Pumpkin Sweep: An Easy Pumpkin Race Game for Kids

Pumpkin Sweep is a pumpkin race game where players use brooms to sweep pumpkins toward a finish line. Play it as a team relay or let everyone race individually for an active fall party game.

We love holiday games at our house, and this one brought out my kids’ competitive side. They definitely get that from me! You don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving, either—Pumpkin Sweep works for Halloween parties, fall gatherings, and backyard fun.

How to Play Pumpkin Sweep

Set up a starting line and a finish line. Give each team—or each player in an individual race—a broom and a pumpkin. On “Go!” players sweep their pumpkins toward the finish line. For a relay, they return the pumpkin to the next teammate; for an individual race, the first pumpkin across the finish line wins.

Why It’s One of Our Favorite Fall Games for Kids

• Simple supplies: you only need pumpkins, brooms, and a space to race.
• Two ways to play: choose a team relay or an individual race.
• Adjust for your players: use small pumpkins for little ones and larger pumpkins for big kids and teens.
• Seasonal fun: include this pumpkin game in your fall party games, Halloween activities, or Thanksgiving gathering.

Supplies Needed

• Pumpkins: one per team for the relay, or one per player for an individual race. Use small pumpkins for little ones and larger ones for big kids and teens.
• Brooms: one per team or individual racer. I prefer straw brooms, but use what you have.

Relay Races for Kids: Team and Individual Rules

Team Relay Rules

• Divide players evenly into two teams.
• Choose your playing space and mark a starting line and finish line. Leave room between racers to use their brooms.
• Line up each team behind the starting line. Give the first player a broom and place a pumpkin in front of them.
• Yell “Go!” The first players sweep their pumpkins to the finish line and back to the next teammate.
• Pass the broom to the next teammate, who repeats the trip.
• The last player on each team only needs to sweep the pumpkin across the finish line—there is no return trip.
• The first team whose final player crosses the finish line with their pumpkin wins.

Individual Race Rules

Line players up at the starting line, each with a broom and pumpkin. On “Go!” everyone sweeps their pumpkin toward the finish line. The first player to get their pumpkin across wins. No return trip is needed.

Watch Our Backyard Pumpkin Sweep Race

Melissa’s Tips for a Pumpkin Relay Race

• Match the pumpkin to the player: small pumpkins work for little ones; save larger ones for big kids and teens.
• Use the brooms you have: straw brooms are my preference for this game.
• Explain the final relay turn: the last teammate finishes at the far line rather than coming back.
• Give players room: keep brooms low and use them to push the pumpkins, not swing them.

Pumpkin Sweep FAQs

What size pumpkin should I use?

Use a small pumpkin for younger children and a larger pumpkin for big kids and teens. Choose the size to suit the players in your race.

What kind of broom works for Pumpkin Sweep?

I prefer straw brooms for this game, but you can use whatever brooms you already have.

Can Pumpkin Sweep be played without teams?

Yes. Give every player a broom and pumpkin, then race from the starting line to the finish line. The first pumpkin across wins.

More Pumpkin Games for Kids

Build a fall game afternoon with Pumpkin Ring Toss and Pumpkins in a Row. For more fall party ideas, try Candy Corn Ring Toss, Haystack Bowling, or a Leaf Pile Candy Hunt.

Planning a holiday gathering? Browse our Thanksgiving games roundup or try Stuff the Turkey. You can also explore our Thanksgiving and fall games, Halloween games, and Christmas games.

For a quieter break between games, play cards, list what you’re grateful for, or make Thanksgiving crafts and Christmas ornaments. Other ways to spend the day together include volunteering, putting up the Christmas tree, a scavenger hunt, or a family football game.