10 Fun Halloween Activities for Kids at Home
Halloween can be a really exciting time for kids, but it can also be a lot to take in.
Costumes, decorations, loud noises, school parties, candy, and trick-or-treating can make the day feel very different from a normal day.
If you're looking for simple Halloween activities for kids, I put together some ideas that you can try at home. Some are great for quiet time, while others are perfect for crafts, play, or getting ready for Halloween.
1. Halloween Coloring and Activity Books
A Halloween activity book is an easy activity to have ready at home.
Look for books with a mix of coloring pages, mazes, matching, puzzles, and simple Halloween games.
Kids can choose an activity when they need something to do, and you don't need much preparation.
Good for: preschoolers and elementary-age kids
👉 Check Halloween activity books on Amazon Canada
2. Halloween Craft Kits
If your child enjoys making things, a Halloween craft kit can be a fun afternoon activity.
A kit can save you from buying lots of separate supplies, and kids can make their own Halloween decorations or crafts.
This can also be a fun activity for siblings to do together.
Good for: craft-loving kids and Halloween parties
👉 See Halloween craft kits on Amazon Canada
3. Halloween Squishy Craft Kits
Some kids enjoy activities where they can make something and then play with it afterward.
Halloween squishy craft kits can be a fun hands-on option. Kids can decorate Halloween characters and then use them for play.
Good for: kids who enjoy hands-on and sensory-style activities
👉 See Halloween squishy craft kits on Amazon Canada
4. Halloween Scratch Art
Scratch art is another simple activity that doesn't require much setup.
Kids scratch the surface to reveal the colorful design underneath.
It can be a nice activity for a quiet afternoon or while waiting for Halloween plans to start.
Good for: quiet play and Halloween parties
👉 See Halloween scratch art on Amazon Canada
5. Read a Halloween Social Story
Halloween can be unpredictable for some children.
There may be different clothes, new decorations, unfamiliar people, loud sounds, and changes to the usual routine.
A social story can help a child know what they might see and what to expect.
I created a Halloween Social Story for children who may benefit from simple, predictable language before Halloween.
It can be read together before Halloween and used as a gentle way to talk about costumes, decorations, trick-or-treating, and other parts of the day.
👉 See my Halloween Social Story on Etsy
Good for: children who benefit from visual support, predictable routines, and preparation for new experiences
6. Make Halloween Decorations
Kids don't always need a new toy.
Making something for the house can be just as exciting.
You can make simple decorations such as:
Paper ghosts
Pumpkin decorations
Halloween garlands
Paper bats
Monster faces
Window decorations
You can use craft supplies you already have at home or choose a simple Halloween craft kit.
👉 See Halloween Decorations on Amazon Canada
7. Halloween Mazes and Puzzles
If your child enjoys puzzles, look for Halloween activity books with mazes, matching games, spot-the-difference activities, and simple puzzles.
These can be especially useful when you want a quieter activity.
Good for: preschoolers and early elementary kids
👉 Find Halloween puzzle and activity books on Amazon Canada
8. Play a Halloween Game
Halloween doesn't have to be all about candy and costumes.
A simple Halloween-themed game can be fun during a family night or Halloween party.
For younger children, try matching games or simple games with easy rules. Older kids may enjoy Halloween versions of familiar card or board games.
👉 Find Halloween Game on Amazon Canada
9. Make a Simple Halloween Sensory Bin
Halloween can also be a fun theme for sensory play.
You could use:
Dry rice or another age-appropriate filler
Always choose materials that are appropriate for your child's age and supervise young children.
If your child enjoys sensory toys, you may also like my guide to the best sensory toys for kids.
10. Make a Quiet Halloween Activity Basket
This is one of my favourite ideas for a busy Halloween day.
Put a few simple activities into a basket and let your child choose what they want to do.
You could include:
This can be especially helpful before trick-or-treating, when everyone is getting excited and you want to offer a calmer activity.
My Tip for Parents
You don't need to buy a lot of Halloween activities.
Think about what your child already enjoys.
If they love coloring, choose a coloring or activity book. If they like making things, try a craft kit. If they prefer quieter activities, puzzles, scratch art, or a printable may be a better choice.
And if Halloween is a big change from your child's normal routine, preparing ahead of time can make the day feel more familiar.
You can talk about what will happen, look at pictures together, practice parts of the routine, or read a social story before the big day.
Halloween doesn't have to be complicated to be fun.
Sometimes a few simple activities, a little preparation, and some flexibility are all you need.
More Kids' Activity Ideas
If you're looking for more ideas for keeping kids busy at home, check out my guides to:
You can also find printable activities and resources in my shop.
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