Halloween is the perfect time to bring the whole family together for fun and laughter. For me, nothing beats the joy of seeing everyone kids, parents, and even grandparents playing games in costumes and sharing snacks.
It’s more than just entertainment, it’s a way to create memories that last for years. This list of Halloween games is designed to keep everyone involved, whether they love spooky challenges or lighthearted fun.
I’ve chosen games that are easy to set up, budget-friendly, and suitable for different age groups. You won’t need fancy equipment or complicated rules.
Most can be played in your living room, backyard, or even at a Halloween block party. Each game idea here is tried, tested, and guaranteed to keep spirits high pun intended.
1. Halloween Scavenger Hunt
A Halloween scavenger hunt is a great way to get everyone moving and exploring. I like hiding small Halloween-themed trinkets, such as plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, or wrapped candies, around the house or yard.
Players get a checklist and race to find everything before time runs out. You can add clues, riddles, or glow-in-the-dark markers to make it more exciting. What makes this game special is that you can customize it for any age group.
For younger kids, keep items visible and close by. For older players, make clues trickier and hide items in harder spots. I’ve even added a twist where the last item found unlocks a “treasure chest” of treats for the winning team.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling combines a classic party game with a Halloween twist. Instead of regular bowling balls, I use small round pumpkins with their stems removed.
The pins can be decorated plastic bottles filled with a bit of sand to keep them upright. It’s funny to see pumpkins wobble and curve instead of rolling straight. This game works well indoors or outdoors, depending on your space.
I’ve found that kids enjoy painting the “pins” before the game starts, which doubles as a craft activity. Scoring can be simple just count how many pins get knocked down each round. The player or team with the highest total wins.
3. Witch Hat Ring Toss
Witch hat ring toss is another easy-to-set-up crowd-pleaser. You can buy a witch hat or make one from cardboard and black construction paper. Place it on a table or the floor and have players toss rings glow sticks work perfectly for this.
Each successful toss earns points, and the player with the highest score wins. I usually add different point zones by placing hats at varying distances.
Younger kids can start closer, while older players stand further back. If you play in the dark with glowing rings, the effect is magical and adds to the Halloween atmosphere.
4. Mummy Wrap Race
The mummy wrap race is as fun to watch as it is to play. One person stands still while their partner wraps them from head to toe in toilet paper, leaving space for the eyes and mouth. The first team to finish wrapping their mummy wins the round.
It’s hilarious when the paper tears, and the wrappers scramble to keep going. To make it more challenging, set a time limit and award extra points for the neatest-looking mummy.
I’ve found that kids love teaming up with adults for this one, and the laughter usually starts within seconds. Just make sure to clean up the paper afterward so the fun doesn’t turn into a mess.
5. Halloween Charades
Halloween charades is a game that works for all ages and requires zero setup beyond a bowl of prompts.
I write down spooky characters, movies, or actions on slips of paper think Dracula, carving a pumpkin, or trick-or-treating and players take turns acting them out without speaking.
The rest of the group guesses as quickly as possible before the timer runs out. I like adding a mix of easy and tricky prompts so everyone gets a chance to shine.
The game moves fast, keeps everyone laughing, and works perfectly for both small and large gatherings.
6. Ghostly Musical Chairs
Ghostly musical chairs is a Halloween twist on the classic party game. Set up chairs in a circle, one fewer than the number of players, and play spooky music. When the music stops, everyone scrambles for a seat, and the person left standing is out.
Each round, remove one chair until a winner is crowned. I’ve found that using eerie soundtracks or Halloween songs makes the game much more entertaining.
Sometimes I add a small twist by placing a candy on each chair, so whoever sits gets to keep it. This keeps everyone excited, even if they’re eliminated early.
7. Pin the Hat on the Witch
Pin the hat on the witch is a simple game that always gets laughs. Hang up a large poster of a witch without her hat, blindfold the players, and give them a paper hat with tape on the back.
After spinning each player around, they try to stick the hat in the right spot. It’s harder than it looks and often ends with hats stuck to the wall, ceiling, or even another player.
I enjoy letting kids decorate their own hats before the game, turning it into a craft and activity in one. This little creative touch makes it more personal and memorable.
8. Eyeball Spoon Race
The eyeball spoon race is a perfect outdoor or indoor game for kids and adults. Replace the usual egg with a plastic eyeball or a ping-pong ball painted like an eyeball. Players race to the finish line while balancing it on a spoon.
If the “eyeball” drops, they must start over. The challenge works well in teams or as individual races. I sometimes add obstacles, like weaving around pumpkins or stepping over broomsticks, to make the race more interesting. This extra layer of difficulty gets everyone laughing and cheering.
9. Spider Web Obstacle Course
A spider web obstacle course adds a bit of adventure to your Halloween party. Use yarn, string, or streamers to create a web-like maze between chairs, doorways, or trees. Players must navigate through the “web” without touching the strings.
Each touch adds a time penalty, so careful movement is key. I’ve seen kids crawl, jump, and twist in hilarious ways to get through.
For added fun, place fake spiders along the web and give bonus points for collecting them without touching the strings. It’s a great way to burn off energy and keep everyone active.
10. Candy Corn Relay
Candy corn relay is both a race and a balancing act. Divide players into teams and give each a spoon and a small bowl of candy corn. The goal is to carry pieces from one end of the playing area to the other without dropping them.
The team that moves all their candy corn first wins. I sometimes use mini cauldrons or pumpkin buckets as the collection containers to keep the theme strong.
Adding a rule that spilled candy must be picked up before continuing makes it even more competitive and fun.
11. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
Glow stick hide and seek takes the classic game to a whole new level. Give each player a glow stick bracelet or necklace and turn off most of the lights.
One person hides while the others search, using only the glow as a hint. It’s thrilling for kids and just spooky enough for adults to join in.
I like playing this outside after sunset, where hiding spots are more challenging and the glow looks brighter. To keep the game safe, I set clear boundaries so no one wanders too far. The mix of mystery and glowing colors makes it unforgettable.
12. Monster Freeze Dance
Monster freeze dance is perfect for younger kids who love to move. Play Halloween-themed songs and have everyone dance like their favorite monster. When the music stops, players must freeze in place. Anyone who moves is out until the next round.
I enjoy joining in by making silly monster faces and encouraging others to do the same. Sometimes I change the rules so the “monsters” must freeze in a specific pose, like zombie arms or vampire wings. This keeps the game fresh and adds an extra laugh factor.
13. Apple Bobbing with a Twist
Apple bobbing is a Halloween classic, but I like adding a twist for more fun. Instead of just apples, I mix in floating plastic eyeballs or small pumpkins in the tub of water. Players have to grab the real apple without biting the wrong item.
This surprise element adds a layer of challenge and gets more laughs. For a cleaner alternative, I use hanging apples on strings and have players bite them without using hands. It works great for outdoor parties and avoids the mess of water splashing everywhere.
14. Haunted Pictionary
Haunted Pictionary is an artistic challenge that gets everyone involved. Divide into teams and have one player draw spooky-themed items, such as haunted houses, ghosts, or witches, while the others guess.
I prefer using a large whiteboard or easel so everyone can see clearly. To make it harder, set a strict time limit and use tricky prompts like “vampire baking a cake” or “werewolf on a skateboard.” These unusual combinations usually lead to hilarious drawings and wild guesses.
15. Trick-or-Treat Memory Game
The trick-or-treat memory game is great for testing short-term memory in a fun way. Place several Halloween-themed items like candy, masks, or tiny skeletons on a tray.
Let players look for 30 seconds, then cover the tray and have them write down as many items as they remember.
I often make it more engaging by using real treats as part of the items, so the winners get to keep some of what they remember. This game is simple but surprisingly competitive, especially among adults.
16. Zombie Tag
Zombie tag is a high-energy game perfect for outdoor space. One player starts as the zombie and tries to tag others. When tagged, the person becomes a zombie and joins in the chase until everyone is caught.
I like adding a “safe zone” where players can rest briefly before running again. Using glow sticks or face paint makes the zombies more convincing and adds to the spooky fun. The game is fast-paced and gets everyone laughing and running around in minutes.
17. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Pumpkin tic-tac-toe is a creative spin on the classic game. Draw a large tic-tac-toe grid on cardboard or a wooden board. Use mini pumpkins painted in two different colors as the Xs and Os.
It’s simple to set up and works well as a calmer activity between more energetic games. I sometimes use candy corn pieces instead of pumpkins for a bite-sized version.
Kids love the tactile feel of moving pumpkins around, and it doubles as a decorative centerpiece when not in play.
18. Creepy Cup Stacking
Creepy cup stacking is a timed challenge that tests speed and precision. Give each player a set of Halloween-themed plastic cups and see who can stack them into a pyramid and back down the fastest.
To make it more challenging, I mix in a rule where certain cups have spooky stickers, and those must go in specific spots.
It’s great for indoors and keeps both kids and adults focused and competitive. The noise of cups clattering adds to the party atmosphere.
19. Haunted Limbo
Haunted limbo is a silly, flexible game that works for all ages. Use a broomstick or Halloween garland as the limbo bar, and play eerie music while participants bend backward to pass under it.
Each round, lower the bar slightly to increase the challenge. I sometimes tell players to do a “monster walk” or “zombie shuffle” as they approach the bar, which makes it even funnier.
This game usually draws a crowd of spectators cheering and laughing at the creative attempts.
20. Mystery Box Challenge
The mystery box challenge is a sensory game that’s both creepy and exciting. Place different objects in covered boxes with hand holes, and let players guess what’s inside by touch alone.
Peeled grapes feel like eyeballs, cooked spaghetti like worms, and cold cauliflower like brains. I make sure to keep it safe but eerie enough to get squeals and giggles.
Having multiple boxes with different textures keeps the game fresh and engaging for everyone.
Conclusion
Halloween family games are about more than just passing the time. They’re a chance to share laughter, spark creativity, and bring everyone closer together.
Whether you’re racing through a spider web, balancing candy corn, or drawing a haunted scene, these activities create moments your family will talk about long after the night ends.
I’ve seen how the right mix of games can turn a simple gathering into a celebration everyone remembers. With a little preparation and a lot of enthusiasm, you can make this Halloween one of your best yet.
FAQs
Yes. Most of these games can be adapted for big families or neighborhood gatherings by adding more teams or rotating players.
Choose games like mystery box challenge, pumpkin tic-tac-toe, or charades that don’t require much movement.
Add time limits, harder clues, or extra challenges to increase difficulty without losing the Halloween fun.
Many can be adapted, but always supervise closely and avoid small items that could be a choking hazard.
Absolutely. Keep score for each game and award prizes to the top players or teams at the end of the night.