Cornhole for Kids

Cornhole is currently one of the most popular outdoor games among people of all ages. In fact, it’s surprising to see how the game has permeated the population of young adults. Considering the simplicity, you’d think it would be more popular with kids!

Perhaps the reason cornhole isn’t more of a necessity for the younger generation is because few people take the time to adapt the game to their little hands and feet. If you’ve got youngsters who are eager to join the cornhole game, here are a few things to keep in mind.

The Foul Line

All players must remain behind the foul line when tossing cornhole bags. The foul line is used to maintain consistency of play and determine how far from the cornhole board the player will stand.

There are different foul line distances for adults and kids. Adults play with the boards 27 feet apart, measured from the front edge of one board to the front edge of the other. For kids and juniors, that distance shrinks to 21 feet.

If you truly want kids to enjoy the game, don’t make them toss from the adult distance of 27 feet. It’s just too far!

For regulation junior play, the distance must be maintained at 21 feet. There are strict rules about cornhole game dimensions. But if you are just tossing bags for fun as a family, it might be a good idea to scoot that line even closer!

The Cornhole Boards

The cornhole game boards used for children’s play might be different from the adult versions.

First, kids would benefit from a simple design on the cornhole boards. Flashy paint schemes might make it more difficult for them to see where the hole is.

If kids do opt for custom cornhole boards, they might like to do the customizing themselves. Arts and crafts are a big deal for youngsters. Get a set of unpainted cornhole boards and let them go to town.

Kids might actually prefer a totally different construction for their cornhole boards. Smaller practice boards can be easier targets for youngsters, though only full-size 24 by 48 inch boards are regulation.

The Accessories

Once kids develop a passion for cornhole and it becomes their activity of choice, you might want to invest in a few accessories. These accessories are just one more way to make the game more age appropriate.

Putting lights on the board will make it even easier for the kids to see the hole. Plus, we all know kids are suckers for things that light up!

Young players might not be able to keep track of the score in their heads. A score strip might be a nice addition.

The Benefits

Encouraging the presence of children on the cornhole court does more than just provide entertainment. Cornhole is a great activity for children with potential for lots of teachable moments.

Cornhole helps children learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and simple addition. It also enhances their hand-eye coordination. Shy children will feel safe interacting with their peers in such an entertaining fashion. And old and young siblings can find a common denominator for fun.

If you have special young ones in your life who could benefit from a little extra attention on the cornhole court, consider taking advantage of a few of these tips. Teachers can bring the same lessons into the gym, too. Our guide to teaching cornhole in physical education shows how.