-24 hours to reach full temperature from cold
- Electricity cost can be noticeable with frequent use in cold weather
RTIC 30 oz Tumbler
Double-wall vacuum insulated stainless steel tumbler at a fraction of premium brand prices. Keeps drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 6 hours. Splash-proof lid with straw-friendly opening.
- Excellent insulation
- Very affordable
- Durable stainless steel
- Splash-proof lid
- Lid not fully leak-proof
- Limited color options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a YETI cooler really worth the money?
Here's the honest answer: no cooler needs to cost that much. But YETI coolers keep ice for days, they're basically indestructible, and they double as a bench or step stool. If you do a lot of outdoor entertaining or camping, you'll get your money's worth over years of use. If you only use a cooler twice a year, get a cheaper one.
Are inflatable hot tubs any good?
They're not going to match a $10,000 built-in spa, but for the price? They're surprisingly great. The Coleman SaluSpa heats up to 104 degrees and fits 4 people. It takes a few hours to heat up initially — that's the main downside. But once it's warm, it's a legitimate hot tub experience. Set it up on a flat surface and you're golden.
What's the most durable outdoor camp chair?
The ALPS Mountaineering King Kong handles up to 800 pounds. That's not a typo. It's got steel frame construction, padded armrests, and cup holders. It's heavier than ultralight camping chairs, but for your backyard that doesn't matter. This thing will outlast everything else you own.
What backyard games are best for adults?
Cornhole is the obvious one — easy to learn, works for all skill levels, and pairs well with drinks. Spikeball is great if your group is more active. KanJam is underrated and gets competitive fast. For a chill hangout, just the hammock and a good playlist might be all you need. Not everything has to be a competition.