Gear

Lawn Artist

Five Lawn Games You Might Not Know Exist

The World Cup just ended. Good. Now we can all go back to playing games like Pickle-ball and Aunt Sally. What’s that? You don’t know about Pickle-ball and Aunt Sa... all right, dammit. Intervention time. Here now: five obscure lawn games and the tools with which to master them.

UP THE AUNTIE

Thank the Person Who Named This Game

You’re Playing: Aunt Sally. Yep, that’s the name. It’s an old British pub game where you knock a wooden doll off a swivel by throwing sticks at it. That poor woman.
You’re Using: This historically accurate set made by a real-life British guy named Mike from Oxfordshire. And a fake accent.

CARIOCA LOUNGE

What Everyone in Rio Is Playing Now

You’re Playing: Carioca. It’s the Brazilian version of paddleball, so you already know how it works. And how little clothing is required.
You’re Using: One of these handmade wooden paddle sets. The grips come in six colors, including a “Surprise Me” option. If it’s burnt sienna, you quit.

PICKLE OF THE LITTER

A Lawn Game Made of Other Lawn Games

You’re Playing: Pickle-ball. Which is a badminton/tennis/table tennis hybrid invented in 1965 by Washington State Representative Joel Pritchard. Don’t say Congress never did anything for you.
You’re Using: This official Pickle-ball set approved by the international governing body of Pickle-ball. Which is really just Joel the congressman.

SUPER BOL

Skee-Ball in the Park. It’s Happening.

You’re Playing: Hi-Bol. It’s a more portable, lawn-friendly version of skee-ball.
You’re Using: This pinewood set that folds easily into any backseat. Or front seat. Look, let’s not get hung up on seats here.

V:KING’S RANSOM

Cornhole + Horseshoes + Sweden = This

You’re Playing: A centuries-old Swedish game that involves tossing wooden pegs at wooden markers and giving yourself an honorary Viking name like “Arnbjorn” (optional, but highly recommended).
You’re Using: This handsome set that was handmade in Vermont—and 10% off through Perks. For the love of Sweden, naturally.