Simple & Fun Halloween Activities for Daycare Kids (Ages 5 and Under)

Halloween is such a magical time for little ones — full of costumes, giggles, and just the right amount of spooky fun! When planning a Halloween party for children under five, it’s all about keeping things simple, safe, and sensory-friendly. Here are some easy activities that guarantee smiles, laughter, and maybe a few adorable scares!

👻 1. Pumpkin Patch Sensory Bin

Create a “mini pumpkin patch” using orange pom-poms or small toy pumpkins in a large bin filled with dried corn, rice, or shredded paper. Add scoops, cups, and little Halloween toys for digging and pouring.

Why it works: Sensory play helps with fine motor skills and keeps kids engaged without mess overload.

🧙 2. Costume Parade

Let the children show off their costumes in a mini parade around the play area or yard. Play festive tunes like “Monster Mash” or “Ghostbusters” and have the kids march, dance, or wave to their friends.

Bonus: Snap lots of pictures for parents — they’ll treasure these memories!

🎨 3. No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating

Skip the knives and let kids decorate pumpkins with stickers, googly eyes, markers, or felt pieces. Foam pumpkins work great too if you want to reuse them each year. There are also some amazing fall crafts you can setup for the more creative group.  

Tip: Add names or silly faces to make each pumpkin unique!

🕷️ 4. Spider Web Walking Game

Use masking tape to create a web design on the floor. Kids can balance as they walk along the lines, pretending to tiptoe through a spooky spider’s lair!

Variation: Add plastic spiders and have them try to avoid stepping on them.

🍎 5. Halloween Snack Time

Keep snacks festive but simple — think:

• “Witch’s Wands” (pretzel sticks dipped in chocolate)
• “Monster Teeth” (apple slices with mini marshmallows)
• “Pumpkin Oranges” (peeled mandarins with a bit of celery on top)
  Bonus: Let kids help make their snacks for a hands-on experience.

🎵 6. Spooky Music & Movement

Turn on some not-too-scary Halloween songs and encourage dancing, jumping, or “monster stomping.” Songs like Five Little Pumpkins or The Skeleton Dance are perfect for this age group.

Add a twist: Use scarves or ribbons for dancing “ghosts”!

🧛 7. Trick-or-Treat Stations

Set up small tables or baskets around the room with fun trinkets like stickers, bubbles, or small toys (instead of candy). Let kids visit each station and say “Trick or Treat!”

Why it’s great: It gives them the joy of trick-or-treating in a safe, controlled environment.

🧁 8. Cupcake or Cookie Decorating

Bake plain cupcakes or sugar cookies ahead of time and set out frosting, sprinkles, and candy eyes. Kids love decorating (and eating) their own spooky treats!

Tip: Use washable tablecloths — it’s going to get messy!

🎲 9. Halloween Bean Bag Toss

Cut holes in a cardboard box and decorate it like a monster or jack-o’-lantern. Kids can toss bean bags or soft balls through the holes to “feed the monster.”

Make it easy: Adjust the distance based on age and ability.

🦇 10. Storytime with a Twist

Gather everyone for a cozy Halloween storytime. Choose not-too-scary books like:

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
• Five Little Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino
• Where’s My Mummy? by Carolyn Crimi
  Bonus: Use stuffed animals or puppets to act out parts of the story!

🧡 Final Tip:

Keep things flexible — toddlers and preschoolers have short attention spans! Rotate between active play, crafts, and calm moments to keep the fun flowing smoothly. With a little creativity, your Halloween daycare party will be full of giggles, happy messes, and sweet memories.