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know the game
Ring Toss, in one breath
This guide uses garden peg ring toss: throw rings onto a peg base, score the values printed on the set, and keep a running total. Give each player the same number of throws.
The shortlist
Our top ring toss picks at a glance
Choose by the players, the court and how you plan to store the set. The notes below explain each model's contents and limitations; these are researched selections, with no hands-on rating.
Start here Best Overall
Pros - Solid wood base and pegs that last for years
- Includes both rope and hard rings for any age
- Compact enough to bring anywhere in the yard
Watch for - the small footprint means short tosses that low-key bore strong adult throwers
- the hard rings can chip the wood pegs over a long season
Who it's for The do-it-all pick for a mixed-age household that wants one wooden set both the kids and the grown-ups will use.
Best Budget
Pros - Affordable way to get a full set going
- Simple setup with no tools required
- Light and easy to pack for trips
Watch for - thinner wood and a basic finish that shows wear quickly
- the lighter base can scoot if someone clips it
- fewer ring options than the step-up sets
Who it's for A fine no-fuss starter for occasional backyard play, not the one to buy if it will get used every cookout.
Best for Kids
Pros - Soft rope rings that are safe for little hands
- Five rope rings and five push-in wooden pegs on a two-part base
- Low 8 inch pegs that beginners can actually hit
Watch for - the low, close layout gets too easy for adults fast
- soft rope rings drift and flutter instead of flying true
Who it's for Aimed squarely at little kids who need an easy target and safe rings, not at grown-ups who want a real toss.
Best Giant Party Set
Pros - Oversized rings and stakes for big-group fun
- Eye-catching setup that draws a crowd
- Sturdy stakes that hold steady in the lawn
Watch for - the big rings and stakes eat up real lawn space
- oversized rings sail off-line in any kind of wind
- more set to haul and store than a compact peg board
Who it's for Best for big-group parties where the giant size is the whole point, too much footprint for a tight yard or a quiet two-player game.
Best Hook-and-Ring Pick
Pros - Addictive swing-and-hook play for any age
- Mounts on a wall or post to save floor space
- Quick to set up and instantly competitive
Watch for - you need a wall or sturdy post to mount it, so it does not work in open grass
- it is one ring on a string, a different game than a peg-toss set
Who it's for The pick for a porch, patio, or man-cave where floor space is tight, not a substitute if you specifically want lawn ring toss.
From the commissioner
How to choose a ring toss set
- Match the set to your players. Kids do best with lightweight rope rings and a low peg board, while adults often want the longer distances and scoring of a wooden or hook-and-ring set.
- Rope rings vs hard rings is a comfort call. Soft rope and rubber rings are forgiving and safe for little hands, while rigid plastic or wood rings fly truer for serious tossers.
- Wood quality drives durability. A solid hardwood base and pegs survive years of outdoor use, while thin plastic stakes can snap or pull loose from the lawn.
- Consider a hook-and-ring variant. Tiki Toss-style wall games swing a ring onto a hook and play great on a porch or patio where floor space is tight.
- Look for portability. A carry bag, foldable board, or stake-in design makes it easy to bring the set to the beach, the park, or a tailgate.
next up Build the whole roster
Outfitting a party or a whole backyard? Start with our family game picks, or see how ring toss stacks up against the rest.
Buyer's desk
Ring Toss buying FAQ
What is the best ring toss game for kids?
For young kids, choose a set with soft rope or rubber rings and a low peg board so they can actually land a few tosses. Lightweight, bright sets keep little ones engaged, and the soft rings mean no bruised shins when a throw goes wild.
Are wooden ring toss sets better than plastic?
For longevity, yes. A hardwood base and pegs hold up to years of outdoor play and feel more substantial, while thin plastic stakes can snap or wobble. Plastic is fine for occasional casual use, but wood is the pick for a regular league set.
What is a hook-and-ring game?
It is a variant where you swing a ring on a string toward a hook mounted on a wall or post, like the popular Tiki Toss. It plays great on a porch or patio where you do not have room for a peg board on the ground, and it is shockingly addictive.
How far apart should ring toss pegs be?
It depends on the set and your players. Kids do well tossing from a few feet away, while adults can back up for a real challenge. Many sets let you set the tossing line wherever feels fair, so adjust the distance to match the group.
Can ring toss be played indoors?
Absolutely, especially the soft-ring and hook-and-ring versions. Soft rope rings will not damage floors or walls, making ring toss a great rainy-day backup. Just clear a little space and keep breakables out of the line of fire.
