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know the game
Backyard Axe Throwing, in one breath
Axe throwing is wildly satisfying, and yes, you can do it safely in your own backyard if you respect a few hard rules. You throw a hatchet at a wooden bullseye target from about 12 to 15 feet, and points depend on which ring the blade sticks in.
The shortlist
Our top backyard axe throwing picks at a glance
These are ordered by what you are shopping for, not by score. The
number rates each set on build and play quality on its own, so a specialist pick like
the tournament set or the premium wood can out-score the all-round winner and still not
be the one most people should buy. The highest score on the page takes the MVP ribbon.
91 Best 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.
MVP Pick 92 Best Real Axe
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.
88 Best for Kids
Pros - Magnetic axes stick with zero sharp edges
- Kid-friendly and works indoors
- Same target thrill with far less risk
Watch for - Magnetic axes skip the steel-blade risk 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 without steel in the air, not adults chasing a real throw.
90 Best Premium 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.
89 Best Complete 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.
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.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how backyard axe throwing stacks up against the rest.
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.
