Skip to content

National Wiffle Ball Day celebrates a plastic bat-and-ball game loved by families and friends everywhere. Players swing lightweight bats and pitch gentle curveballs tossed with a special perforated ball.

Kids laugh, adults compete, and homes fill with echoes of play. It brings simple fun into yards and parks with a spirited beat.

The importance lies in its charm. Communities unite over friendly matches. Bonds strengthen as players cheer each run.

The day becomes a shared moment, blending action, smiles, and nostalgia. Its energy flows naturally, showing how a small game can bring people together.

How to Celebrate National Wiffle Ball Day

Here are some fun ideas for making National Wiffle Ball Day special:

Backyard Game Night

Invite friends and family out for casual matches in your yard. Use tape or chalk to mark bases. Enjoy friendly rivalries under an open sky.

Keep score with sidewalk chalk or dry-erase boards. Play music for a fun, lighthearted vibe.

Family Versus Friends Match

Split teams, such as kids vs adults. Add quirky twists like mini bat swaps or fun tasks when someone is out. Make silly uniforms from old T-shirts or bandanas.

Offer prizes like snacks, small toys, or homemade medals.

Glow‑In‑the‑Dark Edition

Play after dusk using glow versions of the ball or bat. Add string lights for atmosphere. It brightens up evening play.

Paint boundary lines with glow paint for better visibility. Use flashlights under buckets to light bases.

Tournament‑Style Day

Set up a mini bracket format. Award silly trophies or medals at the end. Keeps energy high all afternoon. Use poster boards to draw brackets.

Assign a playful announcer to call out names or plays.

Carnival Toss Station

Create a tossing station with holes or cups. Let everyone test their aim between innings or before games. Add bonus rounds with extra points for tough shots.

Use themed prizes like stickers or popcorn bags.

Social Media Share

Take action shots and short clips. Share them with a hashtag to connect with others. Include bloopers or slow-motion hits for laughs. Tag friends to grow the fun beyond your yard.

Field Decorating

Decorate using peanuts, gloves, or colorful bin motifs in the center. It gives a festive vibe to the play area. Add balloons or banners near the “dugout.” Hang signs with creative team names or cheers.

History of National Wiffle Ball Day

National Wiffle Ball Day celebrates a backyard game that became a classic American pastime. It honors the invention of the Wiffle Ball, first created in 1953.

David N. Mullany, a father from Connecticut, designed it for his son. The boy wanted a ball that curved easily without needing much space.

David cut holes into a plastic ball, making it lighter and safer than traditional baseballs. It quickly gained popularity among kids and adults alike.

Families across the United States began playing in driveways, parks, and even inside garages.

To recognize its impact, Wiffle Ball fans and communities began celebrating National Wiffle Ball Day. While the exact date it became official is unclear, July 20 is widely observed. It gives people a reason to gather, play, and enjoy simple fun outdoors.

The Wiffle Ball brand still exists today and continues to inspire friendly games across generations. The day reminds everyone that sports don’t need expensive gear or big fields to be fun.

Also on ...

View all holidays

National Moon Day

The celestial body that brightens up our nightscape with its enigmatic glow and phases, inspiring poets, artists, and scientists alike.

National Ice Cream Day

Scoops of frozen delight that can cool you down on the hottest of days, and come in endless flavors and toppings.

International Chess Day

Join a chess club, challenge a friend or family member to a game, sign up for a tournament or start learning on your own against a computer or online player.

View all holidays

We think you may also like...

Apple Tree Day

Experience the joy of picking your own fruit straight from nature's bounty and enjoy a sweet treat that's truly farm-to-table.

Super Chicken Wing Day

Savoring succulent bites while cheering for the big game, relishing the communal thrill of indulgent sporting moments.

Calendar

Join the community!

Password requirements

  • At least one capital letter
  • At least one lowercase letter
  • At least one number
  • 8 or more characters

Welcome back!

Log in to get personalized recommendations, follow events and topics you love, and never miss a day again!