Games that liven up a BBQ. Fun recreational activities.
A barbecue where you build a fire outdoors and grill meat and vegetables to eat.
Just that alone is enough to get you excited and have fun, right? Many people—kids and adults alike—probably love barbecues, BBQs! Some families might even make sure to have a BBQ every summer.
In this article, we’ll introduce games and recreational activities to make your fun BBQ even more exciting.
We’ve gathered games and activities that anyone can enjoy, from small to large groups and regardless of age.
If you want to make the most of your BBQ time beyond just eating, be sure to check these out!
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Games to liven up a BBQ. Fun recreation (41–50)
Cowboy game
When you have small children around, a fun activity to try is the cowboy game.
Tie a loop at the end of a rope and spin it around—just like a cowboy in a Western movie! Using that, you spin the rope toward a target set up a few meters away and try to hit it.
If that’s too easy, you can make it more challenging by trying to catch the target with the loop at the end of the rope.
For targets, firewood or charcoal you likely have on hand for a BBQ are recommended.
Games that liven up a BBQ. Fun Recreations (51–60)
sport kite
When you think of kite flying, you might picture a traditional pastime in Japan, but have you heard of sport kites? They’re a type of kite flying too, but the fun of sport kites is that you can actively control the kite! With ordinary kite flying you use a single line, but with sport kites you control the kite using two or even four lines.
If you’re having a BBQ in a wide-open area like a riverbank or the beach, away from cars and power lines, it’s a hobby I’d love for you to try at least once.
Activities you can only do in spacious outdoor settings let you enjoy a special, out-of-the-ordinary experience.
Twister
Twister is a party game that originated in the United States in 1965.
Players move and place their hands and feet on a mat according to color prompts, and the last person who doesn’t lose their balance wins.
It was a big hit in Japan for a while, too.
It seems like a game that could get lively in a different way when played with strangers or with the opposite sex, but be sure not to pressure anyone into playing.
Marshmallow Catch
What’s the one ingredient you absolutely can’t skip at a BBQ? Meat? Veggies? …Nope—marshmallows! Skewer them on bamboo sticks, toast them, and you’ll get a gooey texture that’s a whole new marshmallow experience.
But as essential as marshmallows are for BBQs, don’t they usually end up leftover? In that case, let’s play Marshmallow Catch—toss a marshmallow and catch it with your mouth! Some people can catch it no matter how it’s thrown, while others will drop it every time… Whether you catch it or drop it, it’s sure to be a blast.
Just make sure you eat it even if you drop it!
Pedometer Dance
If you’re looking for a fun, active game, try “Pedometer Dance.” In this game, you attach several pedometers to your body and dance your heart out.
The person with the highest total step count wins.
It’s a simple game, but since you have to move like crazy, it’s tiring—and it’ll naturally put a smile on your face.
Yamanote Line game
If you’re looking for an easy game to play, the Yamanote Line Game is a great pick.
It’s a game where you keep saying words that fit the given topic, so there’s no need for preparation and it’s simple to enjoy.
It’s a classic at mixers and similar gatherings, so many people already know the rules and you can start right away.
If you want to add a twist, it might be fun to prepare a small penalty game, too.
Cooking Battle
When you’re having a BBQ, it’s a waste to just grill meat and vegetables! Since you’re at it, wouldn’t it be fun for everyone to enjoy a variety of dishes together? How about turning it into a cooking showdown? Each participant makes one dish, everyone tastes them all, and then you decide whose dish was the best! Making it a competition lets everyone cook what they’re most confident in, and cooking and eating together is bound to be delicious! From trendy camp meals to authentic cuisine, I can’t wait to see what kinds of menus people come up with!