Fall Fest Game Ideas – Celebrate the Season

Fall Fest Game Ideas – Fall festivals are beloved for their cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and incorporating games is a great way to bring people together and celebrate the season. One favorite is the Pumpkin Ring Toss, where players try to toss rings onto the stems of pumpkins — a simple game that’s great for kids and adults alike. Another staple is the Hay Bale Maze or Obstacle Course, which encourages physical activity and adventure.

Apple Bobbing is a classic fall game, though often adapted with hanging apples on strings for a more hygienic alternative. Cornhole, decorated with autumn themes, is also a perfect competitive game for all ages. For more carnival-style fun, you can include a Guess the Candy Corn Jar game, where participants guess how many pieces are in a jar to win a prize. Pumpkin Bowling, using small pumpkins as bowling balls and plastic pins, adds a whimsical seasonal twist. And for creative minds, hosting a Scarecrow Building Contest or Pumpkin Decorating Station offers a fun craft-based activity. These games not only bring out the festive spirit but also create lasting memories for families and friends enjoying the beauty of fall together.

Fall Fest Game Ideas

Pumpkin Bowling

Credit @Valley Journal

Description: Replace bowling balls with small round pumpkins and knock down stacked pins (plastic bottles or hay bales). It’s fun, silly, and kid-friendly.

How to Play:

• Set up 10 pins in a triangular formation.

• Use small round pumpkins as bowling balls.

• Players take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down as many pins as possible.

• Each player gets two rolls per turn.

• Keep score like regular bowling or simply award prizes for most pins knocked over.

• Great for all ages and easy to set up on grass or pavement.

Pumpkin Ring Toss

Credit @Bates Mill Store

Description: Toss rings onto pumpkin stems. Perfect for young kids to older adults.

How to Play:

• Arrange 5–10 pumpkins with stems upright.

• Use glow rings, mason jar rings, or craft hoops.

• Mark a throw line depending on age group.

• Players get 3–5 rings to toss.

• Award points or prizes for each successful toss.

• Vary sizes of pumpkins for difficulty.

• Easy setup and reusable materials.

Haystack Treasure Hunt

Credit @Rural Games

Description: A sensory scavenger hunt through a pile of hay to find small prizes.

How to Play:

• Create a large pile of hay.

• Hide small wrapped candies, plastic coins, or toys inside.

• Players dig through the hay to find treasures.

• Set time limits (e.g., 30 seconds) to keep flow.

• Rotate players in small groups to avoid chaos.

• Make sure items are safe and not choking hazards.

Scarecrow Dress-Up Relay

Credit @MomJunction

Description: A silly race where teams compete to dress a scarecrow or each other in funny fall gear.

How to Play:

• Prepare oversized scarecrow clothes (overalls, flannel shirts, hats).

• Divide players into two teams.

• Players race to a scarecrow or team member, dress them, and run back.

• The next player undresses and re-dresses the same way.

• First team to complete all turns wins.

• Add corn husks or hay for extra laughs.

Apple Bobbing (or Hanging Apples)

Credit @X

Description: A classic game of trying to grab apples—either from water or dangling strings—using only your mouth.

How to Play:

• For water version: Fill a tub with water and float apples.

• Players try to grab one using only their mouth.

• For a more hygienic version, tie apples on strings and hang from a beam or tree.

• Players try to bite the apple without using hands.

• Have towels and cleanup nearby!

• Prizes for speed or successful grabs.

Wheelbarrow Race

Credit @Xtreme Events

Description: A fall-themed obstacle race using wheelbarrows.

How to Play:

• Pair players: one sits in the wheelbarrow, the other pushes.

• Set up a start and finish line with hay bales or cones as obstacles.

• Time each team or race head-to-head.

• Add mini pumpkins to collect during the race for extra fun.

• Award for best time or most collected.

Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Credit @wolfiespumpkins

Description: A giant lawn version of Tic-Tac-Toe using mini pumpkins.

How to Play:

• Draw or tape a giant 3×3 grid on the ground.

• Use orange pumpkins for one player, white ones for the other.

• Players take turns placing their pumpkin in a square.

• First to get three in a row wins.

• Easy for kids and visually appealing.

Fall Bingo

Credit @Amazon.com

Description: A sit-down game with themed Bingo cards featuring fall images (leaves, pies, pumpkins).

How to Play:

• Hand out Bingo cards and markers (candy corn or coins).

• Call out images or use printed call cards.

• First player with a row (vertical, horizontal, diagonal) shouts “Fall-O!”

• Give small prizes or candy.

• Can be played in rounds for large groups.

Cornhole with a Twist (Pumpkin Bean Bags)

Credit @studio_rosie

Description: A fall spin on cornhole using pumpkin-shaped bean bags.

How to Play:

• Set up boards with large holes.

• Use soft pumpkin-shaped or orange bean bags.

• Players toss bean bags into the holes from a distance.

• Score based on where the bags land.

• Play in teams or head-to-head.

• Ideal for older kids and adults.

Leaf Rake Relay

Credit @The Inspired Treehouse

Description: A timed team game where players race to rake leaves into piles.

How to Play:

• Spread artificial or real leaves across the yard.

• Divide players into teams.

• Each team gets a rake and a basket or tarp.

• Players run to rake and collect as many leaves as possible within the time.

• Team with the biggest pile wins.

• Great for physical activity and laughs.