Leisure

Summer days are perfect for little-to-no-skill–needed lawn games with family and friends in the backyard. We have 10 easy, do-it-yourself game suggestions from pickleball to crazy croquet.

By Maria Trimarchi

With lawn darts still outlawed, what's an outdoor competitive spirit to do? Get ready for some summer games that come with only a tiny chance of a visit to the emergency room.

By Kate Kershner

Home sweet home, your own safe sanctum -- though your very own yard might be out to get you. Don't sweat it -- just set things right and enjoy your backyard without fear.

By Nathan Chandler

During those long days of summer when the kids are bored of playing with their expensive toys and video games, why not entertain them by creating an obstacle course using household items you already have?

By Dave Roos

Adults of a certain age have fond childhood memories of whizzing down a slippery wet piece of plastic in the backyard, called a Slip 'N Slide. They may even want to recreate those good times in the here and now. But should they?

By Laurie L. Dove

In the world of casual playground games, hopscotch rules. Did it really start out as Roman military training, and does everyone play the same version?

By Maria Trimarchi

The game of horseshoes is believed to date all the way back to the ancient Greeks, and has endured through the ages and remained a popular sport. How exactly do you throw a horseshoe, and what's a dead ringer?

By Maria Trimarchi

Winning the lottery seems part of everyone's daydream. But many winners say it actually becomes a nightmare. Why does it all go wrong? Here are some of the most spectacular flameouts we've come across.

By Laurie L. Dove

Whether it's a leisurely spar in the backyard or an intense match on the Olympic stage, badminton remains one of the world's most well-loved sports. How did a child's game evolve into the sport we play and watch today?

By Laurie L. Dove

Bocce ball is a game of skill and strategy for both serious athletes and amateur enthusiasts. Here's how you play.

By Terri Briseno

Basketball is an American pastime that has turned into one of the world's most popular sports. Yet people still find new and different ways to put the ball and hoop to good use.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

Your teenage skate junkie just begged you to build a skate park in your backyard. Before you acquiesce and starting working on halfpipes, there are a few additional steps you should take.

By Dave Roos

The classic game of soccer has many fans. But even if you're a purist, you'll probably enjoy some of these quirky (and sometimes messy) variations. Try them out in your own backyard!

By Kate Kershner

Back and forth, back and forth -- volleyball can be a fun game that builds teamwork, but you might be ready to change up the rules a little. What if you couldn't see the other players on the other side of the net?

By Laurie L. Dove

Have you ever spent hours (days, weeks) staring at a Rubik's Cube, only to twist and turn its colored squares hopelessly? With a bit of deciphering, you can solve that cursed cube.

By Laurie L. Dove

Do you like the strategy of a game like chess, but long for something more flashy? Like, say, lasers? The board game known as Khet might be just what you're looking for.

By Laurie L. Dove

Despite its simple setup -- a few posts and several discs that form a pyramid -- the game known as Towers of Hanoi can be hard to solve without the right solution.

By Laurie L. Dove

While 8 Queens is popular with the programming set, the less math-savvy among us can also squeeze some fun out of this classic puzzle.

By Kate Kershner

In our digital age, it's easy to forget how much fun low-tech games can be. Remember pen and paper games? We've got five that'll keep everyone – big and small – busy for hours.

By Kate Kershner

With its Celtic-inspired cards and quirky name, this "short word game" is a crowd-pleaser with kids and adults alike. Care to play a hand? Don't quiddle, then, and check out this article.

By Kate Kershner

Endlessly mispronounced but universally beloved, this game is a mix of rummy and older, tile-based games like mahjong and dominoes. Think you can be the first to yell out "Rummikub"?

By Kate Kershner

Some of your board games may be antiques, but are any from circa 3500 B.C.? Senet, a game played by the pharaohs, still has plenty to offer today.

By Laurie L. Dove

If Magic: The Gathering and Settlers of Catan merged, you'd get Dominion. And if you have no idea what that means, you may still have fun playing it.

By Laurie L. Dove

Maybe you've heard whispers of dragons, Dungeon Masters and 20-sided dice, but how much do you really know about the world's most famous role-playing game? Get in character, because we're going on a quest to learn the ABCs of D&D.

By Tracy V. Wilson, Josh Clark & Kate Kershner

Even if you never learn to pronounce the name of this game properly, you and your buddies will still have fun playing this clever strategy game. And you might even learn something (we promise, it won't be painful).

By Kate Kershner