Halloween is a time when ghosts, goblins, and witches come out to play! It can be fun for kids to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. However, there are also plenty of other Halloween activities that kids can enjoy.
It can be hard to find fun and educational Halloween activities for kids. Most Halloween activities are either too scary or not academic enough.
Here are some of my favorite Halloween activities for kids, including traditional activities and recommended movies, books, and Youtube videos. There are also free Halloween printables available so that you and your children can enjoy Halloween while learning.
My kids love Halloween! We usually go trick-or-treating in our costumes despite the cold weather. Due to the outbreak of Covid, our Halloween tradition shifted from going out house-to-house asking for candy to hosting parties instead. I've gathered a list of fun and spooky games that kids will surely enjoy. These are some of my personal favorites (as well as those of my friends' children).
So get ready to have a hauntingly good time!
What is Halloween?
Halloween is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This festival was celebrated on October 31, the day before the Christian holiday of All Saints Day.
The Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred on Samhain. They thought that the deceased spirits would rise and roam the Earth. To protect themselves from these spirits, they wore costumes and lit bonfires.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular celebration where people would dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. Today, Halloween is a popular holiday enjoyed by people of all ages. Here are some ideas for Halloween activities that kids will enjoy.
19 Halloween Activities for Kids
I've broken down the Halloween activities for kids into three categories:
- Traditional Halloween Activities
- Family Halloween Activities
- Halloween Printable Activities for Kids
Traditional Halloween Activities
Halloween is a time for fun and celebration, and people can enjoy many different activities.
Some traditional Halloween activities for kids include making jack-o-lanterns, trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, and getting costumes.
1. Halloween Costumes
Halloween costumes are a popular way to celebrate Halloween. Most costumes can be bought at stores, but you can also make your own costume. There are all sorts of costumes to choose from, including ghosts, goblins, witches, and monsters.
Making your own Halloween costume can be a lot of fun. You can use materials that you already have, or you can buy materials from a store. Some popular Halloween costumes include ghosts, goblins, witches, and monsters costumes.
If you're interested in making a Halloween costume for your kids, check out the below links for inspiration:
- 63 DIY Toddler Halloween Costumes for 2023 – Just Simply Mom
- Crazy Cute Halloween Costume Ideas for Kids – Emma Owl
- 40+ Best Popular Easy DIY Halloween Costumes For Kids – Tiny Blue House
2. Trick-or-Treating
One of the most popular Halloween activities is trick-or-treating. Children go from house to house asking for candy, and sometimes they get a trick instead of a treat. But why do we do this?
The tradition of Halloween trick-or-treating may have started with the Celts. The Celts believed that Halloween was when the spirits of the dead came back to Earth. The Celts wore costumes and lit bonfires to protect themselves from these spirits.
Over time, Halloween evolved into a secular celebration where people would dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. Today, Halloween is a popular holiday enjoyed by people of all ages.
Kids love going door-to-door to collect candy, which is a great way to get some exercise. Just be sure to check the candy before your kids eat it!
If you're going trick-or-treating, be sure to wear a costume. And don't forget to say “trick or treat!”
3. Halloween Parties
Halloween parties are a fun way to celebrate Halloween. You can have a Halloween party with your friends and family or go to a Halloween party at someone's house.
There are many different Halloween games and activities that you can enjoy at a party, such as bobbing for apples, playing tag, or telling ghost stories. You can also have a Halloween costume contest or a pumpkin-carving contest.
I love getting my kids involved in the Halloween party-planning process. They learn a lot from participating in each stage of preparation for the big day, such as problem-solving, math, arts & crafts, etc. Here are some of the steps I involve them in (depending on their age):
- Write down guest names
- Invite guests
- Shopping for party decorations
- Decorate the house with Halloween decor (one of their favorite activities)
- Assist in preparing food
- Enjoy the party!
Check out the below links for fun Halloween party ideas:
- 51 Fun and Spooky Halloween Party Ideas That'll Save You Money
- Best Halloween Party Ideas for Kids (How to Throw Kids Halloween Party)
4. Jack-o-Lanterns
A jack-o-lantern is a pumpkin that has been carved into a Halloween decoration. The tradition of carving pumpkins originated in Ireland, and the jack-o-lantern was initially made from turnips or potatoes.
The name “jack-o-lantern” comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Jack. Jack was a mean and stingy man who was not allowed into heaven when he died. He was sent to hell but tricked the devil into letting him out.
When he died, Jack was not allowed into either heaven or hell. So, he roamed the Earth with only a burning coal to light his way. The Irish began to carve turnips and potatoes into lanterns to keep Jack away from their homes.
Over time, the Irish tradition of carving jack-o-lanterns spread to other countries, including the United States. Today, people all over the world enjoy carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns.
To make a jack-o-lantern, you'll need a pumpkin, a carving knife, and a spoon. You can find carving ideas here:
- 70 Fun Pumpkin Carving Ideas for a Scary Gourd Look
- 41 Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils for the Coolest Jack-O'-Lanterns of All Time
- 53 Free Pumpkin Carving Stencils to Personalize Your Porch Decor
5. Halloween Movies
Halloween is the perfect time to watch scary movies. Spend a day, weekend, or even the whole month of October watching the spookiest, silliest, and best Halloween flicks.
If you're looking for a Halloween movie to watch, be sure to check out the below links for Halloween movie recommendations for kids:
- 46 BEST KIDS HALLOWEEN MOVIES
- 32 Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies on Netflix You Can Stream Right Now
- 24 Halloween Chinese Shows for Kids on Netflix
- 55 Kid-Friendly Halloween Movies That the Whole Family Will Enjoy
Family Halloween Activities
Halloween is an excellent time for family fun. There are many activities that you can do together for family bonding time.
6. Home Decoration
A Halloween activity the whole family can enjoy is decorating your home. You can put up spooky decorations inside and outside your house!
Furthermore, various Halloween decorations are available, which you can purchase or DIY. These include ghosts, witches, bats, pumpkins, and black cats.
If you're looking for some Halloween decoration ideas, be sure to check out below:
7. Pumpkin Patch
Another fun Halloween activity you can do with your family during October is going to a pumpkin patch. You can find pumpkin patches at many farms and gardens.
Pumpkin picking is a great way to spend time together as a family. Besides, it's also a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!
Check your local farm or garden if you're looking for a pumpkin patch.
8. Corn Maze
A corn maze is a Halloween activity that the whole family can enjoy. A corn maze is a labyrinth made out of corn stalks. Corn mazes are usually found on farms. They can be small or large, and they can be easy or difficult to solve. Solving a corn maze is a great way to spend time together as a family. Regardless, It's also a great way to get some exercise.
Check your local farm or garden if you're looking for a corn maze. Hence, you can also find corn mazes online.
9. Halloween Desserts
Halloween is a great time to make some delicious desserts. There are many Halloween-themed desserts, such as ghosts, witches, bats, pumpkins, and black cats.
If you're looking for some Halloween dessert ideas, be sure to check out the below links:
10. Halloween Festival
One of the best Halloween activities for the whole family is going to a Halloween festival. Halloween festivals are usually held at Halloween parks or Halloween-themed amusement parks.
Halloween festivals are a great way to spend time together as a family. In addition, they're also a great way to get into the Halloween spirit!
If you live in Canada or the United States, you can check out your local Halloween festival events in the links below:
- 2022 Family & Kids Halloween Activities & Events in Toronto & GTA
- Check out the 29 Best Halloween Festivals Happening in the U.S. in 2022.
11. Halloween Candy Treasure Hunt
A Halloween candy treasure hunt is one of the best Halloween activities for kids. A Halloween candy treasure hunt is a game where kids have to find hidden Halloween candy.
Halloween candy treasure hunts are a great way to get kids into the Halloween spirit. They're also a great way to get them to exercise.
I usually let this be one of the Halloween party games. Each kid will have an empty Halloween bag to start. They aim to search for all the sweets around the house and put them in their Halloween bag. Everyone who finds at least one candy is the winner! I will hide all the candies around the house before the party starts.
12. Apple Picking
This Halloween activity is a favorite for kids because you can pick what you want to eat and reward yourself with warm cider afterward. Plus, it's almost always served on-site!
To be sure, check the local apple-picking farms and orchards in your area for times advised before you go apple-picking, which is a fall classic. Also, you can use your apples for bobbing afterward!
To conclude, there's no better way to get excited for Halloween than by going apple picking! This activity is perfect for children of all ages, and you can use the apples you collect to make some spooky snacks.
13. Halloween Lights
This is a Halloween activity that is suitable not only for kids but for people of all ages. Halloween lights are a great way to decorate your home for Halloween.
Halloween lights are available in many colors, including orange, green, and purple. Moreover, you can also find Halloween lights that flash or move.
During Covid, one of the safest ways to celebrate Halloween outdoors is going to a Halloween light drive-through festival. Of course, my kids loved seeing Halloween lights because they had not seen so many moving and beautiful lights at once.
14. Halloween Books
Halloween is a great time to read Halloween-themed books. We usually visit a local library sometime in October to borrow Halloween books. On the other hand, if they like a specific book, I will buy it either online or through a local bookstore.
15. Halloween Youtube Videos
There are many Halloween-themed Youtube videos for kids. Halloween-themed Youtube videos for kids are a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit. They're also a great way to learn more about this spooky holiday.
English Halloween Youtube Videos
- The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About Halloween!
- Five Little Ghosts | + More Halloween Songs | Super Simple Songs
Cantonese Halloween Youtube Videos.
- 🎃萬聖節前夕🎃│🎵Collection of Halloween Song🎵│救援小英雄珀利TV 廣東話
- 萬聖節的由來(廣東話)：萬聖節同一個叫Jack的人有關？| 萬聖節點解要扮鬼？| Trick or treat的原因 | 萬聖節點解關南瓜事？
- 《歡樂萬聖節》｜萬聖節故事｜廣東話故事｜兒童故事｜睡前故事｜child’s wish 童心願｜
- Halloween in Cantonese and English 萬聖節 小朋友 學廣東話 粤語 中文
- 多啦A夢 粵語版 萬聖節的失控南瓜
- [Cantonese Read Aloud] 歡樂萬聖節 Happy Halloween*【廣東話媽咪講故事】
Mandarin Halloween Youtube Videos
- 万圣节儿歌合集 (Halloween Songs) | Chinese Song for Kids | By Little Fox
- [4K] 怪物在跳舞 (Monster Dance) | Halloween Song | Holidays | Chinese song | By Little Fox
- [12分] 萬聖節🎃 萬聖節兒歌合集｜Halloween Songs in Chinese｜連續播放｜碰碰狐pinkfong | 寶寶兒歌
- Halloween Party (万圣节派对) | Holidays | Chinese song | By Little Fox
Free Halloween Printable Activities for Kids
This category lists free Halloween printable activities for kids. Halloween printable activities include Halloween flashcards, painting, games, and more. All Halloween printable activities on this website are free to download and print.
16. Free Halloween Cootie Catchers
The Halloween cootie catcher is filled with festive activities, questions, and a few jokes to keep things lighthearted. It also has a blank template that allows children to write whatever they want in the cootie catcher. So gather your friends and family, and prepare for some spooktacular fun!
This free printable comes in three different languages – English, French, and Chinese (Traditional, Simplified, Zhuyin, and Pinyin) – so everyone can join in on the fun.
Download Here: The Ultimate Free Halloween Cootie Catcher: Chinese, French, and English
17. Free Halloween Flash Cards
Check out these free Halloween flashcards! There are nine flashcard games you can play with your child with these Halloween flashcards. They are available in English, French, and Chinese (Traditional, Simplified, Zhuyin, and Pinyin).
In addition, I have also provided a set of English alphabet flashcards. These printables are perfect for kids or adults who want to learn more about this spooky holiday!
Download Here: Free Halloween Flashcards: 9 Ways To Improve Your Child’s Vocabulary
18. Free Halloween Mystery Pictures
Look no further than our Free Halloween Mystery Pictures Worksheets! There are eight pages of mystery pictures, pixel color by number, and 100 charts by number, which is perfect for ages 5 to 12.
Download here: The Ultimate Free Halloween Mystery Picture Worksheets for Kids
19. Witches' Brew Counting Game
Your kids can have fun playing this counting game. They will pick a recipe card and count out the objects to create the witches' brew. I bought all of the “ingredients,” tray, and cauldron at the dollar store.
You can check it out here: HALLOWEEN ACTIVITIES AND CENTERS FOR PRESCHOOL, PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN
Conclusion
- What is Halloween?
- 19 Halloween Activities for Kids
- Traditional Halloween Activities
- 1. Halloween Costumes
- 2. Trick-or-Treating
- 3. Halloween Parties
- 4. Jack-o-Lanterns
- 5. Halloween Movies
- Family Halloween Activities
- 6. Home Decoration
- 7. Pumpkin Patch
- 8. Corn Maze
- 9. Halloween Desserts
- 10. Halloween Festival
- 11. Halloween Candy Treasure Hunt
- 12. Apple Picking
- 13. Halloween Lights
- 14. Halloween Books
- 15. Halloween Youtube Videos
- Traditional Halloween Activities
- Free Halloween Printable Activities for Kids
- 16. Free Halloween Cootie Catchers
- 17. Free Halloween Flash Cards
- 18. Free Halloween Mystery Pictures
- 19. Witches' Brew Counting Game
- Conclusion
To conclude, Halloween is a great time to get together with family and friends and enjoy spooky fun. There are many different Halloween activities that kids of all ages can enjoy. I have provided a list of free Halloween printables, Halloween videos for kids, and Halloween-themed counting games. Therefore, gather your supplies and prepare to celebrate this festive holiday!
What are some of your favorite Halloween activities? Let us know in the comments below! And don't forget to check out my blog for more great Halloween ideas. Thanks for reading!
Happy Halloween! 萬聖節快樂! 万圣节快乐! Bon Halloween!
