Halloween classroom games are a fun way to keep students engaged while adding seasonal excitement to learning.
I always look for activities that blend entertainment with educational value, so kids enjoy themselves without losing focus. The right games can turn a normal school day into something memorable.
I’ve noticed that the best Halloween activities for classrooms are simple to set up and don’t require expensive materials.
This keeps teachers stress-free and allows more time for actual play. Plus, when games are inclusive, every child gets a chance to participate without feeling left out.
1. Halloween Bingo
Halloween Bingo is a classic game that works perfectly in any classroom. I like to prepare bingo cards filled with Halloween-themed images such as pumpkins, bats, ghosts, and black cats.
Students mark the squares as I call out each item. The first to complete a row wins a small prize like stickers or pencils.
What I love about this game is how easily it can be adapted for different ages. For younger children, I use larger images and fewer squares so they can keep up.
Older students can handle more complex boards with extra items, making the challenge greater and more exciting.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin Bowling brings a festive twist to a familiar game. I set up plastic pins at one end of the classroom or hallway and use small round pumpkins as bowling balls.
The goal is to knock down as many pins as possible in a set number of turns. This game encourages teamwork when played in groups.
Kids cheer each other on, and it’s a great way to build classroom spirit. Plus, the uneven shape of the pumpkin makes the game unpredictable, adding extra laughter and fun.
3. Mystery Box Challenge
The Mystery Box Challenge is perfect for adding a spooky element without being too scary. I fill several boxes with different items like peeled grapes (eyeballs), cooked spaghetti (worms), or popcorn (bones).
Each student takes a turn reaching in without looking and guessing what they’ve touched. I always make sure the materials are safe and classroom-appropriate.
The guessing part sparks a lot of giggles, and it’s a great sensory activity. It also works well as a quick break between lessons to refresh everyone’s energy.
4. Costume Relay Race
A Costume Relay Race is a fantastic way to get students moving. I prepare a box filled with Halloween costume pieces like hats, capes, masks, and gloves.
Two teams compete by racing to the box, putting on a full set of costume items, and then running back to tag the next teammate.
This game is always a hit because it combines physical activity with plenty of laughs. I make sure the costumes are lightweight and easy to wear so students can move quickly. It’s also a great way to encourage teamwork and communication.
5. Pin the Hat on the Witch
Pin the Hat on the Witch is a Halloween spin on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” I hang a large witch poster on the wall and give each student a paper hat with double-sided tape on the back. Students are blindfolded, spun around gently, and then try to place the hat in the right spot.
You can adjust the difficulty by increasing the spinning or moving the poster slightly between turns. Younger students enjoy the silliness, while older kids get competitive about aiming for the perfect placement.
6. Candy Corn Guessing Game
For the Candy Corn Guessing Game, I fill a clear jar with candy corn and ask students to write down their guesses for how many pieces are inside. The closest guess wins the jar or another prize.
This game is simple to set up and perfect for quick breaks. It also encourages estimation skills without students even realizing they’re practicing math. I sometimes run this game over a few days to build suspense before revealing the answer.
7. Halloween Pictionary
Halloween Pictionary is ideal for creative classrooms. I prepare a stack of Halloween-related words or phrases like “jack-o’-lantern,” “haunted house,” or “black cat.” Students take turns drawing while their team guesses the answer within a time limit.
The game boosts creativity and quick thinking. I often divide the class into small teams so more students can participate. Using a whiteboard or large paper makes it easy for everyone to see the drawings.
8. Spider Web Toss
Spider Web Toss is a game that’s both fun and easy to set up. I create a large web on the wall using masking tape and give students lightweight pom-poms or beanbags as “spiders.” The goal is to toss the spiders so they stick within the web’s sections.
I like adding point values to different areas of the web for a scoring twist. This makes the game more competitive for older students while still keeping it enjoyable for younger ones. It’s also a great indoor alternative when the weather doesn’t allow outdoor play.
9. Halloween Word Search Race
Halloween Word Search Race is a great quiet-time activity that still keeps the excitement going. I prepare themed word search sheets with Halloween vocabulary like “pumpkin,” “witch,” and “ghost.” Students race to find all the words as quickly as possible.
This game helps improve focus and spelling skills without feeling like a lesson. To make it more engaging, I offer small prizes for the top finishers. It’s also easy to adjust difficulty levels by changing the grid size or word length.
10. Musical Pumpkins
Musical Pumpkins is a seasonal twist on musical chairs. I cut out large pumpkin shapes from orange paper and place them in a circle on the floor.
Students walk around while music plays and stand on a pumpkin when it stops. One pumpkin is removed each round until there’s a winner.
This game keeps the energy high and works for any age group. I choose upbeat Halloween songs to add to the fun, and sometimes I even let students help create the playlist.
11. Halloween Charades
Halloween Charades is perfect for kids who love acting things out. I prepare slips of paper with Halloween-related actions or characters, such as “flying on a broom” or “carving a pumpkin.” Students act out the prompt while their team guesses.
This game is a favorite because it encourages creativity and teamwork. I often mix easy prompts for younger students with trickier ones for older kids to keep everyone challenged.
12. Pumpkin Ring Toss
Pumpkin Ring Toss is simple yet exciting. I use small pumpkins with their stems intact and give students lightweight rings made from rope or glow sticks. The aim is to toss the rings so they land around the pumpkin stems.
I sometimes set up pumpkins at varying distances to make the game more challenging. Students enjoy practicing their aim, and the game works well in both small and large classrooms.
13. Ghostly Scavenger Hunt
A Ghostly Scavenger Hunt turns the classroom into a playful search zone. I hide paper ghosts, tiny spiders, or Halloween stickers in different spots. Each student gets a list of items to find within a set time.
This activity sparks excitement as students look under desks, inside books, and around bulletin boards. It’s also an excellent way to get them moving without creating too much chaos.
14. Halloween Memory Match
Halloween Memory Match is great for boosting concentration. I use cards with Halloween-themed pictures in pairs and place them face down. Students take turns flipping two cards to find a match.
You can increase the challenge by adding more cards for older students. It’s a game that combines fun with cognitive skill-building, making it a classroom favorite.
15. Witch’s Cauldron Toss
Witch’s Cauldron Toss is a hit during classroom Halloween parties. I place a plastic cauldron at one end of the room and give students small beanbags or soft balls to toss into it. Each successful toss earns points.
I sometimes add a time limit or place multiple cauldrons with different point values to make it more exciting. This keeps the pace quick and students engaged.
16. Mummy Wrap Race
Mummy Wrap Race is a hilarious activity that never fails to get the whole class laughing. I give each team a roll of toilet paper and have one student stand still while teammates wrap them up like a mummy. The first team to completely wrap their “mummy” wins.
I like setting a time limit to keep the energy high. Using biodegradable toilet paper also makes cleanup quick and eco-friendly.
17. Haunted House Obstacle Course
Haunted House Obstacle Course transforms the classroom into a mini adventure zone. I set up tunnels made from desks and blankets, “spider webs” from yarn, and stations where students have to perform small Halloween challenges.
This activity works well when you have space and want to combine physical play with themed fun. Students love competing to finish in the fastest time.
18. Candy Corn Spoon Race
Candy Corn Spoon Race is a seasonal twist on the egg-and-spoon race. Each student balances candy corn on a spoon while walking from one end of the room to the other without dropping it.
I make it harder for older kids by adding small obstacles along the path. It’s a simple game, but it builds coordination and focus.
19. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe is a creative spin on the classic game. I use a large piece of cardboard painted with a grid and mini pumpkins painted in two colors for “X” and “O.” Students take turns placing their pumpkins on the board to try and get three in a row.
This game works well for all ages and adds a tactile element that kids enjoy. It’s also reusable for future Halloween events.
20. Spooky Story Circle
Spooky Story Circle is perfect for winding down the celebration. I start with a single Halloween-themed sentence like, “On a dark October night, the wind howled through the trees…” Each student adds a sentence, building the story as it goes around the circle.
Conclusion
Halloween classroom games are more than just seasonal entertainment. They help build teamwork, improve focus, and make learning enjoyable.
The key is to choose activities that fit your class size, age group, and available space. With the right mix, you can create a Halloween celebration that students will remember long after the holiday is over.
FAQs
Yes. You can adjust the difficulty, materials, and rules to fit the age group.
Most can be set up quickly with inexpensive or reusable materials.
Absolutely. Many of them can reinforce skills in math, reading, and teamwork.