Games bring us together. They allow us to exercise our brains and bodies and to appreciate each other’s company without having to think of clever things to say. Sure, they bring out the competitive side, but with the right attitude, they’re a whole lot of fun, not to mention a remarkably cheap form of entertainment. Now is a great time to invest in a few games that can be played in the yard all summer. The extremely popular BlongoBall ($57) can be played by two opposing teams or just two people. The idea is to throw the balls-on-strings in a manner that makes them wrap around the posts (and maybe even knock off your opponents balls). Badminton is a classic garden game. Wear white and swat a shuttlecock back and forth between sips of iced tea. At Badminton Source, we like the Franklin Advanced set ($50) because it comes with everything you need — poles, net, rackets, shuttlecocks, carrying case. Croquet is another oldie but goodie, and Franklin has just the set for six to eight players ($65, pictured). It’s sanctioned by the U.S. Croquet Association and comes with rules and instructions. Or learn to play bocce (Italian lawn bowling) with Sportcraft’s Better Bocce Set ($50). When it’s time for the grown-ups to go inside and crank up the A.C., the kids can grab the garden hose and “go to town” without leaving the premises. Wham-O still makes its classic Slip ‘n Slide in a wide variety of styles. We like the Heat Wave model at Our Toy Shop ($35). It provides 22 feet of sliding, splashing action and the new Drench-o-Matic overhead hydrant system. Not recommended for drought-stricken locales, where a water balloon sling shot ($20) or Max Liquidator Eliminator ($7)
might make a better choice. And there’s always pingpong. Our suggestion is to avoid the cheaply made, short-lived tables and buy a weatherproof model for years of enjoyment.