Planning a Halloween party and want to keep the kids actually entertained (without handing over an iPad)? Time to bring back the classics! Old-school Halloween games aren’t just budget-friendly, they’re timeless, active, and full of laughter. The best part? They’re still a hit with today’s kids.
Whether you’re hosting a classroom party, a neighborhood bash, or a cozy family celebration, these old-school Halloween party games will have your little ghouls and goblins begging for more.
7 Halloween Party Games That Are Still a Hit
1. Mummy Wrap with Toilet Paper
This game never fails to get laughs! Divide kids into teams and give each group a roll or two of toilet paper. One person becomes the mummy, and the others race to wrap them head to toe. Set a timer or play spooky music as the countdown.
Why it works: Kids love the chaos, parents love the photo ops, and it’s great for teamwork and giggles. Pro tip: keep extra toilet paper on hand!
2. Apple Bobbing
Fill a large basin with water and float a few apples. Kids take turns trying to bite one and no hands allowed! It’s messy, silly, and a true Halloween staple.
Tip: Place towels or an old sheet underneath the tub and have a stack of hand towels ready for post-bob clean-up.
3. Apple on a String
Hang apples from a doorway or clothesline and challenge kids to take bites, and again, no hands! It’s cleaner than bobbing and just as fun.
Level up: Use donuts on strings for a tasty twist!
4. Musical Statues (Freeze Dance)
Play spooky songs (think Monster Mash or Ghostbusters) while kids dance their hearts out. Pause the music randomly and everyone has to freeze. Anyone who moves is out!
Pro tip: Add fog machines or strobe lights for extra Halloween flair.
5. Ghostly Musical Chairs
Set up chairs in a circle with one less than the number of players. When the music plays, kids walk (or dance) around. When it stops, they scramble for a seat. The one left out becomes a “ghost” and helps spot the next round.
Variation: Use Halloween-themed music and decorate the chairs with spiderwebs or orange ribbons.
6. Pin the Eyeball on the Zombie
A ghoulish spin on a classic! Hang a zombie poster and cut out eyeballs from paper. Blindfold kids, spin them gently, and let them try to pin the eye in the right spot.
Easy DIY: Print a zombie face or draw one on poster board. Use painter’s tape for easy repositioning.
7. Halloween Cake Walk
Set up a numbered circle on the floor. Play music while kids walk around the numbers. When the music stops, call out a number and whoever lands on it wins a Halloween-themed treat or small prize.
What you need: Paper numbers taped to the floor, fun music, and small prizes like cookies, cupcakes, or spooky stickers.
Whether you’re wrapping up mummies, bobbing for apples, or freezing mid-boogie, these Halloween games deliver more than just entertainment, they build memories. They’re low-tech, high-impact, and perfect for busy parents or teachers looking to make Halloween magic without spending hours crafting or cleaning.
