I’ve curated this cozy guide to fall party games, which includes autumnal activities for all of the family and features indoor and outdoor ideas.
You can read all of Craig’s game guides here.
You may also like GTQ’s Fall Trivia Quiz.
Fall Party Activities
Friendly Competitions
Bob for Apples
Bobbing for apples is perfect for those willing to get messy and feel silly in the name of friendly competition.
Participants use a large bucket filled with water and apples to attempt to grasp an apple properly using only their teeth.
The objective of the game is to be the first person to get an apple out of the bucket, and if you wish to make this a more extended competition, you can tally the number of apples each person gets until all apples have been obtained.
Bob for Apples can be fun regardless of age, although it is most common among children and young teenagers.
Apple Toss
Apple Toss is an active game that combines precision with a hint of competitive spirit.
Gather your friends and family into pairs.
Each pair will take turns tossing apples back and forth, starting at a short distance.
As this fall-themed game progresses, increase the throwing distance, adding an extra layer of challenge.
The team that successfully covers the longest distance without dropping the apple wins!
Pine Cone Bocce
Looking to add a touch of fall flair to the classic game of bocce?
Pine Cone Bocce is a twist on the traditional game, where pine cones take center stage in place of the typical balls.
In Pine Cone Bocce, the rules are refreshingly simple, with a single designated ball thrown into the dedicated playing field.
Use your decorated pine cones to get as close to this target ball as possible.
It’s a great idea to decorate the cones with paint or some other distinctive qualifier to ensure team members can distinguish them from the competition.
Pine Cone Bocce is for people of all ages who appreciate low-intensity physical activities, making it an excellent choice for a fall gathering where everyone can join in the fun.
Candy Corn Balancing Act
Look no further than the Candy Corn Balancing Act for a side-splitting, coordination-testing game.
It’s a hilarious fall activity that will bring out laughter and some entertainingly wobbly moments.
The rules of this game are as follows: Each participant takes a popsicle stick and holds it in their mouth.
They need to skillfully balance as many pieces of candy corn as possible on the stick without any falling off.
The winner is the one who can skillfully hold the most candy corn in place without any unfortunate tumbles.
Candy Corn Balancing Act is a perfect choice for older children who enjoy a good laugh and a bit of low-intensity competition.
Apple Stacks
Apple Stacks is the perfect choice if you’re seeking a family-friendly game that demands coordination and focus.
The rules are simple yet engaging.
Each team member starts with one apple, and at the beginning of each round, participants must add a new apple to the first one.
Stack as many apples as possible without toppling the tower.
The winner is the one who can skillfully maintain the tallest apple stack without it tumbling to the ground.
Apple Stacks is suitable for people of all ages.
High-Intensity Competition
Football Skills Challenge
If you’re looking to infuse your gathering with classic American fall sports excitement, the Football Skills Challenge is a game that will score big.
It’s an opportunity to showcase your athletic prowess while enjoying the crisp autumn air.
The Football Skills Challenge rules are about demonstrating your football finesse.
Various skills challenges can include catching, throwing, and more specific drills.
To keep things competitive, judges monitor statistics closely, tracking metrics like balls caught, successful throws, and time for speed-based drills.
The target audience for the Football Skills Challenge includes teens and adults seeking a highly athletic outdoor activity.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or simply looking to test your athletic abilities, this game promises an exciting experience that captures the essence of the classic American fall sport.
Read next: Football Party Games for Adults by Travis, GTQ’s sports trivia writer.
Leaf Pile Contest
The Leaf Pile Contest is a thrilling air and style competition that brings the joy of jumping into piles of colorful leaves to a new level.
Participants must gather large piles of leaves, expertly raked together in one spot.
They must take turns jumping into the leaf pile, aiming for maximum airtime and style points.
For added excitement, it’s a great idea to position the leaf piles before the swings, allowing participants to launch themselves into the sky before descending into the soft, cushiony leaves.
Judges play a crucial role in deciding who achieves the most impressive height and showcases the most flair during their jumps.
Safety is important in this high-flying game.
Ensure that the leaf piles are substantial enough to provide adequate cushioning and that no hard objects are hidden underneath.
With safety measures in place, this contest is perfect for younger children with an adventurous spirit. It provides them with the exhilarating experience of leaping into autumn with both air and style.
Ghosts in the Graveyard
For a high-intensity game that combines the elements of hide and seek and tag with a twist, Ghosts in the Graveyard is the ultimate nighttime thrill.
Gather your friends and prepare for an exhilarating chase in the dark.
One brave participant plays the role of the ‘ghost’ and must hide in the designated area.
Meanwhile, all the other players must band together to find the ghost.
When someone successfully locates the ghost, they shout, “ghosts in the graveyard!”
When this happens, the finder is declared safe, and all other players must dash back to a predetermined safe zone.
However, here’s the catch: if the ghost manages to tag any of the fleeing players before they reach safety, that tagged player becomes the ghost for the next round.
Ghosts in the Graveyard is tailor-made for kids and teens who crave high-intensity nighttime excitement.
It can also be a great addition to your list of fall birthday party games.
It can involve as many people as you want and takes up plenty of space if there is room outdoors.
Outdoor Racing Games
Capture the Flag
If you’re seeking timeless outdoor fall games for parties that combine strategy, teamwork, and a dash of adventure, look no further than Capture the Flag.
It’s the classic pursuit that promises hours of exhilarating fun in open spaces.
Each team has its own flag in the outdoor arena, represented by a visible and easily grabbable object.
Additionally, there’s a home base for each team.
The objective is simple yet electrifying: retrieve the opposing team’s flag without being tagged and return it safely to your home base to earn a point.
However, if a player is tagged while carrying the flag, the opposing team can seize it and attempt to return it to its original location.
The game continues as players strategically maneuver to protect their own flag while attempting to capture the opponent’s.
Capture the Flag is designed for children and teens who can handle high-intensity outdoor activities.
It fosters teamwork, sharpens strategic thinking, and provides an outlet for physical activity—all while embracing the thrill of the chase.
Flashlight Tag
When the sun sets, and the moon rises, it’s time for a thrilling game that thrives in the dark- Flashlight Tag.
This night-time twist on tag adds extra suspense to your fall gathering.
One participant takes on the role of “it” and wields a powerful flashlight as their only tool to find and tag the other participants.
As darkness envelopes the playing area, the “it” searches under the cover of night, using the flashlight to locate fellow players.
If the beam of light falls upon another participant, that person is immediately out of the game.
The tension mounts as players try to evade the searching light while navigating through the darkness.
This game continues until only one person remains, emerging victorious in that round.
In the subsequent round, the individual who gets caught first assumes the role of the new “it” and kicks off the pursuit.
Flashlight Tag is designed for children and young teens who revel in the excitement of chasing and the suspense of the night.
It’s a thrilling game that adds an extra layer of intrigue to your fall gathering, making it an unforgettable experience under the cover of darkness.
Apple-Bob Relay
If you’re searching for outrageous and hilarious fall party game ideas, combine the chaos of bobbing for apples with the thrill of a race with an Apple-Bob Relay.
The race starts with the same apple-grabbing challenge as traditional bobbing for apples.
Each participant attempts to snatch an apple from a large water-filled bucket with their teeth.
The race is on once they’ve successfully secured an apple in their teeth!
They must dash towards the finish line while balancing the apple in their teeth, attempting to keep it from slipping out of their grasp.
If they drop the apple along the way, they’re in for a wet and hilarious setback as they must return to the bucket and try again.
The laughter intensifies as the race continues, with each team member taking turns bobbing for apples and racing relay.
The team that successfully gets all its members across the finish line emerges as the victor.
Apple-Bob Relay is designed for children and teens who crave an extreme physical challenge, aren’t afraid to get messy, and relish the opportunity for big laughs.
It’s a fall activity that promises unforgettable moments of hilarity and camaraderie.
Pumpkin Relay Race
Looking for some action-packed pumpkin-themed games?
The Pumpkin Relay Race combines strength, coordination, and speed for an exhilarating test of athleticism.
Form relay teams, each beginning with one person holding a medium-sized pumpkin.
Like in a classic relay race, the pumpkin must be passed from one team member to the next.
The next runner can’t start until they have securely received the pumpkin from the previous runner.
As the pumpkin passes through each team member’s hands, the race unfolds with a mix of determination and coordination.
The Pumpkin Relay Race is suitable for participants of all ages who are open to a high-intensity race requiring a blend of strength and coordination.
Group Activities
Haunted (or Fairytale) Hayride
For a magical and slightly spooky adventure that’s perfect for young children, look no further than the Haunted Hayride.
This enchanting fall activity offers a storytelling journey guided by parents or older siblings, creating cherished memories and tales of wonder.
A wagon or stroller is creatively decorated to resemble a classic hayride, setting the stage for the whimsical journey ahead.
The yard is transformed into an enchanting world, adorned with captivating decorations such as scarecrows, miniature monsters, and beloved fairytale characters.
As the hayride progresses, the children are led through a captivating storyline by either their parents or older children, spontaneously improvised by those guiding the wagons or thoughtfully pre-written by the group.
The Haunted Hayride is tailor-made for young children, who will be entranced by the magical journey and storytelling adventure.
Teens or adults play a crucial role in guiding the hayride and weaving the tales, making this an enjoyable fall activity that brings generations together in the spirit of storytelling.
Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Prepare for a spirited showdown of artistic creativity (or lack thereof) with the pumpkin decorating contest.
This amusing activity pits contestants against each other in a battle of pumpkin-based designs.
Each participant is entrusted with their pumpkin canvas, armed with various carving and decorating tools.
As the night unfolds, everyone at the party becomes an artist and a critic.
Each pumpkin undergoes a creative transformation, reflecting its creator’s unique vision and artistic flair.
When the pumpkins are complete, it’s time for the judging.
Everyone at the gathering plays the role of an art critic, scoring each pumpkin based on its creativity and artistic quality.
A pumpkin decorating contest is a perfect autumn-themed game for those with artistic inclinations eager to unleash their creativity on a seasonal canvas.
Apple Cider Making
Making apple cider as a group can be a great activity for anyone of any age, and it makes for a sweet-smelling process that everyone can enjoy.
Apple cider is most often made in a slow cooker.
Its primary ingredients are apples, brown sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
To make this more of a group activity and save time, some members will take on the role of apple peelers while others work together to mix the remaining ingredients.
With a sweet-smelling aroma around the house and a prize of delicious homemade cider at the end of the day, apple cider making is a great fall party idea.
Gathering with your friends this fall? Try our list of Friendsgiving games.
Costume Party
Around Halloween, a costume party is always a great way to showcase everyone’s creativity and work as a group to award the most creative outfits.
Showcase your creative side with some humorous characters or frightful creatures to surprise the other guests and stand out.
To make this a group activity with a tinge of competition, have everyone cast votes for the best costumes throughout the night.
If the party is near Halloween and feels appropriate for dressing up, everyone will get a big kick out of a costume contest.
You may also like our collection of Halloween-themed games and quizzes.
Wreath Decoration
Embrace the beauty of fall and come together as a group for an entertaining session of wreath decorating.
This creative activity invites participants to craft their autumn wreaths, perfect for adorning your doors throughout fall.
Basic wreaths and all necessary supplies are thoughtfully selected and purchased in preparation for the gathering.
Each participant is presented with a blank canvas in the form of a wreath, along with various art supplies.
With a wide array of materials, from colorful leaves to ribbons and more, individuals are free to let their imaginations run wild.
A stunning array of uniquely decorated wreaths that capture the essence of autumn.
To add a competitive edge to the activity, the rest of the party gets to join in the fun by voting for their favorite wreaths before the evening concludes.
Wreath decorating is ideal for artistic children and teens who relish a quiet and peaceful indoor activity.
Hands-Free Donut Challenge
Look no further than the Hands-Free Donut Challenge for an irresistible fall-eating challenge that combines speed, dexterity, and pure indulgence.
It’s the most mouthwatering of fall minute-to-win-it games, one that will test your donut-devouring skills in a race against time.
Participants line up in front of plates piled high with donuts, ideally apple cider donuts that perfectly complement the fall theme.
But here’s the twist- no hands allowed!
Each participant must dip their head down and take bites straight from the plate, devouring the donuts with nothing but their mouth.
As the clock counts down, the sweet frenzy begins.
See who can devour the most donuts before time runs out.
The Hands-Free Donut Challenge is tailored for eating enthusiasts who are comfortable getting a bit messy and indulging in a generous helping of sugar.
Puzzle Race
Puzzle Race is a thrilling challenge that pits participants against the clock in a race to complete their puzzles and claim victory.
Each participant is handed a puzzle with an identical piece count and similar difficulty levels.
The clock starts ticking, and the competition begins as everyone eagerly dives into their puzzles, pieces flying in a frenzy of creativity.
The objective is clear—complete the puzzle before time runs out to secure victory.
If no one finishes their puzzle before the clock expires, the winner is determined by the person who has completed the most pieces.
The puzzle race is tailor-made for artistic-minded individuals looking for a low-key yet competitive match.
Depending on the piece count, this activity can be enjoyed by children and teens alike. It provides an interactive way for them to test their puzzle-solving skills in a nice fall setting.
Autumn-Themed Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can get everyone involved in a relatively low-intensity activity that only requires paying close attention to your surroundings.
At the start of the party, all guests can receive a list of fall-themed items, including pumpkins, painted acorns, and scarecrows.
The point of the hunt is that everyone competes to find each item. Once someone has found it, they can mark it off the list and store their finding.
Scavenger hunts can be a great activity involving everyone at the party, regardless of their interest in physicality or long-term commitment to the game.
You may like our adult scavenger hunt ideas.
Fall Party Games for Adults
Hard Cider Pong
Hard Cider Pong is an excellent choice for adults seeking a bit of a buzz while enjoying a classic college game with an autumnal twist.
It’s the perfect fall party game for adults, a great way to infuse your fall gathering with some friendly competition and a touch of adult fun.
Much like the traditional beer pong game, the rules of Hard Cider Pong are straightforward.
Organize your set of red cups, but fill them with hard cider or other delightful fall beverages this time.
Typically played in teams of two, each player takes turns trying to toss ping pong balls into the opposing team’s cups.
When a ball successfully lands in a cup, the opposing team must take a drink.
The objective is for the other team to consume all the cups on their side.
Try next: Cocktail Party Games for Adults.
Would You Rather
If you’re ready to challenge your and your pal’s decision-making skills, add the classic “Would You Rather” question game to your fall activities.
Whether you’re at a lively autumn party, a chill gathering, or just sharing a latte with a buddy, having this game is one of the perfect ways to kick-start some laughs and get everyone talking.
To play, you can present a fall-themed scenario of two equally challenging or interesting choices and then the other participants must choose one.
Feel free to add your own twists, such as a time limit or a consequence.
For example, if someone can’t decide within a certain time frame or refuses to choose, they might have to perform a small, fun task or answer a personal question.
If you’re looking for questions to check out our fall would you rather questions, Halloween would you rather questions– as well as would you rather questions for friends, best friends, couples, and girls.
Fall Trivia Challenge
Looking for a way to test your knowledge while soaking in the spirit of autumn?
Then why not let your brainpower shine with an entertaining trivia quiz that revolves around the season?
The game master needs to prepare the set of questions beforehand.
For ideas, check out our Fall Trivia Quiz and Halloween Trivia Quiz.
Participants need to give accurate answers to accumulate points.
This can be played in teams or individually, and you can reward the winners to make it extra fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
We hope these fall party games add autumn joy to your gatherings!
Feel free to leave more suggestions in the comments below or share your favorites from our list.
Our Fall Games
- Fall Trivia Quiz
- Fall Party Games
- Fall This or That Questions
- Fall Would You Rather Questions
- Halloween Trivia Quiz
- Halloween Movies Trivia Quiz
- Halloween Music Trivia Quiz
- Conversation Starters
- Fun Games
- Trivia Quizzes