LIFE+ Blog

Bocce Ball

Bocce ball: Fun in the sand or the yard. Bocce ball sets come with 8 large colored bocce balls, and 1 small white ball (aka jack/pallino). Play 1 vs. 1, or teams (up to 4 each)! Regulation courts are 13’ x 90’, but you can play anywhere– no court needed!

Gameplay variations exist, but generally, 1 person/team throws the jack, then take turns trying to bowl your bocce ball as close to the jack as possible. The team with the closest bocce scores.

Croquet

Croquet: Good for the grass or sand. You can buy a croquet set – most commonly 9 wicket croquet. 2-6 players split into even teams, and basically race through the course. Use your mallet to hit your ball through the hoops (wickets) and into the pegs, in sequence, and back to the beginning before the other team.

Click here to see the rules on how to play!

Badminton

Badminton: Similar to tennis, but with smaller racquets, lightweight birdies, and a taller net. 2-4 (or more) players. You can play or volley anywhere, net or not. They even make wooden beach paddles that you can use with a birdie or a small ball.

Whiffle Ball

Whiffle ball: All you need is a bat and a ball! Whiffle balls are nice and lightweight (less risk of injury). Run the bases at your local park, or use make-shift bases at home.

Kickball

Kick ball: 1 rubber ball, and 4 “bases.” My classmates and I used to have week-long kickball tournaments during elementary school recess – it’s a classic!

Foursquare

Four square: Chalk out 1 giant square, crossed off into 4 equal squares. If you can’t return a ball bounced into your square, you’re out! The driveway, patio, or deck work great for grand slamming a rubber kick ball for the win!

Capture the Flag

Capture the flag: All you need is 2 teams (or more), each with their own “flag.” Use any object you’d like, preferably not too big (think tennis ball, etc.) Protect your flag! You win by capturing the opposing team’s flag and returning it to your territory without being tagged.