Conjure Halloween fun with PBS KIDS

When my son was little, he described his ideal Halloween activity as “a spook of fun.” You get it, right? Something that’s almost scary but mostly just silly or out of the ordinary.

If you’re looking to create “a spook of fun” this season, PBS KIDS has you covered! Get started with these activities, games, recipes and more.

Solve a mystery

Investigating the unknown can be thrilling, but it doesn’t need to be frightening! Be Sound Detectives to practice listening and observing. All you need to get started are a few everyday objects, like keys, cups or anything you can make sounds with. Then, one of you closes your eyes while the other makes noise with one of the items. See if the listener can identify which object is the noise maker.

For more DIY mysteries, Write Secret Crayon Messages to one another. First, use a white or light-colored crayon to write a message on white paper. It will be hard to see – that’s what makes it secret! To reveal the writing, paint over it with watercolor. The crayon will resist the paint and you’ll be able to read the message.

Transform into a PBS KIDS character

DIY costumes can be tricky, but these no-sew instructions make it easy to turn your little pumpkin into their favorite PBS KIDS character. 

Use felt, yarn and a red sweatshirt to craft an adorable Daniel Tiger costume. Grown-ups can join the fun with simple instructions for Mom and Dad Tiger costumes. Combine clothes you already own with an easy-to-make tiger headband and you’re ready to go.

Visit PBS KIDS for Parents for more costume inspiration, from “Carl the Collector” to “Odd Squad.”

Festive fun with digital games

As parents, navigating the digital world can be plain scary. Fortunately, PBS KIDS has fun, free games made to spark learning with characters your family knows and loves. Plus: No ads!

Whatever kids love about Halloween, there’s a game to match it. For bug lovers, nurture their curiosity about not-so-creepy crawly critters with the “Backyard Bug Hunt” game featuring Elmo and Tango.

Keep the fun rolling with “Party at Alma’s,” available in English and Spanish. Players see what each guest would like to do at Alma’s Halloween party and help get what they need. From playing dance music to preparing snacks to setting up games, party guests are sure to have a great time!

Find more ways to play with the PBS KIDS Games app.

Roll up your sleeves for squishy, slimy playtime 

For hands-on fun, make your own Monster Swamp Sensory Bin. Fill a plastic bin with various objects of different textures for your child to sort, count and play with. Start with foods like peeled grapes and cooked noodles. Then, add items like plastic bugs or fidget toys.

Invite your child to close their eyes, reach into the bin and see what they can identify. Challenge them to come up with different words to describe the items. Are they cold or warm? Smooth or bumpy? Hard or squishy? 

Don’t forget the treats

Halloween calls for creativity in the kitchen, making it a great time to invite kids to cook (and experiment) with you! Start simple with this Jello Pond Treat recipe that can be customized to suit your Halloween vibe. (Is it spookier if you call it a Jello swamp?)

Looking for less sugary ideas? Make Bat Wings for Water Bottles and every kid in the neighborhood will have a reason to stay hydrated while they trick or treat.

Discover more ways to brew up Halloween fun on the PBS KIDS for Parents website, including a list of Monstrously Good Books for Kids and fun with Shrinking Shadows.