Autumn is my favorite time to get outside with the kids. The air feels fresh, the leaves crunch underfoot, and we can play without the scorching summer sun.
This season is perfect for backyard games for kids and adults, bringing everyone together, from toddlers to grandparents, and blowing those cobwebs away.
So grab a sweater, step into the yard or park, and try these outdoor game ideas that will make this season one to remember.
1. Lantern Relay
Once the evenings start drawing in, we love playing a glowing relay. Each team has a small glowstick or battery lantern. In teams the object is to dash to a marker, pass the flashlight to your teammate, and race back. It’s one of our favorite quick outdoor games for kids and feels extra special in the autumn dusk.
2. Leaf Scoop Races
Give each player a rake or large kitchen spatula and a pile of loose leaves. The goal is to scoop up as many as you can and race to dump them in your team’s basket before time runs out. It’s silly, fast-paced, and perfect for outdoor party games or a lazy Sunday in the yard.
3. Family Softball Showdown
Softball is always a hit in our family. Cooler weather means you can run without overheating, making it one of the best outdoor activities for kids and families this season. If you’ve got younger children, swap the bat for a foam one and use a softer ball so everyone can join in.
4. Acorn and Spoon Races
Just like the classic egg-and-spoon race, but with acorns. It’s one of those outdoor yard games for kids that works for mixed ages. The little ones giggle, the older ones get competitive, and we all end up laughing.
5. Autumn Animal Tag
One person calls out an autumn animal (like “squirrel” or “fox”) before the game starts. When they tag someone, they must act like that animal for five seconds before chasing again. This is perfect if you’re looking for outdoor games for little kids, that burn off energy without needing any equipment.
6. Wheelbarrow Race Showdown
We partner up for old-school wheelbarrow races. One person holds the other’s legs while they “walk” on their hands to the finish line. We usually set up a simple course with a turn halfway, which makes it even funnier. It’s one of our go-to fun party games when cousins visit and guarantees lots of laughing (and a bit of wobbling).
7. Clothesline Balloon Pop
Tie balloons filled with a little air (and maybe a small treat inside) along a string or clothesline. Players race to pop them using only their bodies. No hands allowed! This is a crowd-pleaser for outdoor party games and gets the whole family cheering.
8. Giant Tic-Tac-Toe
We draw a grid on the lawn with rope or sticks and use sometimes use home grown produce like apples as the counters – but use whatever you have! It’s slower-paced than the running games, making it a great option for winding down after a busy afternoon of family games together.
Final thought: Start a Tradition With These Fall Family Outdoor Games
Autumn flies by. Make the most of the crisp afternoons and golden sunsets by playing together. Why not make it an occasion by inviting friends and family over, even have a barbecue if the weather holds? It could become a tradition to hold a fall outdoor get-together full of these fall family outdoor games.
Whether you try one or all of these outdoor activities for kids, you’ll be creating memories that last far longer than the season.
Stephanie Simmons is an Anglo-American mum of two who is passionate about all things outdoors. She loves camping, outdoor crafting, and all outdoor activities.
Steph believes in getting the kids outdoors no matter the weather!
She created Wild Bloom Families to share her passion for the outdoors with other families.
Getting in nature can transform your physical health, mental health and happiness!
