Musical Pumpkins: An Active, Fun Fall Game for Kids and Tweens

Ahhhhhhh, yes…fall. The season of pumpkin spice everything, cozy sweaters, and the eternal struggle of planning a party that doesn’t bore your guests to tears.

I’ve stumbled onto a game that’s about to become your secret weapon for fall festivities. Whether you’re planning a spooky Halloween party or just a casual fall get-together, Musical Pumpkins is here to save the day.

And the best part? It’s so easy, even I can pull it off without a hitch (most of the time).

What’s Musical Pumpkins All About?

So basically kids (or whoever’s playing) walks around numbered pumpkin pictures like tiny, sugar-fueled zombies while spooky tunes play.

When the music stops, it’s a mad dash to grab a pumpkin spot. Think musical chairs, but without the risk of bruised bottoms!

Here’s the fun part – once everyone’s settled, the die of fate is rolled!

Each number matches up with a silly Halloween or fall seasonal activity.

Maybe you’ll have to howl like a werewolf, pretend to jump into a pile of leaves, or do your best mummy walk.

One time I had to show off my “scary ghost” face and ended up looking more like a lost sheet trying to find the laundry basket.

The best part?

You have options.

1. You can just play until everyone get sick of the game. No winnners, but still plenty of fun.
2. Remove a paper pumpkin after each round until only 1 person is left

Psst! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases-at no extra cost to you. But, I’m picky: I only share the good stuff. If it’s not useful or fun, it’s not on my list. Check this out if you wanna know more.

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ghostly goodies:

• Orange paper or cardstock for pumpkin cutouts (you can use the pumpkin cutouts that I made for the game OR you can have kids draw and color their own to use in the game)
• Six pumpkin pictures (numbered 1-6)
• A music player (queue up “Monster Mash” for maximum spookiness or go with a peppy song like “Happy” by Pharrell if you want to steer clear of Halloween stuff)
• A six-sided die (our trusty randomizer; it’s always fun to use big, goofy dice like these)
• Clear space for playing (indoors or outdoors)

Setting Up Musical Pumpkins 101

Snaggin Pumpkin Pictures

1. Download and print out the six pumpkin shapes from orange paper or cardstock. (you can use Musical Pumpkin shapes that I made)
2. Number them from 1 to 6. And arrange them in a big circle around the space where you’re playing.
3. Make them big enough for little feet to stand on comfortably.
4. Get creative with decorations – I once added googly eyes, and those wobbly peepers stared into my soul for days!

Choosing Activities

Give each pumpkin number a fun action. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Number	Halloween Activity	Fall Activity
1	Howl like a werewolf	Pretend to be a leaf blower (make ridiculous whooshing noises)
2	Do the monster mash	Impersonate a squirrel frantically hiding acorns
3	Creep like a vampire	Act like you’re stuck in a giant pile of leaves
4	Do your best “I ate too much pumpkin pie” waddle
5	Shuffle like a zombie	Imitate a scarecrow having a dance-off with the wind
6	Make your spookiest ghost “Boo!”	Perform your most dramatic “slipping on wet leaves” routine

Remember, the sillier, the better!

Setting Up the Play Area

Find a big space where everyone can run around without knocking things over.

Scatter those pumpkin cutouts around the room like you’re a slightly clumsy Johnny Appleseed, but with pumpkins.

Picking the Music

Now, I’m no music expert (my cat runs away when I start singing), but I do know a thing or two about getting the spooky vibes just right.

Go for upbeat songs (Halloween or otherwise) that’ll keep everyone moving and grooving.

Here’s a few pretty cool, suggestions:

• “Monster Mash” by Bobby Checkett
• “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
• “Ghostbusters” theme song
• “Happy” by Pharrell
• “Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
• “Best Day of My Life” by the American Authors

How to Play Musical Pumpkins

1. Start the music and have players walk around the paper pumpkins.
2. When the music stops, players rush to stand on a pumpkin.
3. Roll the die to see which activity to do.
4. Players on the matching numbered pumpkin do the activity.
5. Start the music again and repeat!

Keep the fun going for about 10 minutes – just long enough for the kiddos to have a blast without getting antsy.

Doing the Actions

This is where the real magic happens! Encourage everyone to let loose and be silly.

Yes. Even the adults.

Whether it’s howling like a werewolf or doing the monster mash, the key is to have fun and not take yourself too seriously.

Remember, there’s no such thing as looking too ridiculous during Musical Pumpkins. If you’re not feeling a bit silly, you’re probably doing it wrong!

Making It Work for Different Ages

• Little ones: Keep it simple with easy movements like hopping or clapping.
• Older kids: Challenge them with spooky dance moves or rhythm patterns.
• Teens: Let them add their own Halloween twists to the game. You might end up with a werewolf howl contest or a mummy wrap race!

Playing Inside or Outside

Both options have their good points:

Indoors:

• Cozy and safe from bad weather
• Easier to control the space
• Might accidentally turn furniture into obstacles (oops!)

Outdoors:

• More room for ghoulish fun
• Perfect for bigger groups
• Chance for epic Halloween decorations (just watch out for wind-blown witches!)

Staying Safe While Playing

Safety first, folks! Here are some tips to keep your Musical Pumpkins game more treat than trick:

• Clear the play area of anything that might cause trips or falls (including your own two left feet).
• Use a non-slippery surface to prevent any accidental pumpkin sliding.
• Match activities to the age group to avoid any tearful meltdowns or teenage eye-rolls.

Wrapping Up the Awesome Fun

Keep the game rolling for about 10 minutes – just long enough for the kiddos to have a blast without getting antsy.

I’ve seen more “one more round” pleas than I’ve had trick-or-treaters at my door (which, admittedly, isn’t saying much given my house’s reputation for handing out raisins that one year).

When it’s time to wrap up, don’t forget to:

1. Give a round of applause louder than a growing stomach
2. Award prizes for the most creative players (even if it’s just extra candy).
3. Take plenty of pictures – because nothing says “family memories” like Dad’s attempt at a mummy walk.

Your Turn

If you had to add a ridiculous twist to Musical Pumpkins, what would it be? (Pumpkin jousting, anyone?)