Intro
Halloween crafts with a toddler are less “Pinterest-perfect” and more “how much glue can one small person use?” But they’re one of my favourite ways to spend an autumn afternoon with my son.
These eight crafts are all quick to set up, need very little equipment, and work for ages [2 to 5]. Most use things you probably already have at home. I’ve flagged where a toddler will need a hand, and there’s a free printable at the bottom to make the pumpkin one even easier.
Before you start
- Cover the table with newspaper or a wipeable cloth.
- Put glue and paint into small dishes so there’s no bottle-squeezing disasters.
- Craft supplies like googly eyes are a choking hazard for under-3s, so always supervise.
1. Paper plate pumpkins
You need: a paper plate, orange paint, green paper, glue.
Paint the plate orange, let it dry, then stick on a green paper stem. Add a face with black paper shapes or use the free printable. It’s a good first craft because there are no wrong answers.
2. Handprint ghosts
You need: white paint, black paper.
Paint your child’s hand and forearm white and press it onto the black paper with the fingers pointing down, so the hand becomes a ghost. Once dry, add eyes with a marker. Make a few and you’ve got a row of ghosts to put on the fridge.
3. Toilet roll bats
You need: a cardboard tube, black paint, black paper, googly eyes.
Paint the tube black. Cut two wing shapes from paper and glue them to the back. Add eyes to the front. Hang from string for a spooky window display.
4. Sticky-paper spider web
You need: clear sticky-back plastic, black wool, small black paper spiders.
Tape the sticky plastic to the window, sticky side out. Let your toddler stick on wool strands and paper spiders. It’s quick, mess-free, and toddlers love it.
5. Coffee-filter ghosts
You need: coffee filters, markers, tissue or cotton wool.
Draw a spooky face on a filter, then gently spray it with water and watch the colours bleed. Great for sensory play.
6. Pumpkin painting (no carving)
You need: a small pumpkin, washable paint, brushes.
Skip the carving. Let your toddler paint a pumpkin any way they like, then add stickers for eyes and a mouth.
7. Paper bag monster puppets
You need: a small paper bag, coloured paper, glue.
Turn the bag into a monster by adding eyes, teeth, and hair. Then put on a puppet show. Good for kids who like pretend play.
8. Halloween sensory bin
You need: dry rice or pasta, small plastic spiders, scoops.
Tip it into a tray and let your toddler dig for hidden creatures. A quick, calm activity between crafts.
Free printable
Download the pumpkin face templates here…
Supplies I use
(this post may contain affiliate links, which cost you nothing extra)
- Washable kids’ paint
- Chunky paintbrushes for toddlers
- Craft smock or apron
Frequently asked questions
What age are these crafts for? They suit ages [2 to 5], with more help for younger children.
How do I keep the mess down? Use dishes for paint, cover the table, and keep wipes nearby.
