Are you looking for Halloween crafts for kids that are more than messy glue and glitter? Tired of recycling the exact boring ghost cutouts and pumpkin drawings every year? If you’re a teacher, you know the struggle—finding Halloween craft ideas that are engaging and age-appropriate can feel like casting a spell without a wand.
Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. Halloween crafts for kids offer more than fun—they inspire creativity, strengthen focus, and support healthy emotional growth. Children find confidence and joy in the rhythm of cutting, gluing, and coloring. Through crafting, the season becomes not only festive but meaningful.
Get ready to explore the most exciting, fun, and festive Halloween crafts for kids you’ve ever seen! From spooky spiders to silly skeletons, we’ll walk you through every kind of project—paper Halloween crafts, preschool Halloween activities, kindergarten-friendly decorations, and more. So grab your scissors, gather your little monsters, and turn this Halloween into a hands-on adventure full of laughter, learning, and googly eyes!
Why Halloween Crafts Are Important for Kids?
Crafting provides kids with a rare chance to slow down and focus in a fast-paced world. Holding a glue stick, folding paper, or drawing a jack-o-lantern face might seem simple. Still, these movements develop the small muscles in their fingers—critical for writing and coordination.
Halloween crafts also promote emotional and social learning. Children express feelings through colors, shapes, and textures—without needing to put emotions into words. These projects teach collaboration, turn-taking, and problem-solving in a group setting. When a child helps another tape a paper bat wing or shares orange paint during a pumpkin activity, they’re not just making art but learning how to live and grow with others.
Through crafting, children participate in the season personally and empoweringly. They’re not just observers of the celebration but creators in it.
Top 50 Halloween Crafts for Kids
1. Cotton Ball Ghosts
A fluffy favorite among Halloween crafts for kids, this simple ghost project is perfect for preschoolers and toddlers. It’s easy to prep, soft to touch, and doubles as cute Halloween decor.
How to make it:
- Draw or print a large ghost shape on white cardstock.
- Let kids cover the surface with glue using a brush or glue stick.
- Stick cotton balls all over until the ghost is fully covered.
- Add googly eyes and a black paper mouth.
- Punch a hole and hang with a string if desired.
Materials: white cardstock, cotton balls, glue, googly eyes, black construction paper, string or yarn.
2. Q-Tip Skeletons
One of the most creative Halloween art projects for kids, this craft turns Q-tips into fun little skeletons. It supports fine motor skills and introduces body awareness.
How to make it:
- Give each child a sheet of black construction paper.
- Cut Q-tips into various lengths for bones.
- Arrange and glue them into a skeleton shape: ribs, arms, legs, spine.
- Draw or glue on a round skull at the top.
- Optional: Label the bones for an educational twist.
Materials: black construction paper, Q-tips, scissors, glue, and white paper.
3. Paper Plate Jack-o’-Lantern
This easy Halloween craft idea uses simple materials to create cheerful jack-o’-lanterns. Great for decorating classrooms, front doors, or Halloween parties.
How to make it:
- Paint a paper plate orange and let it dry.
- Cut triangle eyes and a mouth from black construction paper.
- Glue the eyes and mouth onto the painted plate.
- Cut a small green paper stem and glue it to the top.
- Tape string or yarn to the back to hang it on the wall or door.
Materials: paper plates, orange paint, black and green construction paper, glue, scissors, string or yarn.
4. Handprint Bats
This classic Halloween craft for kids turns their handprints into spooky bat wings. It’s quick to prep, great for group activities, and makes an adorable keepsake.
How to make it:
- Trace the child’s hands on black construction paper and cut them out.
- Cut an oval or small body shape from black paper for the bat’s body.
- Glue the two handprints on either side of the body to form wings.
- Add googly eyes and small triangle ears to the top of the body.
- Optional: Draw a smile or glue on paper fangs for a silly bat face.
Materials: black construction paper, scissors, glue, googly eyes, pencil.
5. Tissue Paper Pumpkins
Tissue paper pumpkins are colorful, crinkly Halloween crafts for kids that help build hand strength and creativity. They’re especially popular with preschool and kindergarten groups.
How to make it:
- Draw a large pumpkin shape on white cardstock.
- Tear or cut orange tissue paper into small squares.
- Crumple the squares slightly and glue them onto the pumpkin shape, covering the whole area.
- Add a green paper stem to the top.
- Optional: Glue on a jack-o’-lantern face using black paper cutouts.
Materials: white cardstock, orange and green tissue paper, black construction paper, glue, scissors.
6. Paper Strip Pumpkins
This 3D Halloween craft is simple, hands-on, and works as a table decoration. It’s one of the most popular DIY Halloween crafts for kids using paper and staplers.
How to make it:
- Cut orange construction paper into 6 to 8 equal strips.
- Stack the strips, then staple or glue them together at one end.
- Bend the strips upward to form a round pumpkin shape and staple the other ends together.
- Add a green paper stem and leaf at the top.
- Let the pumpkin sit upright to dry and display.
Materials: orange and green construction paper, scissors, glue or stapler.
7. Puffy Paint Spider Webs
This textured Halloween craft lets kids create raised spider webs using a simple homemade puffy paint recipe. It’s one of the most creative Halloween art projects for kids.
How to make it:
- Mix equal parts shaving cream and white glue in a small bowl to make puffy paint.
- Spoon the mixture into a squeeze bottle or let kids apply it with a brush.
- Help them draw spider web lines using the puffy paint on black cardstock.
- While still wet, sprinkle with glitter for extra sparkle.
- Optional: Add a plastic spider or draw one at the center of the web.
Materials: black cardstock, white glue, shaving cream, glitter (optional), squeeze bottle or paintbrush, plastic spider (optional).
8. Coffee Filter Ghosts
These soft and floaty ghosts are easy Halloween crafts for kids using basic classroom materials. They’re perfect for window displays or hanging from the ceiling.
How to make it:
- Flatten a round coffee filter and draw a ghost face in the center using black marker.
- Lightly spray the filter with water to give it a wrinkled, aged look. Let dry.
- Crumple a tissue or cotton ball and place it in the center of another filter.
- Wrap the drawn coffee filter over it and tie with a string to form the ghost’s head.
- Hang the finished ghost using yarn or tape.
Materials: coffee filters, black marker, water spray bottle, tissues or cotton balls, string or yarn, tape.
9. Pumpkin Lacing Cards
These pumpkin-themed lacing cards are great Halloween crafts for preschoolers and prek students working on fine motor development. They’re also reusable year after year.
How to make it:
- Cut out a large pumpkin shape from orange cardstock or craft foam.
- Use a hole punch to create evenly spaced holes around the edge.
- Tie one end of a shoelace or thick yarn to one hole.
- Let the child lace through the holes around the pumpkin.
- Add a green paper stem at the top if desired.
Materials: orange cardstock or craft foam, hole punch, shoelace or yarn, green construction paper.
10. Monster Bookmark Corners
These silly monster bookmarks are one of the most fun and useful Halloween crafts for kids. They’re perfect for encouraging reading while letting kids design their own creepy characters.
How to make it:
- Cut a square piece of colored paper (about 6×6 inches).
- Fold it diagonally to make a triangle.
- Fold the corners of the triangle’s base up toward the top point, then tuck them into the pocket created.
- Decorate with monster eyes, teeth, horns, and more using paper cutouts and markers.
- Let it dry and slide it onto the corner of a book page.
Materials: colored paper, glue, scissors, googly eyes or white paper, markers.
11. Ghost Lacing Shapes
Ghost lacing crafts are simple Halloween activities that help build fine motor skills, especially for younger kids in preschool or kindergarten.
How to make it:
- Cut out a large ghost shape from white cardstock.
- Punch holes evenly around the edge of the ghost using a hole punch.
- Tie one end of a shoelace or yarn to one hole.
- Show children how to lace in and out of the holes all the way around the ghost.
- Add eyes and a mouth using paper or marker.
Materials: white cardstock, hole punch, yarn or shoelace, black marker or black paper.
12. Paper Roll Bats
With this recycled Halloween craft idea, turn empty toilet paper rolls into hanging bats. It’s a great way to use everyday materials in a fun, spooky way.
How to make it:
- Paint or color a toilet paper roll black and let it dry.
- Cut bat wings from black construction paper and glue them to the sides.
- Fold the top of the roll inward on both sides to make pointed bat ears.
- Add googly eyes and draw or glue on a small mouth.
- Punch a hole at the top and tie a string to hang.
Materials: toilet paper rolls, black construction paper, glue, googly eyes, black paint or markers, string, hole punch.
13. Jack-o’-Lantern Faces with Felt
This reusable Halloween craft lets kids design their own jack-o’-lantern faces repeatedly. It’s a great hands-on activity for group play or individual creativity.
How to make it:
- Cut large pumpkin shapes from orange felt.
- Cut various eyes, noses, and mouths from black felt to create jack-o’-lantern facial features.
- Let kids mix and match the pieces to make different pumpkin expressions.
- Stick the felt pieces on and peel them off to change the face.
- Store the pieces in labeled bags for classroom use.
Materials: orange felt, black felt, scissors, zip bags for storage.
14. Spider Headbands
This is one of the best Halloween crafts for preschoolers who want to dress up without a full costume. It’s fun, wearable, and easy to make in bulk.
How to make it:
- Cut a strip of black construction paper long enough to fit around a child’s head.
- Staple or tape the ends together to form a headband.
- Cut eight black paper legs and fold them accordion-style.
- Attach four legs to each side of the band.
- Add two large googly eyes or draw eyes with white paper.
Materials: black construction paper, scissors, glue or tape, googly eyes or white paper, stapler.
15. Popsicle Stick Haunted Houses
This spooky craft is a great way to use up leftover popsicle sticks. It’s one of the more creative Halloween art projects for kids and works well in craft centers.
How to make it:
- Arrange popsicle sticks into the shape of a house and glue them together.
- Paint the entire structure black, gray, or purple. Let dry.
- Decorate with cut-out ghosts, pumpkins, or windows made from colored paper.
- Add glitter or stickers for extra flair.
- Stand upright or hang using a string.
Materials: popsicle sticks, paint, colored construction paper, glue, scissors, glitter or stickers, string (optional).
16. Witch Hat Collages
This colorful paper craft lets kids design their witch hats using scraps, stickers, and imagination. It’s one of the easiest Halloween crafts for kids to set up in large groups.
How to make it:
- Cut large triangle hat shapes from black construction paper.
- Provide a variety of colored paper, foil, stickers, and gems for decorating.
- Let kids glue on the pieces to create unique witch hats.
- Add a band and buckle across the bottom using strips of paper.
- Display on bulletin boards or classroom doors.
Materials: black construction paper, assorted colored paper, glue, stickers, scissors.
17. Frankenstein Faces
This Halloween craft for kids turns simple paper into friendly Frankenstein faces. It’s great for teaching shapes and facial features in a fun seasonal way.
How to make it:
- Cut a large green rectangle for the face and black jagged strips for hair.
- Glue the hair to the top of the green paper.
- Add white and black paper circles for eyes, and draw or glue on eyebrows, nose, and a stitched mouth.
- Cut small bolts from gray paper and glue them to the sides of the head.
- Let kids personalize their Frankenstein with extra details.
Materials: green, black, white, and gray construction paper, scissors, glue, and markers.
18. Hanging Paper Spiders
These lightweight, friendly spiders make fun Halloween decorations that are easy to hang around classrooms or homes.
How to make it:
- Cut two black paper circles (one larger, one smaller) and glue them together to form a body and head.
- Fold eight thin black paper strips in accordion style for the legs.
- Glue four legs on each side of the spider’s body.
- Add googly eyes to the head.
- Punch a hole in the top and tie a string to hang.
Materials: black construction paper, googly eyes, glue, scissors, hole punch, string.
19. Lollipop Ghosts
This classic treat-meets-craft is a simple way to add creativity to your Halloween snacks. It is one of the easiest Halloween crafts for kids, and it also works great as a party favor or classroom giveaway.
How to make it:
- Place a small square of white tissue or napkin over the top of a lollipop.
- Gently tie string or ribbon around the base to form the ghost’s head.
- Draw two black eyes with a marker.
- Display the lollipop ghost in a decorated cup or basket.
- Hand them out during Halloween parties or trick-or-treat events.
Materials: lollipops, white tissue or napkins, ribbon or string, black marker.
20. Spider Web Yarn Art
This textured, hands-on activity is one of the best Halloween crafts for kids to improve fine motor skills while making spooky art. It’s perfect for home or classroom displays.
How to make it:
- Cut a circle from black or gray construction paper.
- Use a white crayon to draw a spider web guide lightly.
- Have kids trace the lines with white glue.
- Place yarn pieces over the glue to form the web.
- Add a plastic spider or paper cutout in the center when dry.
Materials: black or gray construction paper, yarn, glue, scissors, white crayon, plastic spider (optional).
21. Halloween Masks
One of the most convenient Halloween crafts for kids, these printable masks let children cut, color, and wear their spooky creations—no drawing required.
How to make it:
- Print free Halloween mask templates (witches, vampires, pumpkins, etc.).
- Let kids color them using crayons, markers, or paint.
- Cut out the masks along the lines.
- Punch holes on each side and tie elastic or string to fit the child’s head.
- Wear for Halloween parties, pretend play, or costume time.
Materials: printed Halloween mask templates, crayons or markers, scissors, hole punch, and elastic or string.
22. Jack-o’-Lantern Paper Lanterns
This glowing paper craft is one of the most fun and decorative Halloween crafts for kids. It makes a great addition to classroom windows or Halloween party tables.
How to make it:
- Fold an orange sheet of construction paper in half lengthwise.
- Cut slits along the fold, stopping 1 inch from the edges.
- Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder, stapling or taping the ends.
- Cut jack-o’-lantern face shapes from black paper and glue them on.
- Add a green paper strip as a stem and a handle if desired.
Materials: orange and black construction paper, scissors, glue, stapler or tape, green paper.
23. Witch’s Brew Sensory Bag
This mess-free Halloween craft for preschool is perfect for tactile exploration and spooky storytelling. It’s especially great for sensory-sensitive students.
How to make it:
- Fold an orange sheet of construction paper in half lengthwise.
- Cut slits along the fold, stopping 1 inch from the edges.
- Unfold the paper and roll it into a cylinder, stapling or taping the ends.
- Cut jack-o’-lantern face shapes from black paper and glue them on.
- Add a green paper strip as a stem and a handle if desired.
Materials: orange and black construction paper, scissors, glue, stapler or tape, green paper.
24. Folded Paper Ghosts
This is a simple origami-style Halloween craft for kids that turns basic white paper into floating ghosts. It’s easy to scale for classroom batches or home décor.
How to make it:
- Start with a square piece of white paper.
- Fold it into a triangle diagonally, then fold the top to create a rounded ghost head.
- Draw a face with a black marker—scary or silly.
- Punch a hole at the top and tie string for hanging.
- Make a dozen and create a floating ghost garland.
Materials: white paper, black marker, hole punch, string or yarn.
25. Torn Paper Candy Corn
This colorful and straightforward Halloween craft for kids is perfect for preschool and kindergarten students learning about shapes and color recognition.
How to make it:
- Draw a large triangle candy corn shape on white cardstock.
- Divide the triangle into three horizontal sections.
- Tear white, orange, and yellow construction paper into small pieces.
- Glue the torn paper onto each section in the correct color order.
- Let dry and display as a festive fall art piece.
Materials: white cardstock, yellow, orange, and white construction paper, glue, pencil.
26. DIY Paper Witch Puppets
This interactive Halloween craft for kids turns paper into a fun storytelling tool. It supports dramatic play and can be used in puppet shows or reading corners.
How to make it:
- Draw or print a simple witch template with a face, hat, and outfit.
- Let kids color in the witch using crayons or markers.
- Cut the witch parts and glue them onto a craft stick or straw.
- Add yarn for hair and small paper accessories like a broom.
- Use the puppet for songs, stories, or Halloween-themed play.
Materials: printed witch template or white paper, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, yarn, craft sticks.
27. Bat Silhouette Window Art
This dramatic and easy Halloween decoration lets kids explore contrast and negative space while making bold seasonal art.
How to make it:
- Cut out bat shapes from black construction paper.
- Glue them onto wax paper or transparent contact paper.
- Use watered-down paint or tissue paper around the bats to create a glowing sky effect.
- Let dry and tape to windows for a stained-glass look.
- Watch the sunlight shine through the artwork during the day.
Materials: black construction paper, wax or contact paper, paint or tissue paper, glue, scissors.
28. Ghost Paper Chains
This easy Halloween craft for kids turns paper strips into a spooky chain of floating ghosts. It’s perfect for decorating classrooms, doors, and party walls.
How to make it:
- Cut white construction paper into about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long strips.
- Loop and glue each strip to form a chain, linking them together one by one.
- On each link, draw a ghost face with a black marker.
- Create as many as you like to form a long ghost garland.
- Hang across walls or windows for an easy DIY Halloween decoration.
Materials: white construction paper, glue, scissors, black marker, tape or string (for hanging).
29. Pumpkin Seed Mosaic
This creative project is one of the more unique Halloween arts and crafts for kids. It’s great for sensory exploration and turns snack leftovers into art.
How to make it:
- Clean and dry pumpkin seeds from a carved pumpkin, or use pre-packaged ones.
- Dye the seeds using food coloring and let them dry.
- Draw a pumpkin or jack-o’-lantern on thick paper.
- Glue the colored seeds inside the outline to fill in the shape.
- Display once it’s scorched.
Materials: pumpkin seeds, food coloring, thick paper, glue, markers.
30. Spooky Tree Silhouettes
This dramatic Halloween art project is ideal for older kids who want something more detailed. It also doubles as striking Halloween wall art.
How to make it:
- Paint a background using watercolors (sunset colors work well). Let dry.
- Use black paper to cut out tree branches, bats, or a haunted house.
- Glue the silhouettes onto the dry, painted background.
- Add stars or a full moon with white paint or chalk.
- Frame with black construction paper for a finished look.
Materials: watercolor paints, white paper, black construction paper, scissors, glue, chalk or white paint.
31. DIY Paper Plate Mummies
This spooky-silly project is one of the easiest Halloween crafts for kids using materials every classroom already has. It’s great for both preschoolers and early elementary students.
How to make it:
- Start with a plain paper plate as the mummy’s face.
- Tear or cut white paper or crepe streamers into strips.
- Glue the strips across the plate, crisscrossing to look like bandages.
- Leave space for two big googly eyes to peek through.
- Let dry and hang on the wall or classroom door.
Materials: plates, white paper or crepe streamers, glue, googly eyes, scissors.
32. Cupcake Liner Bats
Cupcake liners become flapping bats in this simple, hands-on Halloween craft for kids. It’s perfect for groups and quick to set up.
How to make it:
- Flatten a black cupcake liner for the bat’s wings.
- Fold a second liner in half for the body and glue it in the center.
- Add small triangle ears and googly eyes on top.
- Draw or glue on a small mouth or fangs.
- Tape string to the back if you’d like to hang them.
Materials: black cupcake liners, googly eyes, glue, scissors, string (optional), black paper.
33. Printable Haunted House Coloring Craft
This is one of the most flexible printable Halloween crafts for kids, perfect for downtime or take-home fun. It encourages coloring, imagination, and storytelling.
How to make it:
- Print a haunted house coloring template from a craft website or resource.
- Let kids color it in using crayons, colored pencils, or markers.
- Cut out characters like ghosts, bats, and pumpkins to place around the house.
- Optionally, glue everything onto a larger construction paper to create a haunted scene.
- Display it on a bulletin board or send it home for Halloween decor.
Materials: printed haunted house template, crayons or markers, scissors, glue, construction paper (optional).
34. Crawly Sensory Bin
This hands-on Halloween craft for kids doubles as a sensory activity. It is great for toddlers and preschoolers who are exploring textures and pretend play.
How to make it:
- Fill a large plastic bin with dry materials like black beans, rice, or shredded paper.
- Add small plastic Halloween toys like spiders, bugs, skulls, or mini pumpkins.
- Include scoops, cups, or tongs for sorting and exploring.
- Encourage kids to find, count, or sort the creepy items.
- Supervise play and rotate materials to keep it fresh.
Materials: plastic bin, dry sensory base (beans, rice, paper), Halloween-themed plastic toys, small scoops or tongs.
35. Foam Sticker Monster Faces
This no-mess Halloween craft is perfect for younger children and works well in classrooms or craft stations. Kids can create their own silly or spooky monster using pre-cut shapes.
How to make it:
- Cut out large circles or ovals from cardstock or foam sheets.
- Provide foam stickers in different shapes: eyes, mouths, teeth, horns, and more.
- Let kids decorate their monster face however they like.
- Encourage them to name their monster and describe its personality.
- Display finished monsters on a bulletin board or take-home wall.
Materials: foam sheets or cardstock, foam stickers, scissors (if needed), markers (optional).
36. Pumpkin Paper Bag Puppets
These puppets are a fun and interactive Halloween craft for preschool and kindergarten. They are great for storytelling and imaginative play.
How to make it:
- Give each child a small brown paper bag.
- Cut out pumpkin shapes and jack-o’-lantern facial features from orange and black paper.
- Glue the pumpkin face onto the bag’s flap (where the puppet’s head would be).
- Decorate the rest of the bag with paper leaves or vines.
- Use the puppet during Halloween songs or classroom stories.
Materials: brown paper bags, orange and black construction paper, scissors, glue, green paper (optional).
37. Glowing Ghost Jars
This glowing craft is a perfect Halloween decoration project that kids can make and enjoy after dark. It’s one of the most fun DIY Halloween crafts for kids, adding spooky ambiance to any space.
How to make it:
- Clean and dry a small glass or plastic jar.
- Cover the outside with white tissue paper using glue or Mod Podge.
- Add two large black paper circles for eyes and a ghost mouth.
- Insert a battery-operated tea light inside the jar.
- Turn off the lights and let the ghost glow.
Materials: jars, white tissue paper, black construction paper, glue or Mod Podge, battery tea lights.
38. Bat Clothespin Clips
Kids Halloween crafts don’t get much simpler than this — and these bats double as functional clips for hanging Halloween cards, artwork, or treat bags.
How to make it:
- Paint wooden clothespins black and let them dry.
- Cut bat wings from black construction paper or foam and glue them to the back of the clothespin.
- Add googly eyes on the top of the clip.
- Use them to clip treat bags, hang crafts, or display Halloween photos.
- Store in a craft box for reuse next year.
Materials: wooden clothespins, black paint, black paper or foam, googly eyes, glue.
39. Wiggly Eyed Paper Spiders
A classic Halloween craft for kids that never goes out of style. These creepy-cute spiders are great for classroom windows or hallway decorations.
How to make it:
- Cut a large circle from black construction paper for the spider’s body.
- Cut eight long, thin strips for legs and accordion-fold each one.
- Glue four legs on each side of the body.
- Attach two big googly eyes to the front.
- Add a string to hang it or tape it to the wall.
Materials: black construction paper, googly eyes, glue, scissors, string or tape (optional).
40. Ghost Stick Puppets
These simple stick puppets are fun Halloween crafts for kids that support imaginative play and storytelling. They’re quick to make and easy to personalize.
How to make it:
- Cut out ghost shapes from white construction paper.
- Add googly eyes and draw a mouth using a black marker.
- Glue each ghost to the top of a craft stick.
- Let kids decorate with glitter, yarn, or stickers.
- Use them in Halloween songs, puppet shows, or pretend play.
Materials: white construction paper, craft sticks, googly eyes, glue, markers, and optional decorations.
41. Frankenstein Paper Bags
This is one of the best Halloween crafts for kindergarten classrooms—creative, fun, and great for puppet play or treat bags.
How to make it:
- Start with a green paper lunch bag or paint a brown one green.
- Cut black jagged paper strips for hair and glue them across the top flap.
- Add eyes, a mouth, and bolts cut from paper.
- Decorate with stitches drawn in marker.
- Let kids use them as puppets or gift bags for Halloween treats.
Materials: paper bags, green and black construction paper, glue, markers, scissors, googly eyes (optional).
42. DIY Pumpkin Garland
This fun paper chain is a great Halloween classroom craft for kids. It helps develop pattern recognition and cutting skills, bringing festive vibes to any wall or window.
How to make it:
- Cut orange construction paper into strips for pumpkin bodies.
- Loop each strip into a circle and staple or glue to make a chain.
- Add green paper leaves or stems to each loop.
- Draw jack-o’-lantern faces on some loops for variety.
- Hang the garland across the room or along a window.
Materials: orange and green construction paper, glue or stapler, black marker, scissors, string or tape.
43. Paper Cone Witches
This 3D Halloween craft for kids is perfect for desk or shelf decorations. The cone shape gives it structure, while the decorating offers lots of creative freedom.
How to make it:
- Roll black construction paper into a cone shape and glue or tape it closed.
- Cut a circle base and glue the cone on top to form the witch’s body.
- Create a witch’s face from paper and glue it near the top of the cone.
- Add yarn hair, a hat, and accessories using scrap paper or foam.
- Display upright as a Halloween decoration.
Materials: black and colored construction paper, glue or tape, yarn, scissors, markers.
44. Ghost Footprint Art
Footprint crafts are always a hit with younger kids and make great keepsakes for parents. This Halloween craft for preschoolers is both adorable and easy to do.
How to make it:
- Paint the bottom of the child’s foot with white, washable paint.
- Press the foot onto black paper and let it dry.
- Turn the footprint upside down—it’s now a ghost!
- Add eyes and a mouth using a black marker or paper.
- Write the child’s name and date to keep as a memory.
Materials: black paper, white paint, paintbrush, black marker or paper, wet wipes or soap for cleanup.
45. Candy Corn Paper Fans
This bright and festive Halloween craft for kids uses paper folding techniques to mimic the iconic candy corn look. It’s fun, decorative, and helps with pattern recognition.
How to make it:
- Cut white, orange, and yellow paper into equal-sized strips.
- Stack and glue them in the order of candy corn (white on top, orange, then yellow).
- Accordion-fold the paper from top to bottom.
- Fold the entire strip in half and glue the ends together to form a fan.
- Add a string if you’d like to hang it.
Materials: white, orange, and yellow construction paper, glue, scissors, string (optional).
46. Printable Halloween Puppets
One of the easiest Halloween crafts for kids, these printable puppets let children cut, color, and perform with Halloween characters like witches, ghosts, and skeletons.
How to make it:
- Download and print Halloween puppet templates (ghosts, bats, witches, etc.).
- Let kids color in their characters using crayons or markers.
- Cut out the puppet shapes carefully.
- Glue or tape each puppet onto a craft stick or straw.
- Use them for pretend play or story time.
Materials: printable Halloween craft templates, crayons or markers, scissors, glue or tape, craft sticks or straws.
47. DIY Halloween Wreath
This is one of those Halloween crafts for kids that doubles as a classy decoration. It allows kids to contribute meaningfully to home or classroom decor.
How to make it:
- Cut out a ring-shaped base from cardboard or thick paper.
- Provide cutouts of pumpkins, ghosts, bats, and leaves made from construction paper.
- Let kids glue the cutouts around the wreath base in layers.
- Add glitter, stickers, or foam shapes for texture.
- Tie a ribbon to the top and hang on a door or wall.
Materials: cardboard or thick paper, Halloween-themed cutouts, glue, ribbon, scissors, and optional decorations.
48. Haunted House Collage
This spooky Halloween art activity lets kids build their haunted mansion using layers of paper, texture, and imagination. It’s one of the most engaging Halloween crafts for kids in group settings.
How to make it:
- Start with a sheet of dark-colored paper as the background.
- Cut out house shapes and windows from black or gray paper.
- Let kids build their haunted house using glue, overlapping pieces for a layered look.
- Add paper ghosts, bats, and pumpkins to the scene.
- Use chalk or white pencil to draw moonlight, fog, or stars.
Materials: dark construction paper, black and gray paper, glue, scissors, white chalk or pencil, themed cutouts.
49. Pumpkin Stamping with Apples
This is one of the most hands-on and easy Halloween crafts for kids, perfect for preschoolers learning about shapes, patterns, and textures. It brings autumn and Halloween together in one messy, memorable activity.
How to make it:
- Cut an apple in half horizontally to expose the core.
- Pour orange paint onto a flat plate.
- Dip the flat side of the apple into the paint and press it onto paper to create pumpkin shapes.
- Once dry, add green stems and jack-o’-lantern faces with markers or cut paper.
- Hang the stamped pumpkins around the classroom or hallway.
Materials: apples, orange paint, white paper, green and black markers or construction paper, paper plates.
50. Halloween Craft Station Box
This flexible Halloween project turns craft time into a self-guided experience. Great for classrooms, this is more of a setup than a single activity—but it’s still one of the smartest Halloween crafts for kids.
How to make it:
- Set up a large box or container with craft materials: paper scraps, glue, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, markers, felt, stickers, and scissors.
- Add Halloween-themed cutouts, printable templates, or inspiration cards.
- Let kids choose what they want to make—monsters, pumpkins, haunted houses, or ghosts.
- Allow 15–30 minutes of open-ended crafting.
- Display their creations on a bulletin board or string up with clothespins.
Materials: assorted paper, glue, scissors, googly eyes, stickers, printable Halloween craft templates, felt, markers, pipe cleaners.
Eco-Friendly & Budget-Friendly Halloween Craft Ideas
Halloween doesn’t have to come with high costs or piles of waste—many of the best Halloween crafts for kids can be made using recycled, reusable, or natural materials. With some creativity, schools and homes can offer meaningful craft experiences while teaching children the importance of sustainability and resourcefulness.
Eco-conscious crafting aligns perfectly with Montessori and Reggio-inspired environments, where hands-on exploration and respect for the environment are central values. Whether running a kindergarten, managing a daycare, or organizing a Halloween event for children, these sustainable ideas help reduce waste and expenses while keeping the fun alive.
One great approach is to rely on recyclable materials. Items like cardboard boxes, egg cartons, paper towel tubes, and newspapers can be transformed into engaging Halloween crafts. For example, egg carton bats are simple to make—just cut apart the cups, paint them black, and add wings and eyes. Similarly, cardboard haunted houses offer open-ended creative play without buying plastic kits.
Another smart move is to use natural materials from outside. Leaves, twigs, pinecones, and small stones can be incorporated into fall-themed crafts like pumpkin leaf collages or twig spider webs. These budget-friendly projects provide sensory experiences and connect children with nature, an important aspect of early childhood development.
Besides saving money, these projects teach children to reuse materials, make sustainable choices, and think creatively—key learning goals in any high-quality preschool or kindergarten program.
Halloween Craft Supply Checklist
A good supply checklist saves time, avoids waste, and ensures that creative projects run smoothly—especially when working with large groups of young children. Many of the best Halloween crafts for kids can be made with everyday classroom materials, but having specific Halloween-themed extras can take projects to the next level.
Essential Craft Supplies
These are the must-haves for almost any Halloween art activity:
- Construction paper (black, orange, white, green, yellow, purple)
- Child-safe scissors
- Glue sticks and white liquid glue
- Washable paint (orange, black, white, green)
- Paintbrushes and sponge applicators
- Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
- Pencils and erasers
- Tape (regular and double-sided)
- Paper plates and paper bags
- Popsicle sticks and coffee filters
- Googly eyes (various sizes)
- Hole punches and string or yarn
- Pipe cleaners (predominantly black, orange, and green)
- Cotton balls and tissue paper
Halloween Craft Safety Tips for Kids
Whether running a kindergarten, organizing a holiday event, or preparing bulk Halloween arts and crafts for preschoolers, it’s essential to plan with safety in mind. A few extra steps taken before and during crafting sessions can prevent injuries, reduce cleanup stress, and help children build positive experiences around art and creativity.
Here are the most essential Halloween craft safety tips to follow in any school or childcare setting:
Watch for Choking Hazards
Googly eyes, buttons, beads, small foam pieces, and plastic spiders may look fun, but they are dangerous if swallowed. Only use small parts under close adult supervision—and skip them entirely in toddler rooms. For younger age groups, use paper alternatives like large cutouts or sticker versions.
Supervise at All Times
Never leave children unattended with scissors, glue, or craft supplies. Assign small group leaders or rotate through workstations to ensure every child gets hands-on help. For larger group settings, use pre-cut materials whenever possible to reduce risk.
Be Mindful of Allergies and Sensitivities
Always check for latex allergies, paint sensitivities, and reactions to scented supplies or glitters. If in doubt, stick with odorless and hypoallergenic materials. Use gloves or protective smocks to avoid skin contact with unknown substances.
Conclusion
This complete guide to Halloween crafts for kids offers everything you need to create a festive, educational, and engaging season—from creative ghost puppets to eco-friendly pumpkin collages. With 50 unique, classroom-ready projects and practical tips for supplies, safety, and budget planning, this resource supports both learning outcomes and seasonal fun.
Halloween crafts for kids aren’t just a fun seasonal activity—they are a valuable tool for developing fine motor skills, storytelling, sensory engagement, and early design thinking. In well-prepared spaces like kindergartens and preschools, where hands-on creativity is supported by functional environments and durable learning furniture, these craft experiences flourish even more. And when the physical classroom setup supports independence, safety, and flexibility, crafting becomes not just an activity—but a lasting educational ritual.
Frequently Asked Questions: Halloween Crafts for Kids
Q1: How can I organize a Halloween craft station for 20+ preschoolers?
Create rotating craft centers with 4–5 simple projects like paper pumpkins, ghost lacing cards, or spider hats. Prep materials in advance and sort them into bins. Use tables with enough space and child-friendly furniture that supports movement and focus. (A well-equipped classroom layout matters here.)
Q2: Are there printable Halloween crafts for kids that save time and budget?
Yes! Printable Halloween masks, haunted house scenes, and puppet templates are perfect for large groups. They reduce prep time and cut material costs. You can also laminate printables for reuse next year. Search for themed PDFs that match age-appropriate skill levels.
Q3: How do I clean up efficiently after Halloween arts and crafts in a kindergarten class?
Lay down disposable or reusable table covers before starting. Assign “cleanup helpers” to sort tools, toss scraps, and wipe tables. Keep wet wipes and bins nearby. For centers with younger children, having age-appropriate furniture with built-in storage makes cleanup quicker and smoother.
Q4: How do Halloween crafts support early learning goals?
Halloween crafts for kids strengthen fine motor development, visual-spatial skills, early literacy (labeling crafts), and social-emotional learning. They also encourage storytelling and self-expression—all critical in preschool and kindergarten development frameworks like Montessori and Reggio.
Q5: Can I use recycled or natural materials in Halloween crafts for kids?
Absolutely. Cardboard, paper tubes, bottle caps, and leaves can be used for eco-friendly projects like monster collages or spider webs. These materials reduce costs and teach sustainability. Parents can help collect safe recyclables for classroom use.
