Fall is the perfect season to gather the neighborhood for some cozy, outdoor fun. The crisp air, crunchy leaves, and warm cider just beg for a backyard or street-side celebration. Whether you’re planning your first block party or you're the go-to party planner on the street, here are 15 easy, family-friendly ideas to make your fall neighborhood bash a hit.
Games & Activities for All Ages
1. Pumpkin Bowling
Use mini pumpkins as bowling balls and empty water bottles as pins. Set it up on the sidewalk or driveway for endless fun.
2. DIY Caramel Apple Station
Set out apple slices, skewers, caramel dip, and fun toppings like crushed pretzels, mini marshmallows, and sprinkles.
3. Pumpkin Ring Toss
Place several small pumpkins with long stems on a table or blanket, and have kids toss rings to try to land them on the stems.
4. Cider Pong (Family-Friendly!)
Like beer pong, but with apple cider! Use clear plastic cups and mini pumpkins as obstacles.
5. Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
Let kids (or adults!) decorate the sidewalk or driveway with their best fall-themed art. Offer small prizes or simply enjoy the creativity.
6. S'mores Station
If your party goes into the evening, set up a fire pit with roasting sticks, marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers.
7. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Paint or tape a large tic-tac-toe grid on cardboard or a blanket. Use mini pumpkins in two different colors for playing pieces.
8. Fall Photo Booth
Set up a cute corner with hay bales, a plaid blanket, and a “Happy Fall, Y’all” sign. Add some props like flannel scarves or faux mustaches!
9. Scavenger Hunt
Give kids a checklist of fall-themed items to find (a red leaf, an acorn, a pinecone, etc.). The first to complete it gets a prize!
10. Leaf Pile Jump
If your street has enough leaves, rake them into a giant pile and let kids jump to their heart’s content. (You might want to supervise a bit!)
11. Pumpkin Decorating
Set out mini pumpkins, paint pens, and stickers for a no-carve decorating station.
12. Glow Stick Ring Toss (After Dark)
Put glow sticks into bottles or cones and toss glow-in-the-dark rings onto them. Perfect once the sun sets.
13. Musical Pumpkins
It’s musical chairs—but with pumpkins! Play fall-themed music and remove one pumpkin each round.
14. Apple Stacking
Who can stack the most apples before they tumble? This is harder than it looks—and hilarious to watch.
15. Build-A-Scarecrow Contest
Supply old flannel shirts, hats, straw, and burlap sacks. Split into teams and vote on the best dressed scarecrow!
Potluck Sign-Up Made Simple
No one wants to cook for 30 people, and honestly, fall food is better shared. Make it easy on everyone with a quick potluck system:
Sign-Up Sheet Ideas
- Create a shared Google Doc or use SignUpGenius
- Tape a printed sign-up sheet near the invitation drop-off spot
- Or go old school and send a quick group text with categories to claim
Category Suggestions
- Appetizers (cheese board, veggie tray, warm dips)
- Main Dishes (chili, pulled pork sliders, mac and cheese)
- Sides (cornbread, fall salads, baked beans)
- Desserts (pumpkin bars, cookies, caramel apples)
- Drinks (apple cider, water bottles, hot chocolate)
- Paper Goods & Utensils
Encourage guests to label their dishes for allergies or dietary needs, and remind them to bring serving spoons!
🧡 Bonus Tip
Want to make it extra easy? I’ve created a matching Fall Block Party Invitation you can print or send digitally! It keeps everything cute, organized, and makes your event feel special. Click here to take a peek!