Halloween for 10-year-olds is all about excitement, creativity, and just the right amount of spooky fun. At this age, kids want activities that feel grown-up but are still safe and silly.
Planning a party means striking that perfect balance between entertainment, hands-on creativity, and just a little scare factor.
In this guide, I’m sharing the very best ideas that have worked for me, other parents, and even party planners who know how to keep kids happily entertained for hours.
1. Glow-in-the-Dark Pumpkin Painting
Forget the mess of carving and instead set up a pumpkin painting station under blacklight. I like to prepare a table with mini pumpkins, neon acrylic paints, glow-in-the-dark markers, and a couple of small UV lamps.
Kids enjoy creating glowing faces or wild patterns, and the results look amazing once the lights go out. The best part is they get to take their pumpkin home as a unique party souvenir.
2. DIY Haunted Escape Room
Transforming your living room or garage into a haunted escape challenge is a guaranteed hit. I create a series of clues and puzzles that lead to a “treasure” such as candy bags or themed prizes.
The decorations are kept spooky but not too scary, using cobwebs, fake spiders, and dim lighting to set the mood. Giving them 20 minutes to solve everything keeps the energy high and makes it even more exciting.
3. Costume Catwalk and Photo Booth
A costume runway lets kids show off their Halloween outfits while having a lot of fun. I clear a space, add string lights, and play upbeat music while they walk the “catwalk” for their friends.
Right after, they can head to a themed photo booth with props like witch hats, vampire fangs, and silly signs. Parents love the chance to take memorable photos, and kids enjoy posing with their friends.
4. Halloween Cupcake Decorating Station
Cupcake decorating works well because it’s hands-on and ends with a tasty treat. I bake plain cupcakes ahead of time and set out bowls of orange and purple frosting, candy eyeballs, sprinkles, and gummy worms.
The creativity kids show is always entertaining, from monster faces to spiderweb designs. Just be prepared for sticky fingers and lots of laughs as they compare their creations.
5. Spooky Treasure Hunt in the Yard
An outdoor treasure hunt at night or twilight brings a sense of adventure to the party. I hide small toys, glow sticks, or candy in Halloween-themed bags around the yard.
Each clue leads to the next location, ending with a big “loot chest” filled with treats. To keep things safe, each child gets a flashlight or glow bracelet so they can explore without tripping.
6. Monster Dance-Off
A Halloween playlist sets the tone for a lively dance-off that gets everyone moving. I include classics like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” along with popular kid-friendly songs.
Fun challenges like “freeze when the music stops” or “show your best zombie walk” keep things interesting. It’s also the perfect way for kids to burn off extra energy after enjoying snacks.
7. DIY Witch Hat Ring Toss
This simple game is easy to make and surprisingly addictive. I roll cardboard into cones, paint them black to look like witch hats, and secure them onto a sturdy base.
Glow rings or plastic hoops become the tossing rings, and kids compete to land the most on the hats. Small prizes for top scores keep everyone eager to take their turn.
8. Pumpkin Piñata Smash
Kids love the thrill of breaking open a piñata, and a pumpkin-shaped one fits the Halloween theme perfectly. I usually fill it with candy, glow sticks, and small toys so everyone gets something fun.
Letting each child take turns makes it exciting, and when the piñata finally bursts, the cheers are unforgettable. It’s an activity that always keeps the energy high.
9. Halloween Bingo Night
Halloween bingo is a fun way to keep kids engaged without too much chaos. I prepare bingo cards with spooky images like ghosts, bats, pumpkins, and black cats.
Candy corn or chocolate coins make great markers, and the winners can get small themed prizes. It’s an easy setup and works well when kids need a break from running around.
10. Slime-Making Station
At age 10, kids can spend hours playing with slime, so having a slime station is a winner. I provide bowls, glue, baking soda, and food coloring along with optional glitter or fake eyeballs.
Each child makes their own spooky slime to take home in small containers. It’s messy, yes, but the excitement and laughter make it worth it.
11. Haunted House Walkthrough
If you have extra space, setting up a mini haunted house is a fantastic idea. I drape black sheets, add cobwebs, and place a fog machine for atmosphere.
Instead of making it too scary, I keep it fun with silly skeletons, talking pumpkins, or glow-in-the-dark balloons. Kids love the thrill of walking through with their friends, and it becomes a highlight of the night.
12. Mummy Wrap Game
This classic game never gets old. I split the kids into teams and hand them rolls of toilet paper or white streamers.
The goal is to wrap one teammate like a mummy as fast as possible, which always leads to lots of laughter. Once finished, everyone cheers for the funniest or most creative mummy look. It’s simple, affordable, and keeps kids entertained.
13. Spooky Movie Screening
A mini movie theater setup gives kids a chance to relax after games. I choose age-appropriate Halloween movies like “Hotel Transylvania” or “Casper” to keep the tone light and fun.
Popcorn, candy, and floor cushions make it cozy and special. Parents often thank me for adding this part because it gives kids a chance to wind down.
14. Apple Bobbing With a Twist
Apple bobbing is traditional, but I like to give it a Halloween twist. Instead of plain apples, I decorate them with edible candy eyes or paint spooky faces on them using food-safe markers.
For a less messy version, kids can use long spoons or chopsticks to fish them out. It’s a fun mix of competition and giggles that works especially well outdoors.
15. Spooky Science Experiments
Halloween is the perfect excuse to make science fun and a little eerie. I set up stations with activities like baking soda volcanoes that bubble with green “slime” or water mixed with dry ice for fog effects.
Kids are fascinated, and they feel like little scientists while learning something new. Adding glowing liquids or candy experiments makes it even more engaging.
16. Creepy Cookie Decorating
Cookie decorating is a big hit because it mixes creativity with tasty rewards. I bake simple sugar cookies in shapes like ghosts, bats, and pumpkins.
Then I set out bowls of icing in Halloween colors, plus sprinkles, candy eyes, and chocolate chips. Kids love making “scary” or “cute” cookies, and everyone gets to enjoy their own designs right after.
17. Glow Stick Hide-and-Seek
This is a nighttime favorite that works perfectly for a Halloween party. I give each child a glow stick and hide a few more around the yard.
The seeker has to find the hidden glow sticks before tagging other players. It adds an exciting twist to the traditional game and looks amazing when the yard is dotted with glowing lights.
18. Halloween Scavenger Hunt Indoors
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, an indoor scavenger hunt keeps kids busy and happy. I hide small Halloween trinkets like plastic spiders, rubber bats, or mini pumpkins around the house.
A printed checklist with pictures makes it easier for everyone to follow. Once they find everything, they can trade their finds for candy or small prizes.
19. DIY Trick-or-Treat Bag Decorating
Kids love having something personalized for Halloween night. I provide plain canvas tote bags, fabric markers, and iron-on patches in spooky designs.
They decorate their own trick-or-treat bags, which doubles as a creative activity and a useful item. Parents love it because the kids actually use them later on Halloween.
20. Pin the Hat on the Witch
This Halloween twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is always a crowd-pleaser. I make a large witch poster and cut out colorful paper hats with tape on the back.
Kids take turns being blindfolded and spun gently before trying to stick the hat in the right place. The results are often hilarious, and the game is easy to set up in minutes.
21. Candy Corn Relay Race
Relay races are full of energy and laughter, and adding candy corn makes it extra fun. I set up two bowls — one full of candy corn and the other empty — and give each child a spoon.
They race to transfer candy corn from one bowl to the other without dropping any. The challenge keeps them focused, and the cheering from teammates makes it even more exciting.
22. Monster Mask Craft Table
Crafting monster masks lets kids get creative and a little silly. I put out plain cardstock masks, elastic bands, markers, feathers, and stickers.
They can make scary monsters, funny creatures, or even combine features for a unique look. Once done, they love wearing their masks for the rest of the party.
23. Spider Web Obstacle Course
Using white yarn or string, I create a “spider web” maze in a hallway or between two trees. The kids have to crawl, step, and stretch without touching the string.
It’s challenging enough to keep them engaged but still safe for everyone to try. Adding plastic spiders to the web makes it even more thematic.
24. Ghost Bowling
Ghost bowling is a simple game that always gets kids laughing. I use empty plastic bottles wrapped in white paper and draw ghost faces on them.
A small pumpkin serves as the bowling ball. Kids take turns rolling the pumpkin to knock down the ghost pins, and I keep score for extra competition.
25. Cauldron Punch Station
A bubbling drink station adds a magical touch to the party. I use a large plastic cauldron filled with orange soda, lemon-lime soda, and pineapple juice.
For extra effect, I place dry ice in a smaller bowl inside the cauldron to create fog. Kids are amazed by the “potion” effect, and it makes snack time more memorable.
26. DIY Bat Wings Craft
Making bat wings is a great hands-on activity. I provide black felt pieces, elastic straps, and fabric glue. With a little help, kids can assemble their own wearable bat wings.
Once finished, they enjoy flapping around the party pretending to be spooky bats. It also makes for fantastic photos.
27. Ghost Story Circle
Storytime with a spooky twist works wonders to calm the energy toward the end of the party. I dim the lights, hand out small flashlights, and tell age-appropriate ghost stories.
I also let the kids take turns making up their own silly or spooky tales. It’s a nice way to wind down before everyone heads home.
28. Halloween Karaoke
Kids love singing, and Halloween-themed karaoke is both funny and festive. I set up a simple karaoke machine or a YouTube playlist with lyrics on screen.
Songs like “This Is Halloween” and “Ghostbusters” are always popular. Even shy kids often join in when their friends are having fun.
29. Skeleton Puzzle Race
I print large skeleton diagrams, cut them into pieces, and hide them around the party area. Teams race to find and assemble the skeleton first.
It’s both an active and brain-challenging game, perfect for keeping kids engaged while working together.
30. Marshmallow Ghost Roasting
If you have an outdoor space or fire pit, roasting marshmallows is a cozy ending to the party. I like to give the kids edible markers to draw ghost faces on their marshmallows before toasting.
They love the mix of creativity and warm treats, and it’s a relaxing way to wrap up the celebration.
Conclusion
Planning a Halloween party for 10-year-olds can be a lot of fun when you mix creativity, games, and just the right amount of spooky charm.
From hands-on crafts like pumpkin painting and slime making to active games like treasure hunts and obstacle courses, there are endless ways to keep the kids entertained.
The key is balancing exciting activities with calmer moments so everyone leaves happy and full of good memories.
FAQs
I usually plan four to six main activities with small filler games in between. This keeps the energy balanced and prevents boredom.
Make sure games are age-appropriate, use safe materials, and keep walkways clear. Glow bracelets and flashlights help if the party is outdoors at night.
Yes, many of these games like bingo, cupcake decorating, or crafts can be done indoors in smaller areas. You just need to adapt the setup to fit the space.
Games like mummy wrap, scavenger hunts, and “Pin the Hat on the Witch” require minimal supplies but are still lots of fun.
You can ask them to help supervise stations, take photos, or even join in games. Many parents enjoy being part of the fun.