As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, there’s something magical about fall. It’s a season made for warm drinks, fuzzy socks, and quiet moments together—and what better way to enjoy those moments than with a video game that captures the spirit of autumn?
Whether you’re cuddling up for a cozy family night or looking for screen-time that celebrates the season, these fall-themed video games offer gentle gameplay, cozy settings, and just the right amount of challenge for kids and grown-ups alike.
Here are our favorite family-friendly fall games that bring all the pumpkin-spiced vibes—without stepping on a single crunchy leaf.
1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
System: Nintendo Switch
Ages: 5+
Why it’s great:
This beloved life-simulation game is at its coziest in the fall. Harvest pumpkins, craft seasonal DIYs, rake leaves, and celebrate Halloween and Thanksgiving-style events. No rush, no pressure—just peaceful island life.
Fall feature: The whole month of October includes spooky decorations, costumes, and candy collecting.
2. Stardew Valley
System: PC, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Ages: 10+
Why it’s great:
Farm, fish, mine, and make friends in this wholesome, open-ended farming game. Each in-game season brings its own charm, and fall is especially lovely with its deep colors, harvest festivals, and cozy atmosphere.
Perfect for: Kids who love creativity and parents who love peaceful gameplay.
3. A Short Hike
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Ages: 8+
Why it’s great:
This bite-sized adventure game follows a young bird hiking through autumn-colored forests to reach a mountain summit. It’s relaxing, heartwarming, and full of small, joyful moments.
Fall vibes: The music, colors, and gentle exploration feel like a walk through a quiet forest on a cool day.
4. Luigi’s Mansion 3
System: Nintendo Switch
Ages: 7+
Why it’s great:
What’s fall without a little spooky fun? In this light-hearted ghost-hunting game, Luigi explores a haunted hotel to rescue his friends. It’s funny, clever, and packed with puzzles perfect for family teamwork.
Not-too-scary factor: Silly ghosts and cartoon-style humor make it fun, not frightening.
5. Cozy Grove
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile
Ages: 10+
Why it’s great:
A spiritual cousin to Animal Crossing, this game places you on a haunted—but heartwarming—island where you help ghostly creatures find peace. The hand-drawn art and seasonal changes make fall especially beautiful.
Why it’s cozy: It encourages daily play in short bursts, with gentle music and calming tasks.
6. Yoshi’s Crafted World
System: Nintendo Switch
Ages: 5+
Why it’s great:
Not fall-specific, but its warm, earthy visuals and handcrafted environments give off major autumn vibes. Kids will love guiding Yoshi through cardboard forests, yarn-wrapped hills, and paper-leaf paths.
Great for co-op: Two players can team up for extra fun and less frustration.
7. Spiritfarer
System: Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox
Ages: 10+
Why it’s great:
A beautiful and thoughtful game about helping spirits move on—while farming, cooking, and exploring in a world that often feels like eternal fall. It’s touching, gentle, and a great conversation starter for older kids.
Warning: While very peaceful, the game touches on deeper themes like loss and letting go—best for tweens and up.
8. Harvest Moon: One World
System: Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
Ages: 7+
Why it’s great:
This farming simulator has you traveling through various climates and regions, including autumn-inspired landscapes. Kids can grow crops, raise animals, and explore a vibrant, friendly world.
Classic appeal: Fans of older Harvest Moon games will love the return to familiar rhythms.
9. Pikmin 4
System: Nintendo Switch
Ages: 7+
Why it’s great:
Explore earthy, garden-like worlds full of leaves, acorns, and natural treasures. Pikmin games blend strategy and adventure, and the latest version includes easier controls and adorable helpers.
Fall feeling: The nature-based setting, changing light, and organic textures make it feel like autumn in motion.
10. Minecraft (with Fall or Nature Mods/Packs)
System: All major platforms
Ages: 6+
Why it’s great:
With endless customization, Minecraft becomes the ultimate fall game when you add seasonal texture packs or explore autumn-themed maps. Build pumpkin patches, haunted houses, or cozy cabins together as a family.
Idea: Set up a family “fall build challenge” with themes like campfires, forests, or corn mazes!
Final Thoughts
Fall is about slowing down, getting cozy, and enjoying the simple joys of the season—and these video games capture that spirit beautifully. Whether you’re farming pumpkins, solving puzzles in a spooky mansion, or simply exploring a golden forest, these games offer more than entertainment—they offer connection.
So grab a blanket, sip some cider, and start a new fall family tradition—with a controller in hand and autumn in the air.
Whole Heartily 