Harvest festival games and Trunk or Treat gatherings bring huge 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 fall festival.
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 harvest festival games! Kids of all ages love classic 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.
Harvest festival games are a hit at any autumn gathering or Halloween alternative event. So adapt these ideas for carnivals, picnics, fundraisers, Trunk or Treat nights, and more!
11 Fun Harvest Festival Games
Enjoy planning and playing these harvest 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 fall activity by creating a pumpkin path.
4. Candy Corn Bowling
This harvest festival game uses candy-like pins. Use the ball provided, or have children roll a small pumpkin or gourd.
5. Fall Photos
Create a kid-friendly fall-themed photo booth. Families will enjoy taking home a special keepsake from your church’s harvest event.
6. Amazing Maze
No corn maze nearby your church or school? Then try this neat maze made out of yellow caution tape.
7. Three in a Row
We love this simple yet engaging game idea! Set up a large Tic-Tac-Toe board on a haybale. Instead of X’s and O’s, have players use an orange gourd and a white (or green) gourd.
