Backyard Harvest Festival: 3 Classic Games for Autumn Fun
Transform your yard into a family entertainment zone with timeless fall favorites
Nothing beats the laughter and friendly competition of classic harvest festival games in your own backyard. Setting up cornhole, ring toss, and apple bobbing creates an instant entertainment hub that brings generations together for hours of autumn fun. These timeless games require minimal setup but deliver maximum joy – perfect for weekend gatherings, birthday parties, or just because the weather's too beautiful to stay inside. The best part is how these games naturally encourage mingling and create those spontaneous moments where cousins become teammates and grandparents show off skills nobody knew they had. With a few simple supplies and about an hour of setup time, you'll have a backyard festival that becomes the highlight of everyone's fall season.
Game Station Supplies (Under $75)
- Cornhole set - 2 boards with 8 bean bags ($30-40)
- Ring toss pegs - Wooden stakes or bottles ($8-12)
- Rope rings - 6-8 rings for tossing ($5-8)
- Large galvanized tub - For apple bobbing ($15-20)
- Fresh apples - 2-3 dozen with stems ($8-12)
- Clean towels - For drying off after apple bobbing
- Small prizes - Stickers, candy, or mini pumpkins ($10-15)
- Autumn decorations - Hay bales, corn stalks, mums (optional)
Festival Setup Steps
- Position cornhole boards 27 feet apart on level ground with throwing lines marked clearly
- Create ring toss station by spacing 3-4 pegs about 3 feet apart for different difficulty levels
- Fill galvanized tub with fresh water and float 15-20 stemmed apples for bobbing
- Establish game boundaries using hay bales, rope, or chalk lines to organize foot traffic
- Set up a prize table with small rewards for participation and winners
- Post simple rule signs for each game so everyone knows how to play
- Arrange seating areas nearby for spectators and waiting players
- Test each game station to ensure proper spacing and safety before guests arrive
Create natural game rotations by positioning stations in a triangle formation with the prize table at the center. This encourages players to move between games and keeps energy levels high throughout your event. For apple bobbing, add a few drops of cinnamon essential oil to the water for that authentic harvest scent, and always have a "no hands" rule to maintain the traditional challenge. Consider setting up team tournaments with mixed-age groups – it's amazing how competitive grandparents get when grandkids are watching!