Occasion: Halloween

  • Spooky Mystery Box

    Spooky Mystery Box

    This silly sensory game is perfect for Halloween parties or rainy days.

    Children reach into hidden boxes and try to guess what’s inside – from “witch’s worms” (spaghetti) to “monster eyeballs” (peeled grapes)! It’s full of laughter, surprises, and a little bit of harmless gross-out fun.

    Materials

    • Several small cardboard boxes or shoeboxes
    • Small bowls or containers
    • Cooked spaghetti (for “worms”)
    • Peeled grapes (for “eyeballs”)
    • Jelly or slime (for “goo”)
    • Dry rice or lentils (for “bugs”)
    • Old socks, tissues, or similar soft textures
    • Paper and pens for guessing
    • Optional: cloth or paper to cover the boxes

    Tools

    • Scissors or craft knife (for adults to cut holes)
    • Spoon or tongs for filling containers

    Steps

    1. Cut a hand-sized hole in the side of each cardboard box.
    2. Place a bowl or container inside each box, filled with a different “gross” texture.
    3. Cover the boxes with paper or cloth so the contents can’t be seen.
    4. Label each box with a number.
    5. Ask each player to take turns reaching inside and guessing what they feel.
    6. Write down all the guesses, then reveal the answers at the end!

    Variations

    • Nature Edition: Use natural textures like damp leaves, pinecones, or mud instead of food items.
    • Story Mode: Turn the mystery into a themed challenge – e.g. “A wizard’s potion ingredients” or “Alien samples”.
    • Blindfold Challenge: Skip the boxes and have one person blindfolded while touching mystery items handed to them.

    Why It’s Great

    • Encourages sensory exploration – Helps children develop touch-based curiosity and descriptive language.
    • Builds confidence and humour – A gentle, funny way to explore “icky” feelings safely.
    • Perfect for group play – Encourages laughter, teamwork, and shared reactions.

    Safety Tips

    • Adults should cut holes and prepare any slippery or food-based items.
    • Avoid any ingredients children are allergic to, and wash hands before and after the game.
  • Pumpkin picking

    Pumpkin picking

    Pumpkin picking is a fun seasonal outing that gets everyone outdoors, exploring nature and choosing a favourite pumpkin together.

    It’s a lovely way to enjoy autumn colours, fresh air, and a bit of family adventure before bringing home a special pumpkin for decorating or cooking.

    Materials

    • Warm clothes and boots
    • Reusable bags or baskets
    • Hand sanitiser or wipes

    Tools

    • Small trolley or wheelbarrow (optional)
    • Camera or phone for photos

    Steps

    1. Find a local pumpkin patch or farm and check opening times before visiting.
    2. Dress for the weather and wear boots if the ground might be muddy.
    3. Walk through the patch and look for pumpkins of different shapes, sizes, and colours.
    4. Encourage children to tap or lift the pumpkins to check which feel solid and ready to pick.
    5. Take a few family photos among the pumpkins before heading home with your chosen one.

    Variations

    • Mini Pumpkin Hunt: Hide a few small pumpkins around the garden for a fun at-home version.
    • Pumpkin Patch Picnic: Pack a simple picnic to enjoy before or after picking.
    • Decorating Station: Set up a table at home for washing, painting, or carving pumpkins after your trip.

    Why It’s Great

    • Encourages outdoor exploration – Helps children connect with nature and the changing seasons.
    • Family bonding – Creates shared memories and conversation during a simple, joyful activity.
    • Supports learning – Sparks curiosity about how plants grow and where food comes from.
  • Toilet Roll Mummy Wrap

    Toilet Roll Mummy Wrap

    This fun Halloween classic is full of laughter and teamwork. Children take turns wrapping each other up in toilet paper to create the best or silliest mummy. It’s perfect for parties or family fun at home, and easy to tidy up afterwards.

    Materials

    • Several rolls of toilet paper (1–2 per team)

    Tools

    • None

    Steps

    1. Split into pairs or small teams. One person will be the mummy, and the others will do the wrapping.
    2. Give each team a roll of toilet paper.
    3. Start the timer for two minutes. Teams race to wrap their mummy from head to toe (leave space for breathing and seeing!).
    4. When time’s up, everyone stops wrapping and admires the results.
    5. Optional: Have a mini catwalk or photo moment for each mummy before unwrapping and recycling the paper.

    Variations

    • Speed Challenge: Add a time limit and see who can make the neatest mummy the fastest.
    • Spooky Parade: Play eerie music and have a mummy fashion show.
    • Glow Mummies: Add glow sticks or glow-in-the-dark tape for a night-time version.

    Safety Tips

    • Make sure children can breathe and see clearly through the wrapping.
    • Keep the floor clear to prevent slipping on loose paper.
    • Supervise younger children closely to ensure safe wrapping.

    Why It’s Great

    • Teamwork – Encourages cooperation and creative thinking in groups.
    • Laughter – Brings joy and silliness to Halloween celebrations.
    • Imagination – Helps children get into character and enjoy pretend play.

  • Pumpkin hunt

    Pumpkin hunt

    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

    1. Gather everyone and explain that they’ll be going on a spooky pumpkin hunt in the dark.
    2. Give each child a torch and, if you like, a small basket or bag for collecting pumpkins.
    3. Count down and let them start searching. Encourage teamwork and cheering when someone finds one.
    4. 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.