Looking for backyard games for two people that aren’t totally boring? Whether it’s date night, a competitive sibling showdown, or a lazy Saturday with your roommate, there are plenty of two-player backyard games that deliver big fun—even without a crowd.
Here are our favorite fun games for two people that are easy to set up, active, and anything but dull.
1. Paddle Battle (aka Mini Pickleball)
Have a pickleball paddle set and some open space? You’re ready to rally. Use cones or chairs to mark a “net” if you don’t have one, and play to 11 points (win by 2). It’s a quick and fun way to get moving.
👉 Want more variations? Check out our guide to creative pickleball games.
2. Cornhole Sudden Death
Speed things up with one-throw-per-round rules:
- Hit the board = 1 point
- Hole in one = 3 points
- First to 10 wins
No cornhole set? Use laundry baskets and bean bags or socks. Backyard creativity for the win.
3. Frisbee HORSE
Take turns making creative Frisbee shots—behind your back, around a tree, etc. Miss your opponent’s shot, and you get a letter. First one to spell F-R-I-S-B-E-E loses.
Great for parks or backyards with a bit of space and a single disc. Need some other Frisbee game ideas? Check out our post about 10 different Frisbee games. Need a Frisbee? Here’s one for a great price and will last for years.
4. Water Balloon Dodgeball
Beat the heat and get competitive. Fill a bucket with water balloons, set some boundaries, and dodge away. Keep score or just play until the balloons run out. Highly recommend water balloons you can fill up fast. The days of one at a time at the hose are over, people.
🌞 Pro tip: Soft tosses make it fun, not painful.
5. Backyard Bocce (With a Twist)
Standard rules apply: toss the jack, then see who gets their ball closest. Make it interesting by throwing while balancing, hopping, or using your non-dominant hand. Our favorite is glow in the dark bocce ball!
🎾 No bocce balls? Tennis balls and a wiffle ball work great too.
6. Obstacle Course Showdown
Use what you’ve got—cones, chairs, hoses—to build a course. Take turns running and timing each other. Fastest run wins.
🏃♀️ Want a challenge? Add blindfolds or make it themed like “spy mission” or “ninja training.”
7. Giant Dice Games for Two
Giant yard dice aren’t just for big groups. Try:
- Race to roll doubles
- Best total in three throws
- Who can roll a straight first (1–6)
🎲 Need inspiration? Try our 8 favorite yard dice games.
8. Backyard Table Tennis (No Table Needed)
Use a flat surface (like a patio table or picnic bench), set up a towel or books as a net, and grab your paddles. Play with weird grips or swap hands every 5 points to keep it interesting.
🏓 Great for tight spaces or patios.
FAQs: Backyard Games for Two People
What are some fun two-player outdoor games that don’t need equipment?
Try games like Frisbee HORSE, Obstacle Course Showdown, or Water Balloon Dodgeball—no fancy gear needed.
Can you play cornhole with only two players?
Yes! Cornhole works great for two. You can each use one board and take turns throwing. Try variations like sudden death to keep things exciting.
What are good backyard games for couples?
Paddle Battle, Backyard Table Tennis, and even DIY Bocce are great two-player games that mix fun with just enough friendly competition.
Are there competitive backyard games for 2 players?
Absolutely! Try time-based games like Obstacle Course Showdown or skill games like Giant Dice Challenges for a head-to-head format.
Final Thoughts
Backyard fun doesn’t need a crowd. With just two people, a little creativity, and a patch of outdoor space, you can turn a boring day into an instant memory. These fun backyard games for two people are proof that less really can be more.
