The grill is fired up. The cooler is packed. Your crew is rolling in. But kickoff is still two hours away — and standing around staring at your phone is not what game day is about.
That’s where tailgate games come in. The right games turn a parking lot hangout into the event before the event. They get people moving, talking, trash-talking, and making memories that last way longer than the final score.
We’ve rounded up the 10 best tailgate games — ranked by how much fun they bring, how easy they are to set up in a parking lot, and how well they work for groups of all sizes and skill levels. Every pick is portable, easy to learn, and designed for the tailgate environment.
What Makes a Great Tailgate Game?
Before we get to the list, here’s what separates a great tailgate game from one that sits in your trunk all season:
Easy to learn. If you have to spend 10 minutes explaining rules, half your group has already wandered back to the grill. The best tailgate games can be explained in 30 seconds or less.
Portable. You’re hauling a cooler, chairs, food, and who knows what else. The game needs to fit in a trunk and not weigh a ton. Setup should take under a minute.
Works in tight spaces. Not everyone has a sprawling parking lot to work with. The best tailgate games work in a single parking space or a small patch of grass.
Social. Tailgating is about hanging out. Games that let players rotate in and out, hold a drink in one hand, and carry on a conversation while playing are the ones that actually get used.
All skill levels. Your group probably includes everyone from competitive athletes to your buddy who claims he “doesn’t do sports.” Good tailgate games give everyone a shot.
The 10 Best Tailgate Games
1. Cornhole
The Undisputed King of Tailgating
Was there any doubt? Cornhole is the default tailgate game for a reason — it’s simple, social, works in any space, and scales from casual to intensely competitive depending on who’s playing. Two boards, eight bags, and you’re set for the entire afternoon.
The pace is perfect for tailgating. You can hold a beverage, carry on a conversation, and toss bags without missing a beat. Players rotate in and out naturally. And the rules take about 10 seconds to explain: toss the bag on the board for 1 point, in the hole for 3 points, first to 21 wins.
For tailgating specifically, a portable or tailgate-size set (3′ × 2′) is easier to haul and sets up faster. But if you’ve got the trunk space, a full regulation set (4′ × 2′) plays better.
Our top pick: Check out our Best Cornhole Sets for 2025 for our full recommendations, or our budget picks under $150 if you want a dedicated tailgate set.
Players: 2-4 (perfect for doubles) Space Needed: About 35 feet for regulation, 25 feet for tailgate size Setup Time: Under 1 minute
2. Ladder Toss (Ladder Golf)
Best Game for Beginners
Ladder toss is cornhole’s laid-back cousin. You toss bolas (two balls connected by a string) at a three-rung ladder. Top rung is 3 points, middle is 2, bottom is 1. First to exactly 21 wins.
The beauty of ladder toss is that it requires almost zero skill to start having fun. Even terrible throws tend to wrap around something, so nobody feels left out. The game is naturally social — players stand close together, and the pace is relaxed.
Most sets fold flat for transport and weigh well under 10 pounds. Setup takes 30 seconds. This is the game you bring when you want something everyone can play immediately without any instruction.
Our top pick: The GoSports Ladder Toss set is well-built and folds flat. The Triumph Sports version is another solid option with heavier-grade construction.
Players: 2-4 Space Needed: About 15 feet Setup Time: 30 seconds
3. KanJam
Best for Competitive Groups
KanJam is the game that turns a tailgate into a tournament. Two teams of two, a frisbee, and two open-top cans. One teammate throws the disc while the other stands by the can and redirects it — slapping it in for points or, for instant victory, putting it through the slot.
The redirecting mechanic is what makes KanJam special. Every throw becomes a team play. Big saves, clutch redirects, and the occasional instant-win slot shot create the kind of highlight-reel moments that people talk about all season.
The game is fast-paced, athletic, and loud — perfect for competitive friend groups. The two cans nest inside each other for transport, and the whole set weighs almost nothing.
Our top pick: The official KanJam set is the only one worth buying. It’s the original, well-made, and includes everything you need.
Players: 4 (2v2) Space Needed: About 50 feet (needs some room) Setup Time: Under 1 minute
4. Giant Jenga (Tumbling Towers)
Best Party Starter
There’s something about watching a 5-foot tower of wooden blocks teetering in the breeze that draws a crowd. Giant Jenga is less of a game and more of a spectacle — and that’s exactly what you want at a tailgate.
Any number of players can participate. Take turns pulling blocks and stacking them on top. The tension builds with every pull, and the crash at the end always gets a reaction from the entire parking lot. Some people write challenges or trivia questions on the blocks for an added twist.
The blocks are heavy (a full set weighs 30-40+ pounds), so this isn’t the most portable option. But if you’ve got the trunk space, it’s worth it. You can also find lighter versions made from pine instead of hardwood.
Our top pick: GoSports Giant Wooden Toppling Tower and SWOOC Games Tumbling Timbers are both well-made options with carrying cases.
Players: 2-10+ (unlimited, really) Space Needed: Very little — just a flat surface Setup Time: 2-3 minutes (building the tower)
5. Spikeball
Best Active Game
If your tailgate crew has some energy to burn, Spikeball is the answer. Two teams of two bounce a small ball off a round net at ankle height. It plays like a mashup of volleyball and four square, with fast rallies, diving saves, and plenty of athletic moments.
Spikeball is louder, more physical, and more competitive than most tailgate games. It draws a crowd and gets people hyped. The downside is that it requires more space and more athleticism than games like cornhole or ladder toss — not everyone will want to play.
The entire set fits in a backpack and assembles in about a minute. The net and ball are surprisingly durable for how light they are.
Our top pick: The Spikeball Standard Set is the original and best. The Pro Set has a sturdier net and better ball for serious players.
Players: 4 (2v2), or rotate teams Space Needed: A decent open area — at least 20′ × 20′ Setup Time: 1-2 minutes
6. Bocce Ball
Best for a Chill Tailgate Vibe
Bocce is the game for when you want competition without cardio. Roll your balls closest to the target, score points, talk smack, repeat. It works on grass, gravel, pavement, and pretty much any tailgate surface.
The pace is slow and social — exactly the energy you want when the brisket is smoking and kickoff is still an hour away. Bocce accommodates any group size from 2 to 8, and it’s intuitive enough that people can jump in mid-game without any confusion.
The main trade-off is weight. A full bocce set weighs 15-20 pounds, which is noticeable when you’re also hauling a cooler and chairs. Go with a 90mm set for lighter portability or a 100mm set for the best playing experience.
Our top pick: We did a full breakdown in our Best Bocce Ball Sets guide. The GoSports 100mm set is our top recommendation for most tailgaters.
Players: 2-8 Space Needed: About 30-60 feet of length (flexible) Setup Time: Zero — just open the bag and toss the pallino!
7. Washers (Washer Toss)
Best Cornhole Alternative
If cornhole is king, washers is the scrappy challenger that’s been around just as long. Players toss large metal washers at boxes or boards with a center hole. Landing in the box scores 1 point, in the hole scores 3. Same scoring concept as cornhole but with a completely different feel.
Washers are incredibly portable — the sets are smaller and lighter than cornhole boards. Many washer sets use compact boxes that nest inside each other or PVC pipe targets that break down flat. This is the game for when trunk space is at an absolute premium.
The throwing mechanics are different from cornhole. Washers can be tossed flat, flipped, or spun — each technique landing differently. It’s a deceptively skill-based game that rewards practice.
Our top pick: The GoSports Washer Toss set with molded carrying case is compact and well-built. The Triumph steel set is a more premium option.
Players: 2-4 Space Needed: About 20 feet Setup Time: Under 1 minute
8. Giant Connect Four
Best for Families & Mixed Ages
Giant Connect Four is exactly what it sounds like — a 3-foot-tall version of the classic board game. Drop oversized discs into the frame and try to get four in a row before your opponent. Kids get it instantly, adults get surprisingly invested, and games are fast enough that people cycle through quickly.
The visual appeal is a big plus at a tailgate. The bright colored discs and the towering frame look cool and draw people over to play. It’s also one of the few tailgate games that works well as a spectator experience — bystanders can see the whole board and react to each move.
Most sets fold down for transport and include a carrying bag. They’re not the lightest option but they’re manageable.
Our top pick: The SWOOC Games Giant 4 Connect and the GoSports Giant Four in a Row are both solid. Look for sets with a carrying case.
Players: 2 at a time (rotate freely) Space Needed: Very little — just room for the frame Setup Time: 1-2 minutes
9. Ring Toss / Hook & Ring
Best for Tight Spaces
When your tailgate spot is squeezed between two trucks with barely enough room for chairs, ring toss saves the day. The tabletop version (hook and ring) mounts to any surface — a tree, a tailgate, a fence post — and players swing a ring on a string to hook it on a small hook. It’s hypnotically addictive.
The full-ground version uses stakes and rings for a more traditional lawn game. Either way, the footprint is tiny, the setup is instant, and it’s the kind of game where people say “just one more try” for an hour straight.
Hook and ring in particular has a craft brewery/pub game vibe that fits tailgating perfectly.
Our top pick: The Tiki Toss hook and ring game is the classic. For a ground ring toss, the GoSports Ring Toss set is affordable and comes with a carrying bag.
Players: 1-4+ (take turns) Space Needed: Almost none Setup Time: Under 30 seconds
10. Football (Just Throw a Ball Around)
The Free Option That Never Gets Old
Sometimes the best tailgate game is the simplest one. Grab a football and throw it around. No setup, no rules, no scoring — just tossing the ball back and forth while you wait for the game to start.
It sounds too obvious to include, but there’s a reason every tailgate has someone throwing a football. It’s the ultimate ice breaker, it warms up the competitive spirit, and it costs nothing if you already own a ball.
If you want to add structure, set up some “targets” — a cooler lid, a trash can, a specific parking spot line — and play accuracy challenges. Or play a casual game of catch where you take a step back after every clean catch until someone drops it.
Our top pick: The Wilson GST or the Wilson “The Duke” NFL replica are classics. Any football works — just make sure it’s not brand new and rock-hard. A slightly broken-in ball throws better.
Players: 2+ Space Needed: Whatever you’ve got Setup Time: Zero
The Ultimate Tailgate Game Kit
If you want to be the MVP of the parking lot, here’s what we’d pack:
Must-have: Cornhole set + football. These two cover 90% of tailgate situations.
Level up: Add ladder toss or KanJam for variety. Both pack small and give your crew a second game when they want a change of pace.
Go all out: Add Giant Jenga and bocce. Now you’ve got a full game day zone that will have neighboring tailgates jealous.
Tight on space: Washer toss + hook & ring. Both fit in a fraction of the trunk space that cornhole takes up, and both are surprisingly addictive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best game for tailgating? Cornhole is the most popular tailgate game for good reason — it’s easy to learn, works in any space, and players can hold a drink while they play. But the “best” game depends on your group. Active crews will love Spikeball or KanJam. Relaxed groups prefer bocce or ladder toss. The ideal tailgate has 2-3 games available so there’s always something to play.
What games can you play in a small tailgate space? Ring toss, hook & ring, washers, and ladder toss all work in tight spaces. Giant Jenga needs almost no footprint. Cornhole in tailgate size (3′ × 2′) fits a standard parking spot. Avoid Spikeball and full-size bocce if space is limited.
What are good tailgate games for families? Giant Connect Four, ladder toss, and cornhole are all great for mixed ages. Bocce works well with kids if you use a 90mm set (lighter balls). Ring toss is fun for all ages. Avoid Spikeball for very young kids — it’s too fast and physical.
How much should I spend on tailgate games? A solid cornhole set runs $70-$150. Most other tailgate games (ladder toss, KanJam, washer toss, ring toss) cost $25-$50 each. Giant games (Jenga, Connect Four) range from $40-$100. You can build a solid 3-game tailgate kit for under $200 total.
What’s the most portable tailgate game? Washers, ring toss, and ladder toss are the lightest and most packable. KanJam is also very portable since the cans nest together. Cornhole boards are the bulkiest common tailgate game — consider a tailgate-size set if portability is a priority.
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