Halloween festivals are filled with excitement, costumes, and the thrill of friendly competition. Games play a huge role in making the celebration unforgettable. They bring people together and create moments worth remembering.
When I go to a Halloween event, I always find myself drawn to the games. They keep the atmosphere lively, give everyone something to do, and make the festival feel complete. No matter the age, there’s a game that can get you smiling.
This list shares some of the best Halloween festival games that are easy to set up and fun for both kids and adults. Many can be played indoors or outdoors, making them perfect for any type of gathering.
1. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling is a lighthearted game that uses a small pumpkin instead of a bowling ball. For pins, you can use plastic bottles weighted with a bit of sand or water.
I like to decorate the bottles with spooky faces before setting them up. The pumpkin’s uneven shape makes it tricky to roll straight, which leads to plenty of laughs.
You can play this game casually or keep score for a competitive twist. It works well for all ages with just a change in pumpkin size.
2. Witch Hat Ring Toss
This game swaps the usual ring toss target for tall witch hats. The hats can be store-bought or made from cardboard and black poster board.
Using glow-in-the-dark rings makes the game even better for nighttime play. Kids love watching the rings glow as they land on the hats.
You can assign different point values for each distance or just keep it simple with one point per ring on the hat.
3. Mummy Wrap Race
The mummy wrap race needs two players per team. One acts as the mummy, and the other wraps them in toilet paper as fast as possible.
I find it funnier when the wrapper moves around the mummy instead of the mummy spinning in place. It leads to more chaos and bigger laughs.
You can award prizes for speed or creativity, making it great for both kids and adults.
4. Eyeball Spoon Race
This is the Halloween version of the egg-and-spoon race, using ping pong balls painted like eyeballs. Players race to the finish line without dropping their eyeball.
Adding red veins to the eyeballs gives them a creepier look. You can make the race harder by adding a few obstacles along the path.
This game is fun as an individual race or as part of a team relay.
5. Monster Freeze Dance
In monster freeze dance, players dance to Halloween music and freeze when the music stops. Anyone caught moving is out.
Songs like “Monster Mash” or “Ghostbusters” make the game even more fun. The sillier the monster moves, the better the laughs.
This game works for kids but can be just as funny with adults willing to join in.
6. Pin the Hat on the Witch
Players are blindfolded and given a paper witch hat to pin on a large picture of a hatless witch.
Spinning players a few times before they walk to the board makes the game more challenging. The closest hat wins the round.
It’s simple, inexpensive, and perfect for younger children who may not want to run around.
7. Ghost Sack Race
This game is like a sack race, but with white sacks decorated as ghosts. Players hop to the finish line, trying to keep their sack pulled up.
Adding ghost faces to the sacks gives them a festive touch. Glow-in-the-dark paint can make them stand out in the evening.
It’s best played on grass or another soft surface for safety.
8. Spooky Bean Bag Toss
The spooky bean bag toss uses a decorated board with Halloween-themed cutouts for targets. Players try to throw bean bags through the holes to score points.
I like to give higher points for smaller holes to make the game more challenging. This way, it stays fun for both kids and adults.
It’s also easy to match the board’s design to the overall festival theme for a cohesive look.
9. Spider Web Obstacle Course
This game uses strings or yarn to create a web across a hallway, between trees, or in a large room. Players must move through the web without touching the strings.
I like to add small plastic spiders to the web for an extra Halloween touch. The more tangled the web, the more fun it becomes to watch players try to pass through.
It works well for both kids and adults, and you can adjust the difficulty by changing the number of strings.
10. Candy Corn Relay
In this game, players carry candy corn on a spoon from one point to another. The team that moves all their candy corn first wins.
I’ve found that using plastic spoons makes it trickier because they wobble more. If someone drops a piece, they have to start that run over.
It’s a simple game, but it keeps everyone engaged and cheering for their team.
11. Zombie Tag
One player starts as the zombie and tries to tag others, turning them into zombies too. The game ends when everyone has been turned.
I like to have zombies walk slowly with stiff arms for a fun, creepy effect. It makes the game more thematic and gives other players a better chance to run away.
This is a high-energy game that’s perfect for outdoor festival spaces.
12. Cauldron Toss
Players throw small bean bags or balls into plastic cauldrons from a set distance. Each cauldron can have a different point value.
I sometimes fill the cauldrons with fake cobwebs or LED lights to make them stand out. It adds a nice visual for evening events.
This game is easy to set up and works well for all age groups.
13. Haunted Scavenger Hunt
A haunted scavenger hunt sends players searching for Halloween-themed items hidden around the festival area. You can give clues or riddles to make it more challenging.
I like to hide small trinkets like plastic bats, mini pumpkins, or candy. Players can keep what they find or exchange items for prizes.
It’s a great way to get people exploring the whole event space.
14. Ghostly Ring Hook
This game involves tossing rings onto hooks shaped like ghosts or mounted on a ghost-themed board. Points are given for each successful ring.
I like to use white-painted hooks and add a little glow-in-the-dark paint for extra effect. It’s a great way to keep the theme consistent.
It’s simple but can get competitive quickly, especially when you add a scoring challenge.
15. Bat Piñata
A bat piñata filled with candy or small toys is always a hit at Halloween festivals. Players take turns trying to break it open while blindfolded.
I find it best to let younger kids take a few swings before giving older players a chance. It keeps the excitement going and ensures everyone participates.
When the candy finally spills out, the scramble is always the most chaotic and fun part.
16. Skeleton Puzzle Race
This game involves assembling a life-sized cardboard skeleton as quickly as possible. Teams compete to see who finishes first.
I like to mix up the bones before starting, so players have to figure out which piece goes where. It makes the game both fun and a little educational.
It’s perfect for small spaces and doesn’t require a lot of setup.
17. Creepy Crawl Relay
In this race, players crawl on their hands and knees while carrying a small Halloween object like a plastic spider or skull.
I’ve noticed kids love making creepy noises while they crawl, adding to the fun. The object must be carried the whole way without dropping it.
It’s a simple game that adds variety to a festival lineup.
18. Glow Stick Hunt
This is a nighttime game where players search for hidden glow sticks around the festival area. Each glow stick can be worth a certain number of points.
I like to hide some in easy spots for younger kids and others in trickier places for older participants. It keeps the game interesting for everyone.
When all glow sticks are found, the highest total score wins a prize.
19. Black Cat Bean Bag Knockdown
This game uses stacked cans or boxes decorated as black cats. Players throw bean bags to knock them over.
I like to arrange the stacks in a pyramid shape so it looks more dramatic when they topple. Kids love seeing how many they can knock down with one throw.
It’s easy to set up and can be played indoors or outdoors without much space.
20. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Pumpkin tic-tac-toe swaps the usual Xs and Os for mini pumpkins in two different colors. Players place them on a large grid drawn on a board or table.
I find white pumpkins and orange pumpkins work best because they stand out clearly. You can even play this on the ground using tape to make the grid.
It’s a calmer game that works well for younger kids or as a break from high-energy activities.
21. Haunted Hoop Shoot
This game involves tossing small balls through Halloween-themed hoops, like ones decorated as bats or ghosts. Each hoop can have a different point value.
I sometimes use glow-in-the-dark hoops for nighttime play, which makes it look amazing under festival lights. Players love the challenge of aiming for higher-scoring hoops.
It works for all ages and keeps a steady flow of players during the event.
22. Vampire Bite Apple Bobbing
This is apple bobbing with a twist. Instead of just grabbing apples with your mouth, players wear plastic vampire fangs while doing it.
It’s harder than it sounds, and that’s what makes it hilarious. Watching someone try to bite an apple with fangs on always gets a crowd laughing.
You can make it more hygienic by giving each player their own small tub of water and apple.
23. Skeleton Ring Toss
Players throw rings onto the bony arms or neck of a skeleton prop. The skeleton can be life-sized or tabletop-sized, depending on the space available.
I like to give each part of the skeleton different point values. This encourages players to aim for the trickier spots.
It’s a simple game that’s easy to theme for Halloween and quick to reset between turns.
24. Pumpkin Patch Memory Game
This game uses pumpkin cutouts with symbols hidden underneath. Players turn them over two at a time to find matching pairs.
I like to mix in Halloween icons like bats, ghosts, and candy corn. The more pairs in the game, the longer it lasts.
It’s a good choice for smaller groups who prefer quieter activities.
25. Eyeball Pong
Eyeball pong is a spooky twist on beer pong, using ping pong balls painted like eyeballs and cups decorated with monster faces.
You can make it kid-friendly by using juice or water in the cups instead of drinks for adults. It still keeps the fun competitive element.
It works well for both casual play and as part of a tournament setup.
26. Graveyard Treasure Dig
Fill a large bin or kiddie pool with shredded paper or sand, then hide Halloween trinkets inside. Players dig through to find as many treasures as possible before time runs out.
I like to use fake bones, plastic spiders, and small wrapped candies. It feels like a creepy treasure hunt.
This game is especially popular with younger children who love digging for prizes.
27. Boo Bucket Challenge
Line up several Halloween buckets at different distances. Players throw small bean bags or balls into them to score points.
I sometimes label the buckets with fun names like “Ghost Gulp” or “Pumpkin Drop” for extra personality.
It’s quick to play, easy to reset, and fun for players of all ages.
28. Spider Ring Toss
This version of ring toss uses large spider props as the targets. Players throw rings around the spider’s legs or body.
I like to use giant plastic spiders so they’re visible from a distance. Adding glow paint makes them pop at night events.
It’s a great game for filling small spaces at the festival while keeping the theme consistent.
29. Cauldron Coin Toss
Players try to toss coins or small discs into a black plastic cauldron from a set distance. The closer they stand, the easier it is, so you can add levels of difficulty.
I like to give each player a set number of coins and assign points for every coin that lands inside. A small prize for the top scorer keeps the excitement going.
This is a budget-friendly game that works for both kids and adults.
30. Pumpkin Ring Stack
In this game, players toss rings to land around the stems of mini pumpkins lined up on a table. You can vary the distances to make it easier or harder.
I sometimes paint the rings in Halloween colors to match the theme. Watching someone just miss a pumpkin stem by a hair always gets a groan from the crowd.
It’s a simple but addictive game that players often want to try more than once.
31. Witches’ Brew Relay
Teams race to fill a cauldron with “ingredients” like plastic eyeballs, rubber rats, and fake spiders using only spoons or tongs.
I like to make the ingredients colorful so they stand out in photos. The game gets chaotic in the best way when players drop items or mix them up.
It’s a great choice for team building and group laughs.
32. Haunted Maze Challenge
Create a small maze with hay bales, cardboard walls, or rope barriers, and have players find their way through. You can hide surprises inside for added fun.
I find adding sound effects like creaking doors or ghostly howls makes the maze more immersive. People love the combination of suspense and silliness.
It works well for festivals with a bit more space to set up.
33. Pumpkin Pass Relay
Teams line up and pass a small pumpkin down the line using only their chins or elbows. Dropping it means starting over from the beginning.
I like this game because it forces everyone to work together. The laughter starts as soon as the first pumpkin slips.
It’s best played on a grassy surface for safety.
34. Creepy Cup Stack
Players race to stack plastic cups into a pyramid and then take them back down as fast as possible. You can decorate the cups with Halloween stickers for theme.
I’ve seen kids get very competitive with this one. It’s a great mix of speed and coordination.
It’s perfect for indoors where space is limited.
35. Floating Ghost Pop
This game uses balloons decorated like ghosts, floating in the air. Players must pop them with darts or small sticks within a time limit.
I like to fill some balloons with small prizes for an extra surprise. The suspense of which one will have a reward keeps players coming back.
It’s a high-energy game that works well for older kids and adults.
36. Mystery Box Touch
Fill boxes with hidden items like peeled grapes, cooked spaghetti, or slime, and have players guess what they’re touching without looking.
I love how players make exaggerated faces when they feel something cold and slimy. It’s all part of the Halloween fun.
It’s an easy, low-cost game that never fails to get reactions.
37. Lantern Ring Toss
Players toss rings to land on the handles of lanterns placed at different distances. You can use LED candles inside to make them glow.
I find this game works especially well at night festivals when the lanterns create a magical atmosphere.
It’s easy to adjust for different skill levels by moving the lanterns closer or farther.
38. Shadow Puppet Storytime
This isn’t a competition but a fun interactive game. Players use cutouts to create shadow shapes on a lit sheet and act out short spooky scenes.
I like how creative people get with their storytelling. It’s a quieter but very engaging festival activity.
It works well for younger kids and families.
39. Monster Bean Bag Balance
Players balance a bean bag on their head while walking a short course. The bean bags can be decorated to look like monster heads.
I’ve found that adding small obstacles makes it more challenging and fun. Dropping the bean bag means going back to the start.
It’s a game that mixes balance, focus, and a bit of silliness.
40. Gourd Golf
Set up a mini-golf style course using small gourds as the “balls” and brooms as the “clubs.”
I like how unpredictable the gourds roll, making it more about fun than skill. Players never know where the gourd will go next.
It’s a creative twist that fits perfectly into a Halloween festival.
41. Cauldron Spoon Balance
Players balance a small plastic cauldron on a large wooden spoon and race to the finish without dropping it.
I like to fill the cauldron with a few small rubber spiders to make it wobble more. The extra movement makes it harder to keep steady.
This game works well for kids and adults, and you can shorten or lengthen the course for difficulty.
42. Bat Wing Frisbee Toss
Use bat-shaped targets and have players throw frisbees through the openings. You can set different distances for age groups.
I sometimes paint the frisbees black and orange to match the Halloween vibe. The challenge of aiming through a small target keeps people hooked.
It’s a great outdoor game that doesn’t take much setup time.
43. Scarecrow Dress-Up Relay
Teams race to dress a teammate as a scarecrow using hats, flannel shirts, and straw. The fastest fully dressed scarecrow wins.
I find this game hilarious because the clothes often end up in all the wrong places.
It’s fun for all ages and perfect for photo opportunities.
44. Glow Pumpkin Hunt
Hide small glow-in-the-dark pumpkins around the festival area for players to find.
I like to give each pumpkin a different point value so players have to choose which ones to grab first.
This works especially well at night and adds a scavenger hunt feel.
45. Creepy Crawly Spoon Toss
Players toss small plastic insects into jars or cauldrons from a distance.
I like to give bonus points for landing multiple bugs in the same container. Themed targets make it more appealing.
It’s quick, easy, and perfect for younger kids.
46. Haunted Trivia
Ask players Halloween-themed trivia questions, and give small prizes for correct answers.
I mix in easy ones for kids and harder ones for adults to keep everyone included.
This is a slower-paced game that works well between active activities.
47. Witch Broom Hockey
Players use brooms to push a small ball or pumpkin into a goal.
I like to use plastic balls painted like eyeballs for extra creepiness. The awkwardness of the broom makes scoring harder than it looks.
It’s perfect for an open space and team play.
48. Spooky Limbo
Players try to limbo under a pole decorated like a skeleton spine. Lower the bar each round to increase the challenge.
I like to play Halloween music and encourage silly monster walks before going under.
It’s a fun way to get people moving and laughing.
49. Bat Balloon Pop Relay
Teams race to pop bat-shaped balloons by sitting on them. The first team to pop all their balloons wins.
I sometimes hide candy inside a few balloons for surprise rewards.
This game is loud, fast, and always draws a crowd.
50. Ghost Pin Knockdown
Players roll a small pumpkin to knock over ghost-shaped pins.
I decorate plastic bottles as ghosts and weigh them slightly so they’re not too easy to knock down.
It’s a compact game that works well in any setting.
51. Pumpkin Shuffleboard
Players slide mini pumpkins across a smooth surface to land in scoring zones.
I like to tape off zones with Halloween-colored tape for visibility. The unpredictability of the pumpkins keeps the game interesting.
It’s a nice option for indoor events.
52. Candy Grab Challenge
Players use only chopsticks or tongs to pick up pieces of candy and place them in a bucket within a time limit.
I make the candy different sizes to mix up the difficulty.
It’s a fun blend of skill and patience.
53. Haunted Photo Booth Contest
Guests take themed photos in a spooky photo booth, and the funniest or most creative wins.
I like to provide props like hats, wigs, and rubber bats. The sillier the better.
It works as an ongoing activity throughout the festival.
54. Spider Web Frisbee Catch
One player throws frisbees, and another tries to catch them in a hoop decorated like a spider web.
I find glow-in-the-dark hoops make this game more exciting at night.
It’s a simple two-player game that keeps rotating players in.
55. Graveyard Bowling
Use tombstone-shaped pins and a small pumpkin ball to knock them down.
I like to make the pins from cardboard so they’re light enough for younger kids.
It’s a thematic twist on a classic carnival game.
56. Witch Hat Stack
Players stack as many witch hats on top of each other as they can in one minute without the stack falling.
I find floppy hats are trickier, adding to the challenge.
It’s a silly game that gets everyone laughing.
57. Glow Stick Ring Throw
Throw glow stick rings onto Halloween-themed bottles or poles.
I like to make the bottles look like potion jars for extra detail.
It’s perfect for evening events and easy to reset.
58. Floating Apple Race
Players blow apples across a water-filled trough using only their breath.
I find this one hilarious because it takes more effort than people expect.
It’s best set up outdoors to avoid spills.
59. Scary Story Circle
Guests sit in a circle and each person adds a sentence to a spooky story.
I like to throw in random twists to keep the story funny instead of too scary.
It’s a creative group activity for quieter moments.
60. Webbed Balloon Toss
Players toss balloons filled with air or water through a yarn “web” without touching the strands.
I sometimes use orange and black balloons to match the Halloween theme.
It’s an active, fast-moving game.
61. Eyeball Relay Race
Teams pass a painted eyeball down the line using only spoons. Dropping it means starting over.
I like to add small obstacles for more challenge.
It works well for team-building fun.
62. Cauldron Pong
Like beer pong, but players toss eyeball ping pong balls into mini cauldrons.
I find it works for both kids and adults, depending on what’s in the cups.
It’s easy to set up on any table.
63. Shadow Guessing Game
Players see a shadow of an object and must guess what it is before time runs out.
I like to use Halloween props like bats, masks, or brooms.
It’s a fun, low-energy guessing game.
64. Haunted Ring Pass
Players stand in a circle and pass a large glow-in-the-dark ring using only their feet.
I find it gets more chaotic with larger groups.
It’s a unique twist that works well for kids and teens.
65. Pumpkin Cornhole
A Halloween version of cornhole with pumpkin-shaped boards and bean bags.
I like to decorate the bean bags with jack-o’-lantern faces.
It’s a festival staple that everyone knows how to play.
66. Monster Dice Roll
Players roll oversized dice decorated with monster faces, earning points based on the face that lands up.
I sometimes assign silly actions to each face for extra fun.
It’s quick, simple, and easy to rotate players in and out.
67. Creepy Costume Contest
Participants show off their Halloween costumes, and judges score them on creativity, effort, and theme.
I love how this encourages guests to go all-out with their outfits.
It’s a classic way to keep people engaged throughout the event.
68. Haunted Lantern Walk
Guests follow a short, marked path at night carrying lanterns. Along the way, they meet “characters” who give them clues or treats.
I find it creates a magical atmosphere without needing to be scary.
It works well for families with younger kids.
69. Pumpkin Painting Station
A hands-on activity where guests paint their own mini pumpkins to take home.
I like to provide a mix of brushes, stencils, and glitter for creative freedom.
It’s a calmer break from active games and doubles as a keepsake.
70. Trick-or-Treat Treasure Map
Players receive a map with marked spots to visit around the festival to collect treats or small prizes.
I find it encourages guests to explore the entire area and interact with different game stations.
It’s a great closing activity that keeps people moving until the very end.
Conclusion
Halloween festival games bring people together, spark laughter, and make the celebration unforgettable.
From energetic races to creative toss games, there’s something for everyone. I love how each game adds its own flavor to the event, keeping guests entertained from start to finish.
If you’re planning a festival, mix high-energy games with calmer activities so there’s something for every age group and personality.
Add decorations, music, and themed prizes to tie everything together. Most importantly, keep the focus on fun, and your festival will be one people talk about long after Halloween is over.
FAQs
A good game is easy to set up, fun for different ages, and keeps players engaged.
Aim for a variety about 10 to 15 different games spread throughout the event space.
Not at all. Many can be made with inexpensive materials and a little creativity.