Halloween isn’t just for the big kids! At KiddyKare, we know that even the tiniest pumpkins love a bit of seasonal sparkle. Whether you’re planning nursery activities or looking for ideas to try at home, here are some age-appropriate, safe and sensory-rich Halloween activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
👶 For Babies
1. Pumpkin patch sensory basket
Fill a basket with soft fabric pumpkins, textured leaves and baby-safe rattles in autumn colours. Let little hands explore under supervision.
2. Spooky sound bottles
Create sensory bottles with rice, googly eyes and Halloween confetti. Shake, rattle and roll for a gentle sensory experience.
3. Baby print ghosts
Dip tiny feet or hands in white paint and let them print all some black paper.
🚼 For Toddlers
1. Pumpkin scoop and explore
Let toddlers scoop out the insides of a pumpkin with spoons or hands. It’s messy, squishy and brilliant for sensory play.
2. Spider web sticky wall
Stick contact paper (sticky side out) to a wall and draw a web. Provide cotton balls, paper spiders and tissue to stick and unstick.
3. Halloween colour sorting
Use orange, black, green and purple pom-poms or blocks for a simple colour-sorting game with a spooky twist.
🧒 For Preschoolers
1. Ghost bowling
Draw ghost faces on white plastic cups and stack them. Use a soft ball to knock them down – great for motor skills and giggles!
2. Witch’s brew water play
Set up a cauldron (or water tray) with coloured water, ladles and Halloween-themed items like plastic spiders or eyeballs. Stir, scoop and pour!
3. Pumpkin stamping
Cut a small pumpkin in half, dip it in paint, and stamp onto paper. Add faces to turn them into Halloween pumpkin masterpieces.
4. Costume dress-up corner
Create a mini dress-up station with hats, capes and soft accessories. Let imaginations run wild – no scary costumes needed!
🧡 Tips for a child friendly Halloween
- Keep it light and fun, avoid anything too spooky or loud.
- Always supervise sensory and craft activities.
- Use edible or baby-safe materials where possible.
- Embrace the mess – it’s part of the magic!
Whether you’re crafting footprint ghosts or stirring up a witchy water tray, Halloween is a brilliant time to spark creativity and sensory exploration in little ones. These activities are more about giggles than ghosts and perfect for making memories that last longer than the sweets!
Author: Jodi Walden
