How to Set Up a Ring Toss Game for a Kids' Party
By Debbie, Covelico founder · degree-qualified in human movement and nutrition, with 15+ years supporting active, healthy habits in families · 5 min read
A ring toss game is one of the easiest party games there is: stand a few cones on the ground, hand each player a set of rings, and score a point for every ring that lands over a cone. Setup takes five minutes, the rules take thirty seconds to explain, and it works indoors or out — which makes it the game to have ready when a backyard full of 3-to-8-year-olds needs somewhere to point their energy.
With a 3-in-1 set like the Covelico Ring Toss Game (6 cones, 12 rings, and 12 bean bags), one box also runs a bean bag target toss and a mini obstacle course — a full party rotation without buying three games.
What you need
- 6 cones (or upturned cups, bottles, or traffic cones)
- 12 rings in a few colors
- 12 bean bags
- A flat patch of grass, driveway, or floor
- Optional: chalk or tape for a throwing line
Shortcut: the Covelico Ring Toss Game includes the cones, rings, and bean bags, plus a cotton storage bag and a game ideas guide — everything below runs from the one box.
How to set it up (step by step)
- Mark a throwing line with chalk or tape.
- Stand the cones in a row or triangle, about 1 to 2 feet apart.
- Set the throwing distance by age: about 3 feet for ages 3 to 4, and 6 feet for ages 5 to 8.
- Give each player 3 or 4 rings of one color.
- Take turns tossing, and leave landed rings in place until the round ends — kids love seeing the cones fill up.
Rules and scoring
- 1 point for every ring that lands over a cone.
- Bonus: 3 points for the tallest or furthest cone.
- First player to 10 points wins — or the most points after 5 rounds.
- For younger kids: step closer and count every ring that touches a cone. At three years old, "nearly" deserves the point.
5 ways to play with one set (party rotation)
- Classic ring toss — toss rings over the cones for points.
- Bean bag target toss — land bean bags on or beside each cone.
- Color match — players only score rings that match their color.
- Cone-and-ring obstacle course — weave through the cones and toss a ring at the end. More course ideas in 12 Games to Play With Cones and Rings.
- Team relay toss — run to the line, toss, run back, tag the next player.
Party tips
- One set handles 2 to 4 players per round. Add a second set for groups of 8 or more so nobody queues long enough to wander off.
- Prizes: a sticker for every ring landed, and a small prize for each round winner — reward the trying, not just the winning.
- Rainy-day indoor version: shorten the distance and use the soft bean bags only.
- Set it up before the guests arrive. A game that is already standing gets played; a game still in its box waits for an adult who never gets a free minute.
Want the printable scorecards? The free Covelico Club sends printable party game cards and play guides, so the rotation runs itself while you deal with the cake. Join free here.
FAQ
What age is ring toss good for? Ring toss works well for kids aged 3 to 8. Move the throwing line closer for younger children and further back for older ones — the distance is the difficulty dial.
How many players can play ring toss? Two to four players per set works best. For a bigger party, run two or three cone stations side by side.
Can you play ring toss indoors? Yes. Soft rings and bean bags make it safe indoors — just shorten the throwing distance.
What comes in the Covelico set? Six cones, 12 rings and 12 bean bags, plus a cotton storage bag and a game ideas guide.
How long does a ring toss game take at a party? A round runs 3 to 5 minutes, so a rotation of five games fills about half an hour — which is usually as long as a party crowd stays with any one thing.
Where can I buy it? The Covelico Ring Toss Game has everything above in one box — the product page has the full contents and where to order.
About Covelico: Covelico makes screen-free, active-play toys and PE equipment for kids aged 3 to 12 — ring toss and bean bag sets, hopscotch rings, movement and yoga dice, movement cards, juggling sets, play scarves and ribbon rings. Covelico is made for families, teachers, PE specialists, occupational therapists, and homeschoolers who want kids moving instead of on screens.
Keep reading: 12 Games to Play With Cones and Rings · Field Day Equipment Guide · Screen-Free Summer: 25 Ways to Keep Kids Moving