An outdoor hook and ring game is a fun backyard DIY project that can provide hours of entertainment for kids and adults alike. This classic carnival-style game is easy to make with some basic supplies and a little bit of handiwork.
Introduction
A hook and ring game, also known as a ring toss game, involves tossing rings onto pegs to try to get them to land around the pegs. The pegs are set up in a wooden frame or board with different point values assigned based on the difficulty of landing a ring on each peg. It’s a game that takes a bit of skill and practice, but anyone can play and have fun improving their aim.
Making your own hook and ring game for the backyard or outdoor space is an easy DIY project. With a few boards, some wooden pegs, rings, paint, and tools, you can create a customized hook and ring game for family and friends to enjoy when the weather is nice. This outdoor game is perfect for summer barbecues, block parties, campouts, or any other gathering. Kids and adults of all ages can take turns testing their skills and compete for the highest score.
Read on to learn the complete step-by-step instructions for building your own hook and ring backyard game from start to finish.
Supplies Needed
- 1″ x 4″ x 8′ pine board
- 1⁄2″ x 4″ x 4′ pine board
- Wood glue
- Paint and paintbrushes
- Sandpaper
- Wooden dowels or pegs (1⁄2″ diameter and 5″ long)
- Rings (can use plastic shower curtain rings)
- Eye and screw hooks
- Measuring tape
- Saw or miter saw
- Drill and drill bits
- Sander (optional)
- Clamps (optional)
Tools Needed
- Safety goggles
- Wood glue
- Hammer
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pencil
- Tape measure
- Saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Paint brushes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to build your own custom outdoor hook and ring toss game:
Step 1: Cut the Wood Frame Pieces
Start by measuring and cutting the wood for the main frame:
- Cut two 22” pieces from the 1”x4”x8’ board for the short sides
- Cut two 48” pieces from the same board for the long sides
- Cut one 22” piece from the 1⁄2”x4”x4’ for the center support brace
Use a miter saw or hand saw to make straight cuts.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Arrange the frame pieces on a flat surface in a rectangle. Attach the sides at the corners using wood glue and clamps. Allow the glue to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Tip: Using wood glue and clamps helps create sturdy corner joints.
Step 3: Add Center Brace
Once the glue has dried at the corners, add the 22” center brace piece across the middle of the long sides of the frame. This will provide stability and prevent the frame from warping. Attach with wood glue and clamps, allowing time to dry.
The center brace provides support and prevents warping.
Step 4: Sand the Frame
Use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on the completed wooden frame. Be sure to sand joints flush for a even surface.
Step 5: Paint the Frame
Paint the sanded wood frame and brace your choice of color using acrylic outdoor paint and a paintbrush. Let the paint dry fully before attaching pegs and rings.
A bright color makes the game more visible outdoors.
Step 6: Drill Holes for Pegs
Measure and mark the frame where you want to place the pegs. Space them evenly apart in the desired configuration. Using a 1⁄2” drill bit, drill holes perpendicular through the frame at each mark.
Tip: Clamp a block of scrap wood on the backside to prevent tear-out when drilling.
Step 7: Insert and Glue Pegs
Add a small amount of wood glue in each drilled hole. Then insert the wooden pegs, tapping gently with a hammer until flush with the frame. Allow glue to dry completely before attaching rings.
Make sure pegs are perpendicular to the frame.
Step 8: Add Screw Eyes Above Pegs
Measure 1” above each peg and mark the board. Drill pilot holes and screw screw-eyes into the frame at each mark. These will hold the rings.
Tip: Use screw eyes with closed loops to hold rings securely.
Step 9: Attach Rings to Screw Eyes
Open the rings and attach them to the screw eyes installed above each peg. Make sure rings can swing freely.
Shower curtain rings or jar lid rings work great for this game.
Step 10: Add Decorative Details (optional)
Get creative adding decorative details! Paint designs, stencil numbers on pegs for point values, or mod podge scrapbook paper onto the frame. Let kids customize it with their own artwork.
Personalize the game frame with fun designs and colors!
The outdoor hook and ring game is now ready to enjoy!
Setting Up the Game
Find a flat, level spot in the yard, driveway, or patio to set up the hook and ring game frame. Place it on a patch of grass or you can drive stakes into the ground to securely mount it.
Determine the throwing distance based on ages and skill levels of players. 5-10 feet is a good distance for kids while adults can stand 10-15 feet away for a bigger challenge.
How to Play
The hook and ring game rules are simple:
- Each player gets 5 (or more) rings per turn.
- Take turns tossing one ring at a time, trying to land rings around the pegs.
- Rings that land around pegs score points based on the peg value. Rings that miss do not get points.
- Highest scoring player after each round wins!
Scoring:
- You can assign point values based on peg placement. Farthest pegs are worth more.
- Center peg: 10 points
- Middle pegs: 5 points
- Outer pegs: 3 points
- Rings hanging on pegs or fallen on the floor: 0 points
The player with the most points after 5 rounds or a set time limit wins!
Hook and Ring Game Variations
- Assign different point values to color-coded rings.
- Set time limits for each round rather than ring limits.
- Team play: Split into teams and combine scores.
- Kids vs adults: See who scores more points!
- Increase distance for bigger kids/adults.
- Use water balloons instead of rings for outdoor fun!
No matter how you set it up, this homemade hook and ring game is sure to provide hours of backyard fun all summer long. Get the whole family in on the action!
FAQs about Making an Outdoor Hook and Ring Toss Game
What size wood boards should I use?
- 1”x4”x8’ pine board for the frame
- 1⁄2”x4”x4’ pine for the center brace
What diameter peg wood should I use?
- 1⁄2” diameter wooden dowels cut to 5” length work well.
How far apart should I space the pegs?
- Space pegs about 6-8 inches apart for beginners. For advanced players, space them 8-12 inches apart.
What can I use for rings?
- Plastic shower curtain rings, key rings, or jar lid rings work great. Make different sized rings for variation.
How deep should I drill the holes for pegs?
- Drill the holes deep enough so the pegs fit snug and remain perpendicular to the frame. About 2” depth is ideal.
What is the best paint for outdoor wood?
- Exterior latex acrylic paints are durable for outdoor wood projects.
How do I get paint designs on the wood frame?
- Use painters tape and stencils to create designs. Or mod podge scrapbook paper for a decoupage look.
How do I mount the frame to the ground?
- For grass, no mounting needed. To attach to patios/driveways, use heavy duty outdoor screws drilled into ground stakes.
What age is this game appropriate for?
- Hook and ring toss is great for kids as young as 4 years old with parental supervision. There’s no maximum age though, adults can play too!
With the right materials, tools, and a little carpentry skill, you can easily DIY your own hook and ring game for endless backyard fun. Just follow the steps to build a sturdy frame, install pegs and rings, decorate to your liking, and enjoy hours of entertainment with this classic outdoor game!
Conclusion
Creating your own hook and ring game is a satisfying outdoor DIY project that results in a customizable backyard game the whole family can enjoy. With simple supplies, easy-to-follow instructions, and a little bit of creativity, you can build a professional-looking hook and ring toss game for your outdoor space. Not only is the process of designing and building it rewarding, but the end product will provide fun for all ages for summers to come. Get started on this weekend project today and enjoy the classic hook and ring game with a personalized twist!