Halloween Party Games for Kids

Costumes, candy and trick-or-treating may define Halloween for kids, but party games that capture the haunted holiday's spirit can be the hit of celebration. Whether the party is a monster-filled extravaganza or a not-so-scary harvest theme, planning fun Halloween games for kids takes just a bit of planning and creativity.

Pumpkin rolling

No other item is more symbolic of Halloween than the pumpkin. Because actually rolling small pumpkins or gourds can be expensive and messy when one cracks open, this version is more suitable for a kid party. As the children arrive, direct them to a craft table set up with brown paper lunch bags and crayons/markers. Have each child color both sides of the bag orange and draw a jack-o-lantern face on one side. Stuff each bag with newspaper to create the form of a pumpkin, securing the bag with a green twist tie to form the "stem." Be sure to label each with the child's name on the bottom. Set aside until the race time.

The pumpkin rolling race can be run as a relay with the kids divided into two teams, or as a group race. To "roll" the pumpkins, each child will need a fly swatter. If running the race as a relay, only two fly swatters are needed. Line the kids up at a start point. At the word GO, they must race to a turn-around point and then back to the start point, swatting and rolling their paper pumpkin. This game, plus craft activity, works for any age and can be adapted to fit most party spaces.

Pin the warts on the witch's nose

Pin the tail on the donkey is a classic kids' party game. This Halloween version is sure to be a favorite from toddlers to tweens. For younger children, the witch's face can be made to look more comical than creepy. If your artistic skills are limited, simply purchase a witch-face cardboard decoration from any party store. Make your own warts from green construction paper, at least one for each guest. It is always wise to have a few extra.

To play, each player is blindfolded and given a wart with double-sided tape on the back. Gently turn the child around two or three times and then point in the direction of the hanging witch's face. Everyone gets a prize for adding warts to the witch with a grand prize going to the child that gets it closest to the tip of the nose.

Finding Mr. Bones

Similar to a scavenger hunt, this game can be played indoors or outdoors, and may be adapted to suit various ages. A large, jointed cardboard skeleton is needed. In addition, you will need an extra long length of craft paper, double-sided tape and a marker. Before the party, lay the cardboard skeleton on the craft paper and trace its outline, filling in so each piece appears as individual sections. Hang the traced figure on the wall. Separate the skeleton's bones by removing the joints/hinges. Hide each "bone" before the guests arrive. When it is game time, challenge the kids to find Mr. Bones' bones. As each part is discovered, the player can attach it to the paper with the double-sided tape. When Mr. Bones is complete, award everyone a prize.

Goblin goulash

A monstrous relay race that can be run indoors or outdoors, goblin goulash can be played with preschool age children and older. You will need several goulash goodies, drinking straws and two bowls. Create the goulash goodies by drawing simple shapes onto construction paper. Include spiders, bats, mushrooms, worms, toads and pumpkins. Cut the shapes and arrange on a tray at the start line of the race. Divide the kids into two teams, giving each player a drinking straw. When it is their turn, each child must suck one of the goulash goodies to the end of the straw and race it to his/her team's bowl at the other end of the room. Play continues until all the shapes are in the bowls. The team with the most goulash goodies wins.

Mummy's surprise

This is a less active game that can easily be played in smaller spaces. Before the party, collect one roll of toilet paper and one small prize per guest. Unroll the end of the toilet paper and tape the first prize to it. Roll the prize until its shape is hidden. Add the next prize and roll until its shape is hidden. Continue until all the prizes are "mummified." Sit the children in a circle, play Halloween music and let them unwrap the Mummy's surprise. As soon as a prize is uncovered, the roll is passed to the next child until all are revealed.

Halloween party games for kids need to be both entertaining and age appropriate. Younger children will enjoy games that do not require many rules, while older kids may appreciate the challenge of a scavenger hunt or who-dun-it game.

Age appropriateness is not the only factor to keep in mind when planning party games for kids. The party's location is also key. Some games need space for movement, while others can be played in any indoor room. When choosing any Halloween party games for kids, always keep in mind safety issues. Be sure to have enough adults present for supervision as well.