35 Must-Try Fall Festival Game Ideas for All Ages

Looking for the best fall festival game ideas to delight your guests of all ages? From classic pumpkin tosses to creative crafts, our comprehensive list dives straight into a curated selection of games that promise to amplify the fun and celebrate the season. Whether you’re organizing a community gathering or a school event, these ideas are designed to engage every attendee, ensuring a memorable autumn celebration.

Key Takeaways

• Fall festivals bring communities together with games, crafts, and food, benefiting nonprofits through heightened community connections, donor relationships, and brand visibility.
• A diverse range of activities catered to different age groups, from toddlers to seniors, ensures fun, engagement, and the spirit of fall is present for all attendees.
• Utilizing platforms like Event.Gives can greatly enhance fall festival organization, promote events, streamline ticket sales, and facilitate donations, making it an essential tool for successful event planning and fundraising.

Harvest Hoopla

Embrace the spirit of the harvest season with the Harvest Hoopla, a series of engaging fall festival games that celebrate the agricultural abundance of fall at the harvest festival. These games not only bring communities together but also foster donor relationships — a win-win for nonprofits. Discover some of the most entertaining games that capture the spirit of the harvest season in this section.

From a challenging Pumpkin Ring Toss Challenge and a thrilling Autumn Leaf Race to a suspenseful Candy Corn Guessing Game, there’s something to engage everyone. Ready to bring your fall festival to life with these games? Let’s dive in!

Pumpkin Ring Toss Challenge

The Pumpkin Ring Toss Challenge is a family-friendly game that adds a competitive edge to your festival. Players aim to score points by tossing mini pumpkins onto targets such as hay bales. This game not only offers attendees a fun and budget-friendly activity but also encourages strategic gameplay.

The different target sizes are assigned varying point values, sparking a competitive spirit among the participants. So, whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, the Pumpkin Ring Toss Challenge promises a dose of fun and excitement at your fall festival!

Autumn Leaf Race

The Autumn Leaf Race is a delightful celebration of the vibrant hues and textures of the fall season. In this race, participants carry colorful fall leaves on a spoon and navigate through a set course. The challenge? Keeping the leaves from flying away! And to spice things up, consider using leaves of different colors and sizes to add variety.

You could even set up obstacles along the race course to increase the difficulty. The Autumn Leaf Race provides a playful and engaging way to enjoy the fall season while adding a dash of friendly competition to your fall festival.

Candy Corn Guessing Game

Who doesn’t love a good guessing game? The Candy Corn Guessing Game is a simple yet engaging activity where participants guess the number of candy corn pieces in a jar. The stakes are high as the participant who guesses the closest number to the actual count can win a special prize or, better yet, all the candy in the jar!

This fall festival game not only adds an element of suspense to your event but also allows attendees to walk away with a sweet reward.

Creative Crafts & Contests

Fall festivals are not just about games; they’re also about unleashing creativity. And what better way to do that than through crafts and contests? This section presents hands-on activities that engage attendees and allow them to display their artistic talents. Some of the activities include:

• Creating personalized scarecrows at the DIY Scarecrow Station
• Exploring their artistic side at the Fall-Themed Face Painting Booth
• Carving their own jack-o’-lanterns at the Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

There’s an activity for everyone.

So, let’s dive into these creative fall festival ideas, exploring various crafts and contests that can add a splash of color to your fall festival!

DIY Scarecrow Station

At the DIY Scarecrow Station, festival attendees can create personalized scarecrows using items like hay, old clothes, and various accessories. This station not only provides a fun and engaging activity but also offers guidelines and tips to assist participants in constructing scarecrows that are stable and can be displayed outdoors.

And to spice things up, why not turn it into a scarecrow-making contest? This would engage families in a fun and creative activity, making the DIY Scarecrow Station a hit at your fall festival.

Fall-Themed Face Painting Booth

The Fall-Themed Face Painting Booth is a popular attraction at any fall festival. From autumn leaves and acorns to foxes, owls, and other wildlife, the booth offers a variety of fall-inspired designs. And to cater to different preferences, it provides options for full-face, cheek art, or hand paintings.

Furthermore, with a focus on efficiency, the booth offers quick and simple designs that capture the essence of fall, ensuring it can serve a large number of attendees. So, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, the Fall-Themed Face Painting Booth is sure to add a splash of color to your festival experience!

Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza

The Pumpkin Decorating and Carving Extravaganza is a fall festival staple that allows attendees to showcase their artistic abilities. This activity not only caters to different skill levels but also encourages collaboration, making it a hit among festival-goers. Participants can choose from carving templates ranging from simple patterns suited for children to complex designs for skilled artists, ensuring inclusiveness.

To make it more exciting, the Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza can be turned into a pumpkin decorating contest with categories like ‘most original design,’ ‘funniest pumpkin,’ and ‘best traditional carving.’ So, grab your carving tools and let your creativity shine at the Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza!

Deliciously Fun Food-Centric Games

When it comes to fall festivals, the food is just as important as the games. And what could be more fun than combining the two? This section introduces Deliciously Fun Food-Centric Games, guaranteed to tantalize taste buds and provide an immersive experience for attendees. From the traditional Bobbing for Apples and the creative Caramel Apple Bar Creation Contest to the savory Chili Cook-Off Challenge, these food-centric games promise a gastronomic adventure that attendees won’t soon forget.

So, let’s dive into these culinary delights and discover how fall festival food can add a dash of flavor to your fall festival!

Bobbing for Apples

Bobbing for Apples is a classic game that infuses a dash of tradition into your fall festival. In this game, participants try to grab an apple using only their mouth from a basin of water. This game not only offers a delightful challenge to festival attendees of various ages but also brings a sense of nostalgia that enhances the overall festival experience.

And to keep things interesting, consider introducing a head-to-head or elimination format, adding a competitive edge to this traditional game. So, get ready to make a splash at your fall festival with a round of Bobbing for Apples!

Caramel Apple Bar Creation Contest

The Caramel Apple Bar Creation Contest is a unique activity that combines culinary skill with artistic presentation. Participants have the opportunity to assemble a charcuterie board with caramel apples and various accompaniments, creating a visually appealing and delectable masterpiece.

The contest can be structured as a tournament, where contestants advance through rounds based on the creativity and presentation of their designs. So, whether you’re a foodie or just love a good competition, the Caramel Apple Bar Creation Contest is sure to add a sweet touch to your fall festival!

Chili Cook-Off Challenge

If savory is more your style, then the Chili Cook-Off Challenge is the game for you. This contest offers local restaurants a chance to showcase their best chili recipes in a friendly competition. But to make it even more interesting, consider including a special category for the best chili recipe featuring fall-inspired ingredients such as pumpkin or squash.

And for an added twist, introduce an ‘Iron Chef’-style element where teams have a set amount of time and must use a mystery ingredient. With all these elements combined, the Chili Cook-Off Challenge promises a flavorful and exciting experience at your fall festival.

Indoor Fall Festival Fun

While fall festivals are often associated with outdoor activities, there’s no reason why the fun can’t be brought indoors. This section presents a variety of indoor activities, perfect for those unpredictable weather days or cooler evenings. From the Pumpkin Bowling Alley and Fall Colors Bingo to the Harvest Moon Dance-Off, these indoor activities promise a world of fun for festival-goers of all ages. So, let’s dive in and discover how these activities can add an extra layer of excitement to your fall festival!

Pumpkin Bowling Alley

The Pumpkin Bowling Alley is a fun and versatile game that can be set up indoors, making it an excellent addition to any fall festival. In this game, pumpkins are used as bowling balls and ghost-shaped pins add a festive touch. Not only does this offer a weather-proof option for festival game activities, but it also brings a unique twist to a traditional game.

So, whether you’re a bowling pro or a complete novice, the Pumpkin Bowling Alley promises to deliver a strike of fun at your fall festival!

Fall Colors Bingo

Fall Colors Bingo is a game that brings a seasonal twist to a classic favorite. In this game, bingo cards feature various types of tree leaves instead of numbers, providing a fresh and exciting experience for players. And to shake things up, consider introducing a black-out version where the goal is to cover every space on the game card first.

So, gather your friends and family, and get ready to yell “Bingo!” at your fall festival.

Harvest Moon Dance-Off

The Harvest Moon Dance-Off is sure to get everyone up on their feet. Featuring a diverse array of music genres, this activity encourages participants to showcase their most impressive dance moves. The dance-off can be structured in a variety of ways, including best solo performance, best group dance, and best themed-dance routine, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine on the dance floor.

And to add to the excitement, the loudest applause from the audience crowns the champion. So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to groove at your fall festival!

Outdoor Adventure Activities

Nothing quite captures the spirit of fall like outdoor activities under the crisp autumn sky. This section introduces a range of Outdoor Adventure Activities that make the most of the great outdoors. From a scenic Hayride Obstacle Course and an exciting Corn Maze Quest to delightful Pony Rides Around the Pumpkin Patch, these activities offer a blend of adventure and fun that is sure to make your fall festival a hit.

So, let’s venture out and discover how these outdoor activities can bring your fall festival to life!

Hayride Obstacle Course

The Hayride Obstacle Course is an outdoor activity that combines the thrill of a scenic hayride with a series of fun challenges. Participants navigate through a set course, solving riddles or puzzles at each stop.

The course also includes engaging tasks such as the Apple Relay Race, where participants compete in teams to complete various apple-related tasks. So, hop on for a hayride and get ready for an exciting adventure at your fall festival!

Corn Maze Quest

The Corn Maze Quest is an exciting activity that adds an element of mystery and adventure to your fall festival. In this quest, participants navigate through a maze made of corn, searching for symbols or colored flags that mark checkpoints throughout the labyrinth. And to add a modern twist to the traditional corn maze experience, consider integrating QR codes to provide digital clues.

As participants uncover parts of a story at each checkpoint, they are led to a final clue that resolves the tale and leads to the hidden treasure. So, get ready to embark on a thrilling Corn Maze Quest at your fall festival!

Pony Rides Around the Pumpkin Patch

What child can resist the charm of a pony ride? At your fall festival, offer themed Pony Rides Around the Pumpkin Patch, providing a memorable experience for the little ones. As children explore the pumpkin patch on pony rides, they can also participate in a ‘Pumpkin Passport’ activity where they receive stamps at various points of interest. This activity not only adds an element of exploration to the ride but also ensures that children have a fun and engaging experience.

So, saddle up and let the pony rides begin!

Little Ghouls and Boys Zone

While fall festivals offer a wide array of activities for all ages, it’s essential to ensure that the little ones have their own special corner for age-appropriate fun. Welcome to the Little Ghouls and Boys Zone, a dedicated area for young children to enjoy activities tailored just for them.

This section presents engaging activities such as Trunk or Treat Street, Bouncy Pumpkin Patch, and Kiddie Craft Corner. So, let’s dive in and discover how these activities can add a dash of fun and excitement to your fall festival for the little ones!

Trunk or Treat Street

Trunk or Treat Street is a safe and entertaining Halloween-themed activity for families to enjoy. This activity provides a secure environment for children to celebrate Halloween, with parents accompanying them and ensuring they follow a pre-planned route. But safety doesn’t mean skimping on fun. From creative costumes to a variety of treats, Trunk or Treat Street ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience for families.

So, get ready to indulge in some Halloween fun at your fall festival with Trunk or Treat Street!

Bouncy Pumpkin Patch

The Bouncy Pumpkin Patch is a fun and engaging activity for younger children. Set up inflatable bounce houses and slides, ensuring that they are supervised and safe for the little ones. This activity not only provides a fun and exciting experience for children but also adds a lively and vibrant touch to your fall festival.

So, let the bouncing begin at the Bouncy Pumpkin Patch - it’s so much fun!

Kiddie Craft Corner

The Kiddie Craft Corner offers:

• A special area where young children can tap into their creativity
• A variety of simple and engaging crafts
• The opportunity for children to create and take home their own pieces of art.

From painting to crafting, the Kiddie Craft Corner provides a fun learning experience where kids decorate and create, making it a hit at your fall festival!

Teen Thrills and Chills

Teens are always on the lookout for thrilling experiences, and fall festivals are no exception. This section focuses on activities specifically designed to engage teens. From a suspense-filled Haunted House Escape Room and a thrilling Zombie Tag in the Twilight to a dynamic Monster Mash Lip Sync Battle, there’s something to enthrall every teenager at your fall festival.

So, let’s dive in and explore these Teen Thrills and Chills!

Haunted House Escape Room

The Haunted House Escape Room is an engaging activity that challenges teens to solve puzzles and break codes. This activity not only tests their problem-solving skills but also provides a thrilling experience as they navigate through the haunted house.

The escape room can be set up with multiple stations where players solve puzzles, with hints provided for the more challenging ones. So, if your teens love a good challenge, the Haunted House Escape Room is sure to be a hit at your fall festival!

Zombie Tag in the Twilight

Zombie Tag in the Twilight is a game that simulates a zombie hunt, adding an element of suspense and excitement to your fall festival. In this game, one person starts as the zombie, giving the human players a head start before the chase begins.

As the game progresses, humans who are caught by a zombie receive a red bracelet, marking their transformation into a zombie. This game not only provides a thrilling experience but also encourages strategic gameplay, making it a hit among teens.

So, get ready for a thrilling zombie hunt with a fall twist at your fall festival!

Monster Mash Lip Sync Battle

The Monster Mash Lip Sync Battle is an energetic and dynamic activity that invites teens to showcase their performance skills. In this battle, participants perform two songs of their choosing, with the audience’s cheers deciding the winner. The lip sync battle can be structured in various ways, including best solo performance, best group dance, and best themed-dance routine, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine.

So, grab a mic and get ready to rock the stage at your fall festival with the Monster Mash Lip Sync Battle!

Family Bonding with Fall Festivities

Fall festivals, also known as fall events, are a wonderful opportunity for families to spend quality time together while engaging in fun activities. This section features fall festival ideas that promote family bonding and ensure a memorable experience for all family members. From a competitive Sack Race and a creative Build-a-Scarecrow Relay to a hilarious Pie Eating Family Face-Off, these activities promise a blend of fun and camaraderie that is sure to make your fall festival a hit among families.

So, let’s dive in and discover how these activities can foster family bonding at your fall festival!

Sack Race

A Sack Race is a classic game that encourages families to engage in physical activity together. This game not only provides a fun and engaging experience but also fosters teamwork and unity among family members.

So, whether you’re a kid or just a kid at heart, the Sack Race promises a dose of fun and excitement at your fall festival!

Build-a-Scarecrow Relay

The Build-a-Scarecrow Relay is a fun and engaging activity that encourages families to collaborate in a race against time to assemble a scarecrow. This activity not only enhances the spirit of teamwork and unity but also provides an opportunity for families to showcase their creativity.

So, gather your family and get ready for some scarecrow-building fun at your fall festival!

Pie Eating Family Face-Off

The Pie Eating Family Face-Off is a hilarious activity that promises a memorable experience for both participants and spectators. In this competition, family members compete to see who can finish a pie the fastest without using their hands. This activity not only provides a good laugh but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among family members.

So, if your family loves a good competition, the Pie Eating Family Face-Off is sure to be a hit at your fall festival!

Throw your next fall festival with Event.Gives

Are you excited to host your next fall festival? Why not leverage the power of Event.Gives to make your event a resounding success? Event.Gives provides over 160 free features to assist in promoting your fall festival. These features can be a valuable tool in attracting and engaging attendees. Some of the features offered by Event.Gives include:

• Selling tickets
• Sending event reminders
• Creating branded fundraising pages
• Offering various donation methods

With Event.Gives, you have everything you need to make your fall festival a memorable and successful fall event.

So, plan your next fall festival with Event.Gives and raise the bar for fundraising events!

Summary

As we conclude this journey through fall festivals, we hope you are inspired to host an event that not only strengthens community connections and enhances brand recognition, but also fosters donor relationships in a fun, seasonal way. With a plethora of game ideas suitable for all ages and tools to promote your event, your next fall festival is sure to be a hit. So, embrace the magic of the fall season, and let your creativity shine through your fall festival!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you plan a fall festival for a church?

Get excited and start planning by thinking through timing and location, recruiting volunteers, choosing a theme, planning activities, focusing on outreach, utilizing your church website and social media, and hanging door hangers in the surrounding area to promote the fall festival. Happy planning!

What can I sell at a fall festival?

You can sell handmade jewelry, candles, home decor items, specialty food like gourmet popcorn and hot apple cider, and artwork such as paintings and prints at a fall festival. Get creative and offer items that capture the essence of the season!

What does a fall festival consist of?

A fall festival typically consists of traditional activities like hay rides, corn mazes, and apple cider, providing a fun experience for the whole family. Embracing these traditions can bring joy and create lasting memories for everyone involved.

What are some traditional fall festival games for nonprofits?

Traditional fall festival games for nonprofits include Pumpkin Fest, Hayrides, Corn maze, and Games galore - all great options for engaging and entertaining event attendees. Try incorporating these into your next fall festival to add some classic fun!

How can a fall festival help with fundraising for nonprofits?

Hosting a fall festival can help nonprofits attract new supporters, build donor relationships, and meet fundraising targets effectively.