Can You Play Lawn Games on Artificial Turf?

Last Updated on June 1, 2023 by ReTurf

Picture it: Saturday afternoon. The sun is shining brightly, and the day is perfect for some outdoor fun.

You look at your artificial lawn, green and lush as ever, and wonder, “Can it handle a vigorous game of cornhole—or horseshoes?” You’ll be glad to know that not only does your turf require significantly less upkeep than your old regular grass; it provides an ideal, even surface for a variety of games.

With the right type of synthetic turf, you can enjoy many lawn games without worrying about damaging the surface or needing to perform any post-game repairs. In this guide, we’ll get deeper into some of the games you can play and what to consider when choosing your artificial turf.

The Versatility of Artificial Turf

Artificial turf has evolved tremendously over the years, moving from the original, neon-green “astro turf” of the 1960s and 70s to today’s highly realistic and versatile options. In the 2020s, you’ll find everything from the cheap, low-quality fake grass at big box stores, to professional-grade sports turf used in stadiums, to extremely realistic, lush, residential lawn turf.

Properly installed, high-quality artificial turf can stand up to demanding activities like soccer or kickball, as well as a wide range of lawn games, including classics like cornhole and bocce ball.

(For an example, check out the permanent concrete/cement cornhole setup someone installed on their artificial turf lawn above!)

Whether you’re hosting a laid-back garden party or a kids’ birthday bash, artificial turf can provide a versatile, durable setting for your outdoor events.

Playing Lawn Games on Artificial Turf

With artificial turf, you can play nearly any game you would typically enjoy on a natural lawn. These include (but aren’t limited to) popular favorites like:

Cornhole
Spikeball
Bocce Ball
Mini Golf (Putting Greens)
Soccer (Small-Sided or Penalty Shootouts)
Croquet
Kickball
Ladder Golf
Giant Jenga
Ultimate Frisbee
Kan Jam
Ring Toss (including Horseshoes & Quoits)
Petanque
Water Balloon Fights
Lawn Bowling

Remember, the key to enjoying these games on artificial turf is choosing the right turf quality and ensuring proper installation.

Lawn Games Perfect for Artificial Turf

Cornhole

A classic lawn game, cornhole is perfect for artificial turf. The consistent, flat surface ensures the cornhole boards stay level for a fair game, while the durability of the turf handles foot traffic around the boards.

Spikeball

Spikeball requires quick movements and sometimes diving for the ball. Artificial turf offers a smooth, resilient surface for these movements and minimizes the risk of injuries from falls.

Bocce Ball

Artificial turf provides an excellent surface for a bocce ball court, thanks to its smooth, sturdy surface which ensures a reliable roll of the ball with minimal bounce.

Mini Golf (Putting Greens)

If you’re a golfer or just enjoy a good game of mini golf, artificial turf is something to consider. High-quality turf, especially “recycled” used artificial turf for sale from sports fields, can replicate the feel of professional golf greens. There is also artificial putting green turf designed specifically for use in—you guessed it—putting greens!

Soccer (Small-Sided or Penalty Shootouts)

Artificial turf is a common choice for soccer pitches around the world due to its durability and weather resistance. It’s also great for small-sided games or penalty shootouts in your backyard.

Croquet

The smooth, level surface of synthetic turf is ideal for croquet, ensuring the ball moves consistently without being impeded by uneven ground or patches of grass.

Kickball

Kickball games require a surface that can handle a lot of foot traffic and activity. Hgher-grade varieties of turf stand up to this challenge excellently.

Ladder Golf

With a stable surface like artificial turf, ladder golf becomes even more enjoyable. The ladders remain firm and steady, enhancing the game experience.

Giant Jenga

The sturdy surface of artificial grass is perfect for a game of Giant Jenga. It allows the tower to stand tall without any risk of tilting due to uneven ground.

Ultimate Frisbee

Synthetic turf provides a consistent, resilient surface for running and diving, making it a great choice for a game of Ultimate Frisbee.

Kan Jam

The level surface of artificial turf ensures the “kan” in Kan Jam stays upright and stable, allowing for a fair, fast-paced game.

Ring Toss

Whether it’s horseshoes, quoits, or another variation, ring toss games are fun and easy on synthetic turf, which won’t get damaged or develop divots from the tossed rings.

Petanque

Similar to bocce ball, petanque requires a sturdy, smooth surface for the best gameplay. Artificial turf provides these conditions.

Water Balloon Fights

While not a traditional game, water balloon fights are an absolute blast on turf. Its excellent drainage capabilities prevent it from turning into a muddy mess, and the easy clean-up is another advantage.

Lawn Bowling

With its consistently flat and sturdy surface, artificial turf works well for lawn bowling, ensuring a smooth roll for the bowling balls without any unexpected direction changes due to bumps or divots.

Lawn Games Suitable for High-Grade Artificial Turf (With Considerations)

Here we’ll go into a bit more detail, because while these games can be played on turf, there are certain considerations and precautions to bear in mind. Just like the real thing, synthetic grass has its own set of characteristics that may influence how certain games are played, or what kind of maintenance may be required afterwards.

The purpose of the following discussion is not to deter you from enjoying these games on your artificial turf, but rather to provide you with a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic between certain games and artificial grass so you can make the most informed decisions. Ready? Let’s delve a little deeper:

Lawn Darts

Lawn Darts (also known as Jarts) is a classic lawn game that involves tossing darts, which are larger and heavier than traditional darts, towards a target on the ground. Because of the darts’ weight and design, they can stick into the ground where they land. These darts will make holes, so it is better to play on a designated section of turf rather than your lawn.

Now, in terms of artificial turf, you might be concerned about potential damage from the dart’s impact. Especially if you’re using lower-quality fake grass, this is a concern. The lower-quality materials and overall less durable construction of these lower-cost options might not stand up well to the repeated impact of lawn darts. High-quality artificial turf, particularly the type used in sports fields and stadiums, are designed to endure high-impact sports and intense foot traffic, and can better withstand the impact of a game of Lawn Darts. Again, it’s recommended to play darts on a designated “play section” of turf rather than anywhere on your lawn so you do not have to worry about the sharp darts creating holes.

Capture the Flag

Capture the Flag is a classic outdoor game that’s especially great for larger groups. It involves a lot of running, strategic planning, and team cooperation. Artificial turf is an ideal surface for Capture the Flag, providing a consistent, even surface that allows for fast-paced running without as much of a risk of tripping over divots or bumps that can occur in natural grass.

As with other high-activity lawn games, a higher-grade turf, such as that used in sports fields, can better stand up to the rigorous activity involved in a game of Capture the Flag. Correct, professional installation of your artificial turf is key to maintaining its longevity when hosting energetic games like this.

Tug of War

As with the other games above, a play area made of well-secured, professionally-installed, high-quality artificial turf can easily stand up to the challenges of a vigorous tug of war match, providing a firm foothold for the participants. It is not recommended for adults to play this game on your lawn (just as you probably wouldn’t want them to do it in the middle of natural grass you are trying to keep looking its best) as the collective force exerted by several people can put undue stress on your turf.

The Benefits of Artificial Turf for Lawn Games

Artificial turf provides several benefits that make it an excellent choice for lawn games.

Durability – Higher-quality used artificial turf reclaimed from sports fields and stadiums is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand regular foot traffic, and heavy use without showing signs of damage or wear.
Consistent Playing Surface – Unlike natural grass, which can become uneven or develop divots over time, artificial turf provides a consistently level playing surface. This feature ensures that your games aren’t influenced by irregularities in the ground.
Low Maintenance – With artificial turf, you don’t have to worry about weeding or mowing your lawn before playing—just get out there and play!
Weather Resistance – Artificial turf drains better than natural grass, which means your lawn games can continue even after a rain shower. Plus, artificial turf doesn’t turn into a muddy mess in wet conditions.
Easy Cleanup – Without all the dirt and mud, it’s quick and easy to clean up after games. Just pick up your equipment, and you’re good to go!

Choosing Used Artificial Turf for Your Lawn Games

The right artificial turf for your needs depends largely on the types of games you’ll be playing. For less intensive games like bocce ball or cornhole, any artificial turf of reasonable quality should suffice. But if you’re planning on higher-impact activities like soccer or kickball, you might want to consider more premium options.

An interesting consideration could be used artificial turf, “recycled” (sourced) from sports fields and stadiums. This turf, designed to withstand high activity levels, could provide the durability required for more demanding games. It’s important to note that while this turf has been previously used, it typically still has many years of life left in it.

When sports venues replace their turf, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the turf’s life cycle has ended. Instead, these still-functional materials can find a new purpose in your backyard, standing up to your active lifestyle while also giving a second life to material that would otherwise go to waste in landfills.

A significant advantage of opting for used artificial turf is the cost factor. It can often be a much more economical choice compared to purchasing new turf, sometimes costing mere pennies on the dollar. However, as with any significant purchase, it’s important to ensure that the used turf’s quality and condition meet your specific needs.

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ReTURF – Your Artificial Turf Experts

Whether you’re thinking of transforming your outdoor space with artificial grass for lawn games or simply need advice about types of turf or installation, expert help is only a phone call or an email away. The friendly team at ReTURF stands ready to tackle any queries or concerns that might arise. Our team excels at project planning—ensuring your artificial turf installation is a smooth one.

Whether it’s selecting the best artificial turf for your specific needs, or understanding how to optimize your lawn for both enjoyment and durability, we’re here to help.

Reach out to ReTURF at (828) 518-5787 or click here to connect with us via email. We look forward to making your artificial turf experience a game-changing one!