Last Minute Game Ideas for Halloween or Fall Harvest Children's Party

My church hosts a Fall Harvest celebration in October for children, and the adults always have as much fun as the children do. If you, or your church, organization, etc. are hosting a similar type party for children this year, you may find some of the things we do interesting and incorporate them into you own party. Items used in these games are readily available at Halloween, most items you probably already have on hand. Since this article is about last minute game ideas, I will only list those games that can be put together in minutes.

Wrap the mummy-all you need is a willing victim and a few rolls of toilet paper. One person stands still (that's the victim) while the kids take the toilet paper and wrap the person up mummy-style. Two victims and two teams, with a 5 minute time limit for the best mummy make this game fun for kids.

Bite the apple- one apple, a sturdy string and hook/nail is all you need for this game. Use something like an ice pick to make a small hole through the apple, from the stem to the bottom. Place the string through the apple, securing the string at the bottom of the apple with a large knot. Suspend the string from the ceiling, making the apple at a good height for the children in attendance to try to bite. We do three apples like this, at varying heights to accommodate small kids, tweens, and teens. The object is of course, to bite the apple. The fun is, it is almost impossible to do.

Pumpkin bowling- one pumpkin and some empty 64oz soft drink bottles is all you need. Set up the empty soft drink bottles like bowling pins and use the pumpkin as the bowling ball. Pumpkins are very tough and can withstand a lot of 'bowling' before bursting.

Push the peanut-a couple of peanuts (or eggs) makes this game challenging and fun. Place the peanut (or egg) on a start line, the object is to push the peanut across the finish line with your nose. Two teams, with two children competing at the same time make for a lot of laughs. If floor space is at a premium, use the same floor space as you use for pumpkin bowling, before or after the bowling game.