Most yard games are gentle. Most injuries come from the same short list of causes: heavy or sharp pieces hitting someone, tripping on uneven ground, heat exhaustion and weather that was ignored. A few minutes of planning before the first game removes most of the risk. This guide gives a practical routine you can use with any lawn game.
The safety routine, in five steps
- Walk the lawn. Look for holes, rocks, sprinkler heads, tent stakes and pet waste, and remove or mark them.
- Set the play zone. Give each game a clear area with a buffer. Use rope, cones or garden stakes to mark it.
- Check the gear. Look for splinters, cracked parts, loose screws, frayed rope and sharp edges. Retire anything that is damaged.
- Brief the players. Explain the rules and where to stand, especially for throwing games.
- Assign a supervisor. One responsible adult should watch children and keep an eye on the whole area.
Game-specific safety
| Game | Main risks | Safer habits |
|---|---|---|
| Giant stacking blocks | Falling blocks, splinters, pinched fingers | Keep spectators back when the tower is tall; sand rough edges; do not climb on the tower |
| Ring toss | Rings hitting faces | Throw only from behind the line; keep onlookers to the side |
| Ladder toss | Cords and balls swinging | Check the distance; keep a clear space around the ladders |
| Bocce | Heavy balls on toes; tripping | Roll underhand, stay out of the line and keep children behind the throwing line |
| Horseshoes | Heavy, hard objects | Stand behind the pitcher; do not walk toward the stake until everyone has thrown |
| Croquet | Mallet swings | Check the swing area; keep a mallet length of space |
| Cornhole | Bags in flight | Keep people off the lane between boards |
| Badminton and pickleball | Rackets, paddles and trips | Keep distance, wear eye protection for fast games |
Things to avoid
- Lawn darts. Weighted darts with metal tips have been banned in the United States for years because of the risk of serious injury. Do not use any old sets you find.
- Mixing games in the same space. A bocce lane that crosses a horseshoe pit is a recipe for collisions.
- Playing on slopes or near water. Balls and people roll.
- Playing in the dark without good lighting.
- Rough play with heavy pieces, such as throwing blocks.
Children and pets
- Match the game to the child's age and read the age rating on the packaging.
- Keep children away from heavy items, and stay close to young kids.
- Pets can run into the play area. Keep dogs on a leash or in a separate area, and tidy up pet waste, which can carry germs.
- Be aware of small parts such as washers, coins and clips, which are choking hazards for toddlers.
Heat and sun
Summer afternoons can be risky.
- Offer shade, with a tent, umbrella or tree.
- Provide water, and encourage everyone to drink before they feel thirsty.
- Take breaks. Rotate players in and out.
- Use sunscreen and hats.
- Watch for signs of heat illness: headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion and heavy sweating or, in serious cases, hot, dry skin. Move to shade, cool the person down and call for medical help if symptoms are severe.
Lightning and storms
The National Weather Service's advice is simple: when thunder roars, go indoors. Lightning can strike miles from a storm. Move into a building or a hard-topped vehicle, and wait about 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out. Do not shelter under a lone tree or a tent. Take down tall nets and poles when a storm approaches, and secure items that can blow away.
Insects and allergies
Bees and wasps are common around food and sweet drinks. Keep food covered, check for nests near the play area and let guests know if anyone has a serious allergy. If someone has a known severe allergy, make sure they have their medication nearby.
Alcohol
If adults are drinking, keep heavy or sharp-edged games, such as horseshoes, in the hands of sober players, and do not mix alcohol with supervision of children.
First aid
Keep a first-aid kit in an accessible spot, with bandages, antiseptic wipes, an instant cold pack, tweezers for splinters, tape and medical gloves. Know where the nearest emergency number is, and for serious injuries, call 911.
After the game
- Pick up all pieces, especially small ones and anything that could be a hazard to a lawn mower.
- Store gear dry and tidy.
- Note repairs that need doing.
Common mistakes
- Skipping the lawn walk.
- Letting spectators stand in the play zone.
- Ignoring thunder.
- Forgetting water and shade.
- Using damaged gear.
Frequently asked questions
Are lawn darts legal?
No. They have been banned in the United States for years because of serious injuries.
How far should spectators stand from a game?
Far enough that nothing can hit them. For throwing games, keep them behind or beside the throwing line, not near the target.
What should I do if I hear thunder?
Go indoors or into a vehicle, and wait about 30 minutes after the last thunder.
How do I keep kids safe with heavy yard games?
Choose age-appropriate games, supervise closely and keep children behind a marked line.
Do I need a first-aid kit?
It is a good idea. Keep one handy, and know how to reach emergency help.
