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25 Best Tailgate Games to Make Your Party a Total Touchdown
The whole family will look forward to Sunday football!
By 
The big game is what you're here for, but tailgating is a pretty darn close second. Heck, it's what makes the whole thing a party! You have an excuse to make tasty, creative tailgate food to keep everyone's energy up. Then, you get to spend time before the game with family and friends playing your favorite tailgate games (remember to pause and catch the kickoff!). It doesn't matter if you're hosting a Super Bowl party, hyping up in the parking lot, or throwing a bash in your backyardâthese DIY tailgate games will make your crew everyone's favorite team to hang with on the big day. Just don't forget to get those football decorations up ahead of time!
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 projectsâmost of them are easy enough for even entry-level crafters to create. 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. So grab your jerseys and finger foods, bundle up, and let the tailgate games begin!
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 sizeâand twice the funâ 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.
Painted Cornhole Game
The classic game of cornhole is a must-have for any tailgate party. This painted geometric board will add a touch of style to your gathering!
See more at Lovely Indeed.
DIY Outdoor Lawn Dice Game
You can use these oversized dice to play a bunch of different games, including Yardzee, an outdoor version of Yahtzee that will get the whole family outside.
See more at Dream a Little Bigger.
Football Toss Game
Show off your team spirit by painting this standing beanbag toss game in your favorite team's colors.
See more at H2o Bungalow.
Horseshoes
This DIY horseshoe pit isn't the easiest project, but it's one that will provide a lifetime of entertainment, starting with your next tailgate!
See more at Houseful of Handmade.
Backyard Plinko
Plinko is one of the most popular games on The Price Is Right and this easy DIY project proves that it can be just as much fun in your backyard as it is in your living room!
See more at Happiness Is Homemade.
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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