Fall Festival Game Ideas
Fun, Simple Ideas That Bring Everyone Together
There’s something undeniably magical about fall. The air turns crisp, leaves crunch under your feet, and the scent of cinnamon and bonfires fills the air. It’s the season of sweaters, apple cider, and gathering with the people you love. And when it comes to throwing a fall festival whether it’s in your backyard, at school, or a local community event games are the heart of the fun.
Now, as a mom who’s hosted her fair share of chaotic-yet-charming autumn gatherings, I know how important it is to have activities that are easy to set up, budget-friendly, and (most importantly) fun for all ages. So if you’re planning a fall fest and wondering how to keep the energy up and the smiles coming I’ve got you. These fall festival games are a mix of active, silly, competitive, and just plain delightful.
Let’s make your fall party one to remember!
Pumpkin Ring Toss
This is a classic fall game that’s easy to set up and gets everyone giggling especially when the rings bounce off in the wrong direction!
What You’ll Need:
- 3–5 medium pumpkins with stems
- Plastic rings or glow stick necklaces (linked together)
How to Play:
Place pumpkins in a row or cluster on the ground. Each player gets 3–5 rings to toss from a distance. The goal? Land the rings on the pumpkin stems! Assign different point values to each pumpkin if you want to up the competition.
Mom tip: If you’re playing with little kids, scoot the line closer. With older kids (and yes, dads), back ’em up and make it competitive!
2. Hay Bale Maze
If you’ve got the space and access to hay this one’s an absolute showstopper. It’s like a mini corn maze but without needing a whole field.
What You’ll Need:
- Hay bales (check with a local farm or garden center)
- Open space (yard, parking lot, etc.)
- Some creativity!
How to Play:
Set up hay bales in a winding pattern to create paths. Add some Halloween props or scarecrows for extra fun. Kids can run through, race their friends, or even do a scavenger hunt through the maze.
Pro tip: Add glow sticks or lanterns if your party is in the evening it turns into a magical little adventure.
3. Apple Bobbing (With a Twist!)
I know, I know traditional apple bobbing isn’t always everyone’s favorite (no one wants to dunk their face in cold water anymore!). But here’s a way to keep the spirit alive without the splash.
What You’ll Need:
- String
- Apples with stems
- A tree branch or broomstick
How to Play:
Tie apples onto strings and hang them from a branch or pole. Players must try to take a bite no hands allowed! It’s hilarious to watch and even funnier to try. This game is a photo-worthy moment, trust me.
4. Candy Corn Guessing Game
This one is super simple and great for filling time between the bigger games. Plus, who doesn’t love candy? Guess how many candy corns in the jar and have a prize waiting.
What You’ll Need:
- A clear jar
- A ton of candy corn
- Slips of paper and pens
How to Play:
Fill the jar with candy corn and have guests guess how many are inside. Closest guess wins a prize! You can swap the candy corn for mini pumpkins, acorns, or Halloween candies too.
5. Wheelbarrow Races with Pumpkins
Think classic wheelbarrow race, but fall-ified!
What You’ll Need:
- A wheelbarrow
- Small or medium-sized pumpkins
- Cones or something to mark the path
How to Play:
Each team of two must push a pumpkin in a wheelbarrow through a marked course, around obstacles, and back again. If the pumpkin falls out, you start over. It’s chaotic, competitive, and SO much fun.
Tip: For younger kids, let them push a small pumpkin solo without a teammate to keep it simple.
6. Scarecrow Dress-Up Relay
This one is always a hit and makes for some seriously funny photos.
What You’ll Need:
- Oversized flannel shirts
- Straw hats
- Jeans or overalls
- Bandanas
- Fake straw (optional)
How to Play:
Set up a pile of scarecrow clothes at one end. Divide guests into teams. One at a time, they run to the pile, put on the clothes, run back, strip ’em off, and tag the next person. First team to finish wins!
Mom win: It burns off sugar-high energy and you’ll laugh the whole time.
7. Pumpkin Bowling
You don’t need a bowling alley just a long stretch of sidewalk or driveway and a bit of fall flair.
What You’ll Need:
- A small round pumpkin (with the stem removed)
- 10 empty soda bottles or paper towel rolls (paint them like ghosts or turkeys!)
How to Play:
Line up the pins and use the pumpkin to knock them down. Each player gets two tries per turn, just like traditional bowling.
Bonus: You can add glow sticks inside the bottles for nighttime play.
8. Cornhole with a Fall Twist
If you already have a cornhole set great! If not, they’re easy to DIY with cardboard boxes and beanbags.
What You’ll Need:
- Cornhole board
- Beanbags
- Optional: decorate your board with leaves, pumpkins, or scarecrows
How to Play:
Play like regular cornhole, but maybe add some fall-themed scoring (like bonus points for hitting the “pumpkin patch” zone). This game’s great because all ages can get into it.
9. Donut on a String Game
Simple, silly, and yes totally worth the mess.
What You’ll Need:
- Plain donuts (glazed are extra slippery!)
- String
- A place to hang them
How to Play:
Hang the donuts just above mouth level and challenge players to eat them without using their hands. It’s harder than it sounds and SO fun to watch!
Mom wisdom: Make sure everyone washes up after… or at least has a napkin or two nearby.
10. Fall-Themed Scavenger Hunt
This one is especially great if you’re hosting outdoors. It gives kids (and teens!) a purpose and helps them explore the space.
What You’ll Need:
- A scavenger hunt list (items like a red leaf, a pinecone, a mini pumpkin, a squirrel decoration)
- Small bags or baskets
How to Play:
Hand out the lists and let them search! You can offer small prizes for everyone who completes the hunt, or make it a timed competition.
Bonus Ideas for Younger Kiddos
If you’re hosting a crowd with little ones, having a few low-key, sit-down activities helps balance out the chaos. Here are some quick ideas:
- Pumpkin painting (no knives, just paint and stickers)
- Leaf rubbings with crayons and paper
- Coloring stations with fall-themed pages
- Bean bag toss with paper plates decorated like autumn leaves
You’ll thank yourself later for having these calming corners set up!
Bring On the Fall Fun!
Fall festivals are about more than just games they’re about connection. Laughing together over a wobbly donut, cheering each other on during the wheelbarrow race, and soaking in those golden autumn moments that feel like pure magic. You don’t need a fancy venue or a Pinterest-perfect setup. You just need some good ol’ fashioned fun and people who are ready to play along.
So pick a few games from this list, throw on your coziest sweater, and let the fall festivities begin. Whether you’re planning for a school, church, neighborhood, or backyard bash, these games are sure to bring joy, laughter, and just the right amount of seasonal charm.
Happy fall, friends!
