Halloween is just around the corner, and if you’ve got toddlers, you’re probably looking for fun, safe, and engaging activities to celebrate the spooky season.
While Halloween is often associated with scary costumes and late-night trick-or-treating, there are plenty of toddler-friendly activities that can make the holiday special for your little ones.
Here are 12 Halloween activities for toddlers that will delight and entertain.
12 Halloween Activities for Toddlers
1. Pumpkin Decorating
Make it a Crafty Affair
Instead of carving pumpkins, which can be a bit tricky for toddlers, consider decorating them with non-toxic paints, markers, or stickers. This activity allows toddlers to express their creativity without the mess and safety risks of traditional carving.
Use Stickers and Googly Eyes
Add some fun and personality to your pumpkins using various Halloween-themed stickers and googly eyes. Your little ones will love giving their pumpkins funny faces and silly expressions.
2. Halloween Sensory Bin
Create a Spooky Sensory Experience
Fill a large bin with Halloween-colored rice or pasta, small plastic spiders, and other themed trinkets. This sensory activity will engage toddlers’ senses and keep them entertained as they explore the different textures and colors.
Add Scented Elements
Enhance the sensory experience by adding pumpkin spice-scented elements or dried orange slices. The delightful smells will add an extra dimension to the activity.
3. DIY Halloween Costumes
Encourage Imaginative Play
Help your toddlers create their own simple costumes using items from around the house. Whether it’s a ghost made from a pillowcase or a superhero cape from an old T-shirt, the possibilities are endless.
Focus on Comfort
Make sure any costume is comfortable and easy to move in, so your toddler can enjoy wearing it without any fuss.
4. Halloween Storytime
Read Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Stories
Gather some Halloween-themed picture books and set aside time for a special storytime session. Choose books with colorful illustrations and simple, engaging stories that won’t frighten your little ones.
Act Out the Stories
Encourage your toddlers to act out parts of the story as you read. This interactive element adds fun and helps with comprehension.
5. Halloween Parade
Host a Toddler-Friendly Parade
Organize a mini Halloween parade in your backyard or living room. Have your little ones dress up and march around while playing some upbeat Halloween music.
Invite Friends or Family
If possible, invite a few friends or family members to join in the fun. The more, the merrier!
6. Halloween Dance Party
Move and Groove to Spooky Tunes
Create a playlist of fun, Halloween-themed songs and have a dance party. Toddlers love to move, and music is a great way to get them active and engaged.
Introduce Simple Dance Moves
Teach your toddlers simple dance moves like the “Monster Stomp” or “Ghost Glide.” These can be fun and easy for them to follow along.
7. Halloween Baking
Bake Toddler-Friendly Treats
Spend some time in the kitchen baking simple Halloween treats like pumpkin muffins or ghost-shaped cookies. Involve your toddler in mixing ingredients or decorating the finished products.
Use Healthy Ingredients
Opt for recipes with healthier ingredients, such as whole-grain flour or reduced sugar, to keep things nutritious.
8. Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
Create an Indoor Treasure Hunt
Set up an indoor trick-or-treat scavenger hunt by hiding small bags of goodies around the house. Provide clues or use a map to help your toddler find the treats.
Focus on Non-Candy Items
Include non-candy items like stickers, small toys, or fruit snacks to keep it toddler-friendly.
9. Halloween Crafts
Make Spooky Art Projects
Provide materials for simple Halloween crafts, such as making paper plate ghosts or popsicle stick pumpkins. These projects are perfect for little hands and can be displayed as festive decorations.
Encourage Creativity
Allow your toddler to explore their creativity by choosing colors and materials. There’s no right or wrong way to create art!
10. Nature Walk and Leaf Collecting
Explore the Outdoors
Take a nature walk to collect colorful autumn leaves. This activity combines outdoor exploration with a fun craft idea, as you can use the leaves for art projects later.
Discuss the Seasons
Talk to your toddler about the changing seasons and the different colors and textures of the leaves.
11. Halloween Movie Marathon
Watch Toddler-Friendly Halloween Movies
Host a Halloween movie marathon with age-appropriate films like “Room on the Broom” or “Curious George’s Halloween Boo Fest.” Make sure the movies are short and not too scary for young viewers.
Create a Cozy Viewing Area
Set up a cozy space with pillows and blankets where your toddler can relax and enjoy the movies.
12. Spooky Science Experiments
Conduct Simple Experiments
Introduce your toddler to basic science concepts with Halloween-themed science experiments, like making a baking soda and vinegar “volcano” in a pumpkin.
Make It Hands-On
Encourage your toddler to participate by measuring and mixing ingredients. It’s a fun way to learn and play together.
Conclusion
Halloween can be a magical time for toddlers, filled with creativity, exploration, and fun. By incorporating these 12 activities into your celebrations, you’ll ensure your little ones have a memorable holiday experience.
Don’t forget to capture these moments and share them with family and friends. And if you’re looking for more ideas or need guidance on toddler activities, be sure to check out our website for additional resources tailored to busy parents. Have a happy and safe Halloween with your toddlers!
You might also be interested in:
10 Fun Activities To Do With Toddlers
Daily Schedule for Toddlers: Crafting the Perfect Day for Your Little One