9 Halloween Decorations DIY for Kids: Spooky Fun You Can Make at Home

Halloween is that magical time of year when creativity bursts forth like a jack-o’-lantern’s glow. For families, it’s all about crafting memories together, and what better way than with Halloween decorations DIY for kids? These projects are simple, safe, and use everyday materials, turning your home into a haunted haven without breaking the bank. Kids get to unleash their inner artists, parents enjoy the bonding, and everyone ends up with unique decor that screams “boo!” in the best way.

In this guide, we’ll dive into nine easy-to-make ideas that are perfect for little hands (with adult supervision where needed). From glowing ghosts to creepy crawlies, each one is designed to be fun, educational, and eco-friendly—repurposing items you already have. Let’s get crafting and make this Halloween unforgettable!

1. Glowing Ghost Jugs: A Lantern-Like Specter

Kick off your Halloween decorations DIY for kids with these ethereal glowing ghost jugs. They’re a hit because they combine recycling with a touch of magic.

Materials Needed:

• Empty milk jugs (clean and dry)
• Black permanent marker
• Glow sticks or battery-operated tea lights
• White tissue paper or cheesecloth (optional for extra spook)
• Scissors and glue

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Rinse out the jugs thoroughly.
2. Draw ghostly faces on the jugs with the marker—big eyes, wobbly mouths, anything goes!
3. For a draped effect, glue tissue paper around the jug like a cape.
4. Activate glow sticks and drop them inside, or place tea lights at the bottom.
5. Line them up on your porch for a welcoming (yet eerie) pathway.

Kids love watching the jugs light up at dusk. This project teaches recycling while sparking imagination. Pro tip: Use different jug sizes for a ghost family. Safety first—supervise marker use and opt for LED lights to avoid heat.

2. Paper Plate Pumpkins: Classic and Customizable

No Halloween is complete without pumpkins, but carving isn’t always kid-friendly. Enter paper plate pumpkins—a mess-free alternative in our lineup of Halloween decorations DIY for kids.

Materials Needed:

• Paper plates
• Orange paint or markers
• Green construction paper for stems
• Black paper for faces
• Glue and scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the backside of the plates orange and let dry.
2. Cut out green stems and leaves; glue them to the top.
3. Fashion faces from black paper—triangles for eyes, zigzag mouths.
4. Hang them on walls or string them into a garland.

These are versatile; kids can make silly, scary, or smiling faces. It’s a great intro to shapes and colors. For more pumpkin inspiration, check out our guide on easy pumpkin crafts for fall.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Bats: Fluttering Friends from the Loo

Repurpose those cardboard tubes into bats that “fly” from your ceiling. This is one of the quirkiest Halloween decorations DIY for kids, proving trash can be treasure.

Materials Needed:

• Toilet paper rolls
• Black paint
• Googly eyes
• Black construction paper for wings
• String for hanging

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the rolls black.
2. Cut bat wings from paper—scalloped edges add flair.
3. Glue wings to the sides and eyes to the front.
4. Punch holes in the top, thread string, and hang in clusters.

Watch kids giggle as they create a bat cave in the living room. It encourages fine motor skills with cutting and gluing. Pair with our recycled craft ideas for holidays for year-round fun.

4. Handprint Spiders: Creepy Crawly Keepsakes

Turn tiny hands into eight-legged frights. Handprint spiders are sentimental and spooky, ideal for Halloween decorations DIY for kids that double as art.

Materials Needed:

• Black paint
• White paper
• Googly eyes or markers

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint the child’s palm and four fingers black (leave thumb out).
2. Press twice on paper, overlapping palms for the body.
3. Add eyes and draw legs if needed.
4. Frame or tape to windows.

These grow with your child—make one every year! It’s a tactile project promoting sensory play. For more handprint magic, see family handprint art projects.

5. Mason Jar Mummies: Wrapped in Gauze and Glow

Illuminate your space with mummy jars that glow softly. This Halloween decorations DIY for kids project is simple yet effective for tabletop decor.

Materials Needed:

• Mason jars
• Gauze or cheesecloth
• Googly eyes
• Glue
• Tea lights

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Wrap gauze around the jar, securing with glue in spots.
2. Leave gaps for eyes and light.
3. Glue on eyes.
4. Insert tea lights.

Kids adore the wrapping process, like bandaging a friend. Use colored gauze for variety. Link this to our DIY mason jar crafts for endless ideas.

6. Egg Carton Eyes: Watching from the Shadows

Staring back from bushes or shelves, these eyeball critters add surveillance-style spook. A staple in Halloween decorations DIY for kids using kitchen scraps.

Materials Needed:

• Egg cartons
• Paint (white, black, red for veins)
• Pipe cleaners for stalks (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut out individual egg cups.
2. Paint white, add black pupils and red veins.
3. Attach pipe cleaners if making monsters.
4. Scatter around the house.

Perfect for hide-and-seek games post-crafting. Teaches painting precision. Explore more with egg carton recycling crafts.

7. Leaf Ghosts: Nature’s Haunted Touch

Bring the outdoors in with leaf ghosts. This eco-friendly entry in our Halloween decorations DIY for kids uses fall foliage.

Materials Needed:

• Collected leaves (large and sturdy)
• White paint
• Black marker
• String

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Paint leaves white.
2. Draw ghost faces once dry.
3. Hole-punch and string into mobiles.

A nature walk turns into craft supplies—double win! Promotes environmental awareness. Tie into autumn leaf activities for kids.

8. Pool Noodle Monsters: Bouncy Beasts

Slice pool noodles into monster segments for flexible fun. Bold and bouncy, these fit perfectly into Halloween decorations DIY for kids.

Materials Needed:

• Pool noodles
• Craft knife (adult use)
• Paint, eyes, felt for features

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut noodles into 6-8 inch pieces.
2. Carve mouths or holes.
3. Paint and add features.
4. Stack or stand them up.

Kids can pose them in silly ways. Great for gross motor play. For noodle hacks, visit pool noodle craft tutorials.

9. Cardboard Tombstones: Graveyard Vibes in Your Yard

Cap off with a mini cemetery using cardboard. Dramatic and durable (with protection), rounding out Halloween decorations DIY for kids.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard boxes
• Gray paint
• Marker for epitaphs
• Stakes or rocks to stand

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cut tombstone shapes.
2. Paint gray, add cracks.
3. Write funny RIP messages.
4. Prop in the yard.

Encourages storytelling with custom inscriptions. Weatherproof with plastic wrap. Connect to outdoor Halloween setup ideas.

Wrapping Up Your Spooky Creations

There you have it—nine fantastic Halloween decorations DIY for kids that blend fun, learning, and festivity. These projects not only decorate your home but also build confidence in young creators. Start small, involve the whole family, and watch the magic unfold.

Safety reminders: Always supervise tools, use non-toxic materials, and test lights. For supplies, raid your recycle bin first—it’s sustainable and free!

Ready for more? Dive deeper into holiday crafting with our related posts linked throughout. Happy haunting, and may your Halloween be filled with treats, no tricks!