Lawn Bowling vs. Bocce vs. Pétanque: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve ever been to a backyard party, a beach hangout, or a park picnic, chances are you’ve seen lawn bowling, bocce, or pétanque in action. While these outdoor games may seem similar at first glance, they each have their own unique flavor, history, and set of rules. So, what’s the difference between them? Let’s break it down!

Table of Contents

• What is Lawn Bowling?
• What is Bocce?
• What is Pétanque?
• Which Game is Best for You?

What is Lawn Bowling?

Traditional lawn bowling uses biased bowls and a jack, but “lawn bowling” is also commonly used to describe backyard bowling games inspired by traditional 10-pin bowling. Elakai Lawn Bowling takes that approach, bringing the familiar pins-and-ball format outdoors with a portable hardwood set designed for backyards, parks, and gatherings.

Prefer the familiar 10-pin style? Explore the Elakai Lawn Bowling Set  →

What is Bocce?

Bocce originated in Italy and is one of the most popular outdoor games in the world. In bocce, players take turns throwing large, round balls toward a small target ball called the pallino. The objective is to get your ball as close to the pallino as possible, just like in lawn bowling, but there are some key differences:

• The balls in bocce are perfectly round, not weighted or asymmetrical like in lawn bowling.
• Bocce is usually played on a shorter, boxed-in court, often with a sand or gravel surface.
• Strategy-wise, players are allowed to knock opponents' balls away from the pallino, adding a fun layer of competition!

Bocce is great for all ages and perfect for a casual backyard game, but if you want a little more of a challenge, you might prefer lawn bowling’s curved balls and longer lanes.

What is Pétanque?

Pétanque is a French game that shares some similarities with both bocce and lawn bowling, but with its own distinct twist. In pétanque, players use smaller metal balls (boules) and try to toss them toward a target ball (the cochonnet). However, unlike lawn bowling and bocce, pétanque is played with a different style:

• Players stand still inside a designated circle and throw the balls, rather than rolling them.
• The court can be rougher, often gravel or dirt, so the bounce and landing of the boules are unpredictable.
• Pétanque is often more casual and relaxed, but don’t let that fool you—it requires great precision!

While pétanque is a bit more freeform than the other two games, it’s a fun alternative if you enjoy a quicker, more social game that doesn’t require a perfectly maintained lawn or court.

Which Game is Best for You?

Choosing between lawn bowling, bocce, and pétanque really depends on your preferences and the type of outdoor space you have. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Lawn Bowling: Traditional lawn bowling is ideal for players who enjoy strategy and precision on a larger, flat playing surface. If you prefer the familiar experience of 10-pin bowling, an outdoor pin-style lawn bowling game offers an easy-to-learn alternative for backyard play.
• Bocce: Ideal for families and casual players who want a fun, easy-to-learn game. It’s great for boxed-in courts, smaller spaces, and varied surfaces.
• Pétanque: The ultimate laid-back game. If you want a relaxed, quick game on rougher terrain, pétanque is your go-to!

Prefer the familiar pins-and-ball style of bowling? Shop the Elakai Lawn Bowling Set, crafted from Hevea hardwood and designed to bring classic 10-pin-inspired play to the backyard.