Fun Ideas for a Memorable Spooky Celebration

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids, filled with costumes, treats, and lots of spooky fun. If you’re hosting a Halloween party for children, you’re probably looking for activities that will keep them entertained without breaking the bank. The good news? There are plenty of creative and engaging activities you can do with kids that are completely free, or require only simple household items. From ghostly games to spooky crafts, these activities will ensure your party is a hit!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a variety of fun, free activities that will get kids excited for Halloween and make your party truly memorable. Plus, we’ll introduce the Halloween Balloon Garland Kit from House of Party—a perfect addition to your party décor that will set the spooky tone as soon as guests arrive.

1. DIY Halloween Masks

Starting off the festivities with a simple, creative activity like making DIY Halloween masks is a fantastic way to engage kids. Gather some paper plates, crayons, markers, and a few craft supplies like glue, glitter, and stickers. Cut out eye holes in the plates, and let the kids turn them into whatever spooky or silly characters they like—witches, vampires, ghosts, or even friendly pumpkins.

This craft allows kids to express their creativity and is a perfect icebreaker at the beginning of the party. Plus, they can wear their masks throughout the rest of the celebration!

Materials Needed:

Paper plates

Crayons, markers, colored pencils

Glue and glitter (optional)

Scissors (for adult use)

2. Halloween Scavenger Hunt

A Halloween scavenger hunt is a great way to get kids moving while keeping them entertained. You can organize a hunt either indoors or outdoors, depending on your space and the weather. Hide Halloween-themed items like small plastic spiders, toy skeletons, mini pumpkins, or even wrapped candies around your home or yard. Then, give each child a list of items they need to find.

To make it more interactive, you can write down clues for each item and help the kids follow them. The scavenger hunt could also be themed based on the decorations you’ve set up, including a Halloween Balloon Garland Kit to add a festive atmosphere to your hunting grounds.

Items to Hide:

Plastic spiders or toy bats

Wrapped candies or mini toys

Halloween-themed stickers or small figurines

3. Pin the Hat on the Witch

This twist on the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” game is always a party favorite. All you need is a large picture of a witch (you can easily print one or draw it yourself), and a separate paper hat. Blindfold the kids one by one, spin them around, and let them try to pin the hat in the correct spot on the witch’s head.

This game is fun, simple, and brings lots of laughs. You can also switch up the theme by having them pin a bow on a skeleton or a tail on a black cat—whatever suits your party theme.

Materials Needed:

Large witch poster (or any Halloween character)

Cut-out paper hats

Blindfold

4. Ghost Bowling

Ghost bowling is a playful and easy activity that can be made with items you already have at home. Grab some empty plastic bottles and wrap them in white tissue paper or toilet paper to create little “ghosts.” Use a black marker to draw spooky or silly faces on each ghost. Then, set them up like bowling pins and let the kids bowl with a small ball (a tennis ball works great!).

This activity is perfect for a variety of ages and adds a bit of lighthearted competition to your party. For an extra Halloween twist, use a pumpkin-shaped ball if you have one!

Materials Needed:

Empty plastic bottles

White tissue paper or toilet paper

Black marker

Small ball

5. Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe

Take the traditional game of tic-tac-toe and give it a Halloween makeover! You can create a life-sized version using black and orange construction paper or chalk on a large piece of cardboard. Use mini pumpkins or candy corn as the playing pieces, and let the kids play in teams. This simple yet fun game is great for kids to play while waiting for other activities.

Materials Needed:

Black and orange construction paper (or chalk for drawing)

Mini pumpkins or candy corn

6. Mummy Wrap Race

This activity is sure to bring out giggles from all the kids! For a mummy wrap race, divide the children into teams of two. One child in each pair is the "mummy," and the other is the "wrapper." Using rolls of toilet paper, the wrapper will race to cover the mummy in the best and quickest wrapping job possible.

After a few minutes, stop the race and judge which team created the best-looking mummy. This game is a great way to involve everyone and add some lighthearted competition to your Halloween party.

Materials Needed:

Rolls of toilet paper

7. Pumpkin Bowling

Similar to ghost bowling, pumpkin bowling uses mini pumpkins as bowling balls. Create pins out of empty cans painted with fun Halloween faces or wrap them in themed paper. Kids will take turns rolling the mini pumpkins toward the pins, trying to knock down as many as possible. It's a simple game, but one that will keep them entertained for quite some time.

Materials Needed:

Mini pumpkins

Empty cans decorated with Halloween faces

Small ball (optional)

8. Spooky Storytime Circle

For a low-energy, calming activity, gather the kids in a circle and take turns telling spooky (but not too scary) stories. You can start with classic tales or encourage the children to make up their own stories. Provide some Halloween props or toys to help them act out their stories or use flashlights to create a campfire-style ambiance.

This activity works well toward the end of the party when the kids are winding down but still engaged in the Halloween spirit.

Materials Needed:

Flashlights

Halloween props or toys

9. Pumpkin Painting Station

Pumpkin painting is an activity that allows kids to express their creativity without the mess and safety concerns of pumpkin carving. Set up a station with washable paints, brushes, and markers, and let the kids paint small pumpkins to take home as party favors. You can provide stencils or stickers for younger children to help them create fun designs.

This is a great activity that parents will appreciate as well since it doubles as both entertainment and a take-home souvenir.

Materials Needed:

Small pumpkins

Washable paints and markers

Brushes and stickers

Conclusion: Making Your Halloween Party Unforgettable

Halloween parties for kids don’t have to be expensive or stressful. With a few basic supplies and some creativity, you can host a party filled with fun, laughter, and spooky memories. Activities like DIY masks, mummy wrap races, and ghost bowling are simple but exciting ways to engage children of all ages and keep them entertained throughout the event.

And don’t forget, decorations can play a big role in setting the perfect spooky mood! Consider adding the Halloween Balloon Garland Kit from House of Party to your décor. This kit is easy to set up and adds a pop of color and Halloween fun, helping you create an unforgettable atmosphere.

With these free or low-cost activities, you’re sure to host a Halloween party that kids—and their parents—will remember for years to come!