Pumpkins, Ghosts, and Giggles: 10 Days of Halloween Fun for Your Little One!
Hey love! 🎃
Ready for a little spooky fun? Because I know Halloween with toddlers is ALL about those adorable costumes, candy-filled buckets, and ahem trying to keep things somewhat calm while they’re on a sugar rush. 😅
But here’s the thing: Halloween doesn’t have to be just about trick-or-treating (though let’s be real—tiny witches and pumpkins knocking on doors are a vibe). If you want to stretch out the spooky season and keep your toddler entertained all week long (without hitting the candy stash early), I’ve got you covered with 10 Days of Spooky Fun Play Prompts that are easy to pull off, super fun, and give you all the I-can’t-even levels of cute. 👻✨
Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Monster Mash Dance Party 💃🕺
Okay, I have to kick things off with one of my favorite no-prep activities—Monster Mash Dance Party! Pop on some Halloween tunes (I’m talking "Thriller," "Ghostbusters," and of course "Monster Mash") and let your little one shake their bones! Bonus points if you both dress up in silly costumes. 🧟♂️
This one’s great for burning off energy, and let’s be real—dancing with your toddler is basically a core memory in the making.
Day 2: Spooky Sensory Bin 🕸️
Create a DIY sensory bin with Halloween-themed goodies. Think black rice as a “spooky night,” squishy fake eyeballs, mini plastic spiders, and little pumpkins. 🕷️ Your toddler will love digging around and exploring textures, and it’s perfect for building fine motor skills (plus, you can sip your much-needed PSL while they’re entertained).
Day 3: Pumpkin Painting 🎨
Sure, carving pumpkins is fun and all, but with toddlers? Not the best idea unless you want a mess of epic proportions. So grab some non-toxic paints, set up an outside station (or tarp it up indoors), and let your little artist go to town. 🎃 Not only will they love it, but you’ll get some insta-worthy masterpieces to display all spooky season. #ToddlerPicasso
Day 4: DIY Ghost Garland 👻
Break out the tissue paper and googly eyes, love—we’re making a DIY ghost garland! Cut out little ghost shapes, let your toddler stick on the googly eyes, and help them string the ghosts together for a super cute (and totally non-scary) decoration. Plus, this is a great activity for hand-eye coordination. 🧵👀
Day 5: Witch’s Brew Sensory Play 🧙♀️
Grab a cauldron (aka, a big bowl) and throw in some water, dish soap, and food coloring for a bubbling, foaming, spooky Witch’s Brew! Add plastic spiders, bats, or rubber snakes for extra spooky fun. Let your toddler stir it up with a big spoon or ladle. 🕸️✨ Bonus? They’ll think they’re making magic, and it’s a great sensory activity to keep their hands busy.
Day 6: Mini Pumpkin Hunt 🎃🔎
You’ve heard of Easter egg hunts, right? Now meet its fall cousin—the Mini Pumpkin Hunt! Hide little pumpkins (or tiny plastic ones) around your house or backyard, and let your toddler go on the hunt. 🔎 Give them a little bucket to collect the pumpkins, and they’ll feel like the star of their very own Halloween adventure.
Day 7: Costume Dress-Up Relay 🧙♀️🦇
Dig out those old costumes (yes, the ones from last year!) and have a Costume Dress-Up Relay. Lay out a few different outfits and let your toddler try them on while racing from one side of the room to the other. Cue the laughs as your little superhero or bumblebee runs in circles, switching hats, capes, and whatever else you can throw in the mix.
Day 8: Halloween Sensory Walk 👟🍂
Get outside, mama! Take a stroll around your neighborhood or park and turn it into a Halloween Sensory Walk. Point out all the decorations, different colors of leaves, and spooky lawn displays. Ask your toddler what they see, smell, and hear. It’s like a fall scavenger hunt, but way easier to pull off! Plus, it’s a chance to enjoy some fresh air before the chaos of trick-or-treating hits.
Day 9: Spooky Storytime 📖🦇
Cuddle up on the couch, grab a few Halloween-themed books (like “Room on the Broom” or “Spooky Pookie”), and have a Spooky Storytime. Not too scary, of course—just enough to get those cozy, fall vibes rolling while your little one snuggles up in your lap. Bonus if you both wear matching pajamas! 🧡👻
Day 10: Trick-or-Treat Practice Run 🍬🏠
And we can’t end without the most classic Halloween activity—Trick-or-Treat Practice! 👻🍭 This was one of my fave activities as a nanny. The child would dress up, knock on the door, and I’d answer as a different silly character each time, giving them a “practice treat” for their goodie bag. You can even use an app that plays different doorbell sounds! 🎃
By the time Halloween night rolls around, your little one will be a trick-or-treating pro, and you’ll have made some sweet (pun intended) memories along the way.
Why Halloween Play Prompts? 🎃
Let’s be real—Halloween can get a little overwhelming for toddlers, and these fun, low-pressure activities give them a chance to enjoy the season without the sugar overload (though a little candy never hurt anyone, right? 😜). Each play prompt is designed to spark joy, create connection, and keep the Halloween spirit alive all week long.
So grab your favorite fall snack (I’m team caramel apple, BTW 🍏), pick a play prompt, and get ready for 10 days of spooky, silly, and memory-filled fun with your little one!
Tea Time! ☕️
What’s your favorite Halloween tradition with your toddler? Drop a comment below or DM me—I’d love to hear your ideas and how you keep the spooky fun rolling all October long. And if you’re looking for more activities or personalized tips for toddler play, hit me up for a free call—I’m here to help you make magic happen!
