Between trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed TV episodes [1] and movies, buckets of candy, and costumes [2], Halloween [3] has always been a fun holiday for kids. And though the COVID-19 pandemic might put a downer on some of your plans, there are still a lot of safe ways to celebrate the holiday. To help keep the little ones busy (and you sane) this spooky season, we have gathered 23 kid-friendly Halloween activities that'll keep little ghouls busy all evening. From races in ghost-designed bags to easy print-and-play game options to Tic-Tac-Toe with pumpkins, these activities are sure to keep your little monsters entertained.
Eyeball Hunt
Similar to an Easter egg hunt, this eyeball hunt [5] from Get Your Holiday On is bound to be a good time. Have your kids find and collect hidden googly eyes from around your backyard or inside the house.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Typically Simple created this free not-so-scary scavenger hunt [6]. Print as many as you need, then let your kids loose to find the items on the list.
Spiderweb Gross Motor Activity
The hardest part of this simple, spooky spiderweb game [7] from No Time for Flashcards is not falling off the web. That's why it's the perfect game to work on your kids' balance and problem-solving skills.
Pumpkin Toss
Pumpkin toss [8] from Playground Park Bench is basically the kid version of beer pong. Have your kids toss candy pumpkins into small plastic cauldrons for a fun party game for all ages.
Ghost Races
Ghost races [9] (like this version from Fireflies and Mud Pies) are a spooky alternative to potato-sack races. Instead of traditional burlap bags, kids use white pillowcases decorated as ghosts.
Mummy Bowling
Have fun knocking down some marvelous mummies! You can get full instructions for setting up this mummy bowling game [10] from Giggles Galore.
Halloween Pictionary
Pictionary is a fun game for all ages — especially Halloween Pictionary [11] as Play Party Plan shows us. It's also a great game to play virtually, making it a safe and fun Halloween [12] game during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pumpkin Tic-Tac-Toe
This simple yet genius game from Iron & Twine puts a seasonal twist on the classic Tic-Tac-Toe game [13]. Mini pumpkins are used as the game pieces.
Halloween Eye Spy
Alice & Lois created this adorable free I Spy Game [14]. Print it out, and count the different Halloween [15] objects.
Candy Corn Relay
Relay races are a great activity for children. Add in some candy corn, and your little ones will be obsessed with this candy corn relay [16] from The Inspired Treehouse.
Pumpkin Hunt
Your little ones will love Crystal and Co.'s pumpkin hunt [17]! All you need are pumpkins (real or fake) in any size to hide throughout the yard.
Halloween Eyeball Slime
Kids love slime, and this project requires little preparation. Get full instructions for making Halloween eyeball slime [18] on The Tiptoe Fairy.
Pumpkin Seed Pickup
With Halloween [19] always comes an abundance of pumpkin seeds. That said, any leftover seeds you have from pumpkin carving can be used for the pumpkin seed pickup game [20] from The Dating Divas — an activity sure to keep your children entertained.
Feed the Monster
If you like the traditional beanbag toss game, you will love this activity! This monster toss game [21] from Tried & True Creative is tons of fun to play — and it serves as a spooky Halloween [22] decoration!
Halloween Dress-Up
A big part of what makes Halloween [23] so much fun is the costumes. This dress-up game [24] from Play Party Plan is the perfect excuse for you and your kids to get in costume.
Eyeball Pong
You may find plastic eyeballs over your home for months to come, but eyeball pong [25] will leave your kids howling with delight. There are also three ways the game can be played — read more on Productive Pete!
Self-Inflating Jack-o'-Lantern Balloons
No Halloween [26] is complete without some spooky science experiment from I Can Teach My Child. For this activity, you and your kids can watch jack-o'-lantern balloons [27] "magically" inflate.
Pumpkin Twister
Introduce your little ones to this revamped Twister game [28] from Pint-Sized Treasures that swaps out the colorful circles for printable paper pumpkins. Not only will it help your kids learn colors, but it will also help them learn to follow directions.
Halloween Guessing Game
Challenge your kids with this guessing game [29] from Mom Luck by making them calculate how many pieces of candy are inside the jar. The winner is rewarded the whole jar of candy.
Googly Eye Soup
Googly eye soup [30] from Fun at Home with Kids is the perfect water sensory play activity for Halloween [31] giggles. It will keep little ones occupied for hours.
Spider Race Game
Get ready. Get set. Go! Watch cute spiders race down your yard or across a room in the house. Which spider will be the fastest? See more of the spider race game [32] on Kid-Friendly Things to Do.
Toilet Paper Mummy Game
This easy toilet paper mummy DIY [33] from Sugar Bee Crafts is budget-friendly. You'll also get a kick out of the kids frantically trying to wrap each other in toilet paper.
Pin the Spider on the Web
This is a spooky spin on the classic pin the tail on the donkey. Download the free printable [34] from Ella Claire & Co.