Lawn Games for Little Kids

Horseshoes is believed to have developed from the Roman game of quoits, in which an iron ring was thrown around a stake in the ground. The modern game uses horseshoes rather than rings, which is how the name originated.

You may consider starting off with lightweight plastic horseshoe sets that will make it easier for pint-sized players to join in the fun.

How to set up your court:

First, find a level surface. Professional horseshoe courts have a three-foot by five-foot pit around each stake, filled with clay or sand. But if you don't plan on making horseshoes a permanent part of your lawn, you can simply drive the stakes into the ground 40 feet apart. Mark off a line about three feet in front of each stake.

How to play:

Divide up into two teams, and give two horseshoes to each team. Players should stand behind the line and take turns pitching the horseshoes at the stake. After all the horseshoes have been thrown, the players take turns throwing at the opposite stake. Players score points based on how close they get to the stake: a ringer is worth three points; horseshoes that make it within six inches of the stake or lean against it earn one point. The official game is played to 40 points, but unless you want your game to extend well past bedtime, keep it to around 15 points.