Outdoor games are a great way to bring people together. Whether you are planning a garden party, a family BBQ, a company event or a relaxed afternoon with friends, the right game can make the whole experience more fun and memorable.
But with so many popular garden games to choose from, it can be difficult to know which one is best. Kubb, Ladder Toss and Cornhole are all great options, but they offer different types of gameplay, different levels of competition and different practical advantages.
In this guide, we compare Kubb, Ladder Toss and Cornhole to help you choose the best outdoor game for your garden, party or event.
What Makes a Great Outdoor Game?
Before comparing the games, it helps to think about what makes an outdoor game worth choosing.
A good outdoor game should be easy to understand, quick to set up and fun for different types of players. It should work well for casual play, but also offer enough challenge to keep people interested.
For parties and events, the best games are the ones people can join without needing a long explanation. They should create conversation, encourage friendly competition and fit naturally into the atmosphere.
Kubb, Ladder Toss and Cornhole all meet many of these criteria, but each game has its own strengths.
Kubb
Kubb is a traditional wooden lawn game that is often described as a mix of throwing, strategy and teamwork. Players throw wooden batons at blocks placed on the opposite side of the playing area. The goal is to knock down the opponent’s blocks before finally knocking down the king.
Kubb is a strong choice for groups that enjoy tactical games. It requires accuracy, patience and planning, especially as the game develops. Because it can be played in teams, it is a good option for family gatherings, garden parties and casual competitions.
One of the biggest strengths of Kubb is the social team element. Players can discuss tactics, plan throws and celebrate successful shots together. This makes the game feel more strategic than many other garden games.
However, Kubb is not always the quickest game to play. A match can take some time, especially with beginners or larger groups. It also requires a reasonable amount of open space and a clear playing area.
Kubb is best for people who enjoy slower outdoor games with strategy and teamwork.
Ladder Toss
Ladder Toss, also known as ladder golf, is a simple throwing game where players throw bolas at a ladder-style target. A bola is made of two balls connected by a string. Points are scored depending on which rung the bola lands on.
Ladder Toss is easy to learn and works well in relaxed party settings. The game has a fun, unpredictable feel because the bolas can bounce, twist and land in unexpected ways. This often creates laughter and light-hearted competition.
It is also a practical choice for many events because it is compact and easy to set up. You do not need a large playing area, and the game can be played in gardens, parks, campsites and outdoor event spaces.
Compared with Kubb, Ladder Toss is usually faster and less strategic. It is more about casual fun than deep competition. That makes it a good option for parties where people want a simple game they can enjoy immediately.
Ladder Toss is best for casual gatherings, relaxed parties and players who want a fun game with minimal setup.
Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic throwing game where players toss bags at a raised board with a hole. Bags that land on the board score points, while bags that go through the hole score more.
Cornhole is one of the most versatile outdoor games because it is both simple and competitive. New players can understand the basic idea within seconds, but the game still rewards accuracy, consistency and strategy.
This balance makes Cornhole suitable for many different occasions. It works at family BBQs, garden parties, weddings, beach days, company events and tournaments. It can be played casually with friends or organised into a structured competition.
Cornhole is also very accessible. It does not require running or intense physical activity, so people of different ages and abilities can take part. The distance can be adjusted for children or beginners, while more experienced players can play from a standard distance.
Another advantage of Cornhole is presentation. A well-designed Cornhole set looks great at events, and custom boards can include logos, colours, artwork or personal designs. This makes Cornhole especially useful for brands, corporate events, weddings and private celebrations.
Cornhole is best for anyone looking for an outdoor game that is easy to learn, fun to watch, simple to organise and suitable for both casual and competitive play.
Take a look:
Kubb vs. Ladder Toss
Kubb and Ladder Toss are both popular outdoor games, but they create very different experiences.
Kubb is more strategic and team-based. It usually takes longer to play and works best when people want a more involved game. It is a good choice for groups that enjoy planning, tactics and longer matches.
Ladder Toss is more casual and immediate. The rules are simple, the rounds are quick and the game has a playful feel. It is better suited for relaxed parties where guests may want to join for a few minutes and then move on.
If you want a tactical team game, Kubb is the stronger choice. If you want something light, quick and easy, Ladder Toss may be better.
Kubb vs. Cornhole
Kubb and Cornhole both work well for gardens and group gatherings, but they differ in pace and accessibility.
Kubb requires more space, more explanation and often more time. It can be very rewarding, especially for groups who enjoy team strategy. However, it may not be the best option if guests want a game they can understand instantly.
Cornhole is easier to introduce. Most players can start after a short explanation, and the gameplay feels natural right away. It is also easier to run as a tournament because games can be shorter and scoring is simple.
For a slow, strategic team game, Kubb is a great option. For a more flexible game that works across parties, family events and corporate settings, Cornhole is usually the better choice.
Ladder Toss vs. Cornhole
Ladder Toss and Cornhole are both easy to learn, making them excellent outdoor games for casual players.
Ladder Toss has a playful and sometimes unpredictable feel. The bolas can wrap around the ladder in surprising ways, which makes the game fun and informal.
Cornhole, on the other hand, offers a more balanced mix of fun and skill. It is still simple, but players can improve over time and develop more consistent throwing techniques. This gives Cornhole a stronger competitive element.
Cornhole is also more suitable for custom designs and branded events because the boards provide a large visible surface for logos, artwork or event themes.
If you want a very casual party game, Ladder Toss is a good choice. If you want a game that works for both casual fun and serious competition, Cornhole is the stronger option.
Which Game Is Best for Parties?
For parties, the best game is usually the one that guests can understand quickly and enjoy without pressure.
Cornhole is a strong party choice because it is easy to play, fun in teams and simple to organise. Guests can join between conversations, drinks and food, and the game naturally creates friendly competition.
Ladder Toss is also a good party game because it is light-hearted and quick to play. It works well as a secondary activity or as part of a larger outdoor games area.
Kubb can be great for parties too, but it works best when guests are willing to spend more time on a full match.
For most parties, Cornhole offers the best balance of accessibility, competition and entertainment.
Which Game Is Best for Families?
For families, all three games can work well, depending on the age of the players.
Cornhole is especially family-friendly because the throwing distance can be adjusted. Children can stand closer to the board, while adults can play from farther away. The soft bags also make it approachable for younger players.
Ladder Toss can be fun for families with older children, but younger kids may find the bolas harder to control.
Kubb is usually better for older children and adults because it involves wooden throwing pieces and more tactical gameplay.
For mixed-age family gatherings, Cornhole is often the easiest and most flexible choice.
Which Game Is Best for Corporate Events?
For corporate events, the best outdoor games are easy to explain, professional-looking and suitable for team play.
Cornhole is an excellent choice because it works well in teams, can be used for tournaments and offers strong branding opportunities. Custom Cornhole boards can feature company logos, campaign graphics or event designs, making the game part of the overall event experience.
Kubb can also work well for team-building, especially if there is enough space and time for longer matches.
Ladder Toss is useful as a casual game station, but it may not feel as structured or visually branded as Cornhole.
For corporate events, branded Cornhole sets are usually the strongest option.
Which Game Should You Choose?
Choose Kubb if you want a slower, more strategic team game with a traditional wooden feel.
Choose Ladder Toss if you want a simple, playful and compact game for casual outdoor fun.
Choose Cornhole if you want a versatile outdoor game that is easy to learn, suitable for many occasions and fun for both beginners and competitive players.
For many people, Cornhole is the best all-round choice. It works for gardens, parties, family gatherings, weddings, company events and summer celebrations. It is simple enough for beginners, but still competitive enough to keep players coming back.
Final Thoughts
Kubb, Ladder Toss and Cornhole are all excellent outdoor games, but they are best suited to different situations.
Kubb is ideal for strategy and teamwork. Ladder Toss is great for relaxed party fun. Cornhole offers the strongest combination of simplicity, competition, flexibility and event appeal.
If you are looking for one outdoor game that can work almost anywhere, Cornhole is hard to beat. It is easy to set up, easy to understand and enjoyable for players of all ages and skill levels.
