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When it starts getting dark outside it gets a lot harder to play games. If you don’t have flood lights then you’ll probably have to stop playing altogether. That’s why we put together the best yard games for after dark so the fun doesn’t have to stop even when the sun goes down.
Depending on where you live, it might get dark long before everyone’s ready to turn in. But there’s also another reason to play in the dark: it’s fun.
What’s the Best Time to Play Light Up or Glow in the Dark Outdoor Yard Games?
These games are all best played at dusk or later. If you’re playing with younger kids, dusk is probably better. You still get some light but the glowing and LEDs will still be visible.
For adults, full darkness is more fun. The darker the better for some of these games, although a little bit of light shouldn’t ruin the fun either.
What’s Better, Light Up or Glow in the Dark?
Generally speaking, light up yard games are better all around. The lights are usually brighter than glow in the dark and they’ll be visible even when there’s still other sources of light.
That being said, you have to worry about batteries with light up products. If you want something that you can just pull out without having to worry about it dying, glow in the dark is better.
How to Charge Glow in the Dark Yard Games
If you’re not familiar with glow in the dark stuff (or you haven’t used it in awhile), it needs to be “charged” to glow at its brightest
Charging is easy – all you have to do is lay the glow in the dark toy out in the bright sun. Ideally for several hours. Usually the longer you charge it, the brighter it will be.
Best Yard Games to Play After Dark
These yard games all have lights or some glow in the dark element so it’s not just possible to play in the dark – you’re actually going to want to bring them out when there’s less light outside.
Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts
This is a throwback to the classic game. Although they’ve updated it and made it safer over the years, it’s still a lot of fun. The goal is to toss your dart into the hoop to score. It’s not that easy, though; they’re not spiked darts so there’s some strategy involved to get them to land softly or bounce in.
Buy on AmazonThe hoops are entirely glow in the dark and the darts themselves glow on the fins. They look really cool flying through the air when all you can see is the glowing tail!
Pros:
- Great family game
- Works in the day or night
- Comes with a carry bag
Cons:
- Need to be “charged” in the sun before they can glow properly, which takes a while
- Only two people can play at once
LED Ring Toss Game
It’d be pretty tough to play ring toss in the dark when you can’t see the posts you’re trying to hook! This fun game solves that problem with light up posts and rings.
No products found.Since they’re made of LED (the batteries are included), you can just pull this set out and set it up. It will need to be played somewhere you can insert the stakes though – grassy areas or the beach work well.
Pros:
- LED lights are bright and easy to see
- Easy to set up
- Simple game that anyone can understand and play
Cons:
- Stakes that hold the posts aren’t super sturdy and can break
- Only comes with four rings
Capture The Flag Redux
This game is super fun for kids and adults alike. If you’re looking for a way to get active while playing outside, this capture the flag kit is perfect. Teams compete to try and capture the “flag” (glowing orb) from the other team’s base. If they get caught, the team members go to “jail” and remain there until someone tags them out.
Buy on AmazonOne thing to keep in mind is that it’s for up to 20 players, but it only comes with 8 team bracelets. If you’re playing with more than 8 there are some variations to follow. Another option is picking up two packages for the extra bracelets.
Pros:
- Replaceable batteries extend the game’s life
- Comes with game variation ideas
- Lights are bright and easy to spot
- Can be used inside (like a gym) or outdoors
Cons:
- Only enough arm bands for 8 players
- Could be sturdier, especially as a running game where pieces could easily be dropped
- Rules are more complicated than some other yard games which might make it harder to get going
Kan Jam Disc Throwing Game
The illuminate version is the one you’re going to want to get for playing at night. It comes with LED lights that you can turn on inside the can. Plus the discs light up too.
Buy on AmazonPros:
- Comes with everything you need to play the game
- Game is really easy to understand, but still requires skill
- Looks great when played at night, especially when it’s really dark
Cons:
- Lights turn off when the can is hit too hard with the frisbee
- Light isn’t very bright on the frisbee
Best Accessories to Make Yard Games Light Up
LED Cornhole Lights
These LED lights go on top of an existing cornhole game to help make it easier to see in the dark. There’s a strip for the perimeter, as well as a smaller hoop that goes around the hole.
Buy on AmazonThe lights stay on with little clips that you screw on so they can be removed when you’re done with them. What’s really cool is that you can change their colour with the remote that’s also included!
Pros:
- The lights and colours are bright
- Lights stay in place well while you’re playing
- Batteries can be changed so you don’t have to worry about them dying mid-game
Cons:
- Light ring for the hole may be too big or too small depending on your cornhole game
- Lights only – you’ll still need a cornhole board to play
- Sometimes hitting the lights with the bean bag makes them flash or change colour
LED Shuttlecocks
If you like to play badminton these light up shuttlecocks are a must have in your best yard games after dark arsenal. Don’t let the sun setting stop you from having fun or put the breaks on your still going badminton tournament.
Buy on AmazonThey can be used with your existing badminton equipment and make it easier to see where the birdie is flying. One thing you might want to add, though, is a light or LED strip on the net so it’s easier to see. Or just play without it!
Pros:
- Inexpensive way to give your badminton set new life at night
- They fly surprisingly well
- Lights work well, even when struck
Cons:
- Could be more durable
- When the colours change the light goes out and you can’t see the birdie
- Doesn’t include a light for the net
LED Hoop Lights for Slammo or Spikeball
If you haven’t already heard, Slammo and Spikeball are becoming super popular. You bounce balls off a mini trampoline-like surface and try then send them to the other team, volleyball style.
Buy on AmazonThese lights make it possible to play the game in the dark, which is great if you’re hanging out with friends or family well into the evening. They fit through your net’s existing straps so it’s easy to add or remove the lights
Finally, they come with a remote and you can change the colour which is super fun.
Pros:
- Lights are wrapped in a plastic tube so they don’t get damaged when the ball hits them
- You can change the colour and brightness of the lights with the remote
- Super easy to install and remove
Cons:
- It might still be tough to see the balls when you’re playing
- Doesn’t fit the larger versions of Slammo or Spikeball
What are the Best Yard Games for After Dark?
All of these yard games for after dark are going to do the trick. It all depends on your personal preference. If you want a complete game, go with the Glow in the Dark Lawn Darts, the LED Ring Toss game, the Kan Jam Disc Throwing game, or pick up the super unique Capture the Flag Redux.
If you already have some games at home like Badminton, Cornhole, or Slammo/Spikeball you can make them nighttime compatible with lights and accessories.
Since most of the games and accessories are similar quality, choose whichever light up yard game you’re most interested in playing. Or pick accessories based on what equipment you already have!
Final Thoughts on After Dark Yard Games
It can be tricky to play games in the dark, especially yard games. You have to worry about seeing the target plus the other pieces you’re playing with.
All of the best yard games for after dark on this list are perfect for playing in the early evening or when the sun goes all the way down. That means the fun doesn’t have to stop just because it’s getting dark!