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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.
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!
Set up multiple targets at different distances and award points based on how close players get to the targets. Use different-sized items as targets (like a small ball, a cup, or even a frisbee). This game variation encourages precision and strategy while keeping everyone on their toes. Perfect for adding an extra layer of competition to your regular lawn bowling routine.
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!
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.
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.
Want to challenge your senses? Try blindfold bowling! Players take turns bowling while blindfolded, relying only on their teammates’ verbal directions to guide their aim. It’s not as easy as it sounds and can lead to some hilarious results. This is a great icebreaker at parties or family gatherings, and it levels the playing field for all skill levels.
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 this competitive variation, players take turns bowling, and after each round, the player farthest from the jack is knocked out. The game continues until only one player is left standing. Knockout bowling brings intense competition to the game, making each throw count. It’s a great option for both small and large groups and works well when you want to amp up the competitive spirit!
Want to get into the holiday spirit? Try incorporating seasonal lawn bowling! For Halloween, you can replace regular pins with mini pumpkins, or use snowmen for winter-themed games. You can even have themed costumes or special rules—like having players bowl with a broomstick instead of their hands! These creative outdoor games add a festive twist and keep the tradition going year-round.
Test your coordination (or lack thereof!) by bowling backward. In this hilarious variation, players must bowl with their backs to the pins, rolling the ball between their legs. It’s trickier than it sounds, and the results are often hilarious! Backward bowling is guaranteed to bring plenty of laughter and unpredictable fun to any lawn bowling match.
With these lawn bowling variations, you’ll never have to worry about your games getting stale. From obstacle challenges to team relays and themed games, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to increase the difficulty, add some humor, or mix up the format, these creative outdoor games will keep your lawn bowling sessions fresh and fun!
Looking for premium lawn bowling sets and accessories? Head over to Elakai Outdoor and check out their top-notch lawn bowling gear to bring these games to life!
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