15 Fun and Creative Halloween DIY Decorations Ideas for Kids
15 Fun and Creative Halloween DIY Decorations Ideas for Kids
Halloween is the perfect time to get kids involved in fun and creative projects. DIY decorations not only add charm to your home but also give children a chance to express their imagination. From spooky crafts to playful displays, these activities turn decorating into a family event. The best part is that many of these ideas use simple, affordable materials you may already have at home. Here are 15 Halloween DIY decorations that kids will love making while adding festive spirit to your space.
1. Paper Plate Jack-O’-Lanterns
Kids can paint or color paper plates orange, then cut out black paper shapes for eyes and mouths. These lightweight jack-o’-lanterns can be hung on walls or doors. They are safe, fun, and easy for little hands. The project is perfect for younger children just starting with crafts.
Pro Tip: Add green pipe cleaners as “stems” to make them more realistic.
2. Ghostly Tissue Paper Lanterns
Using empty jars, tissue paper, and glue, kids can create glowing ghost lanterns. Simply wrap jars in white tissue, add spooky faces, and place a battery tea light inside. They make charming nightlights during Halloween week. This activity is safe and exciting for kids of all ages.
Pro Tip: Use colored tissue for variety, like orange pumpkins or green monsters.
3. Handprint Bats
Children love making handprint crafts, and bats are a festive choice. Trace their hands on black paper, cut them out, and add googly eyes. Attach them to string for a flying bat garland. It’s a keepsake project parents will also treasure.
Pro Tip: Add glitter glue on the wings for a magical nighttime sparkle.
4. Popsicle Stick Spiderwebs
Paint popsicle sticks white or black, glue them in a star shape, and wrap yarn around to form webs. Kids can add small plastic spiders for a spooky finish. These webs look great hanging on doors or windows. The activity improves fine motor skills while being fun.
Pro Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark yarn for webs that shine at night.
5. Egg Carton Spiders
Cut egg cartons into sections, paint them black, and attach pipe cleaners for legs. Add googly eyes for personality. These little spiders can be scattered around tables or shelves for creepy-cute decor. It’s a great way to recycle materials.
Pro Tip: Hang them with fishing line so they “dangle” like real spiders.
6. Pumpkin Garland from Paper Cutouts
Using construction paper, kids can cut and decorate pumpkins to string together. Each pumpkin can have a different expression for variety. The garland is easy to hang across mantels or doorways. It adds instant festive cheer.
Pro Tip: Laminate the cutouts to reuse them for years to come.
7. Toilet Paper Roll Mummies
Wrap empty toilet paper rolls with strips of white cloth or paper, leaving space for googly eyes. These little mummies are adorable and easy to make. They look great as table centerpieces or shelf decor. This project is perfect for kids of all ages.
Pro Tip: Add glow-in-the-dark eyes for a spooky nighttime effect.
8. DIY Witch Hats from Cardstock
Kids can roll black cardstock into cones to form mini witch hats. Decorate them with glitter, stickers, or ribbon. These hats can be used as table toppers or party favors. They are fun, lightweight, and quick to make.
Pro Tip: Use metallic markers to draw stars and moons for a magical look.
9. Ghost Footprint Art
Dip kids’ feet in washable white paint and press them onto dark paper. Add black dots for eyes and a mouth, and you have cute ghost art. It’s a messy but memorable project for Halloween. Display them on walls or fridge doors.
Pro Tip: Date each artwork as a keepsake to see how little feet grow each year.
10. Candy Corn Paper Chains
Paper chains are a simple craft, and candy corn colors make them festive. Cut strips of orange, yellow, and white paper, then loop and glue them together. Kids love seeing the chain grow as they work. Hang it around door frames or windows for charm.
Pro Tip: Alternate colors evenly to keep the pattern neat and recognizable.
11. DIY Monster Masks
Using paper plates or cardstock, kids can cut out and decorate monster masks. Add yarn hair, googly eyes, or colorful paint. The masks double as both decor and playtime fun. This activity sparks creativity and role-play.
Pro Tip: Attach elastic bands so kids can wear the masks comfortably.
12. Glow Stick Pumpkin Faces
Place glow sticks inside clear plastic cups, then tape paper cutouts of pumpkin faces on the outside. Kids will love watching them glow in the dark. These mini lanterns are safe and exciting for Halloween night. They look great lining hallways or windows.
Pro Tip: Use multicolored glow sticks for a rainbow pumpkin effect.
13. Scary-but-Silly Window Silhouettes
Cut spooky shapes like ghosts, bats, or witches from black paper. Tape them inside windows so they show at night when lights are on. This simple DIY creates a fun Halloween atmosphere for passersby. Kids enjoy designing their own silhouettes.
Pro Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark paint to make silhouettes visible at night.
14. DIY Candy Corn Mason Jars
Paint mason jars in stripes of white, orange, and yellow to mimic candy corn. Fill them with treats or use them as decorations. Kids can easily join in the painting process. These jars are festive and reusable each year.
Pro Tip: Add ribbon or twine at the top for a finished, polished look.
15. Hanging Paper Ghosts
Crumple tissue paper into a ball, cover it with another sheet, and tie with string to make floating ghosts. Draw simple faces to finish the look. Hang them from ceilings or doorways for playful decor. It’s lightweight and perfect for kids to help with.
Pro Tip: Use fishing line so the ghosts appear to float in midair.
Conclusion
Halloween DIY decorations for kids make the holiday even more memorable. These simple, fun, and creative projects encourage imagination while adding festive charm to your home. From paper pumpkins to glowing lanterns, each idea is safe, budget-friendly, and engaging. With these 15 DIY projects, your kids will love being part of the decorating process and your home will shine with Halloween spirit.
