1

Cornhole

Image: Jon Tyson

Cornhole reigns as the king of backyard games, combining skill and strategy with just the right amount of casual fun. Originating in the Midwest , players take turns tossing bean bags at a slanted board with a hole in it. Points are scored based on where the bag lands, with a perfect shot through the hole earning the coveted "cornhole."

2

Lawn Darts

Image: Afif Ramdhasuma

Once banned for safety concerns, modern lawn darts have undergone a safety makeover, now often sporting darts with plastic tips. Players take turns throwing darts toward a target ring on the ground, with the age-old game focusing on accuracy and a steady hand, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a real challenge .

3

Bocce Ball

Image: Braedon McLeod

Hailing from ancient Rome but finding a home in American yards, bocce ball involves tossing larger balls towards a smaller target ball, or pallino . Similar to curling and other such games, the goal is to get your ball closest to the pallino, all while strategically blocking opponents' shots. It's a game of finesse and strategy, often accompanied by good-natured banter - and what good lawn game isn’t?

4

Horseshoes

Image: Meg MacDonald

Dating back to ancient Greece (through a similar game called "quoits," where iron hoops are thrown instead), horseshoes remain a staple in American backyard culture. Players aim to toss horseshoes around a metal stake, scoring points based on proximity. This game combines skill and luck, with each ringer celebrated as a triumph of accuracy and expertise.

5

Croquet

Image: Troy Taylor

With origins in 19th-century England, croquet has become a refined addition to American backyard gatherings. Players use mallets to hit balls through a series of wickets arranged on the lawn, blending the gentle pace and strategic gameplay to make croquet a favorite among those who enjoy a more leisurely but still competitive game.

6

Ladder Toss

Image: Meritt Thomas

Also known as ladder golf, this game involves tossing bolas (two balls connected by a string) onto a ladder-shaped structure. Points are earned based on where the bolas land—the top rung yielding the most points and the bottom the least. It's easy to learn but challenging to master, keeping players engaged for hours.

7

Giant Jenga

Image: Meritt Thomas

Jenga , upsized to giant proportions, adds a nerve-wracking twist to backyard game nights. Players take turns removing wooden blocks from a tower and placing them on top without causing it to collapse. With each move potentially deciding the tower's fate, just like its smaller counterpart, Giant Jenga is a game that demands steady hands and clear strategic foresight.

8

Tug of War

Image: Anna Samoylova

A test of sheer strength and teamwork, tug of war pits two teams against each other in a battle of brute force. Using a sturdy rope, teams pull in opposite directions, aiming to drag the other team over a designated line. A game as ancient as rope itself , it's a primal display of competitiveness and camaraderie that never fails to energize a crowd.

9

Potato Sack Race

Image: Diego Catto

Bringing back memories of school field days, the potato sack race is a lighthearted sprint that requires nothing more than a burlap sack and some open space. Participants hop their way to the finish line, competing for the thrill of the race and the joy of friendly competition . It's simple, silly, and undeniably fun—a perfect way to wrap up a day of outdoor festivities.

10

Spikeball

Image: Spikeball

A recent phenomenon, spikeball is a competitive lawn game that has surged in popularity, offering a fast-paced twist on traditional volleyball . Played with a small trampoline-like net placed at ankle level, teams of two hit a small ball off the net, aiming to bounce it in such a way that the opposing team cannot return. It's athletic, energetic, and ideal for satisfying competitive spirits on sunny afternoons.

1

Beignets

Image: Jessica Tan

We’ll start with this Louisiana delicacy. This won’t be the last time you see an exquisite Louisiana dish in this article, since "the Pelican State" has a lot of meals to share with the world. Beignets are particularly popular in New Orleans, as this gorgeous city has been producing these iconic pastries since the 1700s.

While there are several European varieties of beignets, the ones served in Louisiana are usually rectangular in shape and deep-fried. They are usually consumed with coffee during breakfast, fresh from the frier, and with a healthy dose of powdered sugar on top. As you might have already figured out, beignets are the official state donut of Louisiana.

2

Chicago Pizza

Image: Matt Antonioli

Chicago-style pizza is sometimes considered a divisive subject, but we truly don’t understand why. Sure, this deep-dish delicacy inverts the established order of pizza, putting a hearty amount of tomato sauce on top of copious amounts of cheese.

However, as any 5th-grade math teacher can tell you, changing the order of the ingredients will not change the end result: In the end, Chicago-style pizza is just as delicious as traditional pizza. If you ever find yourself in "The Windy City" , treat yourself to a slice!

3

Texas Chili

Image: Artur Kornakov

While Texas is world-known for its delicious barbecue (on which the brisket reigns supreme), the official dish of "the Lone Star State" is its famous "Chili con carne". Texas-style chili's main distinction from its Mexican counterpart is its lack of beans: A traditional Texan "bowl of red" may contain a generous amount of beef and peppers, but never beans.

If you ever want to try some amazing chili from the birthplace of Texas style, you might want to visit the wonderful city of San Antonio : It was in this place that the "Queens of Chili" started selling their delicious recipes at affordable prices.

4

Boston Cream Pie

Image: Alonso Reyes

Beignets are not the only sweet treat you’ll find on this list. From the very heart of New England comes the delicious Boston cream pie . As its name suggests, this spongy pie is filled with cream and usually topped with a layer of chocolate.

The Boston cream pie is a long-standing symbol of everything "Bean City" has to offer: After all, it has been proudly produced in this city since at least the 19th century. According to legend, this pie was created in 1856 in the historic Parker House Hotel, by Armenian-French chef Mossburg Sanzian.

5

Philly Cheesesteak

Image: Niramay Kachhadiya

Just like their trademarked slang noun "jawn", Philly’s most iconic dish is an extremely versatile sandwich. The cheesesteak and Philadelphia are as synonymous as… Well, Rocky and Philadelphia. This sandwich is made from pieces of roasted beef, grilled onions and melted cheese served on a hoagie roll, so its popularity doesn’t really need to be explained.

If you are looking for someone to thank for this delicious fast food, you can pay homage to brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri. In the 1930s, these two Philadelphians created what most believe to be the very first iteration of the Philly cheesesteak in their hot dog stand.

6

Gumbo

Image: David Trinks

We told you that beignets weren’t the only Louisiana delicacy making it to this list. Gumbo is an exquisite Louisiana Creole stew characterized for always including three ingredients known as the Creole "holy trinity": celery, bell peppers, and onions.

While this dish has been synonymous with "The Pelican State" since at least the 19th century, gumbo gained national popularity in the 1970s, after the U.S. Senate added it to the dining room’s menu in honor of Louisiana Senator Allen Ellender.

7

New England Clam Chowder

Image: Kevin Lanceplaine

Looking for "warm food for the soul"? Then maybe New England can help: Just try a hearty bowl of clam chowder in any of the states that comprise this beautiful region. This iconic soup has been produced in New England since the 18th century, although it is now widespread throughout the entire nation.

While several variations exist, all clam chowder recipes include clams, potatoes, and onions. The three most popular variants are the New England or "white" recipe (which includes cream or milk), the Manhattan or "red" recipe (which includes tomato sauce), and the Rhode Island or "clear" version which includes neither dairy nor tomatoes.

8

New Mexico Green Chile Stew

Image: Acton Crawford

If you ever visit New Mexico, don’t be surprised if someone asks you the state’s official question "Green or Red?" No, it's not a confusing haiku nor a piece of experimental poetry: they are just asking which type of pepper you would like with your meal. That being said, you should keep this entry in mind before you give out your answer, since you might want to try a bowl of mouth-watering "Chile Verde" or green chile stew.

While there are many variations to this recipe, green chile stew usually includes green peppers (of course), pork, garlic, and green tomatillos . Its spiciness might vary depending on the type of pepper used, but it might go from mildly to extremely spicy.

9

Florida Key Lime Pie

Image: American Heritage Chocolate

You would think the orange, Florida’s most famous fruit, would be featured in The Sunshine State’s iconic dessert, but that honor goes to the delicious Key lime pie. Should you ever find yourself in Key West, don’t leave without trying a piece of this exquisite and citric treat.

As the name indicates, Key limes are essential for making this pie, since they tend to be more acidic and aromatic than other limes. These limes are so revered by the good people of Key West that every year, the Key Lime Festival is held on the Independence Day weekend.

10

Apple pie

Image: Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦

We’ll end this article with a sweet treat synonymous with being American . How many times have you heard that something is "as American as apple pie"? This iconic dessert has been tied with our nation’s history and identity since its inception, so it is no wonder that we always choose to have a piece of apple pie on the 4th of July.

While apple pies were brought over to America by European immigrants during the 17th century, it was quickly adopted as one of our nation’s most beloved symbols. Two different recipes for apple pie appear in America’s very first cookbook, Amelia Simmons’ "American Cookery", which was published in 1796.

1

Compression packing cubes

These zippered fabric cubes let you sort your clothes by category—shirts in one, pants in another, underwear in a third—and then compress them down by squeezing out excess air. They keep everything tidy and surprisingly compact . Most come in sets of different sizes, so you can mix and match depending on what you're packing.

Imagine you're flying to visit family for a long weekend but want to avoid checking a bag. Without packing cubes, that's a puzzle. With them, you'd be amazed what fits into a carry-on.

2

Portable luggage scale

This little handheld device hooks onto your bag's handle and gives you an instant weight reading. It costs about $10and weighs almost nothing itself. Use it the night before your flight, and you'll never get blindsided by an excess baggage fee of $50 (or more) again.

Picture this: you've spent a week in Florida and picked up a few things for the house. You think your bag is fine. The airline disagrees—to the tune of $75. A luggage scale would have caught that before you ever left the hotel room, giving you time to rearrange or ship something home instead.

3

Doorstop alarm

This wedge-shaped gadget slides under your hotel room door and sounds a piercing alarm if someone tries to push it open. It's a simple, inexpensive way to add a layer of security that the hotel deadbolt alone doesn't always provide. It fits in the palm of your hand and weighs almost nothing.

If you're traveling solo or in an unfamiliar area, peace of mind matters . Prop one of these under your door at night, and you'll sleep a lot better, knowing that if anyone tries to come in uninvited, the whole hallway is going to know about it.

4

Foldable tote bag

A lightweight tote bag that folds into a tiny pouch is one of those things you'll reach for constantly once you have it . Use it as an overflow bag on the way home when your suitcase is full of souvenirs, or as a beach bag, a grocery bag, or a day-trip bag when you don't want to lug your whole luggage around.

Say you're on a cruise with a port stop in a charming little town. You want to browse the market and pick up some local olive oil and pottery. You didn't plan for that. But if you've got a foldable tote tucked in your bag, you won’t have to scramble for a bag at the gift shop.

5

Travel clothesline

This is a simple elastic or bungee-style cord that stretches between two points—a towel bar, a bedpost, a shower curtain rod—so you can hang hand-washed clothes to dry overnight. No suction cups, no hardware, nothing complicated.

If you're on a two-week trip and trying to pack light, being able to wash a few things in the sink and hang them up makes a real difference . Woke up in Rome and realized you need your shirt for the following day? Wash it, and it will be dry by morning.

6

Universal travel adapter

Different countries use different outlet shapes and voltages. A universal adapter handles all of it— Europe, Asia, South America, the UK—in one compact device . Most modern ones also have built-in USB ports, so you can charge your phone directly without needing a separate plug.

You've landed in London, and your phone is at 8%. Your American charger is useless in a British outlet. One universal adapter, and that problem will never exist again. It's a one-time, ten-dollar fix for something that can otherwise ruin a morning.

7

RFID-blocking pouch

Modern credit cards and passports have chips in them that can, in theory, be scanned wirelessly by someone nearby. An RFID-blocking pouch or wallet liner prevents that from happening by creating a simple signal-blocking barrier around your cards .

Crowded airports, busy subway stations, tourist hotspots; these are exactly the environments where electronic pickpocketing is a concern. Slipping your passport and cards into an RFID pouch takes two seconds and gives you one less thing to worry about in a busy place.

8

Portable hard drive

A compact external hard drive is no bigger than a deck of cards and lets you back up your photos and documents while you're still on the road. You don't need Wi-Fi, you don't need cloud storage, and you don't need to worry about your phone running out of space at the worst possible moment.

Imagine you've spent eight days photographing the national parks out West. You have thousands of pictures and irreplaceable memories, but your phone gets lost or stolen on day nine. Without a backup, those photos are simply gone. With a portable hard drive, you plug in each night, transfer the day's shots, and travel with the peace of mind that your memories exist in more than one place .

9

Compact extension cord with USB ports

Hotel rooms have a frustrating habit of putting their one or two outlets in the least convenient spots: behind the bed, across the room from the desk, nowhere near where you actually sit. A compact extension cord with built-in USB ports solves this instantly. You plug it into whatever outlet exists, and suddenly you've got four or five charging options right where you need them .

Picture arriving at your room after a long travel day with a dead phone, a tablet that needs charging, and a CPAP machine to plug in before bed. One outlet, three needs. A compact extension cord turns that into a non-issue in about ten seconds, and it takes up barely any space in your bag.

10

Collapsible water bottle

When it's empty, a collapsible silicone water bottle folds flat, thin enough to slip into a jacket pocket . When you need it, it expands and holds a full 20 ounces or more. It's TSA-friendly when empty, and you can fill it right after security.

Staying hydrated on a long travel day matters more than most people realize, especially if you're dealing with heat, walking a lot, or spending hours in dry airplane air.