The sun is shining, the sky is azure blue. Move over Frisbee (and Horseshoes too!) There are new games in town!
Pétanque
Country of Origin: France
A quintessential pastime of the French Riviera, pétanque is the unofficial sport of slow summer afternoons and rosé-fueled banter. Played in parks and plazas from Marseille to Montpellier, pétanque pits players (either solo or in teams) against one another in a quest to toss hollow metal balls (boules) as close as possible to a small wooden target ball, known as the cochonnet.
Though often likened to bocce, the French will gently remind you that pétanque is a distinct affair. The game thrives on rougher terrain — gravel, sand, even uneven grass — and the smaller metal boules are lobbed, not rolled.
Where to get a set: Pétanque America is your best bet, offering authentic French brands like Obut, MS Pétanque, and La Franc. A worthy investment for anyone with access to a backyard, beach, or dusty courtyard.
Beach Cricket
Country of Origin: United Kingdom / Australia
The esky’s stocked, and there’s sand between your toes — it’s time for beach cricket! This laid-back variation of the sport throws out the rulebook in favor of flexibility and fun. Often played in big groups, it’s a cross between cricket and casual baseball batting practice.
Batters swing away while fielders can catch outs on one bounce or in the air. Just don’t expect precise scorekeeping — it’s more about the vibes.
Where to get a set: A junior cricket kit from Kookaburra Sport keeps things friendly (and avoids bruises from regulation cricket balls).
Sepak Takraw
Country of Origin: Thailand
Imagine volleyball, but the net is lower, the court is tighter, and… you can’t use your hands. Sepak takraw is Thailand’s acrobatic answer to ball sports, requiring players to spike, block, and volley a woven rattan ball using only their feet, head, and torso.
Where to get a set: A $16 rattan ball and a five-foot-high net are all you need to bring this sport to your local court or backyard.
Mölkky
Country of Origin: Finland
Finland’s take on lawn bowling is all about strategy and luck. In mölkky, players throw a wooden pin to knock over 12 numbered skittles. The kicker? After each round, skittles are reset wherever they land, which means your game can slowly take over the entire lawn. The goal is to be the first player to reach exactly 50 points. Go over 50? Well, you are reset back to 25.
Where to get a set: The official Mölkky World-endorsed version is just a click away on Amazon.
Frescobol
Country of Origin: Brazil
Frescobol is the samba of paddle sports — smooth, rhythmic, and full of flair. Played on beaches all over Brazil, it’s a cooperative game where two players work in sync to keep a rubber ball airborne with wooden paddles, volleying back and forth like a mellow, musical tennis match. There are no winners, no losers – it’s just a great rally and a whole lot of fun.
Where to get a set: Check out some sleek hardwood frescobol sets online or go for a budget-friendly option from Wilson that still does the trick.
These global games offer a passport-free way to bring a little international flair to your weekend fun. Whether you’re channeling ancient shepherds or seaside athletes, all you need is a ball, some friends, and the willingness to try something new.
So — which one are you playing first?
