19 Fun Halloween Activities for kids and Teens

The allure of Halloween captivates children like no other time of the year. As autumn’s twilight creeps in, the world transforms into a playground for the imagination. The anticipation of costumes, candies, and the thrill of the supernatural makes Halloween a magical season for kids. This is not just another holiday; it’s an invitation to step into a world where creativity knows no bounds, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. From the delight of crafting spooky decorations to the exhilaration of trick-or-treating, Halloween offers endless opportunities for playful fun.

Spooky Crafts

DIY Ghostly Garlands

Transform your home into a haunted haven with ghostly garlands. Using tissue paper, cotton balls, and a little bit of string, children can create their own floating phantoms to drape around the house. The fun lies in giving each ghost its own quirky personality—whether they’re smiling, frowning, or just a little bit spooky. As kids hang their ghostly garlands, the home begins to feel like a portal to a world where spirits dance and mischief is afoot.

Pumpkin Painting Extravaganza

Forget the mess of carving—pumpkin painting is where creativity shines. With an array of vibrant paints, glitter, and stickers, children can turn ordinary pumpkins into works of art. From silly faces to intricate designs, the possibilities are endless. This activity not only sparks creativity but also allows kids to showcase their masterpieces as part of the Halloween décor. Plus, painted pumpkins last longer, giving families more time to enjoy the festive display.

Creepy Crawly Spider Web Art

For a craft that’s as eerie as it is easy, try making spider web art. With black construction paper and white glue, kids can draw their own spider webs, then sprinkle on some glitter for that extra creepy-crawly effect. Add plastic spiders or create your own from pipe cleaners, and you’ve got a spooky masterpiece that’s perfect for hanging in windows or on the fridge. This simple activity is perfect for younger children and helps develop their fine motor skills while they get into the Halloween spirit.

Ghoulish Games

Pin the Hat on the Witch

A Halloween twist on the classic party game, “Pin the Hat on the Witch” is a hit with kids of all ages. Create a large poster of a witch missing her hat, blindfold the participants, and see who can place the hat in the right spot. The crooked placements and ensuing giggles make this game a perennial favorite. It’s a fantastic way to get kids moving and laughing, all while embracing the Halloween theme.

Monster Mash Dance-Off

Turn up the tunes and let the kids unleash their inner monsters with a dance-off! Play some Halloween classics like “Monster Mash” or “Thriller” and encourage children to dance like their favorite creatures of the night. Whether they’re grooving like a ghoul or bopping like a bat, this activity is all about having fun and letting loose. It’s also a great way to burn off some of that Halloween candy energy!

Haunted Scavenger Hunt

Set up a haunted scavenger hunt around your home or yard, hiding spooky treasures for kids to find. Create clues that lead them from one eerie location to the next, culminating in a grand prize at the end—a stash of Halloween treats or a special spooky toy. This game not only engages kids in problem-solving but also adds a sense of adventure to the Halloween festivities.

Delightful Decorations

Crafting Pumpkin Lanterns

Pumpkin lanterns are a Halloween staple, and making them is an activity kids love. Whether you opt for traditional carving or safer alternatives like LED candles and paint, the process is all about creativity. Let the kids sketch their designs first—scary faces, funny expressions, or even friendly ghosts—before bringing their pumpkins to life. Once lit, these lanterns become beacons of Halloween cheer, welcoming trick-or-treaters with their warm, eerie glow.

Spooky Window Silhouettes

Transform your windows into eerie scenes with spooky silhouettes. Using black construction paper, children can cut out shapes of witches, bats, ghosts, and more. Tape these silhouettes to your windows, and as the sun sets, watch as your home takes on a spine-chilling atmosphere. This decoration is easy to make, inexpensive, and adds a dramatic effect to your Halloween display.

DIY Tombstones for the Front Yard

Give your yard a haunted makeover with DIY tombstones. With cardboard, grey paint, and a little creativity, kids can design their own epitaphs and tombstone shapes. From funny to frightful, the messages on these tombstones can be as imaginative as your children’s minds allow. Arrange them in your front yard to create a spooky cemetery scene that’s sure to impress—and maybe even scare—a few trick-or-treaters.

Eerie Edibles

Witch’s Brew Punch

Concoct a cauldron of fun with Witch’s Brew Punch. This eerie green drink can be made with lime sherbet, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy treat. For an extra spooky effect, add some gummy worms or eyeball candies floating in the punch. Serve it in a punch bowl with a ladle, and let the kids feel like they’re sipping on a potion straight out of a witch’s cauldron.

Mummy Hot Dogs

Turn an ordinary meal into something spooky with mummy hot dogs. Wrap crescent roll dough around hot dogs, leaving gaps for the “eyes.” Once baked, add dots of mustard or ketchup for the eyes, and you have a tasty treat that’s both delicious and delightfully creepy. These are perfect for a Halloween dinner or a party snack, and kids will love helping to make their own little mummies.

Spooky Spider Cupcakes

Bake up a batch of Spooky Spider Cupcakes for a sweet Halloween treat. Chocolate cupcakes topped with black icing and candy eyes make the perfect base for creating edible spiders. Use licorice strings for legs, and add a sprinkle of black sanding sugar for a creepy, crawly finish. These cupcakes are as fun to make as they are to eat, and they’re sure to be a hit at any Halloween gathering.

Creative Costumes

DIY Superhero Capes

Every kid dreams of being a superhero, and Halloween is the perfect time to make that dream come true. With some fabric and a little bit of sewing, kids can create their own superhero capes. Let them choose their favorite colors and add their own emblem or design. This activity not only results in a cool costume but also encourages kids to think about what kind of hero they want to be—whether they’re saving the world or just having fun.

Classic Monster Masks

Bring out the inner monster with DIY masks. From werewolves to vampires to Frankenstein’s monster, kids can create their own masks using paper plates, paint, and other craft supplies. The fun is in the details—adding fake fur, fangs, or scars to make each mask unique. Once finished, these masks are perfect for a Halloween parade, party, or just for scaring siblings!

Easy Animal Ears and Tails

For a quick and easy costume idea, try making animal ears and tails. With some felt, a headband, and a little bit of sewing, kids can transform into their favorite animals—cats, bunnies, or even unicorns. These simple accessories can be paired with everyday clothes to create a full costume, making this a great option for last-minute Halloween preparations.

Enchanting Storytime

Reading Classic Halloween Tales

Gather around for a spooky storytime with classic Halloween tales. From “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” to “The Tell-Tale Heart,” these stories are perfect for setting a chilling mood. Reading aloud adds to the suspense, and kids will love the thrill of a good ghost story. For younger children, choose less frightening tales like “Room on the Broom” or “The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything.”

Create-Your-Own Spooky Story

Let the kids’ imaginations run wild by creating their own spooky stories. Provide a few prompts—like a haunted house, a mysterious creature, or a magical potion—and let them fill in the rest. This activity not only sparks creativity but also gives kids a chance to practice their storytelling skills. Share the stories around a “campfire” (real or pretend) to add an extra element of fun.

Interactive Storytelling Sessions

Take storytime to the next level with interactive storytelling. As you read, encourage kids to act out parts of the story, make sound effects, or even change the course of the tale with their own ideas. This makes for a lively and engaging experience that turns storytime into an adventure. It’s a great way to get kids involved and make reading an active part of the Halloween festivities.

Mysterious Movie Night

Kid-Friendly Halloween Films

Create a movie marathon with kid-friendly Halloween films. Classics like “Hocus Pocus,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” are perfect for setting a spooky yet fun tone. Dim the lights, grab some blankets, and let the kids settle in for a night of magical entertainment. These movies are sure to become a beloved part of your Halloween traditions.

Create a Mini Haunted House Theater

Turn your living room into a mini haunted house for movie night. Use sheets, pillows, and some spooky decorations to create a cozy, eerie atmosphere. Hang up cobwebs, add a few fake spiders, and maybe even dim the lights with some flickering battery candles. This little touch can make movie night feel like an adventure in itself, and kids will love the immersive experience.

DIY Movie Snacks: Popcorn Monsters

No movie night is complete without snacks, and Popcorn Monsters are a fun twist on the classic treat. Use candy eyes, chocolate drizzle, and colored candy to transform ordinary popcorn into spooky monsters. Let the kids decorate their own popcorn monsters in little bowls, adding whatever toppings they like. This makes for a fun, hands-on activity that’s perfect for munching during the movie.

Enchanted Outdoor Adventures

Ghostly Glow Stick Walk

Take the Halloween fun outside with a Ghostly Glow Stick Walk. Hand out glow sticks to the kids, and take a walk around the neighborhood or your yard as the sun sets. The glow sticks add an element of magic, turning an ordinary walk into a ghostly adventure. This is a simple yet exciting way to enjoy the Halloween evening, and it’s perfect for burning off some energy before bedtime.

Pumpkin Patch Exploration

A trip to the pumpkin patch is a quintessential Halloween activity. Let the kids pick out their own pumpkins, explore the corn maze, or take a hayride. Many pumpkin patches also have additional activities like petting zoos, pony rides, and face painting, making it a full day of autumn fun. It’s an opportunity for kids to connect with nature and bring home a pumpkin to decorate or carve later.

Backyard Haunted Trail

Transform your backyard into a haunted trail for a night of eerie fun. Set up stations with different spooky themes—like a ghostly graveyard, a witch’s lair, or a vampire’s den—and let the kids explore. Use props, sound effects, and maybe even a fog machine to create a truly immersive experience. This activity is perfect for older kids who love a good scare, and it can be as elaborate or as simple as you like.

Trick-or-Treat Fun

Crafty Treat Bags

Get ready for trick-or-treating with DIY treat bags. Let the kids decorate plain canvas bags with Halloween-themed designs using fabric paint, markers, and stickers. Personalizing their own bags adds an extra layer of excitement to the Halloween experience. Plus, these bags can be reused year after year, making them an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.

Safe Trick-or-Treating Tips

Ensure a fun and safe trick-or-treating experience with some simple tips. Remind kids to stay with their group, only visit well-lit houses, and check all treats before eating them. Equip them with flashlights or glow sticks, and make sure costumes are visible in the dark. These precautions help ensure that the night is filled with nothing but good memories and plenty of candy.

Alternative Treat Ideas for Halloween

Not all Halloween treats have to be sugary—consider handing out alternatives like glow sticks, Halloween-themed stickers, or small toys. These options are not only fun but also a great choice for kids with dietary restrictions. It’s a unique way to stand out and offer something memorable, ensuring that every trick-or-treater leaves with a smile.

Spine-Chilling Science

Bubbling Cauldron Experiments

Unleash your inner mad scientist with Bubbling Cauldron Experiments. Using baking soda, vinegar, and a little food coloring, kids can create their own “potions” that fizz and bubble over like a witch’s brew. Add in some creepy crawlies like plastic spiders or eyeballs for an extra touch of spookiness. These simple science experiments are both educational and endlessly entertaining.

Ghostly Slime Making

Slime is always a hit with kids, and Ghostly Slime is perfect for Halloween. Mix white glue, baking soda, and contact solution to create a stretchy, gooey substance. Add in some glow-in-the-dark paint or glitter for a truly ghostly effect. Kids can stretch and squish their slime to their heart’s content, and it makes for a fun party favor to take home.

Disappearing Ink Mysteries

Add a touch of mystery to your Halloween with Disappearing Ink. Using a mixture of lemon juice and water, kids can write secret messages that only appear when heated (with adult supervision, of course). This simple science trick is perfect for creating treasure maps, secret letters, or spooky messages. It’s a fun way to introduce kids to the wonders of science while keeping the Halloween theme alive.

Magical Music and Dance

Halloween Playlist for Kids

Set the mood with a Halloween playlist just for kids. Fill it with classic tunes like “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Thriller,” along with some fun spooky sound effects. This playlist can be the backdrop for games, crafting, or just dancing around the house. Music adds an extra layer of fun to any Halloween activity and helps keep the energy up.

Learning a Spooky Dance Routine

Teach the kids a spooky dance routine that they can show off at a Halloween party or just for fun. Choose a song like “Thriller” and break down the moves into easy steps. Practicing the routine is a great way for kids to get moving, improve their coordination, and have a blast doing it. It’s also a fun way to bond as a family and create memories that will last long after Halloween is over.

Musical Chairs with a Haunted Twist

Put a Halloween spin on the classic game of musical chairs. Play some spooky music, and when it stops, the kids have to find a chair—but beware, there’s always one chair too few! Add in some Halloween decorations or even have the kids wear their costumes to make the game even more festive. This is a great way to keep kids entertained and laughing during a Halloween party.

Hocus Pocus Potions

Fizzy Witch Potions

Create some magical fun with Fizzy Witch Potions. Using simple ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and food coloring, kids can mix up their own fizzy potions that bubble and fizz like something straight out of a witch’s cauldron. Add a bit of glitter or some spooky plastic creatures for extra flair. This activity is a hit with kids who love science and magic alike.

Magic Color-Changing Drinks

Surprise the kids with Magic Color-Changing Drinks. Use ice cubes made with colored juice and add them to clear soda or lemonade. As the ice melts, the drink changes color, creating a magical effect that’s sure to delight. This is a simple yet enchanting way to add a little extra fun to your Halloween party.

DIY Potion Bottles

Let the kids create their own potion bottles using food coloring, glitter, and water in small jars or bottles. They can design their own labels—like “Dragon’s Breath” or “Witch’s Elixir”—and take their potions home as a spooky keepsake. This craft is easy, creative, and a great way to spark kids’ imaginations.

Bewitching Art Projects

Glow-in-the-Dark Paintings

Unleash some eerie creativity with glow-in-the-dark paintings. Using glow-in-the-dark paint, kids can create their own spooky scenes—whether it’s a haunted house, a glowing ghost, or a starry night sky. Once the lights go out, their artwork comes to life in a whole new way. This project is perfect for adding a magical touch to your Halloween decorations.

Haunted House Dioramas

Let kids build their own haunted house dioramas with cardboard, paint, and a variety of craft supplies. They can create tiny rooms filled with ghosts, skeletons, and other spooky surprises. This project is great for older kids who love to build and create, and the finished dioramas make fantastic Halloween decorations.

Spooky Shadow Puppets

Create a spooky puppet show with shadow puppets. Cut out shapes of ghosts, witches, bats, and more from black paper, then attach them to sticks. Use a flashlight to cast shadows on the wall, and let the kids put on their own spooky show. This activity is a fun way to combine art and storytelling, and it’s perfect for a Halloween night in.

Ghostly Group Activities

Halloween-Themed Charades

Get the group together for a game of Halloween-themed charades. Write down Halloween characters, movies, or objects on slips of paper, and let the kids act them out without speaking. Whether they’re pretending to be a zombie or miming the act of carving a pumpkin, this game is sure to get everyone laughing. It’s a great way to break the ice and get kids involved in the Halloween fun.

Pumpkin Bowling

Set up a game of pumpkin bowling using small pumpkins as bowling balls and plastic bottles as pins. Decorate the bottles with spooky faces or Halloween stickers to add to the fun. This game is perfect for a Halloween party and can be played indoors or outdoors. Kids will love the challenge of rolling their pumpkins just right to knock down the pins.

Spooky Bingo

Create a Halloween version of bingo with spooky images like ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and witches. Hand out bingo cards and candy corn as markers, and let the kids play for small Halloween-themed prizes. This game is easy to set up and is great for kids of all ages. It’s a fun way to wind down after more active games or as a quiet activity during a Halloween party.

Eerie Experiments

Floating Ghost Experiment

Conduct a Floating Ghost Experiment using tissue paper, static electricity, and a balloon. Rub the balloon on your hair to create static, then use it to make the tissue paper ghost float in the air. This simple experiment is a fun way to teach kids about static electricity while keeping the Halloween theme alive. Plus, watching the ghost float and dance is sure to bring smiles to their faces.

Magic Pumpkin Seed Growing

Plant some magic pumpkin seeds and watch them grow! Use real pumpkin seeds and plant them in small pots or a garden bed. Teach kids about the growth process, and let them water and care for their seeds. This activity is a great way to connect Halloween to the natural world, and it gives kids something to look forward to after the holiday is over.

Ghostly Footprints with Cornstarch

Make ghostly footprints using cornstarch and water to create a non-Newtonian fluid. Have the kids step in the mixture, then walk across black construction paper to leave ghostly white footprints. This activity is messy but loads of fun, and it gives kids a chance to learn about the properties of non-Newtonian fluids while creating spooky art.

Wickedly Fun Photo Ops

DIY Halloween Photo Booth

Set up a DIY Halloween photo booth with spooky props, backdrops, and costumes. Use an old sheet for a backdrop, and add decorations like fake cobwebs, bats, and pumpkins. Provide props like witch hats, vampire fangs, and ghost masks for the kids to use. This is a great way to capture memories from your Halloween party, and kids will love posing for silly, spooky photos.

Costume Contest with Prizes

Host a costume contest with different categories like “Scariest,” “Funniest,” and “Most Creative.” Hand out small prizes for the winners, like Halloween-themed toys or treats. This activity encourages kids to get creative with their costumes and adds an extra element of excitement to your Halloween celebration. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase all the hard work that went into those costumes!

Creepy Backdrops for Memorable Photos

Create creepy backdrops for memorable Halloween photos. Use black paper, silhouettes, and props like brooms, cauldrons, and pumpkins to set the scene. Encourage kids to pose with their costumes, or set up a themed photo shoot with specific characters or stories in mind. These photos will become cherished keepsakes that capture the magic and fun of Halloween.

Haunted House at Home

Transforming Your Living Room into a Haunted Mansion

Turn your living room into a haunted mansion with a few simple decorations. Hang up black drapes, add some flickering candles, and scatter fake cobwebs and spiders around the room. Use eerie lighting and sound effects to create a spooky atmosphere. This transformation is perfect for hosting a Halloween party or just for adding a bit of extra fright to your home.

Ghostly Hallway of Mirrors

Create a ghostly hallway of mirrors by placing mirrors at different angles along a hallway and decorating them with cobwebs and eerie silhouettes. As kids walk down the hall, their reflections will appear ghostly and distorted, adding to the haunted effect. This simple decoration idea can have a big impact and is sure to send shivers down spines.

DIY Haunted House Props

Make your own haunted house props using cardboard, paint, and household items. Create creepy signs, coffins, or even a life-sized ghost to place around your home. Involve the kids in the process—they’ll love coming up with ideas and helping to build their own haunted house. These DIY props add a personal touch to your Halloween décor and can be reused year after year.

Nighttime Story Walk

Guided Halloween Night Walk with Stories

Take the kids on a guided Halloween night walk and tell spooky stories along the way. Choose a safe, familiar route, and stop at different points to share tales of ghosts, witches, and other Halloween creatures. Use a flashlight to add to the atmosphere, and encourage kids to listen closely for any sounds in the dark. This activity combines the thrill of a ghost story with the adventure of exploring at night.

Creating a Storybook Path in Your Yard

Create a storybook path in your yard with different “chapters” of a Halloween story set up along the way. Use signs, props, and decorations to illustrate each part of the story, and let the kids follow the path to see how the tale unfolds. This is a great way to combine storytelling with outdoor fun, and it adds an interactive element to your Halloween celebration.

Adding Sound Effects for Extra Spookiness

Enhance your nighttime story walk or haunted house with spooky sound effects. Use recordings of howling winds, creaking doors, and ghostly moans to set the mood. Play the sounds quietly in the background or hide speakers along your story path to surprise the kids. These sound effects add an extra layer of immersion and make your Halloween activities even more memorable.

Concluding the Halloween Magic

How to Preserve Halloween Memories

After all the fun and excitement, take time to preserve your Halloween memories. Encourage kids to write about their favorite activities, save photos in a special Halloween album, or create a scrapbook of the holiday. These keepsakes will help you look back on the Halloween fun for years to come.

Turning Halloween Fun into Year-Round Creativity

Don’t let the creativity end with Halloween—use the inspiration from the holiday to fuel year-round activities. Whether it’s continuing with crafts, writing stories, or playing games, Halloween can be the start of a creative journey that lasts all year. Encourage kids to use their imaginations and keep the spirit of fun alive even after the decorations are put away.

A Final Spell: Sending Off the Halloween Spirit

As Halloween comes to a close, gather the family for one last activity—a “final spell” to send off the Halloween spirit until next year. This could be a special toast, a song, or a simple ritual of blowing out candles. It’s a way to say goodbye to the magic of Halloween and look forward to the holiday’s return next year.