Bring the Halloween spirit to life with fun and spooky-cute Halloween games for preschoolers! These easy, hands-on activities are perfect for classrooms or home celebrations. From silly monster dances to pumpkin tosses, each game encourages creativity, movement, and laughter while helping little learners build social and motor skills in the most playful way.
20+ Halloween games for preschoolers
Halloween is the perfect time for preschoolers to learn and play. The fun, simple games below bring spooky excitement while helping kids build creativity and teamwork.
1. Halloween balloon pop
A game full of suspense and excitement that little ones adore. This activity is great for developing gross motor skills as kids stomp and pop, and it can also help them with bravery and managing anticipation. The surprise inside is a fantastic reward!
Materials needed:
- Orange and black balloons
- Small, preschool-safe treats or toys (stickers, mini erasers)
- String or ribbon (optional)
Instructions:
- Before inflating, slip one small treat inside each balloon.
- Inflate the balloons and tie them off.
- Scatter the balloons on the floor or tie them to chairs.
- Let the children have fun popping the balloons by sitting or stomping on them to get their prize.
2. Halloween shadow matching
This engaging visual game helps preschoolers develop observation and critical thinking skills while introducing them to classic Halloween symbols. Matching shadows encourages shape recognition and memory recall, making it both educational and fun for young learners.
Materials needed:
- Printable shadow cards (Halloween-themed images like pumpkins, ghosts, witches, bats, and cats)
- Scissors
- Laminator or cardstock (optional, for durability)
Instructions:
- Print and cut out pairs of Halloween cards, one showing the full image and one showing its shadow silhouette.
- Place the shadow cards on a table or the floor and mix up the matching image cards.
- Let children take turns finding and matching each picture to its correct shadow.
- Add excitement by timing each round or hiding the shadow cards around the room for a fun “shadow hunt.”
You can download a printable version of this game here: Halloween Shadow Match Activities Worksheet
3. Pumpkin ring toss
This classic carnival-style game is perfect for a Halloween twist. It helps preschoolers practice their hand-eye coordination, aiming, and gross motor skills in a fun and festive way.
Materials needed:
- Several small to medium-sized pumpkins with long stems
- Rings (glow-in-the-dark necklaces, plastic bracelets, or rings made from rope)
Instructions:
- Arrange the pumpkins on the ground a few feet apart.
- Establish a “throwing line” for the children to stand behind.
- Give each child a few rings and let them take turns trying to toss the rings over the pumpkin stems.
4. Mummy wrap race
Get ready for giggles with this silly and energetic game. A fantastic activity for pairs, it encourages teamwork, speed, and gross motor coordination as kids hurry to wrap their “mummy” before the other team.
Materials needed: Several rolls of toilet paper
Instructions:
- Divide the children into pairs. One child will be the “mummy” and the other will be the “wrapper.”
- On “go,” the wrapper runs around the mummy, wrapping them in toilet paper from head to toe (leaving the face clear).
- The first team to use up their entire roll of toilet paper wins.
5. Spider web walking
A great indoor game that challenges balance and coordination. Children must carefully follow the lines of the “web,” which helps them focus and control their body movements. It’s a perfect activity for a bit of quiet, concentrated fun.
Materials needed: Painter’s tape or masking tape
Instructions:
- On an open floor space, use the tape to create a large spider web shape.
- Challenge the children to walk along the tape lines from one side of the web to the other without “falling off.”
- For an extra challenge, have them try walking backward or picking up plastic spiders placed along the web.
6. Feed the monster
This game is a hilarious way to practice tossing skills and color recognition. Creating the monster is a fun craft in itself, and feeding it helps develop hand-eye coordination and aiming.
Materials needed:
- A large cardboard box
- Paint, markers, and craft supplies (googly eyes, construction paper)
- Beanbags or small, soft balls
Instructions:
- Decorate the cardboard box to look like a friendly monster, cutting out a large hole for its mouth.
- Set the monster box up a few feet away from a throwing line.
- Have the children take turns trying to “feed the monster” by tossing the beanbags or balls into its mouth.
7. Ghost bowling
Turn a classic game into a Halloween favorite. This activity helps preschoolers with cause-and-effect understanding, coordination, and aiming as they try to knock down the ghostly pins.
Materials needed:
- 6 – 10 empty plastic bottles or toilet paper rolls
- Black marker
- A small pumpkin or a soft ball
Instructions:
- Draw ghost faces on the bottles or toilet paper rolls with the black marker.
- Set up the “ghost pins” in a triangle formation.
- Have the children roll the pumpkin or ball to see how many ghosts they can knock over.
8. Halloween sensory bin
A fantastic tactile experience that lets kids explore different textures and objects. Sensory play is crucial for developing fine motor skills, and a themed bin encourages imaginative play and discovery.
Materials needed:
- A large, shallow plastic bin
- Filler material (dyed rice, black beans, water beads, or even spaghetti “worms”)
- Halloween-themed items (plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, googly eyes, small cauldrons)
- Scoops, tongs, and cups
Instructions:
- Fill the bin with your chosen filler material.
- Hide the Halloween-themed items throughout the filler.
- Let your child use the scoops, tongs, and their hands to dig, pour, and discover the hidden treasures.
9. Pin the spider on the web
A spooky version of the classic party game “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” This game tests listening skills, spatial awareness, and memory as children try to place their spider in the center of the web while blindfolded.
Materials needed:
- A large piece of poster board or paper
- Black marker
- Construction paper (black)
- Tape
- A blindfold
Instructions:
- Draw a large spider web on the poster board.
- Cut out several spider shapes from the black construction paper. Put a piece of double-sided tape on the back of each one.
- Blindfold one child at a time, spin them around gently, and have them try to stick their spider in the center of the web.
10. Witch hat ring toss
Similar to the pumpkin version, but with a different target! This game is excellent for practicing hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills with a fun, witchy theme.
Materials needed:
Several cone-shaped party hats (or homemade cones from black poster board)
Plastic rings or glow necklaces
Instructions:
- Decorate the cones to look like witch hats.
- Place the hats on the floor, spaced out.
- Have children stand at a designated spot and take turns tossing the rings, trying to land them over the hats.
11. Monster freeze dance
A high-energy game that helps with listening skills and self-regulation. Kids love making monstrous moves, and the stop-and-start nature of the game teaches them to control their bodies.
Materials needed:
- A music player
- Halloween-themed music (like “Monster Mash”)
Instructions:
- Play the spooky music and encourage the kids to dance like silly monsters.
- Randomly stop the music. When the music stops, everyone must freeze in their monster pose.
- Anyone who moves while the music is off is out (or can just do a silly wiggle before the next round). Start the music again and repeat.
12. Eyeball and spoon race
A fun and silly challenge of balance and concentration. This Halloween-themed race helps preschoolers develop focus and fine motor control as they try to keep their “eyeball” from falling off the spoon.
Materials needed:
- Spoons
- Ping pong balls with “eyeballs” drawn on them (or plastic eyeballs from a craft store)
Instructions:
- Give each child a spoon and an “eyeball.”
- Have them line up at a starting line and race to a finish line while balancing the eyeball on their spoon.
- If an eyeball falls, the child must stop, put it back on the spoon, and then continue.
13. Pumpkin decorating (No-carve)
A safe and creative craft activity that allows for endless artistic expression. Using paint, stickers, and other materials lets preschoolers design their own pumpkins, strengthening fine motor skills and creativity without sharp tools.
Materials needed:
- Small pumpkins (one per child)
- Washable paint, markers, stickers, glue, googly eyes, yarn, and other craft supplies
Instructions:
- Cover a table with a newspaper or a plastic cloth.
- Provide each child with a pumpkin and access to all the craft supplies.
- Let their imaginations run wild as they create their own unique pumpkin masterpiece.
14. Ghost hunt
A simple and exciting scavenger hunt that gets kids moving. This game is great for practicing counting and observation skills as children search for the hidden ghosts.
Materials needed:
- White tissues or paper towels
- Lollipops or cotton balls
- String or rubber bands
- A black marker
Instructions:
- Create little ghosts by draping a tissue over a lollipop or cotton ball and securing it with a string. Draw a face on each one.
- Hide the ghosts around the room or yard.
- Tell the children how many ghosts are hidden and let them search until they are all found.
15. Witch’s brew potion
This is a magical sensory activity that combines pretend play with fine motor skill development. Kids will love mixing and pouring their “ingredients” to create a bubbly, colorful potion, all while practicing measuring and scooping.
Materials needed:
- A large bowl or cauldron
- Water
- Baking soda
- Vinegar
- Food coloring (green, purple)
- Plastic spiders, gummy worms, googly eyes
- Spoons, ladles, and small cups
Instructions:
- Fill the cauldron with water and a generous amount of baking soda.
- Let the kids add the spooky “ingredients” like spiders and worms.
- For the magic moment, let them pour in small amounts of vinegar and watch their brew fizz and bubble.
16. Spider lacing cards
This quiet-time activity is fantastic for developing fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and pre-sewing skills. Threading the “spider” through the holes is a great challenge for little hands.
Materials needed:
- Cardboard or a sturdy paper plate
- A hole punch
- Black yarn or a long shoelace
- Tape
Instructions:
- Cut a circle out of the cardboard or use a paper plate.
- Punch holes around the edge of the circle.
- Wrap a small piece of tape around one end of the yarn to make it easier to thread (like an aglet). Tie a knot at the other end.
- Show your child how to “sew” the yarn through the holes to create a spider web pattern.
17. Pass the pumpkin
A Halloween version of “Hot Potato” that encourages listening and quick reflexes. It’s a simple circle game that is sure to get everyone laughing as they try not to be the one holding the pumpkin when the music stops.
Materials needed:
- A small pumpkin or a pumpkin-themed ball
- A music player with Halloween music
Instructions:
- Have the children sit in a circle.
- Play the music and have them pass the pumpkin around the circle as quickly as they can.
- Stop the music randomly. The child holding the pumpkin when the music stops is out for that round.
- The last child left is the winner.
18. Candy corn counting
A delicious way to practice counting, number recognition, and one-to-one correspondence. This game uses a favorite Halloween treat to make learning math concepts fun and engaging.
Materials needed:
- Candy corn
- Paper or flashcards with numbers written on them
Instructions:
- Lay out the numbered cards.
- Have your child draw a card and identify the number.
- Ask them to count out the corresponding number of candy corns and place them on the card.
- Enjoy a sweet treat at the end!
You can make this activity even more fun with this printable Candy Corn Counting Worksheet.
19. Ghost sack race
A classic field day game with a ghostly twist. This activity is excellent for building gross motor skills, balance, and coordination as kids hop their way to the finish line.
Materials needed:
White pillowcases
Black markers
Instructions:
- Use the markers to draw simple ghost faces on the bottom of the pillowcases.
- Have each child step into a “ghost sack” and hold the edges up.
- On “go,” have them hop from a starting line to a finish line. The first one to cross wins.
20. Build-a-scarecrow station
This collaborative activity promotes creativity, teamwork, and fine motor skills. Children work together to stuff and dress a scarecrow, learning about different clothing items and materials along the way.
Materials needed:
- Old children’s clothes (plaid shirt, jeans)
- A hat
- Straw, newspaper, or leaves for stuffing
- Safety pins or twine
- A pole or chair to build it on
Instructions:
- Set up the pole or chair as the frame.
- Have the children work together to stuff the clothes with straw or newspaper.
- Help them assemble the scarecrow, using safety pins or twine to connect the shirt and pants.
- Finish it off by adding the hat and drawing a face if you like.
21. Halloween i-spy
A calm and observant game that enhances vocabulary, listening skills, and attention to detail. It can be played anywhere and is perfect for focusing energy after more active games.
Materials needed: Halloween decorations or a room with various objects
Instructions:
- One person starts by saying, “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and then names a color (e.g., “orange”).
- The other children look around and guess what object it could be (“The pumpkin!”).
- The child who guesses correctly gets to be the next “spy.”
Final thoughts
Halloween is a time filled with imagination, laughter, and togetherness. These Halloween games for preschoolers are the perfect way to bring that joyful spirit to life. Whether you’re planning activities in the classroom or hosting a party at home, each game helps children explore, move, and learn through play. Gather your little ghosts and pumpkins, turn on some spooky music, and let the fun begin.
