Bringing back a classic game this fall

It’s officially fall! Which means sweaters, boots and of course, pumpkin spice lattes. It also means Halloween is around the corner. My neighborhood has an annual Halloween block party. This year, I thought it would be fun to bring back the classic game of bobbing for apples!

Elitia Barnes

Before you Bob

As you may have noticed, we’re pretty obsessed with clean water here at LifeSource. So it will come as no surprise that my first suggestion is to use filtered water! If you’re going to stick your face into a bucket of water, it’s nice to know the water is free of all dirt, chemicals and chlorine (which can be especially irritating to your face).

If you already have a whole house water filtration system, this step will be easy. If you don’t already have a whole house filtration system…what are you waiting for?!

Bobbing for Apples for Every Occasion

Traditional Bobbing for Apples:

This is the version I grew up playing. To play, place apples in a big bucket filled with (filtered) water. Players try to grab apples out of the water without using their hands. Time each player to see who gets an apple out of the water the fastest!

Bobbing for Apples Race

Take the competition up a notch! In this version, you use two separate buckets, each filled with the same number of apples. Two players race to see who can get all their apples out of their bucket first! This takes a little more dedication and may require additional splashing.

Swinging for Apples

If you’re trying to avoid germs, this is a fun way to make sure your cousin’s germs stay his and no one else’s. If you’re trying to avoid getting wet, this is a fun way to make sure your make-up doesn’t run.

Poke a hole through the core of each apple. Then string the apples up so they hang down from a tree branch or whatever works for you home. Apples should hang down to around face height for your guests. You may want to have them hanging at various heights so multiple generations can play together.

To play, each player tries to bite their apple without using their hands! Believe me, it’s harder than it sounds.

Bobbing for Apples for Adults

I’ve never personally tried this (ah-hem), but it looks fun. In this version of bobbing for apples, players try to get mini alcohol bottles out of the water, instead of apples. A less healthy game, but possibly a more motivating reason for adults to get their hair wet.