The 10 Best garden games

Have fun with the children, and the rest of your family, this summer with this range of old and new games to suit all budgets

{1} GLTC I Love Sports Day

Get some sneaky practice in or just have some good old-fashioned fun with these classic sports-day races, including the three-legged race, the sack race, the egg-and-spoon race and the beanbag race. Particularly good for afternoon bbqs.

£44, gltc.co.uk

{2} Early Learning Centre  Crazy Golf

Children love crazy golf, and with this set you get to bring the game to your own garden and still get change from a tenner. Including two clubs and two balls, young kids will love taking it in turns to putt the balls through the zany obstacles.

£7.50, elc.co.uk

{3} Garden Games Not Just Cricket

Not sure whether to invest in the gear you need for cricket, badminton or football? Here’s a pack of all three well-loved games. It’s great quality and because it comes in a canvas carry bag, it will do just as well for a day out at the park or beach as in your own garden.

£44.99, gardengames.co.uk

{4} Lakeland Quoits

This traditional game has the simplest rules going – take aim at the pegs, throw the rope and the highest score wins. Its origins go as far back as ancient Greece, but it’s still just as good fun and is a great way to test the skill and accuracy of all the family.

£15.99, lakeland.co.uk

{5} John Lewis Boules Set

Forget the image of boules (or pétanque, as it is more properly known) as the game of old French men in string vests. It’s become popular for people of all ages all over the world as a sociable but tremendously competitive game, making it an excellent choice for a garden game this summer.

£8, johnlewis.com

{6} Jaques Reigate Croquet Set

Whilst croquet is still perceived as the sport of the posh, it’s actually really good for anyone, although it’s true you’ll need a decent-sized lawn and a fair bit of dosh to buy this fabulous Jaques kit, which, it has to be said, is by far the best quality around and a great game to pass down through generations.

£199.99, jaqueslondon.co.uk

{7} Liberty Games Kubb

The object of this game, which has been nicknamed Viking Chess, is to knock over the kubbs on the opposing side, and then the king, before your opponent does. It can last anything from five minutes to an hour and despite its ancient Swedish roots, it’s finally taking off over here.

£39.99, libertygames.co.uk

{8} Giant Snakes and Ladders

Who says snakes and ladders has to be an inside board game? The players are the counters in this huge version of the classic game. You move up and down the snakes and ladders at the whim of the enormous inflatable dice.

£39.99, gardengames.co.uk

{9} Little Tikes Easy Store  Basketball Set

This is a fantastic investment for kids who love basketball as it grows with your child, adjusting to five different heights from 150cm to 210cm. Don’t worry if your garden is small – it neatly folds to a compact size for storage and even has wheels. The ball is included.

£84.99, littletikes.co.uk

{10} All-Surface Swingball

Swingball has been a children’s favourite since the 1970s. This all-surface version means you now can play this exciting and versatile game anywhere and, even better news for those with small gardens, it’s portable and compact.

£29.99, swingball.co.uk