Best Lawn Darts Sets: Safe Modern Versions That Are Actually Fun
If you’re over 35, you probably have a hazy childhood memory of giant metal-tipped darts arcing across the sky at a family barbecue while unsupervised kids ran underneath. It was terrifying, it was thrilling, and it was eventually banned for very good reasons.
The original metal-tipped lawn darts (“Jarts”) were banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1988 after causing thousands of injuries and at least three child fatalities. The sharp, weighted tips could puncture skulls on impact. They were genuinely dangerous products that had no business being sold as toys.
But here’s the good news: modern lawn darts have completely redesigned the concept. Today’s versions use weighted rubber tips, soft plastic fins, and rounded ends that bounce on impact instead of piercing. They keep the satisfying throwing mechanics and accuracy-based gameplay of the original while eliminating the thing that made them deadly.
The result is a game that’s genuinely fun, genuinely safe, and fills a unique spot in your backyard game collection. If you’ve been nostalgic for lawn darts but assumed they were gone forever, they’re back — and they’re better.
If you are curious, check out a video from TailgatingChallenge where they demonstrate the OG lawn darts. I’m actually kind of sad they are no more. Thinking about it, a steel horse shoe could be just (if not more) dangerous.
Are Modern Lawn Darts Safe?
Yes — with the understanding that “safe” means the same thing it means for horseshoes, bocce, or any thrown object: supervise young children, play in a clear area, and use common sense.
Modern lawn darts are specifically designed to avoid the hazards that caused the 1988 ban. They use soft rubber or weighted plastic tips instead of metal points, meaning they bounce or land flat on impact rather than piercing. They’re lighter than the originals. And they’re designed to land tip-down through weight distribution, not sharpness.
The CPSC ban specifically covers darts with “an elongated tip designed to contact the ground tip-first” that are capable of causing puncture injuries. Modern versions with rounded, flexible tips don’t fall under the ban because they lack the piercing design.
That said, any thrown object can cause a bump or bruise. Keep the playing area clear of bystanders (especially small kids and pets), throw in the same direction, and retrieve darts together after both players have thrown. The same common-sense rules you’d use for horseshoes apply here.
What to Look For
Tip material is everything. Rubber or soft-weighted plastic tips are the standard for modern sets. They should be heavy enough to make the dart land tip-down but soft enough to bounce on impact. Avoid anything with rigid plastic or metal tips — those cross into unsafe territory.
Weight and balance. A good lawn dart feels balanced in the hand and flies predictably. Heavier darts (8-12 oz) fly straighter and are more satisfying to throw. Very light darts (under 6 oz) are more wind-affected and feel toy-like.
Fins matter for flight. The fins stabilize the dart during flight, like feathers on an arrow. Wider, stiffer fins create more stable flight. Floppy or undersized fins lead to wobbly, unpredictable throws.
Target rings. Most sets include two large target rings that lay flat on the ground. Larger rings (15-18 inches) make the game more accessible. Glow-in-the-dark rings are a nice touch for evening play.
Durability. Rubber tips take a beating every throw. Look for sets with reinforced tips that won’t crack or deform after repeated impacts on hard ground.
Best Lawn Darts Sets
1. Franklin Sports Soft Tip Target Toss
Best Overall
Franklin Sports is one of the most trusted names in outdoor games, and their Soft Tip Target Toss is a modern reimagining of classic lawn darts. Four weighted soft-tip darts (two red, two blue) measuring 3″ × 9.5″ with six scoring rings in bright colors. The extra rings are a nice touch — you can create your own course layouts, hang them from trees, spread them across the yard, or stack them for varying difficulty levels.
The weighted tips are designed for precision flight while staying completely safe on impact. The darts are well-balanced — heavy enough at the tip to land consistently but light enough for kids to throw. The multiple scoring rings open up creative gameplay options that standard two-ring sets can’t match, making this set feel more versatile and replayable.
Franklin backs this with the same quality you’ll find across their outdoor game lineup. A carrying bag keeps everything together for transport to parks, cookouts, and camping trips.
Darts: 4 (2 per color), weighted soft tips What’s Included: 4 darts, 6 scoring rings, carrying bag Best For: Most players, creative course setups, families, backyard BBQs What to Know: The 6 rings (vs. the standard 2) allow you to design your own courses and scoring zones — a unique feature that adds replay value. Great for parties where you want to customize the challenge.
2. FIELDAY / JOYIN Glow-in-the-Dark Lawn Darts Set
Best for Night Play
Take everything fun about lawn darts and add glowing targets and darts. The FIELDAY/JOYIN glow-in-the-dark set includes 4 soft-tip darts and 2 large glow-in-the-dark target rings that charge in sunlight and glow for hours after dark.
The glow feature transforms lawn darts from a daytime game into an evening party activity. Set the rings on the grass after sunset and watch glowing darts arc through the dark sky toward glowing targets. It’s genuinely impressive to watch and a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering.
The darts themselves are rubber-tipped and safe for all ages. The set meets US toy safety standards and is certified safe for kids 5+.
Darts: 4 (2 per color), soft rubber tips, glow-in-the-dark What’s Included: 4 darts, 2 glow-in-the-dark target rings Best For: Evening parties, camping, kids, anyone who loved the LED bocce and horseshoe concept What to Know: The glow feature does fade over time with heavy use. Charge in direct sunlight for best results. Only 4 darts instead of 6 — fewer throws per round.
3. EastPoint Sports 2-in-1 Axe Throw & Lawn Dart Combo
Most Versatile
Two games in one set — lawn darts AND axe throwing. The darts have a weighted tip on one end for lawn dart play and a soft axe-blade shape on the other for target throwing. An upright target board is included for axe throwing, plus two ground rings for traditional lawn dart play.
This is a clever design that gives you two distinct games from one set. The lawn dart mode plays like a traditional game. The axe throw mode adds a more physical, aim-focused challenge. Switch between them to keep things fresh at parties and gatherings.
The EastPoint Sports brand is well-known in the backyard games space (they make the popular Go! Gater cornhole sets), so construction quality is reliable.
Darts: 4 dual-purpose (dart tip + axe blade) What’s Included: 4 combo darts, 2 ground target rings, 1 axe throw target board Best For: Players who want variety, party hosts, anyone who also likes axe throwing What to Know: The combo design is a compromise — the darts aren’t quite as refined as purpose-built lawn darts, and the axe throwing isn’t as authentic as a dedicated axe set. But for casual backyard play, the versatility is a strong selling point.
4. Franklin Sports NERF Soft Tip Lawn Darts
Best for Kids & Families
Franklin teamed up with NERF for this one, and the combination makes perfect sense. Four lawn darts with NERF foam tips and weighted rubber bottoms, plus two target rings. The NERF branding isn’t just marketing — the foam tips are noticeably softer on impact than standard rubber tips, making these the safest lawn darts on this list.
Each dart weighs about 9.2 ounces — hefty enough for stable flight and a satisfying throw, but the foam tip absorbs impact on landing. The target rings disassemble for compact storage and transport, which is a thoughtful design detail most sets skip.
If you have kids who already love NERF, this set sells itself. The brand recognition gets them excited to play, and the soft tips give parents peace of mind. It plays well for adults too — the weight and balance are genuinely good.
Darts: 4 (2 per color), NERF foam tips with weighted rubber bottoms What’s Included: 4 NERF lawn darts, 2 target rings Best For: Families with kids, safety-conscious buyers, NERF fans, camping What to Know: The NERF foam tips are the softest option on this list. At 9.2 oz per dart, they’re heavier than they look — real throwing weight, just with a forgiving tip. Target rings break down for easy packing.
5. Triumph Backyard Lawn Darts
Best Standing Darts
The Triumph set has a unique feature that sets it apart: the darts are designed to stand upright when they land. The weighted rubber bottoms and balanced plastic construction mean each dart plants itself tip-down and stays standing, making it immediately clear where everyone’s darts landed. No rolling, no tipping, no guessing.
Four large darts (two red, two blue) with soft rubber tips, two target rings, and a carrying bag. The darts work on any surface — grass, patio, driveway, even hard-packed dirt. The standing feature is particularly useful on hard surfaces where other darts tend to bounce and roll unpredictably.
Made by Escalade Sports (the same company behind Triumph bocce, table tennis, and other well-known game brands), the build quality is reliable. They also make an LED version with light-up darts and target rings for night play if you want to upgrade later.
Darts: 4 (2 per color), soft rubber tips with weighted bottoms What’s Included: 4 standing darts, 2 target rings, carrying bag Best For: Hard surface play, anyone who wants clear dart placement, parties What to Know: The standing feature is the standout — darts stay upright where they land instead of rolling away. Also available in an LED version for night play. Made by Escalade Sports (Triumph brand).
How to Play Lawn Darts
Setup: Place the two target rings on the ground about 30-35 feet apart (adjust for skill level and space). Each ring should lay flat on the grass.
Players: 2 players or 2 teams. Each player/team gets 3 darts of the same color (with a 6-dart set) or 2 darts (with a 4-dart set).
Gameplay: Players take turns throwing their darts underhand toward the opposite target ring. Toss from behind one ring and aim for the other.
Scoring:
- Dart inside the ring = 3 points
- Dart closest to the ring (but outside it) = 1 point
- Only the closer player/team scores each round (cancellation scoring, just like cornhole)
Winning: First to 21 points wins.
There are also other variations of game play and you can make up your own. One of our favorites is called “Islands”. Each ring is an island placed all of the back yard. The goal is to get to the last island in the least amount of throws.
Lawn Darts vs. Horseshoes
Already have a horseshoe set? Here’s how lawn darts compares:
| Factor | Lawn Darts | Horseshoes |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Light (8-12 oz per dart) | Heavy (2.5 lbs per shoe) |
| Setup | Lay rings on ground | Drive stakes into ground |
| Portability | Very light, fits in a bag | Heavy (15-20 lbs total) |
| Safety | Safe rubber/plastic tips | Heavy steel, adult supervision needed |
| Skill Type | Arc and accuracy | Weight and precision |
| Noise | Quiet landing | Satisfying steel clank |
| Best For | All ages, travel, parks | Adults, permanent pits |
They’re complementary games. Lawn darts are lighter, safer, and more portable. Horseshoes are heavier, louder, and more satisfying for adults. Own both if you can.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lawn darts legal? Modern lawn darts with soft rubber or plastic tips are completely legal. The 1988 CPSC ban specifically covers metal-tipped darts capable of causing puncture injuries. Today’s redesigned versions with rounded, flexible tips don’t fall under the ban. You can buy and play modern lawn darts anywhere in the US without any legal issues.
Are modern lawn darts safe for kids? Yes — modern sets are designed with child safety in mind. Rubber and soft plastic tips bounce on impact instead of piercing. Most sets are rated for ages 5+ and meet US toy safety standards. As with any thrown game, supervise young children and keep the playing area clear of bystanders.
How far apart should lawn dart targets be? Standard distance is 30-35 feet between the target rings. For younger players or smaller yards, 15-20 feet works well. Adjust based on your group’s skill level and available space.
What happened to the original lawn darts? Metal-tipped lawn darts (“Jarts”) were banned by the CPSC in 1988 after causing over 6,000 emergency room injuries and at least three child deaths between the 1970s and 1980s. The sharp, weighted metal tips could puncture skulls on impact. Modern versions have completely redesigned the concept with soft, safe tips.
Can you play lawn darts on any surface? Grass is ideal — the darts land softly and the rings lay flat. Hard surfaces (concrete, asphalt) cause darts to bounce unpredictably and can damage the tips over time. Sand works for beach play. Avoid playing on uneven or rocky ground where darts might bounce toward bystanders.
Building your backyard game collection? Check out our Best Horseshoe Sets, Best Bocce Ball Sets, Best Ladder Toss Sets, and Best Cornhole Sets.
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