Fall festival games and Trunk or Treat gatherings bring a harvest of smiles to young faces. They also bring loads of people to your church and children’s ministry. A harvest event for the community takes some planning and budgeting. But with the help of volunteers and donations, you can pull off a memorable event. In the process, you might introduce someone to Jesus or encourage a family to visit your worship services and programming.
Food, fellowship, worship music and family-friendly costumes all can be part of a fun fall festival. Hayrides, candy, a photo booth and carnival decorations add to the festive environment. Also be sure to incorporate lots of fall festival games! Kids of all ages love classic harvest games such as pumpkin ring toss, plus creative new variations.
Pro Tip: Preteens and teens love to operate the games and distribute prizes to young players. So recruit helpers from your church’s junior high and youth ministry programs.
Fall festival games will be a hit at any autumn gathering or Halloween alternative event. So consider adapting these ideas for carnivals, picnics, fundraisers, Trunk or Treat nights and more!
11 Fun Fall Festival Games
Enjoy planning and playing these fall festival games for children:
1. Pumpkin Putt-Putt
Young players will have a blast trying to putt a golf ball into the mouth of a carved pumpkin. Adapt the distances according to children’s ages.
2. Stack ’Em
For older kids, try this Minute-to-Win-It type game. You’ll need a stack of orange cups, with a black cup at the bottom.
3. Pumpkin Patch Walk
Instead of a traditional cake walk, adapt this favorite activity for fall by creating a pumpkin path.
4. Candy Corn Bowling
This fall festival game uses candy-like pins. Use the ball provided, or have children roll a small pumpkin or gourd instead.
