Cornhole is an all-time favorite game for kids and adults alike. When you're looking for something to do with your kids, it’s time to whip out those cornhole boards, grab some bean bags, and get ready for some fun! This classic backyard game is simple enough for anyone to play, yet challenging enough to keep the whole family entertained for hours. In this blog post, we’ll give you some fun and simple ideas for playing cornhole with kids of all ages.
Make it a Themed Game
One way to make playing cornhole more exciting is to make it a themed game. For instance, if you are having a Fourth of July get-together, you can decorate the boards with patriotic symbols, and the bean bags can be red, white, and blue. The same goes for other holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. You can also have a fun beach theme with seashell bean bags and a beach ball or umbrella as a prize. You can even make your cornhole boards custom to whatever you'd like!
Create Characters and Stories
Adding characters and stories to your cornhole game can make it more engaging, especially for younger kids. For example, you could design the boards as two castles, and the bean bags could be knights trying to conquer the other's castle. The kids can choose to be a brave knight or a cunning wizard, adding a role-playing element to the game. Each successful throw could be a 'battle won'. This not only makes the game more exciting but also sparks creativity and imagination among the children.
Incorporate Learning Elements
Themed cornhole can also be a fun and effective learning tool. For instance, you can create a space-themed game where each hole represents a different planet, and the kids learn about these celestial bodies as they play. Or consider a wildlife-themed game where each bean bag features a different animal. As players throw their 'animal' into the hole, they can share a fun fact about that animal. This way, children can learn about different animals while playing an exciting game of cornhole.
Add Some Challenges
Kids love to be challenged, so why not add some fun challenges to your cornhole game? Set a timer for each round, giving players a limited amount of time to get all their bean bags in the holes. Or set different distances for each game, making some easier and some more challenging. You can also make it more difficult by having players throw using their non-dominant hand, or standing on one leg while throwing.
Introduce Obstacles
Boost the fun and complexity of your cornhole game by introducing obstacles. You can use objects like cones, hoops, or even water balloons as barriers that the players have to get their bean bags around. This not only increases the difficulty level but also encourages strategic thinking and problem-solving skills among the players.
Points for Style
Apart from scoring for getting the bean bags in the hole, assign additional points for style. Players can earn extra points for trick shots such as bouncing the bag off the ground before it lands in the hole, or throwing it in a unique style. This encourages creativity and ensures everyone has a chance to shine, regardless of their cornhole skills.
Team Challenges
Make the game more engaging by introducing team challenges. Divide the players into two teams and let them compete in a relay race where each member has to successfully land their bean bag in the hole before the next player can start. Relay cornhole can be a great way to foster teamwork and collaboration among kids.
Remember, the goal is not just to win, but to have fun, so keep the challenges light-hearted and enjoyable. Happy cornhole playing!
Create a Tournament
Kids love competition, so why not create a cornhole tournament? Make a bracket with all of the players’ names, and play rounds until you have a winner. You can even have prizes for the winning team, such as a box of popsicles or a trip to the ice cream shop. This is a great way to keep kids engaged and excited about the game.
Set Rules and Track Progress
When creating a tournament, it's important to establish a clear set of cornhole rules from the outset. This might include the number of rounds, scoring system, and regulations regarding foul throws or boundaries. Create a big chart or board to track the progress of the tournament. Seeing their names move up (or down) the roster can be incredibly exciting for the kids and adds an extra element of competition to the game.
Award Ceremony
Don't forget an award ceremony at the end of the tournament. This is a great way to end the day and celebrate all the players, not just the winners. You can have different categories for awards, such as 'Best Team Spirit', 'Most Creative Throw', or 'Best Sportsmanship'. This way, everyone feels recognized and appreciated for their effort, encouraging a positive and inclusive environment.
Keep it Fun and Fair
Remember that the primary goal of the tournament is for everyone to have fun. Ensure that the competition remains friendly and fair, and that everyone gets an equal chance to play. This includes rotating teams and giving equal playtime to all players, regardless of skill level.
Include Refreshments and Breaks
Make sure to include breaks for refreshments, especially if you're playing in the summer heat. A tournament can last several hours, and it's essential to keep everyone hydrated and energized. Consider setting up a snack station with healthy options like fruit, granola bars, and plenty of water. During these breaks, players can mingle, share their game strategies, or just enjoy some downtime.
A well-planned cornhole tournament can provide hours of fun and entertainment for kids. With a little creativity and preparation, you can turn a simple game of cornhole into a memorable event that children will look forward to every summer.
Get Creative with the Scoring
To make the game more exciting, you can come up with creative ways to score. For instance, you can give extra points for landing a bean bag in a certain spot, or subtract points for hitting the ground too many times. You can even create new scoring rules, such as a double points round or a round where the first team to get three bean bags in a row wins.
Experimenting with different scoring methods can significantly enhance the cornhole gaming experience. For instance, you could implement a "graduated scoring" system where the points earned increase the further away the player stands from the board, rewarding those who dare to take risks.
Another creative scoring method could be the "combo score" system. If a player or team manages to land successive bean bags in the hole without a miss, they could earn extra points for maintaining a streak, adding a layer of strategy to the game.
A "bonus target" scoring system adds an element of surprise to the game. Here, you can designate a specific area on the board as a bonus target for each round. Any player landing their bean bag on this target earns additional points.
Moreover, consider implementing a "penalty rule" to keep the game competitive and exciting. If a player's bag hits the ground before reaching the board, they could lose a point, encouraging more accurate throws.
Remember, while creating your unique scoring system, the key is to balance challenge and fun. Keep the rules simple and ensure that every player understands them. A well-thought scoring system can turn a casual cornhole game into an exciting match that keeps everyone guessing and looking forward to their turn.
Grab Your Kids and Start Playing Cornhole
Cornhole is a classic game that has been around for decades, and for good reason – it’s simple, fun, and perfect for all ages. By adding some challenges, themes, and creative scoring, you can make the game even more exciting and engaging for kids of all ages. So what are you waiting for? Gather your family and friends, set up those cornhole boards, and let the games begin!