Origin: England
Game: Points awarded for the horseshoe tossed closest to the stake. Played to 21.
Vitals: Two players/teams, 4 horseshoes, 2 stakes.
Buy: $50, at Sports Authority
Origin: Italy
Game: Bowling the balls closest to the smaller, target ball. Played to 16.
Vitals: Two players/teams, 8 balls, 1 pallino (target ball).
Buy: $65, at Bocce Ball Sets
Origin: Ireland
Game: Each player or pair must knock their balls through each wicket and back again.
Vitals: Two teams, 4 to 6 balls and mallets, 9 wickets, 2 stakes.
Buy: $135, at Restoration Hardware
Origin: American Midwest
Game: A point for each washer pitched into the box, three for landing in the center cup. Played to 15 or 21.
Vitals: Two players/teams, 2 wooden boxes, 8 washers.
Buy: $36, at Amazon
When the sun is shinning (which has proven a bit rare this summer), there's nothing better than a lazy afternoon in the backyard or park. No cell phone. No dinner reservations. Just good company, some drinks and a lawn game. Here are four of our favorites.
