Gather your family and friends for fall-themed outdoor fun. These games are easy enough for all ages, so they are just right for family game nights, family reunions, and Thanksgiving celebrations.
These easy-to-play games bring playfulness to your next bonfire night with your neighbors or coworkers.
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase via one of these links, I’ll earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure and liability disclaimer.
1. Pumpkin Bowling
A Bumpy, Bouncy Autumn Classic
Players: 2 or more
Supplies:
- 1 small round pumpkin (no stem or a trimmed one) per game lane (extras in case the pumpkin breaks)
- 6–10 empty water bottles (decorate some as scarecrows, corn stalks, etc.)
- Optional: masking tape or twine to mark the bowling “lane”
Setup:
Line up the bottles in a classic bowling triangle at the end of your “lane.” Mark a rolling line 6–10 feet away (closer for kids or indoor play).
How to Play:
- Ready, Set, Roll:
Players take turns rolling the pumpkin toward the pins. No bouncing, tossing, or squash launching, just a gentle roll… even if the pumpkin has other ideas. - Scoring:
- 1 point per pin knocked down
- Optional: award extra points for themed pins (e.g., the scarecrow pin is worth double!)
- Rounds:
Each player gets two rolls per turn, just like traditional bowling. Play 5–10 rounds or until someone reaches a set score.
2. Scarecrow Freeze Tag
Freeze like a scarecrow and wait to be rescued!
Players: 6 or more
Supplies:
- None required! (Optional: scarves or hats for the Tagger to wear)
- Outdoor space with room to run
How to Play:
- Choose a Tagger (or Two):
This player is the Wind, running through the field tagging others. - Run or Freeze:
When the Wind tags you, you must freeze in place like a scarecrow, arms outstretched, feet apart, and totally still. - Scarecrow Rescue:
Frozen players can only be unfrozen if a teammate crawls under their outstretched arms (like a crow sneaking through the cornfield!). - Switch it Up:
After a few minutes (or once most players are frozen), pick a new Wind and start again!
3. Scarecrow in the Field
A Fast & Funny Fall Dress-Up Relay
Players: 6 or more (2+ teams)
Supplies (per team):
- 1 pile of scarecrow clothes & accessories:
(e.g., floppy hat, plaid shirt, gloves, scarf, straw belt, oversized pants, etc.) - A designated “field” area for dressing up
- Home base (start/finish line for each team)
How to Play:
- Divide into Teams:
Each team lines up at their home base, with a pile of scarecrow gear waiting across the field. - One at a Time:
On “Go!”, the first player from each team races to their pile, puts on at least 3 scarecrow items, strikes their best scarecrow pose (arms out, silly face, maybe a little wobble!), then quickly removes the costume. - Tag & Repeat:
They run back to home base and tag the next teammate, who races off to repeat the process. - Winning the Game:
The first team to have all players complete their scarecrow transformation and return to base wins the race!
- Optional Twist:
Have someone snap a picture of each player mid-pose. Create a scarecrow photo wall or slideshow for a fun party memory! - Give bonus points for funniest, floppiness, or most dramatic scarecrow style.
Fall Flair Ideas:
1. The Scarecrow Shuffle (for older players or added challenge):
- Players must run back to base still wearing the costume then quickly take of the scarecrow outfit and dress the next teammate. Adds speed + silliness!
2. Harvest Helpers
- Each team picks one player to be the scarecrow. The other team members take turns to race to the pile, retrieving one item at a time, and returning to dress the scarecrow.
3. Mystery Item Round:
Add a surprise item to each pile (a rubber chicken, a feather boa, etc.). The player must use it creatively in their scarecrow look!
4. Acorn Toss
A Squirrel-Approved Fall Challenge for Two-Player Teams
Players: 4 or more (in pairs)
Supplies (per team):
- A handful of acorns (real or faux — small pom-poms or mini brown balls work too!)
- 1 cup, mug, or small basket per team
- Optional: tape or chalk to mark the tossing line
How to Play:
- Pair Up:
One player is the Tosser, the other is the Catcher. Give each team 10–20 acorns and one cup. - Set the Distance:
Have teams stand 3–6 feet apart (adjust based on age group). Catchers hold the cup and can move side to side, but no stepping forward! - Ready, Set, Toss!
Tossers take aim and try to land as many acorns as possible into their teammate’s cup within 30 seconds (or until all acorns are tossed). - Count ‘Em Up:
The team with the most acorns in the cup wins the round! Rotate roles and play again, or keep score over multiple rounds.
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Stillness Mode: Catchers must stand still — no moving the cup!
- Tiny Target Challenge: Use smaller cups or mini muffin liners for older kids/adults
- Squirrel Scramble: If an acorn hits the ground, catchers can run to retrieve it and toss it back to their partner
5. Jack-o’-Lantern Race
A Silly Balance-and-Dash Game
Players: 2 or more
Supplies:
- 1 small pumpkin per player (lightweight works best)
- Permanent markers to draw silly Jack-o’-lantern faces
- A marked start and finish line
How to Play:
- Create Your Jack-o’-Lantern:
Give each player a pumpkin and a marker. Everyone draws a funny face on their pumpkin. - Ready, Set, Balance:
Players place their pumpkins on top of their heads, hands off, and line up at the start. - The Wobbly Race:
On “Go!” players race toward the finish line balancing their pumpkins. If a pumpkin falls, the player must stop, pick it up, and start balancing again from the spot it dropped. - Winning the Game:
The first player to cross the finish line with their pumpkin still on their head wins!
Fall Flair Ideas:
- For younger kids, allow gentle steadying with one hand.
- Give bonus prizes for the funniest Jack-o’-lantern face design.
- Play relay-style: teams take turns racing pumpkins down and back, tagging the next teammate.
6. Jack-o’-Lantern Relay
A Team Balance Challenge
Players: 2+ teams
Supplies (per team):
- 1 small pumpkin (with a drawn Jack-o’-lantern face)
- Start and turnaround lines (cones, chairs, or chalk marks)
How to Play:
- Line Up Teams:
Each team lines up behind the start line. The first player from each team balances the team’s Jack-o’-lantern on their head. - Run & Return:
On “Go!”, the first player carefully runs to the turnaround point, circles it, and comes back to the start line without dropping the pumpkin. - Pass the Pumpkin:
Once back, they hand the pumpkin to the next teammate, who repeats the race. - Winning the Game:
The first team to have all players complete the course and return to the start wins!
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Add a rule that if the pumpkin drops, the player must freeze and sing “I’m a Jack-o’-lantern” before picking it up again.
- Award bonus points for creative pumpkin face designs (scary, silly, or stylish).
- Play indoors with plush pumpkins for a safer, giggle-filled alternative.
7. Leaf Stepping
A Teamwork Challenge Across the Fall Field
Players: 6 or more (in 2+ teams)
Supplies (per team):
- 1 large paper, felt, or cardboard leaf per team member (large enough to have both feet on the leaf)
- Plus one extra leaf
- Start and finish lines (tape, cones, or chalk marks)
How to Play:
- Line Up:
Each team lines up behind the start line. Place a row of leaves on the ground, one for each player to stand on, with the extra leaf at the very front. - Step by Step:
- Everyone must keep both feet on a leaf.
- The player in front steps on to the extra leaf.
- The other players step onto the leaf right in front of them.
- Once everyone has moved, the last player picks up the leaf they were standing on and passes it up to the front.
- Keep Moving Forward:
The team advances by repeating this process. - Winning the Game:
The first team to cross the finish line without stepping off the leaves wins!
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Make oversized leaves in different autumn colors (red, orange, yellow, brown) for a festive look.
- Play indoors with felt leaves to avoid slipping, or outdoors with sturdy cardboard.
- Add a silly twist: players must shout “Crunch!” every time they step onto a new leaf.
8. Flashlight Tag
A Glowing Twist on Classic Tag
Players: 4 or more
Supplies:
- 1 flashlight (more if you want multiple taggers)
- A safe outdoor play space after dusk
How to Play:
- Choose the Tagger (or a tagger pair):
The person holding the flashlight is “It.” Everyone else hides or runs in the dark play area. - Spot & Tag:
Instead of tagging by touch, the Tagger “tags” players by shining the beam on them and calling out their name. - Switching Roles:
Once a player is tagged, they take the flashlight and become the new Tagger. The game continues until everyone has had a turn, or until players are ready to pause for cider and donuts. (If you are going with the tagger pair version, the one who held the flashlight becomes a hider and the other one gets the flashlight and a new tagger partner, the tagged player.)
Safety Tips:
- Mark boundaries clearly (cones, lanterns, or glow sticks work great).
- Use small, soft-beam flashlights (not blindingly bright).
- Have an adult supervise if kids are playing outdoors after dark.
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Call the Tagger the Lantern Keeper or Harvest Light for a seasonal twist.
- Add hiding spots with hay bales, scarecrows, or leaf piles if you’re playing at a fall party.
9. Glow-in-the-Dark Bowling
Strike Up Some Glowy Fun
Players: 2 or more
Supplies:
- 6–10 empty plastic water bottles (the “pins”)
- Glow sticks (1–2 per bottle)
- A lightweight ball (glow-in-the-dark if possible, or wrap with glow tape)
- Optional: tape or chalk to mark the bowling lane
Setup:
- Crack the glow sticks and drop them into the water bottles. For extra stability, fill bottles ¼ full with water.
- Arrange bottles in a triangle like real bowling pins at the end of the lane.
- Mark a starting line 6–10 feet away.
How to Play:
- Take Aim: Each player rolls the glowing ball toward the pins.
- Scoring: 1 point per pin knocked down (or use traditional bowling scoring if you want a full game).
- Rounds: Each player gets two rolls per turn. Play 5–10 rounds, or until one player reaches an agreed score.
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Use orange and green glow sticks for a pumpkin vibe.
- Play outside in the yard or driveway at dusk for maximum glow effect.
Optional Variations:
- Mini Pumpkin Ball: Swap the ball for a small round pumpkin (stem removed) for a wobbly, silly challenge.
- Team Bowling: Players compete in pairs or groups, adding their scores together.
10. Pine Cone Bocce
Supplies:
- pine cones
- acorn, small rock, or stick for marker
Each team should have different color cones. Paint the cones with acrylic paint or decorate them with glitter glue.
How to Play:
- Form two teams (or more if you’d like). Give each team 4 cones. (or one cone per player if your groups are large)
- Decide on the winning score, e.g. 12.
- Pick someone to toss the marker.
- The teams take turns throwing their pine cones, trying to get as close to the marker as possible.
- The team with their cone closest to the marker at the end of the round scores one point for each of their cones that is closer than the opponent’s closest cone.
- The winning team is the one who reaches the winning score first.
11. Capture The Pumpkin: Duel Edition
A Two-Team Fall Face-Off
Players: 6 or more
Supplies:
- 2 small pumpkins
- cones, leaves, blankets, or bandanas to mark bases
- optional: team identifiers like scarves or ribbon sashes in fall colors
Setup:
Split into two teams, each with their own pumpkin patch (home base) at opposite ends of the play area. Place one pumpkin in each patch. The pumpkin patch should be about 10-15ft. Mark the area with a blanket, bandanas or cones. Each team also picks a location for a leaf pile (jail).
Determine the boundaries and the midline.
Objective:
Sneak into the opposing team’s base, capture their pumpkin, and bring it back to your pumpkin patch without getting tagged.
Gameplay:
- Guard & Go:
Each team must assign some players to guard their own pumpkin while others act as pumpkin snatchers heading toward the enemy patch. - Pumpkin Patch:
The team that owns the (10-15ft) pumpkin patch may not enter it unless the opposing team enters it first. - Tag Zone:
Players can tag opponents only on their own half of the playing field. Once a player crosses the midline, they’re fair game! - Leaf Pile Jail: Tagged players must go to the leaf pile jail. They can be freed if a teammate tags them.
- Pumpkin Rules:
If a player captures the pumpkin and is tagged before returning to their own pumpkin patch, the pumpkin is dropped and stays there until picked up by another teammate. OR the pumpkin is returned to the pumpkin patch. - Winning the Game:
The first team to successfully capture the opponent’s pumpkin and take it to their home patch wins the round.
12. Pumpkin in the Patch
A Twist on a Classic Hide-and-Seek Game
Players: 5 or more
Supplies:
- Outdoor space with hiding spots
- A designated “home base”
How to Play:
- Choose the Pumpkin:
One player is the Pumpkin and goes to hide while everyone else stays at base, eyes closed, counting loudly together:
“One o’clock… two o’clock… three o’clock…” all the way up to “Midnight!” - Search the Patch:
After midnight, players scatter to search for the hidden Pumpkin. - First to Spot:
The first player to find the Pumpkin shouts: “Pumpkin in the Patch!” and races back to home base. - The Chase:
The hidden Pumpkin pops out and tries to tag players as they all run back to base. Anyone tagged becomes the new Pumpkin for the next round.
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Make the base a picnic blanket or hay bale to add a cozy fall vibe.
- Have players wear glow bracelets if you play at dusk — it makes the chase extra fun and safe.
13. Apple Relay
A Balancing Act with a Harvest Twist
Players: 6 or more (2+ teams)
Supplies:
- 1 apple per team
- 1 large spoon per team
How to Play:
- Line up teams relay-style behind the start line.
- On “Go!”, the first player balances the apple on the spoon and races to the turnaround point and back.
- If the apple falls, they must stop, pick it up, and continue from where it dropped.
- Tag the next teammate to repeat.
- The first team to have all members complete the course wins!
14. Cornfield Obstacle Dash
Race Through the Harvest Field
Players: 4 or more
Supplies:
- Cones, hay bales, chairs, string, or leaf piles to create obstacles
- A marked start and finish line
How to Play:
- Set up a course with weaving, crawling, and hopping obstacles (like a “mini corn maze”).
- Players run one at a time through the course, completing each challenge.
- Time each runner with a stopwatch, or have teams race head-to-head.
- The fastest runner (or team) wins!
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Add silly challenges, like carrying a mini pumpkin or wearing a floppy scarecrow hat while racing.
15. Acorn Hunt
Race to Gather the Harvest
Players: 2 or more
Supplies:
- A bag of acorns (real or faux), pinecones, or wrapped candies
- Buckets, baskets, or cups for collecting
How to Play:
- Scatter acorns around the yard or designated play area before the game begins.
- On “Go!”, players race to collect as many as they can within the time limit (1–2 minutes works well).
- When time is up, count the acorns in each basket.
- The player (or team) with the most acorns wins!
Fall Flair Ideas:
- Hide a few golden acorns (spray-painted or wrapped in foil) worth bonus points.
Keep the Fun Going with These Additional Games
And remember to check out the Autumn Candy Game!
We have many fabulous fall fun ideas from dinner party themes to an Autumn Merriment Menu. You’ll find them all here: Fall Fun the Relaxed Hostess Way.