It is always good to have some kind of game at any social event, particularly family gatherings where children and adults can enjoy each other’s company. The best games to play at such outings are those which do not discriminate against age, gender or fitness level, as these fun activities can involve everyone without leaving anyone out.
Games that are good to play at family gatherings include:
- Mini team sports like baseball, soccer or rugby
- Board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, Millionaire, Pictionary
- Outdoor games like Twister
- Tailgating games like bean bag toss games. These games are normally found out in the parking lots before big sports events and races.
Of these, tailgating games are highly popular as they allow everybody, regardless of age, gender and dress code, to participate. Today, they have evolved into themed game boards, like football theme games, NASCAR tailgating games and personality-themed ones. It is not uncommon to see tailgating games emblazoned with images of famous personalities like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, or Tiger Woods.
Sometimes these games can even be customized – you can get manufacturers to put personal touches on your tailgating boards. Décor art with special meanings and words can be featured on the target boards to make them more significant. These work really well as birthday presents, anniversary gifts or personal keepsakes. Personal touches can be wedding pictures, baby photos or meaningful pictures of scenery, pets, homes and places.
Sports events make very good bean bag toss game board backdrops. One good example is NASCAR. Fans will find it highly motivating to play NASCAR tailgating games with pictures of Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson or Tony Stewart on them. Usually, the ones with such prominent personalities are licensed by NASCAR itself and are highly in demand for their visual appeal and iconic value.
The NASCAR tailgating games come in a set complete with:
- 8 bean bags (divided into 2 sets of 4 bags each)
- 2 boards which can be latched together and have handles for easy carriage
- Matching bag or box for storage
This particular theme of bean bag toss games is very popular amongst both young and old. As a fully licensed product of NASCAR, however, it may be a little more expensive than any conventional bean bag toss game in the market. Given its beautiful exterior and polished finish, it is a good buy for any occasion as it will be something to treasure forever.
A close alternative to the bean bag toss game is the washers game. As far as game rules are concerned, the washers game is just as simple and straightforward. Players aim for a specified target that is on a board either placed on the ground or mounted on the wall. For this game, however, it is usually recommended that targets be placed on the ground as it is safer for players and provides more challenges as more variation for scoring can be done.
Unlike bean bag toss games where targets are holes on boards, a washers game uses circular metal or plastic containers as targets when pitching or tossing washers. These containers are put into a custom made wooden box which players have to aim for. Different points will be earned for washers that land in the container, outside the container but in the box, and outside the box altogether. The first player or team to reach 21 points wins the game.
The game can be made more challenging by increasing the distance between the players and their targets.
The washers game is actually a modern version of the original horseshoe pitch that was played in the countryside. Where once upon a time, players threw horseshoes at sticks that protruded from the ground, now players throw rubber, plastic or light metal washers at sophisticated circular targets.
A washers game can be pretty challenging as it is not as simple as it seems. Experienced players will tell you that aiming for good shots and outdoing the other team can lend quite a competitive edge.
