Planning a fall festival or Halloween bash for the kiddos? You’re in the right place! There’s nothing quite like a bright orange pumpkin to instantly turn any gathering into a fall celebration. Whether you’re going for spooky Jack-o-lantern vibes or harvest festival fun, pumpkins are the MVP of autumn party planning.
What we love about these pumpkin games is how ridiculously simple they are to pull off. Most can be set up with either real or fake pumpkins (whatever fits your budget), and they’re all guaranteed to keep kids entertained and laughing. Plus, the crisp fall air makes outdoor party games even more magical!
Ready to make your next kids’ party the talk of the neighborhood? Let’s dive into these 35 pumpkin-powered game ideas that are equal parts fun and festive.
1. Pumpkin Golf
Turn your backyard into a mini putt-putt course with a fall twist! This game is pure genius because it’s easy to set up and keeps kids engaged for ages.
Best for: Kids ages 5+, outdoor parties
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Kids’ golf clubs (thrift store finds work great!)
- Golf balls
- Medium to large pumpkins
- Knife (for adult use only)
How to Play:
- Set up your course by placing pumpkins around your yard in a path or obstacle pattern.
- Carve funny faces into hollowed pumpkins to create “holes” that kids can putt into.
- Give each player a club and ball, then let them navigate the pumpkin course.
- Keep score of how many putts it takes to get the ball into each pumpkin hole.
- The player with the lowest score wins!
Pro Tip: Use smaller pumpkins as obstacles along the putting path to make the game more challenging for older kids!
Fall Autumn Outdoor Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids & Adults
🎁Buy Now and get instant access to your download!
✉After your purchase, you can download your files directly from the website or find them in the email receipt we send you.
📧Should you encounter any issues, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll assist you within 24-48 hours.
2. Pumpkin Stem Ring Toss
This classic carnival game gets a fall makeover, and kids absolutely love it! The glow-in-the-dark version is especially perfect for evening parties.
Best for: All ages, indoor or outdoor
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 5-8 pumpkins of various sizes
- Glow necklaces or small rings
- Masking tape (for marking throwing lines)
How to Play:
- Line up your pumpkins in rows, with smaller ones in back and larger ones in front.
- Mark throwing lines with tape at different distances (easier for younger kids up close, harder for older kids farther back).
- Give each player 5 rings to toss onto the pumpkin stems.
- Award points based on pumpkin size (smaller pumpkins = more points).
- The player with the most points wins!
Fun Variation: Play at dusk with glow necklaces as rings and turn off the lights for a magical glow-in-the-dark experience!
3. Jumbo Pumpkin Ring Toss
Why toss tiny rings when you can go BIG? This supersized version uses hula hoops to ring entire pumpkins!
Best for: Kids ages 4+, outdoor spaces
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 3-5 large pumpkins
- 3 hula hoops per player
- Spray paint (optional, to color-code hoops)
How to Play:
- Space your pumpkins 2-3 feet apart in your play area.
- Create a throwing line about 5-8 feet away (adjust based on kids’ ages).
- Each player gets 3 tosses to ring as many pumpkins as possible.
- Score one point for each successful ring.
- Highest score wins or play elimination rounds for extra excitement!
Pro Tip: Let younger kids stand closer and older kids step back for a fair challenge!
4. Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss
This is the perfect game for kids of all skill levels because you control the difficulty just by changing the hole size!
Best for: Ages 3+, perfect for mixed-age groups
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 3-5 large pumpkins
- Knife (adult use only)
- Bean bags (6-8)
- Marker
How to Play:
- Carve holes of different sizes in each pumpkin (bigger holes = easier targets, smaller holes = more points).
- Mark point values on each pumpkin (10, 20, 30 points, etc.).
- Set up your pumpkins at varying distances.
- Give each player 3 bean bags per round.
- Tally up scores after each round – highest total wins!
Fun Variation: Create a Halloween theme by carving spooky faces and having kids toss bags into the “mouths”!
Rescue The Runaway Turkeys – Easy Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt Printable for Kids
🎁Buy Now and get instant access to your download!
✉After your purchase, you can download your files directly from the website or find them in the email receipt we send you.
📧Should you encounter any issues, please contact us at [email protected] and we'll assist you within 24-48 hours.
5. Pumpkin Cornhole
Give the classic cornhole game a festive fall makeover! This one’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Best for: Kids ages 5+, family-friendly
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 2-8 kids (team play works great!)
What You’ll Need:
- Cornhole boards (painted with pumpkin faces or fall designs)
- Bean bags (orange and black are perfect!)
- Paint and brushes for decorating
How to Play:
- Set up your boards the standard 27 feet apart (or closer for younger kids).
- Divide into teams and decide who goes first.
- Take turns tossing bean bags at the board (3 points for bags through the hole, 1 point for bags on the board).
- Play to 21 points or set a time limit.
- The team with the most points wins!
Pro Tip: Paint your boards ahead of time with the kids – decorating becomes part of the party fun!
6. Pumpkin Candy Toss
Tiny pumpkin candies make this game both fun to play AND delicious when you’re done!
Best for: Ages 4+, indoor-friendly
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Mini cauldrons, bowls, or small pumpkin buckets
- Pumpkin-shaped candies (the foam or chocolate kind)
- Tape for marking spots
How to Play:
- Place containers at various distances around the room.
- Give each player a handful of pumpkin candies (about 10-12).
- Players stand behind the line and toss candies into the containers.
- Award points based on distance (closer containers = fewer points).
- Winner gets first pick of the candy stash!
Fun Variation: Use a timer and see who can land the most candies in 60 seconds!
7. Pumpkin Candy Catapult
Science meets snacks in this hilarious game that turns physics into fall fun!
Best for: Ages 6+, STEM-loving kids
Time to Play: 20 minutes
Players: 2-8 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Plastic spoons
- Pumpkin candies
- Cups or small buckets as targets
- Craft sticks and rubber bands (to make catapults)
How to Play:
- Build simple catapults using craft sticks, rubber bands, and plastic spoons.
- Set up target zones at different distances with point values.
- Load a pumpkin candy onto each catapult.
- Launch candies toward the targets – no hands allowed after loading!
- Tally points after everyone has had 5 launches.
Pro Tip: Have a “design your catapult” station before the game starts so kids can customize their launchers!
8. Hot Pumpkin
It’s hot potato’s fall cousin, and kids go absolutely wild for this fast-paced game!
Best for: Ages 3+, great for large groups
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 6-20 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 1 small pumpkin or plush pumpkin toy
- Music player
- Space for kids to sit in a circle
How to Play:
- Have all players sit in a circle on the ground.
- Start the music and hand the pumpkin to one child.
- Kids pass the pumpkin quickly around the circle while the music plays.
- When the music stops, whoever is holding the pumpkin is out.
- Keep playing until only one person remains – they’re the winner!
Fun Variation: Use a real mini pumpkin and have kids pass it behind their backs for an extra challenge!
9. Pumpkin Bowling
Transform paper towel rolls into the cutest ghost bowling pins ever! This game is ridiculously easy to set up and endlessly entertaining.
Best for: Ages 3+, perfect for younger kids
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 6-10 empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls
- White paint or paper
- Black markers
- 1 small pumpkin (bowling ball)
How to Play:
- Decorate your rolls to look like ghosts with white paint and spooky faces.
- Set up pins in a triangle formation (bowling style).
- Mark a starting line about 6-8 feet away.
- Each player gets 2 rolls per turn to knock down as many pins as possible.
- Keep score just like regular bowling – most pins knocked down wins!
Pro Tip: Use a small pumpkin that kids can actually roll smoothly – wonky stems add hilarious unpredictability!
10. Ghost and Pumpkin Bowling
Level up your pumpkin bowling with a Halloween theme that’s twice the fun!
Best for: Ages 4+, Halloween parties
Time to Play: 20 minutes
Players: 2-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 10 plastic bottles or pins
- Orange and white paint
- Small to medium pumpkin
- Stickers for decorating
How to Play:
- Paint half the bottles orange (pumpkins) and half white (ghosts).
- Let kids decorate the pins with faces and designs.
- Set up a bowling lane in your yard or hallway.
- Assign point values: ghosts = 10 points, pumpkins = 5 points.
- Each player bowls twice per round – highest score wins!
Fun Variation: Make it a team game where one team tries to knock down only ghosts and the other only pumpkins!
11. Poke-a-Pumpkin
This mystery game gets kids squealing with excitement (and maybe a little grossed out)!
Best for: Ages 5+, Halloween parties
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 1 at a time, but great for groups
What You’ll Need:
- Large cardboard box
- Orange paint or paper
- Plastic cups
- Tissue paper or orange crepe paper
- Prizes (and a few “icky” surprises like peeled grapes!)
How to Play:
- Create your pumpkin by covering a large box with orange paper and drawing a jack-o-lantern face.
- Cut holes in the top of the box and place cups underneath each hole.
- Cover holes with tissue paper so kids can’t see inside.
- Hide prizes in most cups, but add a few surprises (slimy peeled grapes = “eyeballs”, cooked spaghetti = “worms”).
- Each player pokes through one hole and reaches into a cup to grab their prize!
Pro Tip: Play spooky music in the background to amp up the suspense!
12. Adorable DIY Poke-a-Pumpkin
Create an Instagram-worthy version that’s almost too cute to poke!
Best for: Ages 4+, photo-worthy parties
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 6-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Poster board
- Orange cups
- Green and black paper for decoration
- Tape and scissors
- Small prizes or candy
How to Play:
- Create a giant pumpkin face on poster board with decorative details.
- Attach orange cups to the board as the “pumpkin sections”.
- Cover each cup with orange tissue paper.
- Kids take turns poking through the paper to reveal their prize.
- Everyone gets to poke once – it’s all about the surprise!
Fun Variation: Number the cups and let kids call out their lucky number before poking!
13. Roll a Pumpkin Face Dice Game
This creative game lets kids design their own silly pumpkin faces – and the results are always hilarious!
Best for: Ages 4+, quieter activity option
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-6 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Printed pumpkin face dice game sheets (or create your own)
- Dice
- Markers or crayons
- Paper pumpkin templates for each player
How to Play:
- Give each player a blank pumpkin template and drawing supplies.
- Create a key for dice rolls (1 = left eye, 2 = right eye, 3 = nose, 4 = mouth, 5 = stem, 6 = pick any feature).
- Players take turns rolling the dice and drawing the corresponding feature.
- First player to complete their pumpkin face wins!
- Show off all the pumpkin faces – no two will look alike!
Pro Tip: Make a rule that you must roll the exact number for the last feature to win – it adds suspense!
14. Felt Pumpkin Face Game
This mess-free magnetic or felt board game is perfect for indoor parties and younger kids!
Best for: Ages 3-7, indoor parties
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 2-4 kids at a time
What You’ll Need:
- Large felt board or magnetic board
- Orange felt pumpkin shape
- Felt pieces for eyes, nose, mouth, stem (in different styles)
- Dice
- Dice key chart
How to Play:
- Place the felt pumpkin on the board.
- Each player gets their own pumpkin board or takes turns on one board.
- Roll the dice to determine which facial feature to add (use your pre-made key).
- Stick your felt piece onto the pumpkin.
- First to complete their pumpkin wins, or let everyone finish to see all the creative faces!
Fun Variation: Play “Musical Pumpkins” – when the music stops, kids must swap pumpkins with someone else!
15. Pumpkin Rolling Relay Race
Get ready for laughter because kids trying to roll wonky pumpkins is pure entertainment!
Best for: Ages 5+, outdoor parties
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 6-20 kids (team play)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 small to medium pumpkin per team
- Cones or markers for the course
- Open outdoor space
How to Play:
- Divide kids into teams of equal numbers.
- Set up a course with a starting line and turnaround point (cones work great).
- On “Go!” the first player from each team must roll their pumpkin to the turnaround point and back using only their hands.
- Tag the next teammate who continues the race.
- First team to have all members complete the course wins!
Pro Tip: Choose pumpkins with stems for easier handling, but embrace the chaos of oddly-shaped pumpkins!
16. Pumpkin Balancing Relay
This game is trickier than it looks and will have everyone cracking up!
Best for: Ages 7+, requires coordination
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 6-16 kids (team play)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 small pumpkin per team
- Course markers
- Optional: spoons or small plates for extra challenge
How to Play:
- Form teams and line up at the starting point.
- Each player must balance a small pumpkin on their head and walk to the turnaround point.
- If the pumpkin falls, they must stop, replace it, and continue from that spot.
- Walk back to the start and hand off the pumpkin to the next teammate.
- First team to finish wins!
Fun Variation: Have kids balance pumpkins on spoons held in their mouths for an extra challenge!
17. Fill the Pumpkin Relay
This water brigade-style game is perfect for warm fall days!
Best for: Ages 5+, outdoor parties
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 8-20 kids (team play)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 large hollowed pumpkin per team (fill bucket)
- 1 small pumpkin or cup per team (scoop)
- Large bucket of water per team
- Measuring cup to determine winner
How to Play:
- Set up stations: water bucket at start, empty pumpkin at the finish line.
- Teams line up between the two points.
- On “Go!” the first player fills their scoop, runs to the pumpkin, and pours it in.
- Run back and tag the next player who repeats.
- After 5 minutes, measure which team filled their pumpkin the most!
Pro Tip: Play this game toward the end of the party so wet kids can head home to change!
18. Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin
This fall twist on a classic party game never gets old!
Best for: Ages 3+, perfect for younger kids
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 2-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Large poster board or cardboard
- Orange paint or paper
- Black paper for the pumpkin face (cut out eyes and mouth)
- Triangle orange nose cutouts (one per player)
- Blindfold
- Tape or sticky tack
How to Play:
- Create your giant pumpkin on the poster board with eyes and a mouth – but no nose!
- Write each player’s name on their nose piece.
- Blindfold the first player, spin them gently 2-3 times.
- Guide them toward the pumpkin (without touching!) as they try to stick on the nose.
- Closest nose to the correct spot wins!
Fun Variation: Make different facial features and let kids create entire pumpkin faces while blindfolded – the results are hilarious!
19. Crepe Paper Pumpkin Pin Game
Take the classic game up a notch with this gorgeous 3D crepe paper pumpkin!
Best for: Ages 4+, photo backdrop doubles as game
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Orange crepe paper streamers
- Cardboard circle base
- Green paper for stem and leaves
- Black paper nose triangles
- Blindfold
How to Play:
- Create your fluffy pumpkin by bunching and layering crepe paper streamers on a cardboard circle.
- Add eyes and mouth but leave the nose spot empty.
- Play just like traditional Pin the Tail – blindfold, spin, and stick!
- The player who places the nose closest wins!
- Keep the pumpkin up as party decor afterward!
Pro Tip: This makes an amazing photo backdrop before and after the game!
20. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Classic strategy game gets a festive makeover that’s perfect for calmer moments at your party!
Best for: Ages 5+, great for transitions
Time to Play: 5-10 minutes per game
Players: 2 players per board
What You’ll Need:
- 9 mini pumpkins (5 of one color/design, 4 of another)
- Large fabric or poster board grid
- Markers or paint to differentiate pumpkins
How to Play:
- Create your tic-tac-toe grid on the ground using tape, chalk, or a painted board.
- Paint or mark 5 pumpkins with X’s and 4 with O’s (or use different colored pumpkins).
- Players take turns placing pumpkins on the grid.
- First to get three in a row wins!
- Play multiple rounds – it’s quick and addictive!
Fun Variation: Make a giant outdoor version with larger pumpkins for extra excitement!
21. Mini Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
The portable version that kids can play independently during free time!
Best for: Ages 4+, multiple games at once
Time to Play: 5 minutes per game
Players: 2 per board
What You’ll Need:
- Small wooden boards or cardboard
- Paint to create grids
- Tiny decorative pumpkins or painted rocks
- Markers to differentiate teams
How to Play:
- Set up multiple tic-tac-toe boards around the party space.
- Provide 5 matching pumpkins per player (different colors or designs for each team).
- Kids can challenge each other to quick games throughout the party.
- Keep track of wins on a scoreboard if you want to crown a champion!
Pro Tip: These boards make great party favors that kids can take home!
22. Pumpkin Memory Game
This brain-teasing game is surprisingly challenging and fun for all ages!
Best for: Ages 4+, calmer activity
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-6 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 12-16 mini pumpkins
- Paint or stickers to create matching pairs
- Tray or flat surface
How to Play:
- Create matching pairs by painting identical designs, numbers, or faces on pumpkins (6-8 pairs total).
- Arrange all pumpkins face-down on a table or tray.
- Players take turns flipping two pumpkins to find matches.
- If they match, the player keeps the pair and goes again.
- If they don’t match, flip them back and the next player goes.
- Player with the most pairs wins!
Fun Variation: Add a Halloween theme with matching ghost, bat, and witch designs!
23. Decorated Pumpkin Memory Game
Make this game extra special with beautifully painted mini pumpkins!
Best for: Ages 5+, works as craft + game
Time to Play: 20 minutes (plus painting time)
Players: 2-6 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 16 mini pumpkins (8 pairs)
- Acrylic paint in various colors
- Brushes
- Number or letter stickers (optional)
How to Play:
- Before the party, paint matching designs on pairs of pumpkins (hearts, stars, stripes, etc.).
- Let kids help decorate if you want the craft to be part of the party.
- Once dry, play memory following traditional rules.
- Winner gets first choice of pumpkins to take home!
Pro Tip: Use this as both an activity AND a party favor – everyone goes home with mini pumpkins!
24. Pumpkin Chunkin’ (Felt Version)
Get the thrill of pumpkin launching without the mess or waste!
Best for: Ages 5+, outdoor play
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Felt pumpkins (stuffed or flat)
- DIY catapults or slingshots
- Target zones marked with tape or cones
- Measuring tape
How to Play:
- Create felt pumpkins ahead of time (stuff with cotton for weight).
- Set up target zones at various distances with point values.
- Each player gets 3 launches to chunk their felt pumpkins.
- Measure distance or award points based on which zone they land in.
- Highest score wins!
Pro Tip: Let kids decorate their felt pumpkins before the game for a craft + activity combo!
25. Pop the Pumpkin Balloon Game
This high-energy game will have kids bouncing with excitement!
Best for: Ages 5+, outdoor recommended
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 4-15 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Orange balloons (1-2 per child)
- Black permanent marker
- Small prizes or candy
- Pins or something to pop balloons
How to Play:
- Insert small prizes or candy into balloons before inflating.
- Draw jack-o-lantern faces on each balloon with marker.
- Scatter balloons around the play area or attach to a board.
- Kids race to pop balloons using only their hands (no pins for younger kids).
- Whatever prize falls out is theirs to keep!
Fun Variation: Play “Pumpkin Stomp” where kids must pop balloons using only their feet!
26. Pumpkin Patch Stomp
The ultimate prize-grabbing game that gets kids moving!
Best for: Ages 4+, outdoor parties
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 6-20 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Orange balloons with prizes inside
- Green crepe paper (for vines)
- Open space
- Timer
How to Play:
- Create a “pumpkin patch” by scattering prize-filled orange balloons on the ground.
- Add green crepe paper strips around them to look like vines.
- On “Go!” kids race to stomp and pop as many “pumpkins” as possible.
- Set a 2-minute timer for the stomping frenzy.
- Kids keep whatever prizes they pop out!
Pro Tip: Use biodegradable balloons and clean up all pieces immediately after the game!
27. Pumpkin Cake Walk
It’s musical chairs meets cake walk with a delicious fall twist!
Best for: Ages 3+, all group sizes
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 6-30 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Numbered paper pumpkins (one per space)
- Corresponding number tickets in a bowl
- Fall-themed music
- Pumpkin-themed prizes (pumpkin cookies, pumpkin bread, mini pumpkin decorations)
How to Play:
- Place numbered pumpkin cutouts in a circle on the floor.
- Start the music and have kids walk around the circle.
- When music stops, everyone stands on the nearest pumpkin.
- Draw a number from the bowl – whoever’s standing on that number wins a prize!
- Keep playing until everyone has won something.
Fun Variation: Use actual pumpkin-based treats as prizes – pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin cookies, or pumpkin spice treats!
28. Pumpkin Treasure Hunt
Turn your party into an adventure with this exciting scavenger hunt!
Best for: Ages 5+, indoor or outdoor
Time to Play: 20-30 minutes
Players: 4-20 kids (team or individual)
What You’ll Need:
- Mini pumpkins (real or plastic)
- Clue cards with riddles
- Small prizes or candy
- Party space for hiding
How to Play:
- Hide mini pumpkins around your party area before guests arrive.
- Create clue cards that lead from one pumpkin to the next (riddles work great!).
- Give kids the first clue and let them start hunting.
- Each pumpkin found contains the next clue.
- Final pumpkin leads to the grand prize stash!
Pro Tip: For younger kids, use picture clues instead of written riddles!
29. Pumpkin Decorating Station (Competitive or Free Play)
Sometimes the best “game” is pure creativity! Turn decorating into a friendly competition.
Best for: All ages, great wind-down activity
Time to Play: 30-45 minutes
Players: Any number
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pumpkin per child (small to medium)
- Paint, markers, stickers, glitter glue
- Googly eyes, pipe cleaners, craft supplies
- Newspaper or plastic tablecloths
- Prize ribbons (optional)
How to Play:
- Set up a crafting station with all supplies organized.
- Give each child a pumpkin and let creativity run wild!
- Set a 30-minute timer for decorating.
- Have a “pumpkin parade” where everyone shows off their creation.
- Award fun categories: Funniest, Spookiest, Most Creative, Most Colorful, etc.
Pro Tip: Every kid gets a ribbon so everyone feels like a winner!
30. Pumpkin Puzzle Race
Turn pumpkin photos into puzzles for a brain-teasing race!
Best for: Ages 6+, indoor activity
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 2-10 kids (individual or team)
What You’ll Need:
- Printed pumpkin images (one per player/team)
- Scissors to cut into puzzle pieces
- Envelopes to hold pieces
- Table space
- Timer
How to Play:
- Before the party, print identical pumpkin images and cut each into puzzle pieces (adjust difficulty by age).
- Place puzzle pieces in separate envelopes.
- On “Go!” players race to assemble their pumpkin puzzle.
- First to complete their puzzle wins!
- Option to time everyone and compare times.
Fun Variation: Use photos of the birthday child with pumpkins for a personalized touch!
31. Pumpkin Spoon Race
The classic egg-and-spoon race gets a fall makeover!
Best for: Ages 5+, outdoor recommended
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 4-12 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Large serving spoons (1 per player)
- Mini pumpkins or pumpkin-shaped objects
- Course markers (cones or chairs)
How to Play:
- Mark a start and finish line about 20-30 feet apart.
- Give each player a spoon with a mini pumpkin balanced on it.
- On “Go!” players must walk/run to the finish line without dropping their pumpkin.
- If the pumpkin drops, player must stop, replace it, and continue from that spot.
- First to cross the finish line wins!
Pro Tip: For younger kids, allow them to hold the spoon with both hands!
32. Musical Pumpkins
Musical chairs with a fall twist that’s less competitive and more fun!
Best for: Ages 3+, indoor/outdoor
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 6-15 kids
What You’ll Need:
- Small pumpkins or pumpkin cutouts (one fewer than players)
- Fall-themed music
- Open space
How to Play:
- Place pumpkins in a circle on the ground (one fewer than total players).
- Start the music and have kids walk around the circle of pumpkins.
- When the music stops, everyone must grab or stand by a pumpkin.
- The player without a pumpkin is out (but give them a consolation prize!).
- Remove one pumpkin and continue until one winner remains!
Fun Variation: Instead of elimination, have kids freeze in silly pumpkin poses when the music stops – most creative pose wins that round!
33. Pumpkin Toss and Catch
This partner game builds teamwork skills and gets kids laughing!
Best for: Ages 6+, outdoor recommended
Time to Play: 15-20 minutes
Players: 4-16 kids (pair play)
What You’ll Need:
- Small lightweight pumpkins or bean bags shaped like pumpkins
- Measuring tape (optional)
- Open space
How to Play:
- Pair kids up and give each pair one pumpkin.
- Partners start standing close together (about 3 feet apart).
- Toss the pumpkin back and forth successfully.
- After each successful catch, partners take one step back.
- Keep going until the pumpkin drops – the pair who gets the farthest apart wins!
Pro Tip: Use soft foam pumpkins or bean bags for younger kids to build confidence!
34. Pumpkin Stack Challenge
How high can you stack before everything tumbles? This game is all about steady hands!
Best for: Ages 5+, works indoors
Time to Play: 15 minutes
Players: 2-8 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 15-20 mini pumpkins of various sizes per player
- Flat surface (table or ground)
- Timer
- Camera (to capture the hilarious tumbles!)
How to Play:
- Give each player an equal set of mini pumpkins.
- Set a 3-minute timer for the stacking challenge.
- Players race to stack their pumpkins as high as possible.
- If your tower falls, you must start over!
- When time’s up, measure the tallest standing tower – that player wins!
Fun Variation: Play “Jenga-style” where players take turns adding pumpkins to ONE communal tower – whoever makes it fall is out!
35. Pumpkin Guess and Measure
This guessing game combines math skills with fall fun – perfect for sneaking in some learning!
Best for: Ages 5+, educational twist
Time to Play: 10-15 minutes
Players: 2-15 kids
What You’ll Need:
- 1 large pumpkin
- String or measuring tape
- Paper and pencils
- Kitchen scale (optional, for weight guessing)
How to Play:
- Display the pumpkin where everyone can see it.
- Have each child write down their guesses for: circumference, height, weight, and number of seeds inside.
- Measure the pumpkin together as a group for each category.
- Award points for closest guesses (1 point per category).
- The player with the most points wins!
Pro Tip: After the game, cut open the pumpkin and count seeds together – kids love discovering who guessed closest!
Bonus: Pumpkin Photo Booth
Okay, this isn’t a traditional “game”, but it’s a guaranteed hit at every party!
Best for: All ages, keepsake activity
Time to Play: Throughout the party
Players: Everyone!
What You’ll Need:
- Decorated backdrop (pumpkin patch theme, fall colors)
- Pumpkins of all sizes as props
- Fun accessories (witch hats, scarves, silly glasses)
- Camera or phone
- Optional: instant camera for take-home photos
How to Set Up:
- Create a designated photo area with your best decorated pumpkins.
- Provide costume pieces and props in a basket nearby.
- Let kids take turns posing with pumpkins throughout the party.
- Capture candid moments of kids playing games with pumpkins too!
- Share photos with parents after the party (or provide instant prints!).
Pro Tip: Make a “Pumpkin Patch” sign and have kids hold pumpkins for the perfect fall photo op!
Wrapping Up Your Pumpkin Party
There you have it – 35+ pumpkin game ideas that’ll transform your fall festival or Halloween party into an unforgettable bash! The best part? Most of these games require minimal supplies and can be adapted for any age group or party size.
Quick Tips for Success:
- Mix active games with quieter activities to give kids breaks
- Have backup games ready in case some finish faster than expected
- Consider weather and have indoor alternatives for outdoor games
- Stock up on small prizes so everyone feels like a winner
- Take LOTS of photos – these pumpkin game moments are priceless!
With these games in your party-planning toolkit, you’re ready to host a celebration that kids will be talking about until next fall. So grab those pumpkins, gather the kids, and get ready for a day filled with laughter, friendly competition, and tons of fall fun!
Which pumpkin game are you most excited to try? Let us know in the comments below!
More Fall Party Ideas to Keep the Fun Rolling:
DIY Outdoor Pumpkins That Look Insanely Real (And Cost Almost Nothing!)
How to Make No-Knit Yarn Pumpkins (So Easy, Your Guests Will Want the Tutorial!)
How to Host an Epic Pumpkin Carving Party
How to Make a Fall Leaf Garland
