11 Best Croquet Sets For Outdoor Family Fun

Best Croquet Sets

Summertime is a time for enjoying the outdoors and we suggest getting the best croquet sets for family fun to kick off the season. Start with the best quality sets that hold up under intense play because once you start, you’re going to want to play the game a lot.

CategoryCroquet Set
Best Overall Croquet SetAmish Toy Box Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set
Best Budget Croquet SetFranklin Sports Croquet Set
Runner Up Croquet SetCrown Sporting Goods Vintage Wood Premium Croquet Set
Best Croquet Set With StandAmish Wood Rack 6-Player Croquet Set
Best Croquet Set With Wooden BallsAmish ToyBox Deluxe Maple Wood Croquet Game Set, 6 Player
Best Croquet Set For KidsKids Croquet Set For 4 Players
Best Croquet Set For AdultsHathaway Deluxe 6-Player Croquet Set Multi
Best Croquet Set For FamilyEastPoint Sports 6-Player Croquet Set
Best Pro Croquet SetLongworth Croquet Set
Best Croquet Set For 8 PlayersAmishShop 8 Player Croquet Set
Cheap Croquet SetsKole Imports Wooden Croquet Game Set

The best croquet sets come with enough mallets for everyone to get involved in the game. 

Go with a set that is made with the quality that will allow anyone serious about the game to work on the finer points of the game, even if there are others in the family who just see it as a game that’s fun to play.

There are a lot of different croquet sets on the market today. With so many choices, it’s tough to know which are the best. We’ve prepared a guide to show you what to look for in the best croquet sets for family fun. 

We look at the different brands, how to choose a croquet set, which features makes a set good, and where you can find the better sets. 

After you know the most important points to look for, we offer a review of the top-rated croquet sets with a variety of choices to help you find the ideal set quickly and easily.

What Is In A Croquet Set

There are several different components in a croquet set. The number of pieces really depends on the size of the croquet set that you buy. Some come with more mallets and balls than others.

When we get to our reviews section, you’ll see the differences in the number of pieces that are included in each set. This is something to think about when considering the number of players you’ll need mallets for. Here are more details about what is in a croquet set.

How Many Balls Are In A Croquet Set

In a standard croquet set there are four balls. They are blue, red, black, and yellow, and this is the order that they are played in. There are some variations of the game that use 3 balls, or 6 balls, each different color.

How Many Pieces Are In A Croquet Set

This depends on the type of set that you purchase. We’ve seen the variations in the number of balls. In general, there are 9 hoops, a color corresponding stake for each ball, and a mallet for each ball. 

When you’re looking at a croquet set, the official game calls for 4 balls, 4 mallets, 4 stakes, and 9 hoops.

Be prepared to encounter sets that vary in the number of total pieces that are included. Don’t be surprised if there are some big differences in the number of pieces. 

Just make sure that there are enough to suit your situation when it comes to the mallets, balls, and stakes.

How Many Mallets Are In A Croquet Set

Just as with the other variations in the number of pieces in a croquet set, you can find sets with a range of mallets. Some sets come with 4 mallets, others come with 6, or even 8.

Croquet Set Reviews

Our reviews include a variety of brands and styles to give you a range of choices. Amish Made brand is one of our favorites because each piece is handcrafted and inspected for quality. 

Top-quality materials are used along with master craftsman construction, which makes them among the most expensive, but the best overall in quality. 

We also review North Meadow sets, also high quality, but more middle of the road in their pricing. There are pros and cons associated with each brand and type, so we fully address them in our full reviews. 

This gives you an idea of what to expect, and it’s useful and honest information about each product so you can better select the best croquet set for family entertainment.

Top 11 Best Croquet Sets

We’ve chosen 11 of the best croquet sets for family playtime that are available on the market today. These reviews include a complete description of each set, which makes them a top-seller, and any notable features you might like. 

They also include the downsides, if any, and what led us to include them in the most recommended list.

1. Amish Toy Box Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set – Best Overall

Amish Toy Box Amish-Crafted Deluxe 8-Player Croquet Game Set on Amazon is our top pick for the best overall croquet set. We chose it because of the maple hardwood used to make the mallets. It’s hand-made and the artisans pay attention to the smallest details.

This is the best set for anyone who wants a croquet set made of high-quality materials that can accommodate up to 8 players at one time.

The reviews for this croquet set are high. This is an investment that will give large families years of enjoyment.

There are even two sizes of handles for larger and smaller players. You can order this set in a choice of 8 32″ handles, or 4 32″ handles and 4 28″ handles. As a bonus, the set comes with instructions for play and a wooden storage holder.

What I like:

  • The set is beautiful and well-made
  • The mallets are well-balanced and heavier than cheaper sets
  • The balls are the ideal weight for serious play

What I don’t like:

  • The sets come unfinished so you may want to use a spray lacquer to preserve the wood

This is the ideal croquet set for larger families. Everything that you need to start playing is included in the box. True to Amish form, the set comes unfinished. 

If you prefer, you can use an easy to apply, spray clear lacquer to protect the wood, but if they’re not left out in the elements, it’s not necessary.

2. Franklin Sports Croquet Set – Best Budget

We chose the Franklin Sports Croquet Set on Amazon as our pick for the best budget set. It’s available in a starter set, but you may also upgrade to their professional version of the set as well.

This is the ideal budget-friendly set for anyone who is just getting started playing croquet. It comes with 4 balls that are durable and weather-resistant, 4 wooden mallets that are color-coordinated. 

The mallet heads attach to the handles and fasten with a locking mechanism so they’re easy to assemble and put away compactly when they’re not being used.

This set gets an above-average rating for its affordability and good basic quality. It comes with everything you need to play for 4 players. 

Included are wood mallets, all-weather balls, wood stakes, and metal wickets and scoring sticks. It also includes a carrying box with a built-in handle.

What I like:

  • This is a good set for the price
  • It’s ideal for kids because it’s inexpensive and the sticks are light to handle
  • This is a good starter set for people just learning how to play

What I don’t like:

  • The mallets are short for most adults
  • The quality is only good, but not excellent and not as durable as some

We recommend the Franklin Sports Croquet Set on Amazon as the best budget choice because of its low price, and value for the cost. You get everything that you need in the box to start playing. 

This set does not have all the premium features of some of the more expensive sets, but it’s good for learning the basics and for having outdoor family fun for 4 players.

3. Crown Sporting Goods Vintage Wood Premium Croquet Set – Runner Up

Crown Sporting Goods Vintage Wood Premium Croquet Set on Amazon is our choice for the best runner up croquet set because it is one of the best values for the cost on the market today. 

The Deluxe set comes with 4 mallets, 4 balls, steel wickets, and decorative stakes. It also comes with a heavy-duty canvas carrying bag.

This is the ideal choice for a family of four to enjoy playing a game of croquet in the back yard

It’s durable with balls made from solid wood so it can take hard stripes. This is a stylish set that comes with full-size color mallets made of quality wood with glazing to protect them and extend their life.

The reviews are high for this set with an above average rating.

What I like:

  • This is a sturdy set that holds up nicely
  • It comes with everything you need to start playing
  • The wood and build are good quality for the price

What I don’t like:

  • It only comes with 6 wickets and it would be nice if you could buy more separately

This is one of the best deals for a modest-priced family croquet set. It’s great for small families of 4 and it is of reasonably good quality. The outstanding feature for us is the fact that it comes with full-size mallets for adult play.

4. Amish Wood Rack 6-Player Croquet Set

I love the Amish Wood Rack 6-Player Croquet Set on Amazon that comes complete with a stand for greater convenience. 

The retro styling is classy and it’s perfect for families of 6 who all want to play, or for couples who enjoy owning some of the finer things in life.

The outstanding features of this set include the wrapped handles to make the grip comfortable for the best possible control.

This set is suitable for competition and challenging play. The goalball set is the highest professional quality. They’re made for repeated use with durable materials and outstanding workmanship.

What I like:

  • This is a beautiful set that makes a big impression on friends and family
  • The mallets are well-balanced and the perfect size
  • This is a sturdy set that holds up for years

What I don’t like:

  • A little pricey

This set is perfect for anyone who prefers luxury items that are of the highest professional quality. This set is a little pricey, but that is the only real drawback. It comes with a convenient stand to make playing more convenient.

5. Amish ToyBox Deluxe Maple Wood Croquet Game Set, 6 Player

Amish ToyBox Deluxe Maple Wood Croquet Game Set on Amazon is our choice for the best croquet set with wooden balls. The mallets and balls are made of high-quality hardwood maple so they can take a hit and hold up well.

This is ideal for a family of six or smaller families who like to entertain friends. It’s made of the best and most durable materials, and it is solidly built.

This set gets an exceptionally high rating for its quality and stylishness. It comes with everything that is needed for 6 players to play a full game, including full-sized and well-balanced mallets.

What I like:

  • Beautiful woodwork
  • Strong and durable balls that roll easily
  • Complete set of 6 is nice when friends come to play

What I don’t like:

  • The ends of the mallets get dinged and chipped with hard repeated hits

This is our pick for the best croquet game with wooden balls. It’s handcrafted of hardwood maple for strength and years of family fun. It’s a little pricey, but you get what you pay for and the quality of this set is unrivaled.

6. Kids Croquet Set For 4 Players – Best For Kids

Kids Croquet Set For 4 Players on Amazon is our pick for the best croquet set for children because it’s made to accommodate kids age 3 and up and it’s a great small set to learn on. 

It comes with four mallets, four balls, two scoring stakes, and a lot of wickets.

This is ideal for families with smaller kids who are just learning how to play the game. It’s made of high-quality wooden materials and the paints used for finishing are non-toxic.

It’s reasonably priced and it also comes with a convenient carrying bag.

What I like:

  • The mallets are light and small, just right for young children
  • The wood is very good quality and holds up nicely
  • This is perfect for families with 4 kids and it also comes with instructions

What I don’t like:

  • The mallets are a little small for adults

We chose this as the ideal croquet set for kids of all ages to learn on. It’s affordable yet made of good quality wood. It’s safe for kids with no toxic materials.

7. Hathaway Deluxe 6-Player Croquet Set Multi

Hathaway Deluxe 6-Player Croquet Set Multi on Amazon is our top-rated croquet set for adults because of its quality hardwood construction with 31″ hardwood handles. 

It comes with everything that is needed for 6 players. It’s ideal for families who like to entertain in their backyards.

The balls are made of a heavy-duty polymer resin that makes them practically chip-proof. This set gets a great rating for its solid build and high performance.

The mallets and handles are easily assembled and taken apart for easier storage. This is a convenient feature that makes this set stand out among others.

What I like:

  • Sturdy built croquet set that holds up for years of fun
  • The mallets are comfortable to hold
  • Great balance in the build of the mallets

What I don’t like:

  • The mallets don’t fit in the bag when they’re assembled

We chose this set as the best croquette set for adults because of its moderate price. It’s the middle of the road when it comes to pricing as well as quality. Unless you’re a professional who demands premium features, this is a nice set for a decent price and it’s great for up to 6 players.

8. EastPoint Sports 6-Player Croquet Set

We chose the EastPoint Sports 6-Player Croquet Set on Amazon as the best family set because it is offered at a price that most families can afford, and it’s made of strong materials that hold up under frequent use.

This is a high-performance set for the price that is perfect for families of 6.

The mallets have 32″ handles which are perfect for adults and teenagers. The balls are brightly colored and easy to see. It even comes with a convenient carrier. The bigger mallet heads and larger balls make this game easier for beginners.

This set gets a good rating for its high performance and very good quality. Everything you need to start playing is included in the box.

What I like:

  • It’s easy to tell the balls apart because of the colors
  • Kids love playing with this set because the mallets are easy to hold and swing
  • This set is great for adults and children as well

What I don’t like:

  • The quality is not as good as some of the more expensive sets, but it’s great for casual family fun

The EastPoint Sports 6 Player Set is a good choice for families because it’s big enough for up to 6 players to join in on the fun. It’s reasonably priced, and the quality is very good. Although there are some sets that are sturdier and higher quality, this is a great value for a low cost.

9. Wood Mallets Premium Garden Croquet Set – Pro Set

Longworth Croquet Set on Amazon is a 6-player professional quality premium garden croquet set. 

It comes with 6 mallets, with octagonal shaped hardwood handles for easy gripping, regulation-sized composite balls that weigh a full pound each and hand-tooled powder-coated wickets.

This is a croquet set that is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their game for formal competition with a set that meets regulation guidelines.

The hardwood material for the mallets and composite balls are top-quality for superior performance and longevity.

What I like:

  • Mallets are ideally balanced and heavy for hard hits
  • The balls roll with precision in accordance with the angle hit
  • Great set for improving your game

What I don’t like:

  • A little pricey

This set is the best on the market for anyone who desires a professional croquet set that meets with regulation guidelines for professional play.

10. AmishShop Croquet Set For 8 Players

This is an 8-player set that is made by AmishShop on Amazon, and it’s one of the top-rated picks on the market today. It has an outstanding rating of a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from reviewers.

This is the ideal croquet set for anyone who enjoys playing croquet in their backyard with a crowd it is a complete set that accommodates up to 8 players.

What I like:

  • A beautiful set that is attractive and well built
  • The mallets are great quality and the balance is superb
  • A large set so everyone can join in on the fun together

What I don’t like:

  • The wood comes unfinished, which is a drawback for some, but it is preferred to others.

It is a reasonable price for this high-quality and hand-crafted croquet set. It is a deluxe set that even comes with an attractive and convenient rack

11. Kole Imports Wooden Croquet Game Set – Cheap Set

Kole Imports Wooden Croquet Game Set on Amazon is one of the best cheapest croquet games on the market today. It’s ideal for playing in your back yard, on the beach, in parks, and in other places. 

It made our top 11 list because of its affordability that provides a value for the high-quality wooden pieces that hold up under repeated use.

This is a basic 4 player set that comes with everything that you need to start playing the game. It’s also a great set for beginners through intermediates.

What I like:

  • This set is affordable
  • The mallets are good quality
  • The balls roll easily and hold up under moderate impacts

What I don’t like:

  • Made by little known company

Although this set is not made by a big-name brand company, it offers the quality that makes the set worth buying, particularly at the low price that it’s offered for. 

Kohl Imports Croquet Set is a great set when you’re looking for a cheap set that is good enough to use and enjoy versus some others that are of such poor quality that they’re not worth your time or money at any price.

Buy Croquet Set

Before you buy a croquet set, there are some important things to consider. The first is your budget. How much are you willing to pay for a set? They come in a variety of price ranges, but quality often drives the price. 

The next thing to think about is what quality do you require in a set? Do you have serious players who want to work on their game or is this simply for family fun?

You don’t need a more expensive regulation set unless there is a serious croquet player in the family. 

You can find high-quality sets that will hold up for years if you consider the tips we offer, but in case you want to go for the gusto, we’ve also included affordable regulation sets in our reviews. 

Here are the most important things to keep in mind when you’re browsing through the reviews of the best croquet sets for family fun.

Best Croquet Set Brands

It’s important to pay attention to the brand before you buy a croquet set. Some are known for their quality in materials and craftsmanship, and others for their reasonable prices. 

It’s best to go with a name brand that has established itself as a leader in the industry because the products tend to be better quality and more reliably.

One of the most reputable brands that make croquet sets is Amish Toy Box. This company delivers handmade products from its crew of craftsmen in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. The mallets are lathe-turned and built to hold up for years to come with proper care.

Other brands that we recommend include North Meadow. They produce mallets that have innovative features and durable materials for long life. 

Other well-known and respected brands that produce croquet sets include Harvil, known for hardwood handles, Framco, Baden, Crown Sporting Goods, and Franklin Sports.

How To Choose A Croquet Set

There are a few features to look for when you’re choosing a croquet set. Since they are an investment, it’s important to find a set that is going to hold up under heavy use. Handcrafted sets tend to be sturdier.

Find a set that is within your budget limitations. Some sets are more expensive than others, but it doesn’t mean that the less expensive sets made by a reputable brand are bad. You can save money by foregoing some of the more high-end options.

Make sure that there are enough mallets for everyone to play together. Some sets come with just 4 mallets while others may come with 8. Buy a set that is big enough to include everyone.

What Makes A Good Croquet Set

Heavier mallets indicate higher quality. Weight can also affect the performance of a croquet mallet. Lighter mallets don’t give you the power that you need (if you’re an adult). They’re better for young kids, but not for adults.

The quality of materials and construction is an important factor. Cheaper made croquet sets tend to crack and splinter when you make a hard hit with them. You want a set that is made of strong materials that are impact resistant.

The quality of the balls in the set is also important. Some are made of wood and others of resin material. Better quality balls are resistant to cracking and chipping. A chipped ball won’t roll properly, so look for the best-made balls as well as strong mallets.

Finally, a good croquet set will be made in a way that allows you to replace broken or defective parts. This makes it easier to repair a damaged mallet or ball to save money versus buying a new set. You can also replace the heads for some mallets instead of buying a whole new piece.

Where Can I Buy A Croquet Set

Croquet sets can be found from a variety of retailers. They are most commonly sold in sporting goods establishments that sell family games and sports equipment. 

If you’re looking for a brick and mortar establishment, check out some of the big box stores as well as any that sell sports equipment such as tennis rackets, hockey gear, and things along this line.

Amazon.com is one of the leading online retailers for finding an assortment of croquet sets. We like the reviews that they provide to go with each set that is sold. You can find full descriptions, pictures, and consumer reviews of the sets that are offered there.

Replacement Parts For Croquet Sets

Choose a brand and model that also offers replacement parts. The most important parts of a croquet game include the mallets, the balls, the stakes, and the hoops. Any of these items is subject to break or get lost during gameplay.

If you have a high-quality croquet set and you lose a peg, break a ball, or lose a hoop, the part needs to be replaced so the games can continue as usual. 

There is nothing more frustrating than breaking a mallet and not being able to find one to replace it. This is why it’s important to choose a croquet set that you can find replacement parts for.

You may even want to keep a few spare parts around if croquet is something that your family plays on a regular basis. This will give you access to replacement parts at any time you need them. It can take several days for a spare part to arrive if you order online.

Why Are Croquet Sets So Expensive

Croquet sets are expensive because of the cost of the materials used to make them and the amount of labor that is involved in their construction. In most cases, it takes hours to create a full set when it is done the right way.

The more expensive croquet sets are hand-lathed wooden or synthetic mallets featuring strong materials that are built to be solid. 

Some of the cheaper sets are only less expensive because the craftsmen don’t take as much time to build them, and the cheaper materials allow them to lower the price. Although this is great if you’re on a budget, in most cases, the quality simply won’t be there.

Croquet Set Bag

The bag that comes with your croquet set is also important. This is vital for keeping all of the pieces neatly stored together in one place. 

The best croquet set bags offer protection for the individual pieces to keep them from becoming damaged when the set is not in use. The bag also helps to prevent lost pieces.

Since some croquet sets are heavy, a heavy-duty and durable bag is necessary. Most of the best croquet sets for families come with sturdy bags that are made of ultra-strong materials.

Bags are also used for carrying the necessary parts of the game from one location to another. The bag is more important than many people realize. This is also a part of the game that can be replaced, but make sure that it is high quality and will hold up under normal wear and tear.

Helpful Tips To Find The Best Croquet Set

  • Check the quality of the materials and the construction
  • Choose the set that has enough mallets and balls for your entire family
  • Compare features and prices to get the best deal within your budget

Final Thoughts

The best croquet sets are the ones that suit your situation the best. If you’re on a budget, look for a set that offers the most useful features for the least amount of money. 

You may need to be willing to sacrifice a bit of the quality of the materials for a lower price, but many of the modestly priced sets are still high quality and hold up relatively well. 

We’ve provided the 11 top-rated croquet sets for your consideration to help you more quickly and easily find the perfect set for you and your family at the best prices.

Drew Thomas

My name is Drew Thomas and I’m the creator of Fun In the Yard, your one stop site for all your outdoor games, sports, party activities, outdoor gear, and lawn & gardening tips.

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