Planning Halloween party games for kids is one of my favorite parts of hosting. The right activities keep them entertained, laughing, and making memories they’ll talk about long after the night is over.
Here are my top picks that work for small gatherings, school events, and even big neighborhood parties.
1. Pumpkin Bowling
Pumpkin bowling is a silly game that kids love because it’s just the right mix of sport and Halloween fun.
You set up empty plastic bottles painted like ghosts or monsters and roll a small round pumpkin to knock them over. I prefer using a sugar pumpkin because it’s lightweight and easy for small hands to control.
The best part is decorating the pins. Kids can even help draw faces with markers before the game begins. It’s safe, simple, and works indoors or outdoors.
2. Witch Hat Ring Toss
This game is colorful, festive, and perfect for younger kids who might not be into running around too much.
Use a tall witch hat as the target and throw glow stick rings over the tip. If you can’t find a big enough hat, you can easily make one out of cardboard.
Playing in low light makes it even more exciting. The glowing rings flying through the air create a magical effect that fits the Halloween mood perfectly.
3. Mummy Wrap Race
The mummy wrap race is a hilarious crowd-pleaser. Kids team up in pairs with one acting as the mummy and the other as the wrapper. The goal is to wrap the “mummy” from head to toe in toilet paper as quickly as possible.
It’s a messy game but it’s worth the laughter you’ll hear. You can even add a rule that the mummy has to walk a short distance without the wrap falling apart.
4. Ghost Hunt
This is a scavenger hunt but with a spooky twist. Hide small paper or plastic ghosts around the party area, each with a number or a clue written on it. Kids search for them and either collect prizes or solve a bigger puzzle together.
It’s flexible for different age groups. You can keep it simple for little ones or turn it into a full mystery game for older kids.
5. Pin the Hat on the Witch
A Halloween take on the classic pin-the-tail game. Hang a big poster of a friendly witch and give kids paper hats with tape on the back. Blindfold each player, spin them gently, and see if they can get the hat in place.
I like to add extra silly options like placing the hat on the witch’s foot or nose. The reactions are priceless and it’s great for mixed-age groups.
6. Candy Corn Spoon Relay
For this game, kids race while balancing candy corn on a spoon. If it falls, they have to go back to the start. You can make it harder by using smaller spoons or longer distances.
It’s a simple way to add movement to the party without making it too competitive. Plus, kids love that the prize can be the candy itself.
7. Monster Freeze Dance
Put on a playlist of fun Halloween songs and tell the kids they have to dance like monsters. When the music stops, they must freeze in place. If they move, they’re out for that round.
It’s a high-energy game that burns off sugar rushes fast. You can even mix in themed moves like zombie walks or vampire spins.
8. Eyeball Pong
Similar to beer pong but kid-friendly. Use plastic cups filled with a small prize or treat and ping pong balls decorated like eyeballs. The aim is to toss the eyeball into the cups to win the treat.
This works really well for school fairs or backyard parties. Kids enjoy the challenge and the gross-out factor of the “eyeball” theme.
9. Spider Web Obstacle Course
Use yarn or string to create a web between chairs or poles. The kids have to crawl through without touching the “web.” If they do, they have to go back and try again.
This game encourages problem-solving and is great for active play. It also makes for some fun Halloween photos.
10. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
Draw a tic-tac-toe board on a large piece of cardboard and use mini pumpkins painted in two colors as the Xs and Os. It’s easy to set up and perfect for kids who like quieter games.
I sometimes add Halloween stickers to the pumpkins for extra decoration. It’s a good table game for keeping kids occupied while others take turns at bigger activities.
11. Witch’s Brew Mystery Touch
Fill bowls with different foods like cooked spaghetti, peeled grapes, or mashed bananas. Tell the kids they’re touching witch’s brew ingredients like “brains” or “eyeballs.” Blindfold them and let them guess what it really is.
It’s a sensory game that can get a lot of giggles. Just make sure everything you use is safe and easy to clean up afterward.
12. Glow Stick Hide and Seek
Give each child a glow stick bracelet or necklace and turn out the lights. One person hides while the others search. The glowing accessories make it easier to find them and add to the spooky fun.
This game works indoors but is even better outdoors in a safe, enclosed space. It’s especially fun for slightly older kids who enjoy the thrill of nighttime play.
13. Feed the Monster
Create a large cardboard monster with an open mouth. Kids take turns tossing beanbags or soft balls into the mouth to “feed” it. Each successful throw earns points or a small treat.
Decorating the monster is part of the fun. You can make it scary, silly, or even friendly depending on your party theme.
14. Skeleton Puzzle Race
Cut out large skeleton pieces from cardboard or foam board and hide them around the yard. Kids race to find all the bones and assemble the skeleton.
This game works well for teams and helps encourage cooperation. It’s a nice mix of physical activity and problem-solving.
15. Apple Bobbing Alternative
Traditional apple bobbing can be messy and tricky for little ones, so I use an alternative. Place apples on strings and hang them from a sturdy line. Kids try to take a bite without using their hands.
It’s cleaner, safer, and still just as funny to watch. Plus, no one has to dunk their face in cold water on a chilly October night.
16. Pumpkin Ring Toss
Pumpkin ring toss is fun for all ages and takes little time to set up. Use pumpkins with sturdy stems and toss rings made from rope or glow sticks onto them. Kids can stand closer while older ones take a few steps back.
I like to use different sized pumpkins so it feels more challenging. Adding point values for each pumpkin makes it more exciting for competitive players.
17. Haunted Musical Chairs
Play musical chairs but with eerie Halloween music to set the mood. Use chairs decorated with cobwebs or spooky fabrics to add atmosphere. Kids walk in a circle until the music stops, then scramble for a seat.
Switching to faster or slower songs mid-round makes it unpredictable. The laughter and friendly competition make it a great group activity.
18. Black Cat Bean Bag Toss
Create a black cat target board with holes for the bean bags to pass through. Each hole can have a different point value. Kids take turns tossing bean bags and adding up their scores.
This game is perfect for keeping children engaged while waiting for other activities. You can make it even more fun by giving small prizes to high scorers.
19. Halloween Charades
Charades is easy to adapt for any theme, and Halloween is no exception. Write spooky characters, actions, or items on slips of paper and place them in a bowl. Players act them out while others guess.
Adding a timer keeps the game moving and adds a little pressure. It’s great for encouraging creativity and teamwork.
20. Zombie Tag
Zombie tag turns a classic game into a Halloween favorite. One child starts as the zombie and tries to tag others, who then join the zombie team. The game continues until everyone has turned.
I like to let zombies walk slowly while humans can run, which makes it even funnier. It’s a fantastic game for burning off energy.
21. Pin the Spider on the Web
Similar to pin the tail on the donkey but with a spider and a web. Hang a large web poster and give each child a paper spider with tape on the back. Blindfold them and see where the spider lands.
Adding glow-in-the-dark elements to the web can make it more visually fun. Kids enjoy seeing where their spiders end up compared to others.
22. Balloon Pop Challenge
Fill balloons with small prizes, confetti, or Halloween-themed notes. Hang them up or scatter them on the floor. Kids pop the balloons using a safe method to find what’s inside.
This game adds an element of surprise and works well both indoors and outdoors. The popping sound always brings a burst of excitement.
23. Monster Sack Race
Use decorated potato sacks or pillowcases with monster faces drawn on them. Kids hop to the finish line while trying to keep their balance.
Adding small obstacles along the way makes it more challenging. It’s a fun way to get kids moving and laughing together.
24. Ghostly Limbo
Set up a limbo stick decorated like a ghost and play Halloween music. Kids take turns bending backwards to pass under the stick without touching it. Lower it after each round to increase difficulty.
This game is great for mixed age groups and keeps the crowd cheering. It’s also a fun way to use up extra decorations.
25. Trick or Treat Treasure Hunt
Hide small treat bags or toys around the party space. Give kids clues or a treasure map to find them. You can make it easy for young ones or add riddles for older players.
It’s a great way to combine candy distribution with a game, and it works perfectly for indoor and outdoor parties.
26. Eyeball Spoon Relay
Like the candy corn spoon relay but with fake eyeballs for a creepier twist. Kids race while balancing the eyeball on a spoon. If it falls, they must restart.
This works well for both team and individual play. The eyeball theme gets lots of laughs from the crowd.
27. Cauldron Pong
Similar to cup pong but using small plastic cauldrons as the targets. Players toss lightweight balls into the cauldrons to score points.
I sometimes fill the cauldrons with candy so kids can take what they win. It’s quick to set up and fun for all ages.
28. Spooky Story Circle
Kids sit in a circle, and one person starts a Halloween-themed story with a sentence. Each player adds a sentence to keep the story going.
This encourages creativity and can get very silly depending on the group. You can even record it to play back later for laughs.
29. Witch Broom Relay
Kids race while riding broomsticks or broomstick toys between two points. You can add obstacles like cones to weave around for extra fun.
The broom adds a Halloween twist to a classic relay, and it works well for both small and large spaces.
30. Bat Cave Crawl
Set up a tunnel using blankets or cardboard boxes decorated like a bat cave. Kids crawl through to reach the other side. You can hide treats or clues inside to collect along the way.
It’s a great low-cost activity that sparks imagination. The crawling element makes it perfect for younger kids too.
31. Jack-O’-Lantern Bean Bag Knockdown
Stack tin cans decorated as jack-o’-lantern faces into a pyramid. Kids take turns tossing bean bags to knock them down. The more cans they topple, the higher their score.
I like to paint each can with a different expression so it feels like you’re knocking over a bunch of silly pumpkins. It’s a quick reset game that keeps the energy high.
32. Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss
Set up glow stick rings and bottles wrapped in reflective tape or glow paint. Kids toss the rings and aim to land them over the bottles. You can adjust the throwing distance depending on age.
The glowing setup looks amazing in a dimly lit room or outside after sunset, making it a perfect Halloween night game.
33. Haunted Scavenger Hunt
Hide Halloween-themed items like mini skeletons, plastic spiders, and candy around the party space. Give kids a list or picture clues to find each item.
For older kids, I make the clues a little trickier, adding riddles or hints to stretch the fun and teamwork.
34. Candy Corn Stack Challenge
Give each player a small pile of candy corn and a time limit. The goal is to stack them as high as possible before time runs out.
This one is harder than it looks because candy corn tips are tiny. Kids love the challenge, and they can eat their candy afterward.
35. Pumpkin Putt-Putt
Create a mini golf setup with pumpkins carved into “holes” big enough for a ball. Kids putt the ball into the pumpkins using small plastic clubs.
It’s a great game for both inside and outside, and the carved pumpkins double as decorations.
36. Frankenstein Relay
Divide kids into teams and have them race while holding a Frankenstein cutout or plush toy. They pass it to the next player like a baton.
Adding obstacles makes it more exciting, and cheering teammates keep the atmosphere buzzing.
37. Spider Races
Give kids plastic spiders and straws. They must blow through the straws to race the spiders across a table.
It’s simple, silly, and a surprisingly good test of lung power. I like to run multiple heats to see who becomes the spider champion.
38. Haunted Ring Hook
Attach hooks to a board shaped like a haunted house. Kids toss rings made from rope or glow sticks to land them on the hooks. Each hook can be worth different points.
The haunted house backdrop makes for a great party photo spot while the game is running.
39. Batty Piñata
Hang a bat-shaped piñata filled with candy or small toys. Kids take turns hitting it with a safe stick until it bursts open.
I always make sure each child gets some of the loot so no one leaves disappointed.
40. Witch Hat Stack
Make cone-shaped witch hats from cardboard and stack them as high as possible without them toppling over. This can be done in teams or individually.
It’s easy to set up and surprisingly tricky, especially if you use lightweight materials that wobble.
41. Pumpkin Memory Match
Place cards face down with pairs of Halloween images. Kids flip two cards at a time to try to match them.
You can use pumpkin-shaped cards to make it more thematic. It’s perfect for quieter moments during the party.
42. Creepy Crawl Races
Kids race across the floor while crawling like different Halloween creatures, such as spiders, zombies, or mummies.
Assigning different crawl styles adds variety and a lot of laughter as they try to copy the movements.
43. Monster Balloon Stomp
Tie balloons to each child’s ankle with a short string. The goal is to pop others’ balloons while keeping yours safe.
It’s chaotic but in the best way. Just make sure the space is clear to prevent tripping hazards.
44. Graveyard Treasure Dig
Fill a sandbox or large bin with shredded paper or sand. Hide Halloween trinkets and let kids dig for them using small shovels.
Decorating the area with fake tombstones turns it into a mini graveyard adventure.
45. Ghostly Target Shoot
Set up plastic cups decorated like ghosts on a table. Give kids Nerf guns or foam dart blasters to knock them down.
It’s a big hit with slightly older kids who love aiming for a challenge.
46. Pumpkin Pass
Form a circle and give one child a small pumpkin. Play Halloween music while they pass it around the circle. When the music stops, whoever is holding the pumpkin is out.
This game is quick to explain and keeps kids focused. You can play several rounds so everyone gets plenty of turns.
47. Spooky Balloon Balance
Give each player an inflated balloon decorated with a Halloween face. They must keep it in the air using only their hands. For extra challenge, limit them to elbows or knees.
It’s a great indoor game that works well for all ages. The balloons also double as party decorations.
48. Monster Drawing Contest
Hand out paper and crayons, then set a timer. Kids draw the silliest or scariest monster they can imagine. When time’s up, display the drawings and let everyone vote.
You can give small prizes for funniest, most creative, or spookiest. It’s a calm activity that balances out high-energy games.
49. Haunted Hoop Shoot
Use a small basketball hoop decorated with cobwebs and spiders. Kids take turns shooting foam balls or rolled-up socks into the hoop.
Adjust the shooting distance to suit the players’ ages. It’s a great choice for both small and large party spaces.
50. Trick or Treat Mystery Boxes
Prepare several boxes with holes for hands. Fill each with different Halloween-themed objects like rubber bats, toy bugs, or wrapped candy. Kids reach in and guess what’s inside.
The guessing element keeps them curious, and the surprise makes it a great final game of the night.
Conclusion
Halloween parties for kids are all about balancing fun, safety, and creativity. These fifty games cover everything from high-energy activities to calmer options that keep kids engaged without chaos.
I’ve found that mixing a few quiet games with active ones helps maintain the perfect party rhythm. With a little preparation and the right mix of activities, your party will be filled with laughter, excitement, and memories the kids will talk about for weeks.
FAQs
I recommend choosing around six to eight games for a two-hour party, mixing active and calm options.
Yes, most of these games can be adapted for either setting. Just make sure to consider space and safety.
Rotate activities often, keep rules simple, and offer small rewards or praise to maintain excitement.
Not necessarily. Many games use household items or inexpensive supplies that can be decorated for Halloween.