Outdoor Fun At the Lake: Cornhole

Cornhole is a fun recreational activity similar to a bean bag toss game. It is played on a lawn and requires players to throw bean bags at raised platforms. This has become a very popular game to play at picnics, tailgating, and other social events.

The great thing about cornhole is that you can build a cornhole set with just a few supplies. Also, it takes hardly any time at all. In fact, you can build your set and start playing as soon as this weekend!

Regulations

The American Cornhole Association states that platforms must be 48 inches by 24 inches in a rectangle shape made from plywood of about one half an inch thick.

The front part of the platform will be about 2.5 to 4 inches in height, and the back will be about 12 inches or so off of the ground. Bags, according to regulation standards, need to be made out of a duck canvas filled with corn feed and can only be 6 inches wide.

Corn Hole BoardYou are able to purchase these bean bags online for about $30. There are also ones that are filled with plastic and that are weatherproof, so if you leave the bean bags out in the rain, they will not be damaged.

Fun to Play Anywhere, Anytime!

Cornhole has taken off in popularity thanks to its simplicity and ease of transport.

It is common to see cornhole sets while tailgating for sports, at local breweries and pubs, and is even commonplace in your typical backyard.

Cornhole also pairs well with grilling. Particularly at the lake, you are provided spectacular views while the game is being played!

Supplies That You Will Need

The following is a list of basic supplies to give you an idea of what you will need:

  • Two 24 inch by 48 inch plywood sections for the bean bag landing zone
  • Four 2×4 x 21 for the frame
  • Four 2×4 x 11 and a half pieces for the legs
  • Circular saw or jig saw
  • Drill
  • Router
  • Hardware for the frame

For fully detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to construct your own set, visit the Cornhole How-To website. In addition to the free information on how to build a set, the site also offers an e-book for $4.99. This book details advanced game techniques as well as step-by-step picture instructions.

Whether you’re having a picnic or a cookout, or simply a fun Sunday afternoon, cornhole can be fun for everyone involved. It should not take more than a day to build your set, and then you will be able to enjoy it any time you want.

For more family fun article, check out our stories about geocaching and the hottest summer must-have lake toys of last year!