Let’s face it: Halloween with kids is less about Pinterest-perfect crafts and more about making memories—without the mess, the meltdowns, or the dreaded sugar overload. At Cupkin, we believe the best activities are screen-free, creative, and easy to adapt for every age and energy level.
Here are 7 real-life Halloween activities that will have your kids giggling, moving, and creating—all with minimal prep and maximum joy.
1. Spooky Sticker Storytime with Cupkin’s Halloween Sticker Books
Looking for a screen-free, mess-free activity that actually keeps kids engaged? Cupkin’s own Halloween-themed sticker and coloring books are a parent favorite for a reason. Each book is packed with hundreds of vibrant, repositionable stickers and fun coloring pages—designed to foster creativity, fine motor skills, and language-building (just read the reviews: “Bond over sticker fun!” and “Create memories with stickers!”).
How to play:
- Set up a cozy corner with the Cupkin sticker book, markers, and some snacks.
- Encourage kids to create their own spooky story by building scenes with stickers and narrating what’s happening as they color.
- Bonus: Take your sticker book on the go—for car rides, waiting rooms, or dinner at Grandma’s.
Why parents love it:
- No screens, no glue, no glitter in the carpet.
- Promotes independent play and connection.
- Safe, age-appropriate themes and beautiful designs.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Bring the fun indoors or outdoors with this simple DIY game. Use empty plastic bottles as “pins” and a small pumpkin as a bowling ball. Let kids decorate the bottles with Halloween faces using markers or stickers.
Check out more about pumpkin bowling here!
Tip:
Assign points for each pin knocked down and let kids keep score for extra fun.
3. Monster Freeze Dance
Turn up the music, dim the lights, and play Halloween hits (“Monster Mash,” anyone?). When the music stops, everyone freezes in their silliest monster pose. The last one moving is out (or not—sometimes, everyone just wants to dance).
Why it works:
- Great for burning off pre-candy energy.
- Perfect for mixed ages and big groups.
4. DIY Mummy Wrap Race
Give each kid a roll of toilet paper or white crepe paper and set a timer. The goal? Wrap a friend or sibling up like a mummy as fast as possible (no face covering, of course!). Snap some silly photos for your family album.
Pro parent move:
Afterward, let kids “decorate” their Cupkin cups with the leftover paper for a spooky themed drink.
5. Witch’s Potion Sensory Bin
Visit myboredtoddler.com for step by step instructions!
Fill a large bowl or bin with water, add a splash of food coloring, plastic spiders, and eyeball ping-pong balls. Give kids cups, ladles, and spoons to create their own “potions.” You can even add baking soda and vinegar for fizzy fun.
Visit taminglittlemonsters.com for a list of ingredients!
Cupkin hack:
Let kids transfer their “potion” to a Cupkin tumbler for safe, spill-free play.
6. Trick-or-Treat Scavenger Hunt
Not every family does door-to-door trick-or-treating. Hide small treats, toys, or Cupkin stickers around the house and give kids a list of spooky items to find. Bonus: Add riddles or clues for older kids.
Grab this printable on Etsy!
Why parents love it:
- Keeps kids active and safe indoors.
- Lowers the candy chaos and encourages teamwork.
7. Glow Stick Dance Party
Hand out glow sticks, dim the lights, and let your little ghouls and goblins have their own living room rave. Play Halloween music or spooky soundtracks and let kids make up their own dances.
For Cupkin fans:
Decorate Cupkin tumblers with glow-in-the-dark stickers for an extra magical touch.
Why These Activities Win with Real Families
- Screen-free, creative play that keeps hands (and minds) busy.
- Minimal mess, minimal prep: Most use household items or Cupkin favorites.
- Inclusive: Adaptable for toddlers, big kids, or mixed-age sibling crews.
- Parent-tested joy: Everything on this list sparks connection, not just chaos.
Parent Tip: Share Your #CupkinMoments!
Tried a Halloween activity from this list? Tag @cupkin.co and use #CupkinMoments on Instagram for a chance to be featured—and inspire other parents in our community.