Summer is here and there’s nothing better than spending time outside, having fun and creating memories with family and friends. A Canadian summer is all about barbecues, picnics, beach days, hiking and campfires and a great way to increase the fun-factor is to gather everyone around an outdoor game. This summer we’ve got your summer fun covered with an aisle full of outdoor games and toys. Check them out!
CORNHOLE
This is one of the most popular outdoor games but did you know how long this game has been around? Legend has it that a 14th German cabinet maker created the game after watching children toss rocks into a nearby groundhog’s hole. Why “corn”? He thought a bag of corn was much safer to throw than a stone. The rest, as they say, is history.
SPIKE N' SMASH
Spike your way to victory with Spike ‘N Smash. The game has the same feel as volleyball but only requires four players split into two teams. The players are free to move around the net during play and teammates work together to bounce the ball downwards off the net to pass to their opponents. This game gets you moving and laughing!
GIANT TUMBLING TOWER
Every play Jenga? Well this is Jenga on steroids. The object of the game is to make a tower with the oversized wooden blocks and start removing blocks from the bottom and placing them at the top. Tower starts 2.5 feet tall and grows to over 5 feet high.
CROQUET
What comes to mind when you think of croquet? The Queen and Princess Kate playing in the Royal garden? This game may have originated in England and played by the wealthy but quickly grew in popularity across the globe due to its easy rules and equipment making it ideal for all ages. The investment is minimal but the fun is years to come.
AXE THROW AND STICK 'EM LAWN DART SET
Take your outdoor entertainment to the next level with two great games in one set. As your accuracy and aim improve it only becomes more fun. All you need is a wide open space and you’re ready for a day of tossing entertainment!
WASHER TOSS AND RING TOSS
Hillbilly horseshoes. Sewers and washers. Tailgate toss. The game has many names but no matter what it’s called it is a popular and family-friendly game. Perfect for days at the beach or camping because it's so portable.
LADDER TOSS (AKA BOLABALL)
This lawn game is played by throwing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder. Some speculate that the bola is a stand-in for a live snake that cowboys used to throw at fences for points. Each ladder has three rungs, each rung scoring a different point value. The goal is to get at least 21 points to win.
GIANT WOODEN DICE
Take all your dice games outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air! How about “Yardzee” (Yard Yahtzee), Snake Eyes, Twenty-One and Pig. A quick online search will give you plenty of tips on adapting your favourite dice games for outdoor fun.
TIKI TOSS HOOK AND RING
This is a classic Island game that is simple to learn but hard to master resulting in hours of entertainment. Swing a small ring onto a hook attached to the wall? Sound easy? Think again.
WATER TOYS
Pool floats are a must for summer fun and we’ve got a wide selection of affordable and adorable floating characters, some over 3 feet wide. Plus fun pool games like Pool Pong Challenge and the classic water slide. Whether you feel like lounging or playing we’ve got all your water entertainment needs.
We hope we’ve given you some fun ideas that will help bring your family and friends together for laughter and memories as we enjoy all that summer has to offer!