10 Fun & Spooky Halloween Party Activities That Guests Will Love

Halloween isn’t just about candy and costumes—it’s about creating those “OMG, I’ll never forget this” moments with your friends and family. Whether you’re the type who goes all out with fog machines and spooky playlists, or you’re more of a pumpkin-carving-and-cider kind of person, the right activities can make your party unforgettable.

I’ve hosted my fair share of Halloween get-togethers (some hits, some flops—don’t ask about the year I tried “mystery meat” hot dogs 😬). Trust me, having a lineup of fun Halloween party activities is the key to keeping the energy high and the awkward silences low. So, let’s talk about ten activities that’ll get your guests laughing, screaming, and maybe even competing like their lives depend on it.

1. Costume Contest With a Twist

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Sure, everyone does costume contests, but why not crank it up a notch? Instead of just “best costume,” add categories like:

• Most Creative Costume
• Funniest Costume
• Scariest Costume
• Best DIY Effort

Want to make it even more fun? Add a “Worst Costume Award”—people will secretly love competing for it. Ever seen someone come in with a “lazy ghost” sheet? Yup, that’s your winner. If you need creative outfit inspo, check out these Halloween costume ideas for women.

Pro tip: Get your guests to vote anonymously. Nothing sparks more laughter than people trying to guess who voted for what.

2. Pumpkin Carving (or Painting) Station

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Pumpkin carving is classic, but IMO, painting pumpkins is underrated. Less mess, fewer sharp objects (because accidents happen when the drinks are flowing), and just as fun.

Set up a table with:

• Pumpkins of different sizes
• Carving tools or paints
• Stencils (for the less artistic among us)

To level up your space, you can set these pumpkins around your Halloween fireplace decor or even along your porch to make everything feel cohesive.

3. DIY Haunted Photo Booth

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People love snapping pics, and Halloween costumes deserve more than just blurry phone shots. Create a DIY haunted photo booth using:

• Black curtains or a dark bedsheet
• Fake cobwebs, skeleton props, and LED candles
• A few quirky signs like “Enter at Your Own Risk”

Your guests will line up faster than kids at a candy store. Bonus points if you add a Polaroid camera for instant keepsakes. You can even style the booth similar to these Halloween living room ideas to give it that cozy-but-creepy vibe.

4. Spooky Scavenger Hunt

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Want to keep everyone moving (and maybe screaming)? A Halloween scavenger hunt is perfect. Hide spooky items around the house or yard—plastic spiders, fake eyeballs, or even candy stashes.

Give everyone a clue sheet and set them loose. You can even make it themed:

• “Find Dracula’s tooth” (plastic fang hidden in a drawer)
• “Locate the witch’s potion” (a neon-colored drink bottle)

Consider hiding some clues near your porch setup—these spooky Halloween porch ideas will give you plenty of creepy inspiration.

5. Murder Mystery Game

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Ever wanted to accuse your best friend of murder without ruining the friendship? Now’s your chance.

Set up a murder mystery game where guests take on characters and try to solve the “crime.” You can buy kits online or DIY your own storyline. Imagine the drama of Uncle Joe accusing Aunt Karen while dressed as a vampire. Pure gold.

This activity works especially well if your group enjoys storytelling or roleplay. And honestly, it makes people talk to those they might not normally hang out with. For an even spookier setting, think about hosting this near some farmhouse Halloween decor for an eerie, rustic backdrop.

6. Halloween Karaoke

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Karaoke on Halloween hits different. Picture someone in full zombie makeup belting out “Thriller.” Instant viral content.

Create a Halloween playlist with classics like:

• “Monster Mash”
• “Ghostbusters Theme”
• “This Is Halloween”

Encourage duets or group numbers. I once saw three witches and a Frankenstein do “Time Warp,” and I still laugh about it. When the crowd needs a breather, let them sip from a spooky setup like a Halloween coffee bar.

7. Candy Tasting Challenge

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Forget wine tasting—let’s be real, candy is the star of Halloween. Set up a blind candy tasting challenge where guests guess the candy while blindfolded.

Include:

• Easy ones (Snickers, Reese’s, Skittles)
• Harder ones (off-brand gummies, obscure chocolates)

It’s hilarious to watch someone confidently yell “That’s Twizzlers!” only to realize they just ate a sour straw. Hand out candy-filled Halloween goodie bags as prizes.

8. DIY Creepy Crafts

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Crafting isn’t just for kids. Adults secretly love it too, especially when it’s Halloween-themed.

Set up a craft table with supplies to make:

• Mini ghost garlands from tissues and string
• Painted mason jar lanterns
• Spooky slime (yes, slime is still a hit)

Not only does it keep people busy, but they also get to take something home as a party souvenir. For an eerie setting, use inspiration from these Halloween bedroom ideas.

9. Horror Movie Trivia

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Think your friends are horror buffs? Test their knowledge with a Halloween trivia game.

Example questions:

• “What’s the name of the town in Halloween?”
• “Which horror film features a doll named Annabelle?”
• “Finish this line: ‘Do you want to play a _____?’”

Hand out candy prizes for correct answers. Spoiler: everyone suddenly becomes very competitive when candy is involved. Add a creepy backdrop using Halloween bathroom ideas for extra atmosphere.

10. Haunted House Walkthrough

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Okay, this one’s for the extra crowd (guilty 🙋). Turn a part of your house or yard into a mini haunted house.

Use:

• Fog machines or dry ice
• Hidden speakers with creepy sound effects
• Friends hiding in corners ready to jump out

Even if it’s just two dark rooms with a strobe light and some fake blood, people will scream. And laugh. And then scream again. Totally worth it. Want more inspiration? Check out these outdoor Halloween decorations for chilling ideas.

Extra Tips to Make Activities Flow

Want to avoid chaos? Here’s what I’ve learned after hosting more than a few wild Halloween nights:

• Plan activities in stages. Start with something chill like crafts or pumpkin painting, then move into high-energy games like scavenger hunts or karaoke.
• Mix group and solo activities. Some guests love being in the spotlight, others not so much. Balance both.
• Keep prizes small but fun. Candy, goofy trinkets, or even “Halloween bragging rights” certificates keep people motivated.
• Don’t overstuff the schedule. Leave room for chatting, eating, and spontaneous fun. For table setups and treats, check out these Halloween tablescapes.

Why Activities Make or Break the Party

Ever been to a Halloween party where everyone just stood around scrolling on their phones? Yeah… not fun. Activities give people something to bond over, something to laugh about, and something to remember.

IMO, the best parties aren’t the ones with the fanciest decor or most expensive drinks. They’re the ones where people leave saying, “That was hilarious—I can’t believe you scared me with that fake spider.” Activities create those stories.

Final Thoughts

Halloween comes once a year, so why waste it on a boring party? From costume contests and pumpkin carving to karaoke and haunted house walkthroughs, these activities guarantee laughs, screams, and maybe even a little chaos (the fun kind).

So, grab your pumpkins, stock up on candy, and get ready to throw a party your friends will talk about until Christmas. And hey—if someone shows up as a “lazy ghost” with just a sheet over their head, give them a round of applause. They might just be the life of the party. 🙂