Monster mash for kids

What it is

A Halloween party for younger children that keeps the fun and leaves out the fright. Friendly monsters, pumpkins and silly games instead of horror. It works as an after-school party before trick-or-treating.

Plan ahead

• Two weeks before: send invitations saying “costumes welcome - cute or creepy!”
• One week before: buy paper bags, googly eyes, felt, glue sticks, mini pumpkins and sweets.
• The day before: hide the pumpkins (or do it while the kids are in the craft). Make a playlist of Halloween kids’ songs.

Set the scene

Orange and purple balloons with monster faces drawn on, paper bats hanging from the ceiling, and friendly ghosts made from white balloons with tissue draped over them. Keep lighting bright for small children.

Activities

Mummy wrap race

Teams of three: two wrap, one is the mummy. First team to use a whole roll wins. Then the mummies “come alive” and chase everyone.

Paper bag monsters

Kids glue googly eyes (as many as they like), felt teeth, pipe cleaner horns and wool hair onto paper bags. These become their party bags.

Pumpkin hunt

Hide mini pumpkins and wrapped sweets. Each child finds one pumpkin and three sweets so it stays fair.

Monster freeze dance

Dance while the music plays; when it stops, freeze in a monster pose. Make it funny, not competitive.

Food and drink

• Mummy pizzas: mini pizza bases with mozzarella strips and olive eyes
• Clementine “pumpkins” with a celery stalk
• Monster cupcakes with green icing and googly-eye sweets
• Witch’s brew: green apple juice served from a cauldron (a big black pot)

Tips

• Watch for costume tripping hazards; capes and long dresses on stairs.
• Have a quiet corner with books for children who get overwhelmed.