If you love lawn bowling but are looking to mix things up a bit, you’re in the right place! We’ve rounded up some of the best lawn bowling variations to add creativity and excitement to your next match. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or just want to challenge your friends and family, these fun lawn bowling games are sure to bring fresh energy to the green.
Table of Contents
- 1. Obstacle Lawn Bowling
- 2. Target Challenges
- 3. Team Relay Bowling
- 4. Speed Bowling
- 5. Themed Lawn Bowling Games
- 6. Call Your Shot
- 7. Mini Lane Challenge
- 8. Knockout Style
- 9. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Bowling
- 10. Backward Bowling
1. Obstacle Lawn Bowling
Looking to spice things up? Create an obstacle lawn bowling course by adding hurdles or obstacles between the players and the pins. You can use cones, pool noodles, or even lawn furniture to make the game more challenging. Players must navigate their bowls through the obstacles to knock over the pins. The trickier the course, the more creative and fun the game becomes!
2. Target Challenges
Set up the pins as usual, then turn each round into an accuracy challenge. Choose specific pins as targets and award bonus points when players knock them down. You can also move the starting line farther away each round to increase the difficulty.
This variation puts a new spin on traditional Lawn Bowling while using the same pins and balls from your set.
3. Team Relay Bowling
Turn your next lawn bowling match into a team event with a relay twist! Split into teams, and after each player bowls, they must run to the other end of the lane and tag the next player. The team that knocks down the most pins in the shortest time wins. This adds a fun, energetic element and is perfect for larger groups. Plus, it’ll get your heart rate up!
4. Speed Bowling
Ready to test your reflexes? In speed bowling, everyone bowls at the same time! Set up two or more lanes, and as soon as the whistle blows, players bowl as quickly as possible to knock down all their pins. The first to knock down all their pins wins. It’s chaotic, fast-paced, and guaranteed to create some laughter and friendly competition.
5. Themed Lawn Bowling Games
Get creative and add a theme to your next lawn bowling game! Whether it’s a Hawaiian luau, a pirate adventure, or a superhero showdown, you can incorporate themed props, costumes, and even modify the game rules to fit the theme. For example, have your pirate players bowl with "cannonballs" (painted black balls) or have superheroes "save the day" by knocking down villain-themed pins.
6. Call Your Shot
Before each turn, choose a specific pin or group of pins you’re trying to knock down. Successfully hit your called target to earn a bonus point.
It adds an extra challenge to each roll and rewards accuracy rather than simply knocking down as many pins as possible.
7. Mini Lane Challenge
Who says lawn bowling has to take up a lot of space? Create mini-lanes, no longer than 10 feet, and use smaller balls to create a compact version of the game. This variation is perfect for smaller backyards, patios, or even indoors if the weather isn’t cooperating. The reduced lane size makes the game faster-paced and tests players’ precision skills even more.
For an added challenge, choose a specific pin to target or see who can knock down the most pins in a set number of rolls.
8. Knockout Style
Players take turns trying to knock down as many pins as possible. After each round, the player with the lowest score is eliminated.
Reset all 10 pins between turns and continue playing until only one player remains. For a less competitive version, give each player multiple lives before they're eliminated.
9. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Bowling
Add a seasonal twist to your Lawn Bowling game with themed challenges, team names, decorations, or special scoring rules. Create a Halloween knockout tournament, a summer backyard championship, or holiday-themed teams.
10. Backward Bowling
Test your coordination (or lack thereof!) by bowling backward. In this hilarious variation, Players stand with their backs to the pins and carefully roll the ball between their legs toward the pin formation. Award points normally based on the number of pins knocked down.
It’s unpredictable, challenging, and an easy way to add some laughter to a casual game!
Final Thoughts
With these Lawn Bowling variations, the same set can become a completely different game from one gathering to the next. Try accuracy challenges, team relays, knockout rounds, or create your own house rules to keep everyone playing.
Ready to play? Crafted from Hevea hardwood and designed for gathering, the Elakai Lawn Bowling Set includes 10 pins, 2 bowling balls, and a carry bag for easy play in the backyard, at the park, or wherever you gather.
10 FAQ Questions & Answers FAQs
This FAQ highlights creative lawn bowling variations, explaining how each twist works—from obstacle courses and team relays to themed and seasonal games. It’s a quick guide to help players add fun, competition, and laughter to their outdoor matches.
