6 Fun & Easy Halloween Activities for Nannies & Kids

(Plus a Bonus for Snack Time!)

image of halloween craft pumpkin in article about fun halloween activities with kids

Looking for Halloween activities for kids that are nanny-friendly, quick to set up, and easy to clean? This mini-guide has you covered with no-carve crafts, STEM spookiness, and cozy lanterns, adjustable no matter the age of your kiddos. Fun and games galore (with educational twists that parents will love!).

1. “Stained-Glass” Bats

Bring out your best crafty selves with this easy bit of magic. Kids will love experimenting with different colors. 
You’ll need: Paper plates, black construction paper, tissue paper (orange/purple/yellow), scissors, clear tape or glue stick, hole punch, string.

Steps

  1. Cut the center out of a paper plate to make a ring. 

  2. Trace/cut simple bat shapes from black paper.

  3. Tape tissue squares across the plate opening to make a “stained glass” panel.

  4. Glue the bat silhouette on top; punch a hole and hang in a sunny window.

Adjustment for tiny hands: pre-cut the bat shapes for younger kiddos and let them place tissue “tiles”. 

2. Spooky Nature Walk

This outdoor scavenger hunt is a great way to get into the spirit of the season while also sneaking in some fresh air. Life a live-action “I spy”!

You’ll need: Printed checklist or notes app, stickers/markers, phone for photos.

How to play

  1. Make a quick checklist of season-primed treasures to find: orange leaf, triangle roof (witch hat!), spiderweb (real or decoration), black cat, pumpkin, crescent moon, skeleton, purple lights.

  2. Walk your block or local park. Kids sticker the list or snap photos as they spot each item.

Bonus tips:

  • STEM-boosting add-on: ask “What shapes do you see?” “What colors mean Halloween?” “How many pumpkins are on this block?”

  • For older or artistic kids: bring a sketch pad and stop to draw the scene

 
fizzy halloween chemistry fun with kids
 

3. Glow-Stick Potion Lab

This spooky STEM activity is sure to be a hit with kids who love a mad scientist mayhem moment. Fizzy chemistry! Bright Colors! An easy win for a nanny on their A game. 
You’ll need: Clear cups, baking soda, white vinegar, water, food coloring, plastic pipettes/spoons, unbroken glow sticks (stir only).

Steps

  1. Fill cups halfway with water + a drop of color; add a teaspoon of baking soda.

  2. Kids add vinegar to watch potions fizz. 

  3. Dim the lights and stir with glow sticks for instant potion magic.

4. Pumpkin Bowling Alley

This game may be even better after Halloween, when the porch step pumpkins have served their decorative purpose but still have some spark in them. Mini pumpkins are best, but use whatever you have for a challenge (just ask parents for permission, first!). 

You’ll need: 6–10 toilet-paper rolls, painter’s tape if indoors, mini pumpkin (stem removed).

How to play

  1. Use painters tape to stake out the bowling lane if staying indoors.

  2. Set up a “pin” triangle using the toilet paper rolls. Bonus points if you’ve painted them white and drawn on ghost faces as a cute craft beforehand!

  3. Let the kids roll the pumpkin to knock down the ghosts/pins; reset and repeat. Don’t forget to use your math brains to keep score. 

5. Calaveras (Sugar-Skull) Collage 

This Día de los Muertos-inspired activity gives you a chance to lean into the tribute and love part of the season. Plus, bold colors and fun patterns tickle any kiddo’s sensibilities! Find a calavera skull outline pattern online and print it out before starting the activity. 


You’ll need: Printed skull outline, bright paper scraps, glue sticks, markers, faux flowers/stickers.

How to create your sugar-skull

  1. Each kiddo gets a skull outline. 

  2. Let them go wild! Decorate the skull with cut-out shapes, flowers, colors, and patterns. 

  3. Take the opportunity to share a happy memory of a loved one or pet as you create.

Cultural note: this is a great chance to discuss with kids not only how the time of year is celebrated differently in different cultures, but also to point out how Día de los Muertos honors loved ones with joy, not fear. This way, you can keep the focus on celebration and remembrance. 

6. Mummy Mason Jar Lanterns

This time of year is also all about getting cozy as the days get darker. Lean into the light with this craft that also doubles as a perfect segue into storytime. 

You’ll need: Clean jars, gauze/white crepe paper, glue or double-sided tape, googly eyes, battery-operated tea lights.

Making the lanterns

  1. Wrap jars with gauze, thinly enough that light can shine through. 

  2. Glue on eyes and pop in battery-operated candles.

  3. Line jars on a windowsill for a warm, spooky glow.

BONUS: Monster Toast Snack Art

One part craft, one part snack, this little monster is the perfect way to take a break in the middle of all your fall fun. 


You’ll need: Toast or rice cakes; cream cheese or even yogurt; food coloring or colorful fruit puree; sliced fruit/veg (bananas, berries, cucumbers, olives), pretzel sticks, raisins.

Assemble your monster snack: 

  1. Dye your chosen base with a little bit of food coloring or puree.

  2. Spread on the rice cake or toast.

  3. Build monster faces : banana “eyes,” berry “tongues,” cucumber “scales,” pretzel “hair”.

  4. Try your best not to play with your food – we dare you! 

 
 

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Cajsa Landin