Halloween games for teens are the perfect way to spark excitement and bring everyone together on a spooky October night. Teens don’t have to miss out on the fun as they can enjoy creative, thrilling, and laugh-filled games that make any Halloween celebration unforgettable. Whether it’s mystery challenges, outdoor adventures, or hilarious indoor activities, the list below will help you plan a night full of energy, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.
12+ Halloween games for teens
Elevate your party from a simple get-together to an epic night of excitement. These games are filled with spooky challenges, creative competitions, and team-based fun, designed to break the ice, get everyone laughing, and make this Halloween one to remember.
1. Murder mystery dinner
This immersive game turns your party into a crime scene where everyone is a suspect. It’s a fantastic way to get teens role-playing, thinking critically, and interacting as they piece together clues to unmask the killer. You can find pre-made kits online or create your own story for a personalized touch.
Materials needed:
- A murder mystery game kit (or a self-written script)
- Character role cards and clue sheets
- Costume props for each character
- Prizes for the best detective and best actor
Instructions:
- Assign each guest a character role in advance so they can come dressed for the part.
- As guests arrive, give them their character information and objectives for the night.
- The game begins with the announcement of a “murder.”
- Guests mingle, ask questions, and share clues according to their character scripts.
- At the end of the night, everyone guesses who the murderer is before the big reveal.
2. Horror movie trivia
Put your friends’ scary movie knowledge to the test with a thrilling trivia challenge. This game is perfect for movie buffs and a great way to see who knows the most about classic slashers, modern psychological thrillers, and iconic horror villains.
Materials needed:
- A list of trivia questions covering various horror movies
- Paper and pens for each team
- A buzzer or bell (optional)
- A prize for the winning team
Instructions:
- Prepare a list of questions ranging in difficulty, from identifying famous quotes to naming the villain in a specific film.
- Divide the teens into small teams.
- Read the questions aloud and have teams write down their answers. For a faster pace, use buzzers.
- Tally the scores after each round. The team with the most points at the end wins.
3. Pumpkin carving contest
Unleash everyone’s creative side with a classic pumpkin carving contest. It’s a hands-on activity that’s quintessentially Halloween. You can set different categories for judging to give everyone a chance to win, such as “Spookiest,” “Funniest,” or “Most Creative.”
Materials needed:
- One pumpkin per person or team
- Pumpkin carving kits (knives, scoops, and carving tools)
- Newspaper or plastic tablecloths to cover surfaces
- Markers for drawing designs
- Bowls for pumpkin guts and seeds
- Votive candles or LED lights
Instructions:
- Set up a carving station for each participant or team with a pumpkin and tools.
- Give everyone a set amount of time (e.g., one hour) to carve their design.
- Once the time is up, have everyone place a candle or light inside their pumpkin.
- Line up the finished pumpkins and have everyone vote for their favorites in different categories.
4. Halloween scavenger hunt
Get teens moving with an exciting scavenger hunt full of spooky clues and riddles. This game can be set up indoors, outdoors, or across the neighborhood. The challenge of solving puzzles and racing against other teams makes for an energetic and memorable experience.
Materials needed:
- Pre-written clues or riddles hidden in various locations
- Small bags for each team to collect items
- A list of items to find (e.g., a spider web, a black cat decoration, a specific type of candy)
- A grand prize for the first team to finish
Instructions:
- Hide the clues and items around the designated area before the party.
- Divide the teens into teams and give them the first clue.
- Each clue should lead to the next location or item on the list.
- The first team to solve all the riddles and collect all the items wins.
5. Halloween Balloon Pop
Get ready for some spooky fun with the Halloween Balloon Pop game! This energetic activity is perfect for kids and teens, bringing excitement, laughter, and a few surprises to your Halloween party. It’s a great way to get everyone moving and engaged while keeping the festive spirit alive.
Materials needed:
- Orange, black, and purple balloons (20 – 30 depending on group size)
- Small slips of paper with Halloween-themed tasks or riddles (e.g., “Make a scary cat sound,” “Answer: What’s a ghost’s favorite snack?”, “Shout ‘Boo!’ as loud as you can”)
- Candy or small prizes to hide inside some balloons
- Tape, markers, and scissors for decoration
Instructions:
- Before the party, write funny tasks, spooky dares, or riddles on slips of paper. Roll them up and place one inside each balloon before inflating.
- Decorate your play area with the balloons to create a festive Halloween vibe.
- When the game begins, have players take turns (or form teams) to pop a balloon.
- Inside, they’ll find either a task to complete or a prize to claim.
- The player must perform the task written on the paper, no matter if it is silly, spooky, or funny, before the next person takes their turn.
- Continue until all balloons have been popped. At the end, reward the player or team who completed the most tasks or made everyone laugh the hardest.
6. Glow-in-the-dark ring toss
Put a spooky spin on a classic carnival game. In a dark room, the glowing rings and bottles create a cool, eerie atmosphere. It’s simple, fun, and perfect for a party with a spooky vibe.
Materials needed:
- Empty glass or plastic bottles
- Glow stick bracelets or necklaces (to use as rings)
- Water (to weigh down the bottles)
Instructions:
- Fill the bottles with water and arrange them in a triangle formation on the floor.
- Activate the glow sticks and connect them to form rings.
- Turn off the lights and have players stand a few feet away.
- Each player gets a few chances to toss the glowing rings and try to land one over a bottleneck.
7. Halloween Pictionary
This classic drawing game gets a spooky makeover with Halloween-themed words and phrases. It’s a great team game that gets everyone laughing as they try to guess what their teammate is frantically sketching.
Materials needed:
- A large whiteboard, chalkboard, or easel with paper
- Dry-erase markers or chalk
- A list of Halloween-themed words (e.g., “zombie apocalypse,” “witch’s cauldron,” “haunted house”)
- A timer
Instructions:
- Divide the group into two teams.
- One player from a team draws a card with a Halloween word and has one minute to sketch it without using letters or numbers.
- If their team guesses correctly, they get a point.
- The teams alternate turns. The team with the most points wins.
8. Apple bobbing race
A timeless Halloween tradition that always results in splashing and laughter. For a more hygienic or teen-friendly version, try hanging donuts from a string instead and have players try to eat them without using their hands.
Materials needed:
- A large tub or basin
- Water
- Apples
- Towels
Instructions:
- Fill the tub with water and add the apples.
- Players kneel down with their hands behind their backs.
- On “go,” they try to grab an apple from the water using only their mouth.
- The first person to successfully get an apple wins.
9. Wrap the mummy
This fast-paced team game is all about speed and strategy. It’s hilarious to watch teams frantically wrap one of their members from head to toe in toilet paper to create the best-looking mummy before time runs out.
Materials needed:
- Several rolls of toilet paper per team
- A timer
Instructions:
- Divide into teams of three or four.
- Each team chooses one person to be the “mummy.”
- When the timer starts, the other team members must wrap the mummy in toilet paper as quickly as possible.
- The first team to completely wrap their mummy (leaving space for the nose and mouth) wins. Alternatively, the team with the best-wrapped mummy at the end of a set time wins.
10. Mad scientist’s lab
This is a sensory guessing game where teens have to put their hands into concealed boxes and identify the spooky contents. The fun comes from their imagination running wild before they even touch the “severed fingers” (cocktail sausages) or “monster brains” (oily cauliflower).
Materials needed:
- Cardboard boxes with holes cut in the side
- Various food items with weird textures (e.g., cold, cooked pasta for “guts,” corn kernels for “teeth”)
- Blindfolds (optional)
Instructions:
- Label each box with a creepy name for its contents.
- Have players reach inside each box without looking and guess what’s really in there.
- Keep a tally of correct guesses. The player with the most points wins a prize.
11. Halloween costume contest with a twist
Elevate the standard costume contest by adding unique categories and challenges. Instead of just “Best Costume,” include awards for “Most Original,” “Funniest Duo,” or “Best DIY Costume.” You can also have contestants perform a short skit or walk a “catwalk” in character.
Materials needed:
- A designated “runway” area
- Upbeat Halloween music
- Award ribbons or small trophies for different categories
- A panel of judges (or have everyone vote)
Instructions:
- Announce the different award categories at the beginning of the party.
- Have each participant or group show off their costume on the runway.
- The judges or guests cast their votes for each category.
- Hold an awards ceremony to announce the winners.
12. Halloween movie marathon bingo
Make watching scary movies more interactive with a game of bingo. Create bingo cards with common horror movie clichés or events. It keeps everyone engaged, especially during a long movie marathon.
Materials needed:
- Printable Halloween scary movie bingo cards
- A master movie list or a playlist of Halloween favorites
- Bingo markers (candy corn, popcorn, or stickers)
- Small prizes for the winners
Instructions:
- Print one bingo card per player and prepare a list of movie titles to call.
- As you watch or name movies, players mark off the matching titles on their cards.
- The first person to complete a full row, column, or diagonal shouts “Bingo!” and wins a spooky prize.
Ready to bring this spooky game to life? Grab your printable Halloween Movie Bingo worksheet and get your friends or students ready for a frightfully fun movie night!
13. Build a scarecrow race
A creative and collaborative game that works best outdoors. Teams race against the clock to build the best, most functional scarecrow using a pile of random supplies. It’s a great team-building activity that combines creativity with a little bit of friendly competition.
Materials needed:
- Old clothes (flannel shirts, jeans, hats)
- Straw, hay, or newspaper for stuffing
- Stakes or wooden frames
- Twine or rope
- Markers for drawing faces
Instructions:
- Divide into teams and provide each with a pile of scarecrow-building supplies.
- Set a timer for 15-20 minutes.
- Teams must work together to build a freestanding scarecrow before time runs out.
- A judge or the whole group can vote on the winner based on stability, creativity, and overall look.
FAQs
1. What are some fun Halloween games for teenagers?
Teens have tons of great options for Halloween fun that go beyond basic party games. The best activities mix creativity, mystery, and classic spooky challenges. Some of the most popular choices include:
- Murder Mystery Game: An immersive role-playing challenge.
- Pumpkin Carving Contest: A classic, hands-on creative activity.
- Horror Movie Trivia: Test your scary movie knowledge.
- Fear Factor Challenge: A hilarious series of gross-out dares.
- Wrap the Mummy Race: A fast-paced and silly team game.
2. What are some good Halloween games for teens at home?
You can easily host a memorable Halloween party at home with activities that don’t require a lot of space. These games are perfect for turning your living room into the ultimate party zone:
- Halloween Movie Marathon Bingo: An interactive way to watch scary movies.
- Mad Scientist’s Lab: A sensory guessing game with “mystery boxes.”
- Halloween Pictionary: The classic drawing game with a spooky twist.
- Glow-in-the-Dark Ring Toss: A simple game that’s perfect for a dimly lit room.
- Guess the Villain: An easy icebreaker game using sticky notes.
Final thoughts
Halloween games for teens bring energy, laughter, and a little spookiness to the night. Whether it’s solving mysteries, playing glow-in-the-dark challenges, or hosting creative indoor games, these ideas guarantee nonstop fun for everyone. Gather your friends, decorate the space with eerie lights, and get ready for a night full of unforgettable memories. After all, Halloween is the perfect time to be bold, have fun, and let your imagination run wild.
