If you’ve spent even a single moment at a backyard party, outdoor wedding or school fair, then you’ve probably encountered at least one or two giant outdoor games. From gigantic Jenga to enormous chess, these larger-than-life garden games are popping up absolutely everywhere, and it’s easy to see why!
The beauty of giant outdoor games is that they are the perfect combination of nostalgia, ice breaker and outdoor fun that appeals to all ages. Whether you’re putting together a weekend barbecue or getting the family together for a larger event, they’re a simple way to get people talking and entertain even the smallest party guests.
What Are Giant Outdoor Games?
To put it simply, giant outdoor games are exactly as they sound, huge versions of all your favourite familiar classics designed to be played on a larger scale and outdoors. They’re usually made from durable materials like timber or plastic to help withstand regular use in backyards, parks or outdoor event spaces.
A few of the most popular games include:
- Giant tumbling towers (think Jenga!)
- Giant Connect Four like this giant Hardwood 120x109cm Four in a Row game
- Lawn chess or checkers, such as a giant outdoor chess set (this one has a massive 2.4m mat & 40-60cm chess pieces!)
- Ring toss and quoits
- Corntoss & bean bag games
- Giant dice and lawn games
The simplicity of these games makes it so easy for people to jump right in without the need for complicated instructions. Some of the games even make great introductions to board games for little party guests, even if they might need a little help for those first few turns!
Why Are They So Popular Right Now?
More and more people are spending their free time at home and embracing their outdoor spaces. Families are investing in their backyards more than ever to make them more than just a patch of grass and instead an extension of their indoor living spaces.
Giant outdoor games fit perfectly into this trend for loads of reasons, including:
| Why giant outdoor games are so popular | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| 🤝 They Bring People Together | Nothing brings people together like a board game. Giant outdoor games encourage natural banter, friendly competition and shared experiences in a way that passive entertainment simply does not. |
| 👨👩👧👦 They Suit All Ages | From the youngest guests to the grandparents, almost anyone can join in. The rules are simple and the larger format makes it easy for everyone to follow along. |
| 🎉 They’re Versatile | Giant outdoor games work across all sorts of occasions, from birthdays and weddings to casual afternoons and corporate events. They help guests relax and get involved without needing much structure. |
| ✨ They Look Great | A giant chess set or oversized game can become a real focal point in an outdoor space. They add a fun, playful twist while also acting as a conversation starter. |
Editor’s Tip:
“If you want one giant game that works for almost any gathering, start with a tumbling tower or Giant Connect Four. They’re easy to understand, quick to set up and appeal to both kids and adults.”
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Where and How People Use Them
A lot of people underestimate just how much use they will get out of their giant outdoor games. These games are incredibly flexible and work across a wide range of settings to entertain just about any audience you can imagine.
At Home:
With only around one in four Australian children meeting recommended daily physical activity levels, many families are looking for simple ways to encourage more outdoor play at home.
For families, giant games are a brilliant way to get everybody outdoors and playing together. They’re absolutely perfect for:
- Screen-free weekends
- Family gatherings and barbecues
- Keeping the kids busy over the school holidays
Of course, they’ll also turn your backyard into a welcoming space people love to hang out in. If you’re eager to be the place your kids love to bring their friends to, a giant game is a worthwhile investment.
Parties and Celebrations:
For those events where some people might be meeting different circles for the first time, giant outdoor games are a game-changer. You’ll find them to be an exceptionally good ice breaker without needing any structured entertainment.
They’re especially popular for:
- Birthday parties
- Weddings or engagements
- Christmas and holiday gatherings
Your guests can jump in and out of games as they like, which helps to build a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Schools and Education Settings:
Lots of schools and childcare facilities are bringing in giant games to help encourage outdoor learning and play.
They are ideal for:
- Encouraging teamwork and social skills
- Developing coordination and motor skills
- Making learning more interactive and enjoyable
Many teachers enjoy using giant chess or checkers to help encourage strategic thinking in a hands-on, engaging way for students.
Work Functions and Events:
Definitely bring in some giant games to avoid your corporate events feeling forced and awkward. Giant outdoor games get people talking without the formal small talk, and they help promote team building in a way that goes beyond sharing fun facts about yourself.
Giant games are often used for:
- Team building days
- Office parties and celebrations
- Outdoor corporate events
They will give your colleagues the perfect chance to relax and connect in a low-pressure environment they will actually enjoy.
Editor’s Tip:
“For parties and events, the best giant games are the ones guests can jump into straight away. Large-format classics like chess, Scrabble or wooden block games tend to get the most use because people already know how to play.”
The Benefits Go Beyond Fun
It’s obvious that giant outdoor games are a lot of fun for all ages, but they offer plenty of practical benefits too that make them a smart addition to any outdoor space.
These benefits include:
- Encouraging outdoor play
- Supporting social connection
- Building skills through play
- Low-maintenance entertainment
Why Consider Buying Your Own?
Hiring games for an event is fine, but owning your own set allows you to have much more flexibility and fun.
When you invest in your own giant outdoor games:
- You can use them anytime
- Guests will enjoy them
- They add value to your space
- They encourage outdoor fun
For families, they’re the perfect way to build core memories with your little ones and for hosts, they’re the secret to holding memorable gatherings.
If you’re looking for a classic option that’s easy to pull out for birthdays, barbecues or school holidays, a 54 Piece Giant Jenjo Outdoor Wooden Block Game is a strong place to start.
When choosing giant outdoor games in Australia, it’s worth considering factors like UV resistance, weather durability and ease of storage, especially if the games will be left outside or used regularly.
Making the Most of Your Outdoor Space
Whether you’ve got a large backyard or a smaller space to play with, a few carefully curated outdoor games can go a long way.
As more and more people are looking for ways to avoid screens and spend quality time together, it’s easy to see why giant outdoor games are becoming a go-to purchase. Once you’ve played your first game of giant Jenga, you’ll understand why.
Browse our selection of giant outdoor games and pick up your favourite today.
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