For families with little ones, October is overwhelmingly about Halloween: Kids are laser-focused on costumes, trick-or-treating, candy, and all the fun, festive celebrations. That’s why it’s an ideal time to break out the craft supplies for some un-boo-lievably fun activities. Not only will they keep kids entertained, but these ideas are easy to pull together with just a few inexpensive items. many of which families probably have on hand. So whether you’re stuck inside due to chillier weather or simply looking for something fun to do with the children you’re caring for, check out these easy Halloween crafts kids will love to make.
Paper Plate Monsters
So long, scary. These fun, friendly monsters are a cinch to make and allow kids to be as creative as they want. All you need are paper plates, crayons or washable markers, construction paper, glue and some googly eyes, if you have them.
This craft works best when kids come up with their own creatures. Three eyes? Cool! Purple teeth? Oh, yeah. Eight arms and one mysterious eyebrow? So good. You can even ask kids to name their monster and make up a story about it. Then, all of a sudden, one craft becomes an entire activity.
Ghostly Handprints
To make this cute craft, trace each child’s hand on white paper and cut it out — be sure to help for younger kids if they need. Just turn the fingers downward and, boo!, you have a ghost. Add eyes and a mouth, then string several together for an easy Halloween garland. For little ones, you can do the cutting and let them handle the decorating.
Pumpkin Patches
No real pumpkins required for this one. Simply cut pumpkin shapes from orange construction paper then let kids create different faces. Ask them to make a few different moods: happy pumpkin, surprised pumpkin, sleepy pumpkin, and the silliest pumpkin they can imagine. Older kids might want to turn theirs into characters and give each one a name and personality. Tape the finished pumpkins to a wall or window to create your own indoor pumpkin patch.
Cotton-Ball Spiderwebs
Spinning up this craft is super-fun: Draw a spiderweb on dark construction paper, add glue along the lines and let kids stick cotton balls or stretched-out cotton onto it. Then make a spider from paper, pipe cleaners or whatever craft supplies are around. Want to keep the fun going? Hide the spiders around the room afterward and have a spider scavenger hunt.
Halloween Creature Leaves
Heading outside? Turn your craft into an adventure. Collect fallen leaves, then use them as the starting point for ghosts, bats, monsters or other Halloween creations. Kids can glue the leaves onto paper and add faces, wings, arms or whatever else they imagine. It’s a craft, nature walk, and fall exploration, all combined into one fun activity.
Trick-or-Treat Bags
Transform a plain paper bag into something way more exciting with a little imagination. Let kids make theirs into a jack-o’-lantern, monster, ghost, black cat, or something completely original using crayons, markers and construction paper. Even if they don’t use the bag for actual trick-or-treating, it makes a perfect place to stash any Halloween creations.
Before You Break Out the Glue…
A little planning can keep a fun activity from becoming a very spooky mess. Check with parents before using paint, permanent markers, scissors or anything that is particularly messy. Choose age-appropriate supplies, supervise younger kids closely and protect tables or floors before you start. And don’t worry about making something look Pinterest-perfect. A lopsided ghost or six-eyed pumpkin isn’t a craft fail. Usually, it’s usually what kids like best.
Remember: The best Halloween craft isn’t necessarily the one that looks best on the refrigerator. It’s the one that gets kids giggling, chatting, imagining and creating… and it gives you something fun to do together. So celebrate the crooked spider legs. Let the pumpkin be blue or red. Add the seventh googly eye. When you’re babysitting, sometimes a little creativity is all it takes to make an ordinary afternoon feel like a special one.
