Jaques of London Wooden Skittles (Garden Skittles Game) outdoor throwing game for kids and adults
Product description
The essentials
Jaques of London’s wooden skittles game is a proper “get outside and have a go” throwing game for families. Instead of just knocking pins over for the sake of it, the rules add a light layer of strategy: you aim to knock down enough skittles to land on exactly 50 points. That mix of physical aiming and simple maths is the hook, especially if you want something that keeps children engaged without feeling like a classroom activity.
It’s also positioned as a competitive garden game for all ages. On paper, that means it’s not only about fun—it’s about taking turns, watching placement, and thinking one throw ahead (at least a little). If you’ve been looking for outdoor entertainment that can include kids rather than leave them hovering at the edge, this one has the right vibe.
Key points
The best thing about these wooden skittles is how quickly they turn “throwing something outdoors” into a game with a clear goal. A score of 50 points gives the round a finish line, so the play doesn’t drag.
There’s a maths-and-logic element built into the concept (addition, and the description also mentions subtraction if things don’t go as planned). In practice, that tends to suit families who like games with rules, but don’t want them overly complicated. The wooden, garden-friendly format also makes it feel like proper outdoor play—something you can set up in the yard and share with neighbours or friends when the weather behaves.
One thing to bear in mind: the “exactly 50 points” goal can be a little unforgiving at first. If you prefer purely casual knocking-over games, this may feel slightly more structured than you’d like.
What you’ll notice day to day
On a sunny afternoon, this kind of game shines because it’s social and easy to keep moving. You’re not waiting around for screens, and you’re not hunting for a ball that keeps rolling under furniture—each round is short and the aim is immediately obvious.
The play experience is also fairly straightforward: you throw to knock down skittles, then count and work out whether you’re on track to hit the target score. The description suggests it’s beneficial for children aged 3+ in terms of logic and numbers, which is exactly the sort of age range where parents often want “learning-adjacent” without the pressure.
If you’re planning family sessions, it helps to treat it like a mini competition where everyone gets a turn—rather than expecting small kids to consistently hit the numbers perfectly from the start.
The essentials in play
The product description highlights a few themes that matter when you’re buying for outdoor family time.
First, it comes with full game rules included, so you’re not left guessing how to score and run turns.
Second, it’s described as sustainable play, using high-quality sustainable wood for safe and sustainable play.
Third, it’s an outdoor throwing game intended for gardens, with the promise that you can enjoy nature time and potentially invite others over. That’s a useful expectation-setting detail: it’s designed to be taken outside and used regularly, not locked away as a “special occasion” toy.
Lastly, it leans on heritage—“Since 1795” and a note about 227 years of experience from the world’s oldest toys and games manufacturer. That’s more about brand reassurance than a technical specification, but for many buyers, it helps when choosing between generic garden games.
Who it suits (and who should think twice)
It makes sense if you want a garden skittles game that mixes aim with light maths, and you’re happy to follow rules that target an exact score.
It’s likely to suit: - families who enjoy turning everyday outdoor time into a structured round - parents/carers who want children to practise numbers and logic while staying active - anyone who prefers wooden games for outdoor use and day-to-day durability
It may not suit you if you’re after a totally throw-and-forget activity, because the scoring goal (exactly 50 points) adds a layer of strategy and counting. Also, if you’re shopping for something that’s all about fast, no-rules play, this could feel more “game night” than “backyard boredom buster”.
Tech specs
- Type: Wooden skittles throw-and-knock game
- Game objective: Knock over enough skittles to reach exactly 50 points
- Age guidance (as stated): 3 years+
- Material: Sustainable wood (as described)
- Includes: Full game rules (as stated)
Final verdict
This is worth considering if you want outdoor entertainment that gets both kids and adults involved, with a clear scoring target and simple maths built into the action. The sustainable-wood angle and the inclusion of full rules add confidence for family use.
You may want to skip it if your priority is purely casual knocking over—because aiming for an exact score is part of the design. And if you’re buying for very young children who need totally frictionless play, you’ll probably be doing a bit of scoring support at first.
Mini FAQ
FAQ
What’s the main goal of the game?
The objective is to knock over enough skittles to reach exactly 50 points.
Does it include game rules?
Yes—full game rules are included, based on the product description.
Is it suitable for very young children?
The description states it’s beneficial for ages 3 years+ and involves numbers and addition (and subtraction if needed), so it’s aimed at very young family players as well.
Is it only for outdoor use?
It’s clearly presented as an outdoor garden skittles game, so it’s best thought of for garden play rather than indoor-only use.
Is there any maths element?
Yes. The description mentions addition, and also references subtraction if things go wrong.