Though a cook out is an event and can stand alone, do consider some light entertainment especially if kids are coming. In fact, it can really pay off to hire a local teenager to help out with and entertain the kids at a cook out. It’s pretty easy to find someone willing to work for a couple of hours especially when they get a great meal to boot. Just be sure to pick someone outgoing with a lot of energy if you want help with the fun end of things.
Horseshoes and badminton sets are inexpensive and work out in most yards. Most kids (and even adults) enjoy these traditional outdoor games. Set them up, and it’s likely that you’ll have games going with little effort.
Two other ideas that work well for cook out fun are bubbles and water toys. Buy or make lots of bubble stuff and place tubs around the party area. Add unusual blowers like old style flyswatters full of holes (which come in handy for the bugs too if needed), and watch everyone make bubbles. Hand out water guns and have some tubs or a hose for filling the guns, and even the grown ups may end up doing battle.
It's a Wrap
Once you get a couple of cook outs under your belt, you'll find that outdoor entertaining is easy and fun. That's the reason so many families own grills and why so many people do cook out. It does take some time and effort and a little practice, but grilling out is one of the best things about the summer.