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know the game
Lawn Bowling, in one breath
Lawn bowling (also called lawn bowls) is a patient, strategic classic that rewards a steady hand over raw strength. You roll weighted, slightly lopsided balls down a flat green toward a little target ball called the jack, and whoever finishes closest scores.
The shortlist
Our top lawn bowling picks at a glance
90 Best Overall
Pros - Well-balanced bowls with a satisfying roll
- Includes a jack and a handy carry case
- Great quality for casual and family play
Watch for - These roll straight rather than carrying true bias, so it's not the authentic curving game
- The casual-grade bowls feel light to anyone who wants a serious roll
Who it's for Best for family and casual backyard rolling where everyone just wants to play, not the purist who wants real biased bowls.
85 Best for Kids
Pros - Soft, lightweight bowls safe for little hands
- Colorful and easy for kids to grip and roll
- Affordable starter kit for family fun
Watch for - The soft, light bowls don't track or roll true the way weighted bowls do
- Built for kids, so adults will find them flimsy quickly
Who it's for Best for young kids who need something safe and easy to grip, not grown players who want a real roll.
87 Best for Families
Pros - Durable bowls that suit all ages
- Easy to roll on uneven backyard grass
- Comes ready to play right out of the box
Watch for - Soft bowls roll straight and stop short, so it plays more like a toy than the real sport
- The basic finish shows wear after a season of bumpy-lawn use
Who it's for Best for an all-ages family that wants a forgiving set to roll on rough grass, not anyone after authentic biased play.
MVP Pick 95 Best Bias Bowls
Pros - True biased bowls that curve like the real sport
- Premium build trusted by serious bowlers
- Authentic feel and roll for a proper green
Watch for - Priced and built for the real sport, which is far more than a casual yard needs
- The true bias takes practice, so first-timers will fling a few into the flowerbeds learning it
Who it's for Best for the player who wants the genuine curving sport on a proper green, not a family looking for easy backyard fun.
91 Best Premium Pick
Pros - Heavier composite bowls with a real roll
- Consistent weight for competitive play
- Built to last through full league seasons
Watch for - The heavier composite bowls are more to haul and more than casual players want to lift
- Costs more than a simple family kit for a step up most backyards won't use
Who it's for Best for a competitive group that wants consistent weight and a real roll all season, not occasional cookout players.
From the commissioner
How to choose a lawn bowling set
- Understand bias. Real lawn bowls are weighted on one side so they curve as they slow down, which is the whole skill of the game. Family and budget sets often use round, unbiased balls that roll straight, more like bocce. Decide which experience you want.
- Lawn bowling vs bocce. They look similar but play differently. Bocce balls are round and roll straight on a flatter court, while true lawn bowls curve. If authenticity matters, buy a biased set, not a relabeled bocce kit.
- Match the set to your players. Soft or lightweight bowls are perfect for kids and casual yards, while heavier composite bowls feel better for adults who want a real roll.
- Check the jack and ball count. A standard set includes the small target jack plus enough bowls for two sides. Make sure the count fits how many people you want playing at once.
- Look at carry and storage. Bowls are heavy, so a sturdy carry case or bag is a genuine convenience when you're hauling them out to the lawn and back.
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Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how lawn bowling stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Lawn Bowling buying FAQ
What's the difference between lawn bowling and bocce?
The big one is bias. Real lawn bowls are weighted on one side so they curve toward the target as they slow, which is the core skill. Bocce balls are perfectly round and roll straight on a flatter court. They look alike, but the curving roll of biased bowls is what makes lawn bowling its own sport.
Do I need biased bowls or will round ones work?
It depends on what you're after. Round, unbiased bowls are great for casual family play and roll straight like bocce. If you want the authentic graceful curve and the real skill of weighting your shot, you'll want a true biased set. Many budget kits are actually round bowls, so read the description carefully.
What's the best lawn bowling set for kids?
Soft, lightweight bowls are the way to go for younger players. They're safe for little hands, easy to roll on bumpy backyard grass, and colorful so each player can track their own. A soft family kit keeps everyone playing without worrying about heavy bowls on toes.
Can I play lawn bowling on a regular backyard lawn?
Absolutely. While clubs use perfectly manicured greens, a reasonably flat backyard lawn works great for casual play. Just clear away big bumps. Biased bowls behave a little differently on uneven grass, which honestly adds to the backyard fun.
How many bowls come in a lawn bowling set?
A typical set includes the small target jack plus bowls for two sides, often in two colors so teams can tell their bowls apart. Check the count against your group size, since bigger gatherings may want a larger set.
