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know the game
Safe Lawn Darts You Can Still Buy: Soft-Tip, in one breath
Lawn darts is a backyard toss game where you lob weighted darts underhand toward a target ring on the grass. Land inside the ring, score points, first to 21 takes the bragging rights.
The shortlist
Our top safe lawn darts you can still buy: soft-tip picks at a glance
MVP Pick 92 Best Soft-Tip Overall
Pros - Soft rubberized tips are safe for the whole family
- Bright fins make them easy to track in the air
- Includes two target rings for instant setup
Watch for - the soft tips do not always bite into firm or dry ground
- lightweight darts wobble off course in a gusty yard
Who it's for The all-around safe pick for a family that wants the classic toss-and-stick game without any of the old metal-dart risk.
88 Best for Kids
Pros - Lightweight darts are easy for small arms to throw
- Rounded soft tips are gentle on bare feet
- Simple ring-toss scoring kids pick up fast
Watch for - the light kid-sized darts barely carry on a longer throw
- rounded soft tips skip across packed dirt instead of sticking
- not much challenge once adults pick them up
Who it's for Built for kids learning the toss with an adult running the lane, not for grown players who want darts that actually plant in the grass.
90 Best Weighted for Adults
Pros - Weighted blunt noses give a true competitive arc
- Durable fins handle hard backyard throws
- Carry case keeps the set organized between games
Watch for - the heavier blunt noses are too much for very young kids to lob safely
- even weighted darts can bounce instead of stick on hard, dry turf
Who it's for The pick for adults who want a true competitive arc, more dart than a household with toddlers needs.
85 Best Glow / Night Play
Pros - Glowing tips and rings extend play after sunset
- Same soft-tip build as the daytime sets, no metal spikes
- Great for backyard parties and bonfire nights
Watch for - the glow needs a charge under light and fades as the night goes on
- light glow darts drift more in the wind than weighted ones
- the novelty finish matters little once the sun is up
Who it's for Best for backyard parties and bonfire nights that run past dark — recharge the glow under a light between rounds, and call it once you can no longer see the rings and other players clearly. Not the set to buy if you mostly play in daylight.
82 Best Budget Pick
Pros - Easy on the wallet for a first set
- Compact enough to toss in a beach bag
- All-soft components keep casual play safe
Watch for - only two darts, so a bigger group has to take turns
- all-soft, lightweight pieces feel basic and drift in any breeze
Who it's for A cheap, packable first set for two casual players, not enough darts or heft for a real backyard league night.
From the commissioner
How to choose a safe lawn darts you can still buy: soft-tip set
- Skip anything metal-tipped. Real Jarts (the lawn darts with sharp steel spikes) are illegal to sell in the US. Every pick here is soft-tip or weighted-nose so it sticks the landing without sticking a foot.
- Match the tip to the crowd. Rubber or soft-plastic tips are best for little kids, while weighted blunt-nose darts give adults a truer flight and a more competitive feel on grass.
- Look at the fins. Plastic fins that screw or snap on tend to survive a season of abuse far better than thin glued-on flights, which crack and fly crooked.
- Check the rings. Sets with sturdy plastic or rope target rings hold their shape on uneven lawns better than flimsy wire hoops that bend the first time you step on them.
- Think storage and travel. A mesh carry bag or molded case keeps darts and rings together so you're not buying replacements every Fourth of July.
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Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Grab the bundle and save a trip, or see how safe lawn darts you can still buy: soft-tip stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Safe Lawn Darts You Can Still Buy: Soft-Tip buying FAQ
Are lawn darts legal to buy?
The old metal-tip Jarts are banned from sale in the US and Canada because of serious injuries. Soft-tip and weighted blunt-nose lawn darts are legal to sell and are what every set on this page uses — the far safer, legal version of the game.
Are soft-tip lawn darts safe for kids?
Yes. Rubber and soft-plastic tipped darts are designed for family play and won't puncture skin like the old metal spikes. Younger kids should still be supervised, and everyone should stand clear of the target ring while darts are in the air.
How is the game scored?
Players take turns lobbing darts toward a target ring on the ground. Darts that land inside the ring score points, and most sets play to 21. The underhand toss is part of the fun and keeps the arc safe and high.
What surface works best for lawn darts?
Soft grass is ideal because it cushions the landing and helps soft tips stay put. Avoid hard pavement or concrete, which can bounce the darts and isn't safe for the toss-and-stick style of play.
Do I need a big yard to play?
Not really. A standard backyard works fine since the rings sit about 20 to 30 feet apart for casual play. You can shorten that distance for kids and still have a great league night.
