Halloween Party Games and Activities for Kids

A Halloween party is a great alternative to late night trick or treating for the kids. These activities are a lot more fun than traipsing door to door in unpredictable weather, and the kids will never know what they missed once the games begin.

Alternatives to Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Give the time-honored game of pin the tail on the donkey a new twist for Halloween. With a few simple supplies, you could pin the hat on the cat, the face on the pumpkin, or the wart on the witch. Look for full sized door decorations at your local dollar store and think of something appropriate that can be 'pinned' on it, or use poster board to make your own simple target for pinning.

As pins can be dangerous for small children, use a folded piece of sturdy tape on the back of the object being pinned.

Pumpkin Pinata

Pinatas can be simple or elaborate in shape, but what could be simpler than a round pinata made to look like a pumpkin? Since most pinatas start with a balloon for shaping it, few modifications are needed to fashion it into a pumpkin. Follow basic instructions for making a pinata, using orange tissue paper as the final layer, or paint with orange poster paint. Fashion a brown stem and use black cutouts for the face before filling with candy. A small plastic bat can be used to break it open, or stick with the Halloween theme by giving the kids a small broom.

Emma S also has a cute idea for a Candy Corn Pinata here.

Apples Without Bobbing

Dunking or bobbing for apples can be very messy, and who wants to shove their painted face into a tub of cold water? Not all children are comfortable with their face under water, so hang the apples instead. Simply push a plastic fork into the top of each apple and tie with string to hang from the ceiling and turn the kids loose. It's harder than it sounds!

The Monster Mash

Organize a spin-off of traditional musical chairs by calling it the Monster Mash. Play the song by that name and let the kids walk like their favorite monster or zombie until the music stops and they dash for an open seat.

With games and activities figured out, need ideas for feeding the ghouls and goblins? Look here.