30 Best Tailgate Games to Play on Football Sundays
Your party will be a total touchdown!
Every item on this page was chosen by an editor from The Pioneer Woman. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
No football viewing party would be complete without a few tailgate activities that are almost as fun as the big game itself! It doesn't matter if you're hosting a Super Bowl party, hyping up in the parking lot, or throwing a bash in your backyard—we've got exciting DIY tailgate games that will make your crew everyone's favorite team to hang with on the big day.
Jumbo-size versions of checkers, matching, and dice will take the games you've always loved to the next level, while football and beanbag tosses will bring out your competitive side (in a good way!). Don't be intimidated by these DIY projects—most of them are easy enough for even entry-level crafters to create. In fact, because they're so simple, you'll also have plenty of time to craft some DIY football decorations, too!
But the best thing by far about these football games is that they're fun for the whole family, from kids to parents to grandparents. They're the perfect thing for everyone to enjoy in between bites of tasty tailgate food and finger foods. So grab your jerseys, bundle up, and let the tailgate games begin. Just be sure you remember to pause and catch the kickoff!
Ladder Golf
Get in the patriotic spirit with this red, white, and blue ladder golf game! To play, you'll toss tethered balls (a.k.a bolas) toward the ladder with the goal of landing them on the horizontal bars.
Get the tutorial at Mom Endeavors.
Football Charades Game
Are you fluent in football? Then you'll be a shoo-in to win this charades-inspired game that's all about your favorite sport!
Get the tutorial at The Joys of Boys.
Bean Bag Toss
This simple bean bag toss game is easy to create using clay pot saucers and a free printable. See how many points you can rack up!
Get the tutorial at Mod Podge Rocks.
Outdoor Tic-Tac-Toe Board Game
Follow this simple tutorial to create a rustic tic-tac-toe game board from a large wood slice and black stones. You can easily play this game indoors or take it outside.
Get the tutorial at Ideas for the Home by Kenarry.
TP Hut, Hut, Hike!
In this fun, football-inspired game, players take turns trying to hike rolls of toilet paper through another player’s arms, earning two points for every shot they make in one minute.
Get the tutorial at Happiness Is Homemade.
Giant Jenga
Jenga is a great choice when you're looking for a game that kids and adults can play together. The question is, is it easier or harder when the set is giant?
Get the tutorial at Lemon Thistle.
Giant Lawn Dominoes
Dominoes are fun, but giant dominoes are even better! Pull these out for an extra fun lawn game that costs less than $20 to make.
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
On-The-Go Trivia Popsicle Sticks
It can be hard to bring entertaining games if you're tailgating far from home. Popsicle stick trivia packs up small so that you can take it anywhere! You can use this blogger's 200+ questions or make your own related to your favorite teams!
Get the tutorial at Dream a Little Bigger.
Balance Game
This balance game is perfect for keeping everyone entertained, whether you're tailgating inside or outside. While this blogger uses bright hues, you can choose to paint the blocks in your favorite team's colors!
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed.
Field Goal Washer Game
Make this football-inspired version of the classic washer toss game as easy or challenging as you'd like based on the size of the washers. You can play this tabletop game indoors or outdoors.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Cloth.
Coke Bottle Bowling
Bring along some coke bottles as your game day drink, then use the empties as bowling pins! This game is easy to roll up and bring anywhere.
Get the tutorial at Polkadot Chair.
Giant Lawn Checkers
This outdoor checkers game is more than twice the size—and twice the fun— of the regular version! The pieces are made of lightweight wood plaques, making this game easy to transport to your tailgate party.
See more at Dream a Little Bigger.
DIY Donut Cornhole
Pregaming with pastries? Sign us up! This sweet twist on cornhole involves tossing donut holes through the tabletop boards.
See more at Studio DIY!.
Football Commercial Bingo
Who doesn't love watching the commercials during the big game? This clever bingo game will make your breaks even more fun.
See more at Crazy Little Projects.
Football Donuts on a String Game
Games are just more fun when they involve sweet treats. For this tailgate challenge, players compete to be the first one to take a bite out of a donut hanging from twine. It's harder than you might think!
See more at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Giant Lawn Matching Game
Kick off the festivities with a fun oversized matching game in your backyard. This one is summer-themed, but you can easily give it a football twist.
See more at Studio DIY!.
Football Stack It Game
This "minute to win it" game asks players to stack as many football-themed plastic cups as possible in under a minute.
See more at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Game Time Bingo
Keep an eye out for penalty flags, junk food, and talking animals, and you just might win this football-inspired bingo game. Best of all, it's easy to pull together thanks to a free printable.
See more at Studio DIY!.
Football Toss Game
If you have scissors and a spare sheet lying around, then you can easily DIY this backyard football toss game. It's fun for kids and adults alike!
See more at Kid Friendly Things to Do.
Stars and Stripes Tic-Tac-Toe
This rustic stars and stripes version of tic-tac-toe is made from painted craft wood slices. You'll play this timeless game for years to come.
See more at Somewhat Simple.
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
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