5 Fun Halloween Activities for Nannies and Kids

Halloween is a magical time for children, filled with spooky costumes, pumpkin treats, and festive activities. For nannies, it’s the perfect opportunity to create lasting memories while helping children explore their creativity and imagination. If you’re looking for Halloween-themed activities to enjoy with the little ones, here are five ideas to get started!

1. Pumpkin Decorating Party

Pumpkin carving might be a bit messy for younger kids, so why not host a pumpkin decorating party instead? Grab some paint, stickers, googly eyes, and glitter, and let the kids transform their pumpkins into spooky or silly characters. You can even turn it into a mini contest with categories like “Funniest Face” or “Scariest Pumpkin.”

Tip: For safety, use foam pumpkins for younger kids so they can handle them without any worry of breaking or making a mess!

2. DIY Halloween Costumes

Encourage kids to get creative by making their own costumes. Whether it's a ghost made from an old sheet or a superhero cape from an upcycled t-shirt, the possibilities are endless. Gather craft supplies like fabric, markers, and glue, and let the kids’ imaginations run wild. This is a fantastic way to get them excited for Halloween and teach them how to be resourceful.

Bonus: Have a mini fashion show at the end of the costume-making session to showcase their creations!

3. Spooky Storytime

Turn down the lights, grab some flashlights, and gather around for a spooky storytelling session. Whether you read classic Halloween books like Room on the Broom or make up your own ghost stories, kids will love the eerie atmosphere. If the children are a bit older, you can take turns telling spooky (but age-appropriate) stories to build their creativity and storytelling skills.

Pro Tip: Add sound effects like spooky howls or creaky door noises to make the stories even more engaging!

4. Halloween-Themed Baking

Get into the Halloween spirit with some festive baking! Whip up some easy sugar cookies and let the kids decorate them with orange and black icing, candy corn, or edible googly eyes. You could also make “monster” cupcakes or mummy-wrapped hot dogs. Baking together is a great way to teach kids basic cooking skills while having fun with a Halloween twist.

Recipe Idea: Try making witch’s brew punch with fruit juice, soda, and gummy worms for an extra treat!

5. Ghostly Scavenger Hunt

Set up a spooky scavenger hunt around the house or backyard. Create clues that lead the kids from one eerie spot to the next, collecting Halloween-themed items like tiny plastic pumpkins, candy, or glow-in-the-dark stickers. You can even incorporate small spooky surprises like fake spiders or glow sticks along the way!

For an added challenge: Host the scavenger hunt in the evening using only flashlights for an extra thrill.

Whether you’re a nanny looking to keep the kids entertained or a family seeking ways to bond during Halloween, these activities offer a mix of creativity, learning, and festive fun. Halloween is about more than just candy—it’s an opportunity to inspire imagination and create special memories. Enjoy the spooky season with these playful activities!

Florence Johnson