Halloween night: costumes on, excitement high, candy bowls ready. The only problem? That pre-trick-or-treat chaos when every kid in a three-mile radius turns into a sugar-powered goblin. The solution: five high-energy games that let kids run wild before the sugar rush hits. Bonus — they’ll actually sleep.
1. Skeleton Relay
Grab two sets of paper skeleton bones (or draw them yourself). Split the kids into two teams and have them race to assemble the skeletons piece by piece at the other end of the yard. Think of it as spooky puzzle meets cardio workout.
2. Monster Tag
Classic tag, but everyone has to move like a monster. Frankenstein stomps, vampire swoops, mummy shuffles — total chaos and total laughter. For extra fun, add glowing bracelets or headlamps when it gets dark.
3. Pumpkin Bowling
Use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball and empty plastic bottles as pins. Fill them halfway with sand or rice so they stand steady. Kids take turns rolling, laughing, and cheering like it’s the Pumpkin Olympics.
4. Ghost Dash
Line up a few “ghost zones” in the yard using white sheets or paper ghosts. Kids race between them while trying not to get “boo’d” by the ghost chaser. Perfect for smaller spaces — and hilarious when parents join in.
5. Spider Web Balance
Lay out ropes or yarn in a wiggly web pattern on the ground. Kids must cross without touching the web lines. Add a timer or some creepy music for suspense. Guaranteed giggles and dramatic slow-motion “spider saves.”
Pro Tip: End the games with a calm-down round — maybe a “Pumpkin Stretch” (arms up like vines, deep breaths, sway side to side). You’ll go from chaos to cozy in five minutes flat.
Because Halloween should end with laughter — not sugar-fueled midnight sprints.
