Croquet is an easy to learn and fun to play activity for all ages. The game has a long history and began seeing popularity as a backyard sport in England in the 1850s. There are national and international associations and competitive croquet is played in over twenty countries. To play, a course is set up with croquet wickets and the object is to hit the ball through the wickets and be the first person to complete the course. In general, you will need a lawn space about 100 feet by 50 feet to set up your course.
There are several variations of the game with different rules. The backyard version provides a fun, outdoor activity that promotes friendly competition. Children can learn gross motor skills, rules of the game, good sportsmanship, and patience. Many sets come with a carrying case making it an activity that can be easily brought to family gatherings and on camping trips. There are many low-priced sets for the casual player. Campgrounds, camps, schools, and other organizations that will have a lot of wear and tear on their equipment may want to look at the higher quality sets available.