The Chevy Traverse seamlessly offers the space and versatility your family needs, great for everything from gear to groceries.
Photo courtesy of The Yard
Long days, warm nights, and a little friendly competition; that’s Metro Detroit’s summer trifecta. From sand courts and turf lanes to giant party classics, outdoor games turn patios and courtyards into instant hangout zones. Pair the play with crowd-pleasing bites and you’ve got a no-fuss plan for after-work meetups, family afternoons, and weekend tournaments alike.
Road Brewing Co.
666 Selden Street, Suite B, Detroit
One of the newest breweries in Metro Detroit, Roar Brewing Co., is a great spot to get your competitive streak going. Chief of Staff Jess Rademacher shares, “At Roar Brewing Company, we are all about unapologetic fun. We offer yard games such as corn hole, giant Jenga, and yard pong. We always have games out on weekends and available upon request during the week. We are lucky to be located next to a fantastic courtyard that gives our customers space to spread out and enjoy the fresh air while they sip beverages such as our signature Honey Oat Stout and Raspberry Wheat. In addition to games, we have live music and DJs in the courtyard weekly. We will also offer tailgate parties for each and every Lions Game!” When it comes down to bites, the Spicy Roar Burger stands out, as does the fresh popcorn, with flavors ranging from Cinnamon Roll to Sweet Jalapeño. Grab a round, pick a game, and let the fun commence.
On The Dunes
2055 Haggerty Road, Commerce Charter Township
This all-in-one playground lines up beach volleyball courts, football bowling lanes, axe throwing, street curling, dodgeball, baseball training, and HD golf simulators, so bring a crew and rotate through. On the Dunes’ game-day fuel covers the bases: cheesy house Dunes Dip with blue corn chips, jumbo Bavarian pretzels with white-cheddar beer cheese, beer-brined wings, and stacked nachos. Pizzas, wraps, salads, and burgers keep everyone fed between matches, from a classic four-cheese pie to a smokehouse burger and a chicken Caesar wrap. With plenty of sides, it’s easy to snack, play, repeat. Combined, it’s the perfect time for some indoor and outdoor games.
Detroit Shipping Company
474 Peterboro Street, Detroit
When at Detroit Shipping Company, outdoor yard-game staples like cornhole and giant Connect Four keep the friendly rivalries going; inside, a food-hall lineup makes post-game decisions fun. Pick one or them all: Bangkok 96 Street Food for a Famous Pad Thai Roll, gluten-free Curry Noodle Soup, or candied beef with sticky rice; Momo Cha for Nepalese momos (steamed, pan-fried, or fried dumplings) with chutneys like tomato cilantro or roasted soybean sesame. Craving comfort? Motor Burger brings beef, chicken, lamb, and veggie patties with hand-cut fries, while Halal Street rolls out NYC-style rice platters, kebab bowls, and pita wraps. Show up hungry, play a round, then explore what else this Midtown spot has to offer.
The Yard
1375 Michigan Avenue, Detroit
The Yard at Corktown is what gamers dream of. “We have 9,000 square feet of outdoor space,” shares Geoff Kretchmer, a partner at Detroit Axe. “There’s cornhole, giant beer pong, a wall full of board games you can play inside or outside, a game where you throw an ice shot glass at a bell, several outdoor bars, and a great tequila and whiskey collection.” The casual menu fits the vibe: Detroit-style personal pizzas (try pepperoni or the hot honey and jalapeño Stinger), a two-patty Corner Burger on brioche, and a hot honey chicken sandwich for spice fans. Round things out with a giant Bavarian pretzel, a bag of fries (or the amped-up spicy version), and a warm skillet cookie for the table. With a variety of spaces and seating options, it’s set up for groups to settle in and keep the games rolling.
Z’s Villa
42 Piquette Street, Detroit
A historic house bar and grill with an expansive patio, Z’s Villa is a longtime neighborhood spot that turns sunny days into pickup-match central with sand volleyball and cornhole. The menu is tailor-made for sharing between sets; think crispy wings, potato skin boats, steak-cut onion rings, and a starter combo platter loaded with favorites. If you’re in it for the long haul, refuel with deep-dish pizza or go the sandwich route with the Motor City Club on ciabatta. Family-owned and operated for over 47 years, it’s the kind of place where a casual game can easily stretch into an easygoing evening.
Metro Detroit’s outdoor game scene thrives on simple pleasures: fresh air, easy competition, and food that’s built for sharing. With sand courts, turf lanes, and classic yard setups, there’s room for everyone. Rally some friends, choose your battleground, and make the most of patio season.
