Outdoor Drinking Games That'll Transform Your Party

Outdoor Drinking Games That'll Transform Your Party Look, we've all been there. Summer's here, you're hanging out in the backyard, and someone inevitably suggests a drinking game. But which ones work best outside? If you're looking to take your outdoor party from meh to memorable, I've got some killer game ideas that I've seen work wonders over the years. With a mix of classics and new favorites, you’ll have something for everyone, even if you do have that one friend who always goes overboard. Quick Answer: When planning outdoor drinking games, consider classics like Beer Pong, which is perfect for competitive pairs, or Never Have I Ever for larger groups with a mix of new and old friends. Kings Cup provides a lively atmosphere with its varied rules, while Squid Game Red Light Green Light offers a trendy twist. Don't forget The Office Drinking Game for a bit of pop culture fun. Beer Pong: The Timeless Classic That Never Fails Beer Pong is a tried-and-true favorite that has remained popular for good reason. The game is simple to set up and plays well in almost any outdoor space. You only need a table, some plastic cups, and a couple of ping pong balls. Beer Pong is usually played between two teams of two, making it ideal for pairs at your party. The goal is to land your ball in the opposing team's cups to make them drink. It's straightforward but can quickly become fiercely competitive, especially if your crowd has a few seasoned players. Pro tip: Watch out for the wind if you’re playing outside - a gust can turn a sure shot into a total fail. If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider set up multiple tables so more people can play simultaneously. This was key at my last barbecue, where we had three tables running at once and people rotating in and out. It got loud fast, but that's part of the fun. Never Have I Ever: Get to Know Your Friends Better (or Worse) So which game works best for breaking the ice? Never Have I Ever is the ultimate icebreaker, especially for groups that are meeting each other for the first time. It's simple to play and doesn't require any equipment - just people and drinks. Start with everyone in a circle, and take turns sharing something you’ve never done. If someone else has done it, they take a sip. The beauty of this game is its ability to reveal surprising secrets and stories, which often leads to a lot of laughter and bonding. Just be cautious with how personal you get; you don't want to make anyone uncomfortable or start any drama. Last summer, at a rooftop party, we kicked off the night with this game. It was a great way to get everyone laughing, and it set a relaxed, friendly tone for the rest of the evening. Remember to play responsibly, though - some people might not want to drink every time, and that's completely fine. Kings Cup: The Card Game That Keeps Everyone Guessing What’s the best game for a mixed group? Kings Cup is a versatile option that works well whether you have a small crowd or a larger gathering. It combines elements of multiple games into one, with each card drawn resulting in a different rule or mini-game. Ace: Waterfall - Everyone starts drinking, and you can’t stop until the person before you does. Two: You - Pick someone to drink. Three: Me - You drink. Four: Floor - Last person to touch the floor drinks. And so on through the deck. The beauty of Kings Cup lies in its randomness - no one knows what card will come next, keeping the energy up. You can adapt the rules to fit your crowd’s vibe, which is a real plus. A memorable night stands out where we played Kings Cup during a camping trip. The night was chilly, but the game kept us warm with laughter and a bit of friendly competition. Just make sure you have enough light to see the cards if you’re playing after sunset! Squid Game Red Light Green Light: For the Thrill Seekers For those who want a little excitement beyond the typical drinking games, try Squid Game Red Light Green Light. Inspired by the popular Netflix series, this drinking version adds a fun twist to the original child’s game. The rules are simple: one person is the "leader" and calls out "green light" and "red light." Players move towards the leader on "green light" and stop on "red light." If someone fails to stop, they take a drink. The first to reach the leader wins, resetting the game. I introduced this once at a big backyard bash, and it was an instant hit. People loved the challenge and the high stakes of potentially having to drink if caught moving. Just remember, if you’ve got a big group, make sure you have enough space so people aren’t running into each other - or worse, into the barbecue. The Office Drinking Game: Dunder Mifflin Style If your group’s a fan of The Office, then this one's a must-try. The Office Drinking Game involves watching episodes from the series and drinking based on certain phrases or actions. Drink whenever Michael says "That's what she said." Sip every time Jim looks at the came