What you’ll need
- Several small pumpkins (real, plastic, or paper)
- Torches (one per child, if possible)
- Optional: glow sticks, reflective tape, or LED tea lights
- Outdoor space with safe boundaries
- Optional: small baskets or bags for collecting
- Optional: prizes or treats for each child
Setup
As dusk falls, hide the pumpkins around your garden, park, or other outdoor space. Choose spots that are safe but a little tricky—behind trees, under benches, or tucked beside fences. If using real pumpkins, you can add glow sticks or LED lights inside to make them glow.
Before starting, set clear boundaries for where the hunt takes place and check the area for trip hazards. Give each child a torch and a quick safety talk about walking (not running) and sticking together.
Steps
- Gather everyone and explain that they’ll be going on a spooky pumpkin hunt in the dark.
- Give each child a torch and, if you like, a small basket or bag for collecting pumpkins.
- Count down and let them start searching. Encourage teamwork and cheering when someone finds one.
- Once all the pumpkins are found, gather together to count them and celebrate. You could swap the pumpkins for small treats or prizes.
Variations
- Team play: Split into two groups and see who can find their set of pumpkins first.
- Glowing clues: Leave glowing arrows or glow-stick trails leading to each pumpkin.
- Mini challenge: Write numbers or letters on the pumpkins, and have children find them in order or spell a word when all are collected.
- Indoor version: Turn off the lights and hide small paper pumpkins around the house instead.
Safety Tips
- Make sure the play area is free of tripping hazards and well bounded.
- Supervise children closely, especially near roads or uneven ground.
- Use torches with child-safe bulbs and batteries.
- Encourage walking rather than running in the dark.
Why it’s great
This activity combines the excitement of a night-time adventure with problem-solving and teamwork. It’s a fun way for kids to explore the dark safely, build confidence, and share a memorable seasonal experience with their family—perfect for Halloween or any autumn evening.
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