When pumpkin spice everything shows up in the stores, you know Autumn has truly arrived. And what better way to celebrate the season than with some pumpkin-themed fun?

Whether you’re hosting a school fair, planning a neighborhood get-together, throwing a fall birthday party, or just need something to keep the kids busy on a chilly weekend, pumpkin games are a perfect way to bring a little seasonal fun to your celebration.

As a Mom, I can tell you, pumpkins are surprisingly perfect for party games. They’re round, bumpy, bright orange, and just awkward enough to make every game more entertaining.

You can roll them, toss them, stack them, decorate them, or even race them. Trust me, pumpkins aren’t just for pies or porch décor, they’re the secret ingredient for a fun fall gathering.

Here are some of the best pumpkin party games to try this season.

Pumpkin Games for Everyone

Pass the Pumpkin Printable Game

Give the classic “pass the parcel” a fall twist. Use a small pumpkin and play. Follow the instructions and keep passing the pumpkin until you reach the end of the list. The person left holding the pumpkin is the winner. Simple, silly, and perfect for all ages.

Pumpkin Bowling

Who needs a bowling alley when you have a few pumpkins and some bottles?

You’ll need:

• Small round pumpkins (choose ones with smoother bottoms so they roll better)

• Empty soda or water bottles (add a little water to keep them standing)

Set up the bottles like bowling pins, then let players roll their pumpkins to try for a strike. Kids will laugh at the wobbly pumpkins, while adults usually get a little too competitive.

Fun twist: Paint spooky faces on the bottles to turn them into ghostly pins!

What’s Your Pumpkin Name?

This simple game is a hit at school parties, family nights, or Halloween gatherings. Players figure out their funny pumpkin names by combining their name and birth month with a silly list of words. It’s an instant icebreaker and gets everyone giggling.

Pumpkin Ring Toss

Set up a few pumpkins with long stems. Use glow rings, hula hoops, or rope tied into circles. Players take turns tossing the rings onto the pumpkin stems.

For older kids or adults, increase the distance to make it more challenging.

Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Instead of X’s and O’s, use mini pumpkins in two different colors (or paint them). Create a tic-tac-toe grid on cardboard or fabric. This game is great for younger kids and looks adorable too.

Pumpkin Relay Races

Need to burn off some energy after all the cider and cookies? Try a pumpkin relay.

Ways to play:

• Run while carrying a medium-sized pumpkin

• Balance it on your head

• Carry it between your knees

• Roll it with a stick

The sillier, the better, this one always gets lots of laughs.

Pumpkin Coloring Competition

A pumpkin coloring competition is a simple yet super fun way to get kids (and even adults!) excited for fall. Print out pumpkin-themed coloring pages or hand out blank pumpkin outlines for everyone to design their own masterpiece.

Set a time limit to keep the energy up, then display all the finished creations for everyone to admire. You can hand out small prizes for categories like “Most Creative,” “Funniest Pumpkin,” or “Best Use of Color.”

Pumpkin Hunt

Think Easter egg hunt, but with mini pumpkins. Hide them in your yard or inside the house.

To make it even more exciting, paint the pumpkins in different colors for bonus points, or write funny challenges on the bottoms (like “Do a pumpkin dance!” or “Make your best monster face”).

Pumpkin Decorating or Carving Contest

It’s not exactly a game, but it’s definitely a party favorite. Provide paint, stickers, markers, glitter, googly eyes, whatever you have on hand, and let the creativity flow.

Give out prizes for:

• Funniest pumpkin

• Spookiest pumpkin

• Cutest pumpkin

• Most original design

This one’s great for kids, teens, and even grown-ups.

Pumpkin Stack Challenge

Who can stack the most mini pumpkins before the tower topples? It sounds easy… until that third or fourth pumpkin wobbles.

Pumpkin Spoon Race

Like the classic egg-and-spoon race, but with a tiny pumpkin. Players must balance their pumpkin as they race to the finish line. If it drops, they go back to the start!

Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss

Cut out holes in a big piece of cardboard painted with a pumpkin face or use a hollowed-out pumpkin with a wide mouth. Players toss bean bags (or rolled-up socks) to score points.

Pumpkin Balloon Pop

Fill orange balloons with small prizes, candy, or funny challenges. Blow them up and let kids pop them to reveal their surprise. Not technically pumpkin-shaped, but it fits the theme and is always a hit.

Pumpkin Musical Chairs

Swap out the chairs for pumpkins! Place pumpkins in a circle, play music, and have players walk around. When the music stops, they must grab a pumpkin. Remove one each round until there’s a winner.

Pumpkin Obstacle Course

Set up a fun course where players must:

• Crawl under rows of pumpkins

• Hop over small pumpkins

• Roll a pumpkin through cones

• Balance one on a spoon while walking

It’s a great game for larger spaces like school gyms or outdoor parties.

Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest

A little messy but unforgettable! Give each participant a small pumpkin pie (or a slice for younger kids), no hands allowed. The first one to finish wins.

For a less intense version, use pumpkin-shaped or flavored cookies.

Pumpkin Weight Guess

Line up pumpkins of different sizes and have guests guess how much each one weighs. The closest guesses win small prizes, like caramel apples or mini candles.

Pumpkin Memory Game

Set several decorated mini pumpkins on a tray. Show them to players for 30 seconds, then cover them. Remove one and see who can figure out which one is missing.

Great for indoor or classroom play.

Glow Pumpkin Toss

Perfect for nighttime parties. Place glow sticks inside hollow pumpkins or use glow-in-the-dark paint. Toss bean bags or rings at them in the dark for a magical autumn game.

Pumpkin Balancing Act

Challenge players to balance a medium-sized pumpkin on their head or shoulder while walking a straight line. It’s harder than it looks and hilarious to watch!

Pass the Pumpkin

Play it like hot potato, pass a small pumpkin around while music plays. When the music stops, whoever is holding the pumpkin is out. Keep going until there’s one winner.

Pumpkin Guessing Jar

Fill a clear jar with pumpkin seeds or candy pumpkins. Guests guess how many are inside. The closest guess takes the jar home!

Tips for Hosting a Pumpkin Party

• Prizes make it special. Think candy, stickers, mini pumpkins, or fall-themed goodies.

• Mix active and calm games. This keeps the energy balanced and gives kids a chance to catch their breath.

• Match the games to the age group. Little ones like simple, silly games; older kids and adults love challenges.

• Prepare for mess. Have table covers or play outdoors for decorating and pie-eating games.

• Serve seasonal snacks. Pumpkin cookies, caramel apples, and warm cider are perfect for breaks between games.

Pumpkins aren’t just for carving, they’re a fantastic way to bring friends and family together for laughter and a little friendly competition.

This fall, gather a few pumpkins, set up some games, and enjoy a cozy, fun-filled day that everyone will remember long after the pumpkins are gone.