Set up separate stations so guests can choose a game and take turns. These are original station rules. Agree the throwing distance and number of tries before play.
Group size, playing time and ages are suggestions to adapt to your group, not measurements. Anyone may pass a turn.
Beanbag target toss
Players
One at the throwing line
Minutes
5 to 10
Ages
Guests who can toss or roll a beanbag
You need
Beanbags, buckets and a marked line
Suggested setup: spread out. Choose a turn length before play. Place buckets beyond the line. Give everyone the same number of bags. Score one point for each bag that lands and stays in a bucket. Retrieve bags after the turn.
Choose a turn length before play. Place buckets beyond the line. Give everyone the same number of bags. Score one point for each bag that lands and stays in a bucket. Retrieve bags after the turn.
Offer a closer line or a rolling version, with consistent rules for everyone choosing it.
Without a printer: Uses beanbags and buckets.
Cup knockdown
Players
One at the throwing line
Minutes
5 to 10
Ages
Guests who can toss a soft ball
You need
Empty plastic cups, a table and soft balls
Suggested setup: tables. Choose a turn length before play. Stack cups on a stable table. Give each player the same number of throws. Count cups that leave the table as points. Rebuild before the next turn.
Choose a turn length before play. Stack cups on a stable table. Give each player the same number of throws. Count cups that leave the table as points. Rebuild before the next turn.
Keep the area behind the table clear. Offer a closer line and lightweight ball.
Without a printer: Uses cups and soft balls.
Ring toss
Players
One at the throwing line
Minutes
5 to 10
Ages
Guests who can toss a large ring
You need
Wide rings, stable cones and a marked line
Suggested setup: throwing line. Choose a turn length before play. Place cones beyond the line. Give everyone the same number of rings. Score one point for a ring that settles around a cone. Collect rings after the turn.
Choose a turn length before play. Place cones beyond the line. Give everyone the same number of rings. Score one point for a ring that settles around a cone. Collect rings after the turn.
Use larger rings and a nearer line for an easier version. Count a ring only once.
Without a printer: Uses rings and cones.
Find the matching pair
Players
One player or a cooperating pair
Minutes
5 to 10
Ages
Guests who can recognize matching pictures or words
You need
Pairs of matching cards
Suggested setup: pairs. Let the player finish or pass. Place cards face down. Turn over two. Keep a matching pair and take another turn; return a nonmatching pair to its original places. Continue until all pairs are found.
Let the player finish or pass. Place cards face down. Turn over two. Keep a matching pair and take another turn; return a nonmatching pair to its original places. Continue until all pairs are found.
Play without a timer or count the turns needed. Use the same number of pairs and layout when comparing scores.
Without a printer: Uses matching cards.
Plan the round and team scores
8 turns × 60 seconds = 8 minutes of play, plus instructions and breaks.
