How to Turn a Tarp Into a Fun Party Game

Kick your tailgate or backyard parties up a notch with this fun-for-all-ages game you can make in less than an hour and that folds flat for easy between-party storage.
Woman Preparing to Throw Football

Tarp Toss Game

Guests score points by throwing a football through the numbered holes.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Related To:

Materials Needed

  • 6x9 canvas dropcloth
  • metal ruler
  • pencil
  • permanent marker
  • sharp scissors
  • 3 rolls duct tape (in team colors)
  • hole punch
  • heavy-duty twine or 1/4" rope
  • football

Cut Out Squares

Draw 5 randomly spaced 18" squares onto the dropcloth (Image 1), then cut out each square with scissors (Image 2).

Tape Edges

To prevent fraying and add team color, place duct tape around each square's edge, leaving a 1/4" overhang (Image 1). Flip dropcloth over and repeat on the other side, taking care to line up excess tape (Image 2). Alternate team colors as you make additional squares.

Assign Points to Each Square

Use a permanent maker to assign points to each square.

Man Writing '10' on Tarp

Assign Points to Each Square

Use a permanent maker to assign points to each square.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Add Holes to Top

Add three 2" squares of duct tape about every 5 to 6 inches in the top left corner, middle and top right corner. Alternate the pieces of tape between team colors. Then, punch a hole at the center of each piece of tape.

Punching Holes in Tarp

Add Holes to Top

Add three 2 inch squares of duct tape about every 5 to 6 inches in the top left corner, middle and top right corner. Alternate the pieces of tape between team colors. Then, punch a hole at the center of each piece of tape.

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Hang Tarp

Weave rope or twine through the holes across the top (Image 1), leaving about 5 feet of excess rope on each end. Knot excess rope around tree trunks, porch columns or any other sturdily anchored vertical object to suspend game (Images 2 and 3). Guests score points by throwing a football through the numbered holes (Image 4).

More: Tailgate Party Tips

Throw a Winning Tailgate Party
Loading Video...

Next Up

How to Make Ice Cream Cone Party Hats

Basic craft supplies are all you’ll need to whip up these playful party hats that kids will love wearing during the party and can take home as a fun favor.

How to Make a Citrus Slice Centerpiece

Hit the grocery store for flowers, limes, lemons or oranges to create this pro-looking centerpiece on the cheap.

How to Make Ice Cream Cone Party Invites

Add a fun twist to handmade party invitations with our free printable template featuring a cute ice cream cone shape.

How to Make Ice Cream Cone Party Balloons

These floating ice cream cones are a sweet way to decorate for an ice cream social, kid’s birthday party or wedding or baby shower.

How to Upcycle an Old Pallet Into a Cornhole Game

Liven up your next backyard bash with this vintage-inspired cornhole game made from discarded wood pallets.

Upcycle an Old Pallet Into a Bistro-Style Menu Board

Add a little sophistication to your next dinner party with this chalkboard menu board upcycled from an old wood pallet.

Kids' Craft: Fun Fishbowl Soap

Nothing says good, clean fun like these clever little handmade soaps that resemble goldfish carnival prizes. Make a whole school of them to give away as party favors, handmade gifts or just for fun as a rainy day craft project.

How to Make a Blooming Letter Centerpiece

Say it with flowers! Create a stunning centerpiece using seasonal flowers and inexpensive papier mache letters.

How to Make Lighted Marquee Letters

Usher in fall and the start of the entertaining season with the warm glow of these vintage-inspired marquee-style letters.

How to Make a Map-Embellished Vase

Use a map of a favorite location to give a plain glass vase or votive a globe-trotting makeover.

On TV

Follow Us Everywhere

Join the party! Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds.

Luxury Home Giveaways

HGTV Smart Home

A sophisticated Southwestern home in Santa Fe, New Mexico

HGTV Dream Home

A modern mountain getaway in Morrison, Colorado

HGTV Urban Oasis

A Southern-inspired escape in Louisville, Kentucky