our top picks

The Best Backyard Axe Throwing Sets to Stick the Bullseye

Nothing makes you feel like a backyard champion quite like the solid thunk of an axe sticking dead center in the target. Axe throwing is wildly fun, but let me be the commissioner who says it plainly: safety comes first, every single time. Real throwing axes are sharp tools, so they demand a clear lane, a solid backstop, and no one downrange. The good news is there's a safe option for every crowd, including soft foam and magnetic sets for kids.

TOP 5 PICKS RANKED FOR REAL BACKYARDS 1 or more, taking turns PLAYERS

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The shortlist

Our top backyard axe throwing picks at a glance

Pick	Best for	Score
EastPoint Sports Axe Throwing Target Set	Best Target Set	91	Check Price
SOTKA Throwing Axe Set	Best Real Axe	92	Check Price
Magnetic Axe Throwing Game	Best for Kids	88	Check Price
Marbles Throwing Axe Set	Best Premium Set	90	Check Price
WOOD AXE Throwing Target Board Kit	Best Complete Board Kit	89	Check Price

91 Best Target Set

EastPoint Sports Axe Throwing Target Set

Pros

Sturdy wood target that grips the blade well
Includes throwing axes ready to play
Clear scoring rings for proper league games

Watch for

Real steel axes mean you need a clear lane, a backstop, and sober adult supervision
Not a kid-safe option, so families with young children should look elsewhere

Who it's for

Best for adults who have the yard space and will run it safely as a target league, not households with kids or party drinking.

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MVP Pick

92 Best Real Axe

SOTKA Throwing Axe Set

Pros

Well-balanced steel axes that stick reliably
Comfortable grip for confident throws
Durable heads built for repeated throwing

Watch for

These are sharp real axes that demand a proper backstop and a called-clear lane every round
No target included, so you supply the board and the safe setup yourself
Strictly for supervised sober adults, never kids or a crowd with drinks

Who it's for

Best for the serious adult thrower who already has a safe lane and just wants well-balanced steel that sticks, not a casual party crowd.

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88 Best for Kids

Magnetic Axe Throwing Game

Pros

Magnetic axes stick with zero sharp edges
Totally safe for kids and indoor play
Same target thrill without the risk

Watch for

Magnetic axes are safe but they're not the real steel-thunk experience adults are after
Light enough that it stays a novelty rather than a competitive game

Who it's for

Best for kids and indoor family game night who want the bullseye thrill with zero danger, not adults chasing a real throw.

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90 Best Premium Set

Marbles Throwing Axe Set

Pros

Quality steel that holds an edge and balance
Trusted blade brand with solid heads
Satisfying stick for serious throwers

Watch for

Premium steel costs more than a casual thrower needs to spend
Real sharp axes, so it requires the same clear lane, backstop, and sober supervision as any steel set

Who it's for

Best for the committed adult thrower who wants quality steel that holds an edge, not a beginner or anyone needing a kid-safe option.

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89 Best Complete Board Kit

WOOD AXE Throwing Target Board Kit

Pros

Thick wood board that resists cracking
Comes with axes and clear scoring rings
Ready-to-hang setup for a backyard lane

Watch for

Comes with real axes, so it still needs a safe lane and a solid backstop behind the board
Ready-to-hang means you supply a sturdy wall or stand that can take a missed throw
Not for kids or a drinking crowd, who should stick to a foam or magnetic set

Who it's for

Best for an adult who wants the board and axes together to set up a backyard lane, not a family needing a safe option for children.

Check Price on Amazon

From the commissioner

How to choose a backyard axe throwing set

Safety comes first, always. Real throwing axes need a clear lane with nobody downrange or off to the sides. Set a hard rule that no one retrieves axes until every thrower has finished and the lane is called clear.
Build a proper backstop. Always place a solid wood target against a sturdy backstop like a hay bale stack, log rounds, or a thick wood wall, never against a fence, house, or anything an axe could pass through or ricochet off.
Match the gear to the crowd. Kids, parties with drinks, or first-timers should start with a soft foam or magnetic axe set. Real steel axes are for sober, supervised adults who respect the safety rules.
Look at target quality. A good target is thick end-grain or soft wood that grips the blade, with clear scoring rings. Cheap thin targets crack fast and make axes bounce back, which is dangerous.
Measure your throwing distance. You typically need around 12 to 15 feet of clear, level lane to the target. Make sure your yard has the room and a safe runoff zone before you buy a real axe set.

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Buyer's desk

Backyard Axe Throwing buying FAQ

Is backyard axe throwing safe?

It can be, with strict rules. Real axes demand a clear throwing lane, a solid backstop behind a thick wood target, and absolutely no one downrange while anyone is throwing. Only retrieve axes after the lane is called clear. For kids, parties, or anyone who's been drinking, skip the steel and use a soft foam or magnetic set.

What do I need behind the target for a backstop?

Never throw at a fence, house wall, or anything an axe could pierce or bounce off. Use a real backstop like stacked hay bales, log rounds, or a thick layered wood wall that fully stops a missed throw. The target should be solid wood mounted firmly against that backstop.

Is there a kid-safe axe throwing option?

Yes, and it's a great call for younger players. Magnetic and soft foam axe sets stick to the target with zero sharp edges, so kids get the same bullseye thrill without any danger. They're perfect for family game night and even work indoors.

How far should I stand from the axe throwing target?

Most backyard setups use about 12 to 15 feet from the toe line to the target, which gives the axe room for a single clean rotation. Beginners can adjust their distance to find where the blade sticks best. Always keep the full lane and runoff zone clear of people.

What kind of target works best for throwing axes?

Thick, soft end-grain wood is ideal because it grips the blade and absorbs the impact instead of letting axes bounce back. Look for a sturdy board with clear scoring rings. Thin or hardwood targets crack quickly and cause dangerous ricochets.