Halloween activities for children ages 5-10

Halloween is enjoyed by young and old. There is no need, however, to frighten youngsters with ghosts, witches and haunted houses. Here are some ideas for games and activities especially geared to the 5- to 10-year-old crowd. The expenses are low and preparation time short.

The plans are for a group of 6-10 children. More materials may be required for larger groups.

Use them all, or select your favorites!

POOL NOODLE

DUM DUMS

What you need:

• One pool noodle, preferably orange.

• Dum Dum lollipops.

• Black marker.

What you do:

1.) Cut a section of noodle to the length desired.

2.) Cut a strip from the noodle so it will not roll.

3.) Mark some of the lollipop tips with the marker.

4.) Fill the noodle with the candy

How you play:

A child selects a lollipop and if it has a black tip, he or she gets another turn. This continues until he or she gets an unmarked stick. Note: The child gets to keep the candy. Make sure to have plenty of spares to keep the noodle full.

HOW MANY SPIDERS?

What you need:

• A jar.

• Plastic spiders (those shown are rings, 75 for $3).

• Sheets of paper and pencils for each child’s guess (Remind the children to put their names on their paper!)

• A sign asking, “How many spiders are in the jar?” (This one is handwritten with a few spiders hot-glued to the paper.)

• Curling ribbon for decorating the jar. The jar shown has curling orange ribbon around the neck and three spiders hot-glued to the top.

• A prize (or two) for the winners.

How you play:

The object is to get the closest guess to the number of spiders. Winner gets a prize. You select what that will be.

Hint: Always be prepared for more than one winner! The jar shown, by the way, has 57 spiders in it.

ACTIVITY TABLE

What you need:

• Coloring sheets, search-a word sheets, color-by number sheets.

• Crayons.

How you play:

This allows children to work on their own with little to no supervision. Some children enjoy quieter activities. Completed (or partially completed) sheets can be taken home.

Hint: The internet is loaded with free printable coloring sheets, word puzzles, mazes and more.

EYEBALL TOSS

What you need:

• Two plastic pumpkins.

• Toy eyeballs.

• A line marked on the floor with tape.

What you do:

Divide the children into teams (three on each team works well). Give each team six eyeballs (two per child is best).

How you play:

Toss the eyeballs into the team’s pumpkin. The pumpkin with the most eyeballs inside is the winning team. Allow winner to choose one or two pieces of candy from the treat bowl.

Note: This game goes quickly and can be played over and over. Some supervision is advised, perhaps an older child.

BALLOON POP

What you need:

• Balloons.

• Ribbon.

What you do:

Before the children arrive, blow up the balloons, tying a ribbon to each. Store the balloons out of sight. When ready to play, tie one balloon to each child’s right ankle.

How you play:

Give a 1-2-3 count, and on “Go!” each child tries to pop the balloons of others while protecting his or her own.

The last child with a balloon intact is the winner.

Choose ahead of time what the prize will be.

Note: This game requires some space and can get a bit rowdy, but is a lot of fun!

GLOW STICK TAG

What you need:

• Glow sticks (one per child).

• Room outside to run!

What you do:

Give each child a glow stick necklace. You may need to help them break the sticks to make them glow and then form the necklaces. Go outside, in the yard or a fenced-in area and let them play tag.

TREAT BAGS

Treat bags come in a variety of designs. The ones shown are simply plastic and come with twist ties, 25 for $1.

Prepare a treat bag for each child (and a few extras) before the day of the party.

Hint: Here is a chance to slip in a few healthy treats like raisins, granola bars, fruit snacks, etc.