Baden Backyard

If you go to a family barbecue or stop by a brewery this summer, there’s probably a slightly competitive game of cornhole happening outside. This popular backyard game has grown exponentially in popularity over the last decade and it doesn’t look like it’s stopping anytime soon. Cornhole fits perfectly with classic American summer activities for its simplicity, transportable setup, and easy rules for any skill level. But where did cornhole come from? There’s a variety of sources claiming who exactly invented cornhole. Some say it was the Native Americans, while others insist it was a fourteenth-century German cabinet maker or a family-man Kentucky farmer. One of the most interesting (and consistent) legends says that Mr. Matthias Keupermann created the game after seeing local children inventively throw rocks into a groundhog hole for fun. Concerned for their safety, Keupermann used his skills as a cabinet maker to make boards of wood with similar sized holes so that ...

Looking for a new game to play during your next backyard family gathering? Here are a few outdoor yard games that are easy for all ages and abilities, sure to include everyone who wants to play in a friendly competition. Badminton Badminton is a classic racquet game that uses a shuttle (or shuttlecock). It can include 2-4 players, depending on the match. Created in British India during the 19th century, the British military invented badminton while stationed in India. Now a globally recognized sport and even played at the Olympics, badminton is the fastest racquet sport in the world. Similar to tennis, the shuttle is a small feathered or plastic object hit over a net that divides the court. For casual games, a weatherproof net and a grassy area work best. A traditional badminton set includes 2-4 racquets, a shuttle, and a regulation size badminton net. Boundary lines are helpful to determine those close, questionable calls. Great for any backyard gathering or fam...