Halloween Printables

Below you will find some fun activites for you and your children to do on a rainy day in October.

Halloween Word Search
Witch Coloring Page
Skeleton Coloring Page
Halloween Maze
Halloween Crossword Puzzle
Halloween Word Builder
More Coloring Sheets

Books for Halloween--

The Spooky Smells of Halloween
by Mary Man-Kong
Reviewed on--"this is your typical scratch and sniff halloween "smells" book. My 4 year old and 2 year old enjoy smelling all the candy smells."
To Purchase

Dora's Spooky Halloween
by Sonali Fry
Reviewed on Amazon--"Cute fun book kids will get involved with and basically have memorized after they make you read it 100 times! Story is short and cute, pictures aren't too busy but let them know what is going on. Too cute- a halloween essential for toddler!"
To Purchase

Pumpkin Jar

Pumpkins make Halloween---at least that's what I think. This cute little pumpkin will make a person smile and add some pizzazz to any decor'.

Materials needed:

• Craft Paints (White,Pumpkin, Baby Blue,Black,Green,Orange        
• Brushes #0
• Craft Glitter
• Christmas Green
• Lite Varnish 
• Paint brushes--#8 flat brush,#12 flat brush
• Water container
• Paper towels
• Palette or plastic plate
• Low-temp glue gun and glue sticks
• Scissors or craft knife
• Tracing and transfer paper
• Stylus or pen
• Self-adhesive paper (Contact)
• Green chenille stem
• Green craft foam

Instructions--Clean jar in warm, soapy water.Rinse and dry completely. Use scissors to cut out green foam leaf shapes. Use craft knife or scissors to cut mouth shape from self-adhesive paper. Position and press shape onto jar. Basecoat jar and lid with Multi-Purpose Sealer. Paint lid and neck of jar Hauser Light Green. Paint remainder of jar Pumpkin. Trace and transfer patterns for eyes and nose, or use chalk pencil to draw shapes on jar paint eyes White, Baby Blue irises and Lamp Black pupils. Highlight with White. Paint nose Orange. Remove adhesive paper from mouth area. Use liner brush and Lamp Black to outline shapes. Brush Star Lite Topcoat over jar and Christmas Green Craft glitter over leaves and lid.Mist jar and lid with Americana Matte Spray.Twistchenille stem around jar top. Position and adhere foam leaves onto chenille

When in doubt improvised---make it your own!


Credit-Free Kids Crafts


Books related to our project:

Nate The Great And The Halloween Hunt

By:Marjorie Weinman Sharmat

Reviewed on Amazon--"This is a good book for Halloween because it takes place on Halloween. It is really, really, really funny. Nate thought his dog was a ghost and that made me laugh. It was my favorite Nate the Great book. It was the funniest book I ever read."

To Purchase

The Halloween Tree 

By:Rad Bradbury

Reviewed on Amazon--"You might want to dismiss this as one of Bradbury's lesser works because of the simplistic plot and writing style but that would be a mistake. What we have here is one of his most important books and one of his best. Taking cues from Dickens, Bradbury writes a timeless tale of Halloween that isn't carried along by dovetailing plottwists or dense knotted prose but simply a quest to save someone and the boundless exuburance of children. I literally finished this while waiting for a class to start and when I had a few pages left and class started I sat there and finished the book. Once you start reading it you can't stop, the momentum of is one of constant motion. And it's not a kids book, sure the themes of innocence are there but also are the more serious topics of death and darkness, as seen through the filters of a child. For all it's length it's a perfect book for the most part and one that deserves to be read every year together with a bunch of people. On Halloween of course." To Purchase

Ghost Flag

Do you like to decorate your yard and home for Halloween? Well...here a ghostly guy to add to your creations. For more Halloween ideas stay tuned or you can also visit Kaboose


What you'll need:

• 1 white garbage bag
• Large branch
• Scissors
• Purple and black craft foam
• 3 large buttons
• 6-8 flat marbles
• White craft glue
• 3-4 feet of yarn
• Clear sturdy tape, such as shipping or packaging tape

How to make it:

1. Lay branch on work surface.
2. Place closed end of plastic garbage bag near the branch. Insert branch into the bag, poking through the side, running branch through the bag and out the other side (see image).
3. On the side of the bag that is attached to the branch, use scissors to cut two triangles; these will create the space between the head and arms. (Note: Cut only the two sloping sides of the triangles so that all of the pieces remain attached the bag. See image)
4. Tape the excess bag that you just cut, attach it to the branch.
5. Cut two ovals from black foam for eyes, and a simple mouth as well. Glue to the head portion of the bag (see image).
6. Cut out a simple bow tie from purple foam and glue under smile.
7. Glue 3 buttons down the front of the ghost’s body.
8. Go to the bottom of your ghost, which is the open end of the bag, and cut a triangle type pattern to create a jagged edge (see image).
9. Line up the jagged triangles on top of each other. Glue flat marbles in between a front and back jagged triangle. You do not have to glue them to every one, just put enough in to give your ghost some weight.
10. Tie yarn to one end of the branch. Wrap around several times to secure well. Tie the other end of the yarn to the other end of the branch, thus creating your hanger.

Books for Halloween:

Boo!

by Charles Reasoner

"I thought this was a great book for my 14 mo old son. It's durable cardboard and a very cute Halloween rhyme!"
To Purchase

Druscilla's Halloween

by Sally M.Walker

"Druscilla's Halloween" is a children's Halloween tale designed to appeal to ages 5-9. Its unlikely heroine is an eccentric old witch whose creaky knees keep giving her away on her special holiday when she is supposed to tiptoe through town and scare each child (only as much as they want to be scared). The hilarious activities of Druscilla and her cat Drizzle, not to mention her uncooperative donkey and feather-donating chickens make for a fascinating story of the invention of the magic flying boomstick! "Druscilla's Halloween" is a combination of practicality and magic, of belief and persistence, and Druscilla's determination demonstrates that valuable talents can be hidden in very strange packages. "Druscilla's Halloween" is a delightful October tale. The colorful and humorous illustrations add verve and flair to an already bewitching story." To Purchase

Sandwich Costume

Money is tight and sometimes we have to be frugal in our attempts to make things everyone happy. Here is another fun idea for a Halloween costume. Check out Family.go.com for more neat ideas.

Costume Materials
Cardboard
Foam of varying widths
different shades of brown and green spray paint
dowel
duct tape
celophane
paper
elastic
hot glue
staple gun

Costume Instructions

• Cut a large bread shape out of cardboard
• Take a large piece of paper and cut bread shape as well. 
• Crumple the paper and then spread it on top of the cardboard.
• Staple the paper to the cardboard.
• Spray it lightly with spray paint so that it looks toasted. 
• Spray paint the foam for the crust a dark brown and stapled it around each side of the cardboard slices. I used foams of different colors to represent the different things in the sandwich, such as the tomato, ham, cheese, and lettuce. 
• For the pickle hat I use foam with ridges already in it and spray paint it green. 
• Attach some elastic so that it can be worn as a hat.
• Hot glue and wooden dowel to the top for the toothpick hat. 
• Attach two strings or shoe laces over the shoulders for them to wear it over their head. 

Books related to project:

Witches' Night Before Halloween

by Lesley Bannatyne
Reviewed on Amazon--"I loved this book, and so did the children I read it with! The text has a familiar style and tells the story of some creative witches preparing Halloween night for their children. It rhymes and invites kids to repeat lines they like. The theme is Halloween-creepy but it is not scary at all (so it's really child-appropriate) and the kids loved the illustrations.
You've never seen witches like these before- all manner of Halloween beasties are drawn so well and there is a surprise on every page. Great for kids under age 10 or so with wit and humor that will entertain the adults reading the book too! Great for the season and highly recommended!"   To Purchase

Behind The Mask
by Yangsook Choi
Reviewed on Amazon--"Kimin, a Korean-American boy, finally decides to dress as his grandfather for Halloween. But this is more than a mere Halloween story. It is a touching look at how the American Kimin finds a connection with his Korean grandfather, as well as the remarkable role the grandparent held in their cultural ancestry. He had been a mask dancer, the significance of which the author's note briefly explains. Beautifully painted replicas of masks and glimpses of clothing and decor carry the feel of Korea though the book. An exquisitely executed book." To Purchase

Candy Corn

This is a really simple craft that even the little ones can enjoy. All they have to do is rip,scrunch up and stick onto the paper. With a little bit of adult supervision they can make a Halloween decoration and have fun.
Materials needed--

• Card
• Glue
• Yellow, Orange and white tissue paper

Directions--

• Cut a triangle from card. Round the edges if you like to make it into a candy corn shape.
• Rip the tissue paper into pieces and scrunch into small balls.
• Glue the tissue paper to the triangle to make stripes, using our photo (or real candy corn!) for inspiration.

Books related to our project--

Biscuit Visits the Pumpkin Patch 

by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
"Biscuit goes everywhere, does everything and makes just a touch of mischief wherever he goes (goodheartedly I might add). This is another splendidly illustrated book that shows the little retriever puppy following his little girl around the pumpkin patch in search of that perfect harvest pumpkin. The story is simple and cute (lots of woofs woofs from Biscuit) and the book itself is in a heavy board quality. My kids (2 and 3 1/2) thoroughly enjoy this one and ask for it frequently"~reviewed on Amazon To Purchase

The ABC's of Halloween

by Patti Reeder Eubanks

"My two-year-old LOVES this book! They read it at our local bookstore storytime, and he insisted to carrying it through the whole store for the trick-or-treat parade, and I had to buy it! He's insisted that we read it several times a day ever since we got it home. The pictures are delightful and the creative words will introduce your toddler or preschooler to lots of vocabulary as they enjoy picking out the letters in all the pumpkins. Highly recommended"~reviewed on Amazon 

Candy Corn Keychain Craft

Here is a fun Halloween craft for your tweens and teens. I found this online at allcrafts.net and thought you might enjoy it too.

Books related to our topic--

Candy Corn by James Stevenson                     This is a book of poems, written by James Stevenson. It would be an excellent choice to use to introduce a unit on poetry in the classroom. There are all types of poetry contained in this book. To Purchase

Julius's Candy Corn by Kevin Henkes                                                          Once again Kevin Henkes has written a book to tickle a toddler's funny bone! Any child can surely relate to the temptation of a tasty treat that can be looked at but not touched, and Julius' solution is surprising yet clever. Yes he was a bit naughty, but he really DIDN'T disobey his mum and no harm was done. Any parent who has had a sweet yet mischievous child will appreciate this book and little ones will love the story and pictures. Who can resist cupcakes and a party?  To PURCHASE

Box of Popcorn Costume

Every Halloween my Mom would help us make great Halloween costumes. We were in the girl scouts and other activities so we always had fun things going on at our house when I was growing up. Here's a really fantastic idea for a costume made by Jody Larmour. 

Materials needed:
-box large enough to fit around child
-white & red duct tape
-popped popcorn
-hot glue
-construction paper 

Directions:
Cut out a head hole and slide box over child. Make arm hole marks. Remove box from child and cut out arm holes. Place white & red duct tape in vertical stripes around the entire box, working around the head & arm holes. Use the construction paper to make a "Popcorn" sign for the front. Hot glue popped corn (do not use fresh popcorn) over the top of the box. Viola! Check out Halloween Costumes on DLTK they have some wonderful ideas.

Halloween books:

Skeleton Hiccups by Margery Cuvler
"A simple word text by Margery Cuvler is wonderfully illustrated by S. D. Schindler making Skeleton Hiccups a highly recommendable and spooky picture book for young readers just learning to sound out their first words. The playful theme of a skeleton plagued with hiccups and the ingenious cure his ghost friend discovers make for a thoroughly delightful tale that is especially in keeping with the Halloween season"~reviewed on amazon 
To Purchase

Halloween Night by Arden Druce
"Halloween Night is a Who Done It, for little ones. Each page has a poem, and the answer is found on the following page; however, if you look closely, clues to the answers are painted into the scenes. Halloween Night has a playful rhythm that flows, and the watercolor illustrations are bright, and colorful! Arden Druce, the author, doesn't overreach, and she is wonderfully descriptive, "...who can spin shimmering webs with a swirl and a twist?" For a short, 24-page book, this work carries quite an impact. Altogether, there are only 20 sentences, which takes less than 2-minutes to read, but the combination of good writing, and beautifully rendered artwork makes for a fabulous book. Adults will like this book, because it's fun to read aloud without being scary, or violent."
To Purchase

Frankenstein Candy DIsh

This Halloween project is more for the older child but ther eis nothing saying with adult supervision that anyone cannot do this craft.

Here is what you are going to need--

• 2 - 5 or 6 inch clay pots
• paint
• brushes
• wiggly eyes
• ice cream sticks
• hot glue and glue gun

Directions:

First glue pots together.
Paint pot like Frankenstein. Use the picture to go by to paint or use your imagination. Be sure to paint inside of top clay pot to put candy in. Glue on wiggly eyes.
Paint ice cream sticks to match body, let dry. When dry glue to sides of pots.
It usually takes about an hour to complete.
Credit:Sandy from Bluff City, TN.

Books related to topic:

The Bride of Frankenstein Doesn't Bake Cookies
"I really loved this book, it was great for young children beggining to read! I've read every book by these artists before amd have loved all of them! Abunch of adolescent chidren going on many interesting adventures is wonderful" ~Reviewed on Amazon
PURCHASING INFORMATION

Frankenstein
"I've seen the movie and the many spoofs so I thought I knew the plot, but when I finally sat down to read the Mary Shelley classic, I was taken back by the intellectual undertones and concept by which the plot of the book plays out. Yes there is a scientist who creates a being and brings it to life. And yes there is a central "monster" that creates havoc. However, it is more than just a scary story. The commentary on the potential risks to society caused by technology can be taken into account today. You also learn that the "monster" is not some mindless being, but there is a back story. I'm only disappointed in the fact that it took me so long to pick up this book to read"~Reviewed on Amazon

Itsy Bitsy Spider Coming Your Way

Creep into Halloween with this neat spider web that you all can easily make...

 

Here's what you are going to need:

3 Candy Pop Sticks

White Yarn

Chunky Foamy Spider

Low Temp Glue Gun

Scissors

Instructions:

Glue together 3 pop sticks in the shape shown on the photo above. Wrap yarn several times around the middle pieces adding dabs of glue to secure. Begin wrapping around the sticks to make the spider web. You'll have to use dabs of glue to keep the yarn in place. Glue on a foamy spider. Make a hanger from a piece of yarn.

Books related to this project:

(Click link for purchasing information)

SEVEN SPIDERS SPINNING

"Seven Siberian spiders on the loose makes Pearl's life even worse! As the spiders watch the seven girls gathering they fall in love. They want to be loved by someone. Though, as they get bigger and meaner it becomes more dangerous for the girls. The spiders start to follow them everywhere. It is also very exciting when someone gets bitten and everyone rushes her to the hospital. They try their hardest to comfort her while she is in pain. Soon there aren't anymore spiders of that rare kind to live anymore. That will be a good thing for humans but sad for the spiders who really just wanted to be loved"~Reviewed by "A Kid" 

SIPPING SPIDERS THROUGH A STRAW :Campfire Songs for Monsters

"Kelly DiPucchio's lyrics in SIPPING SPIDERS THROUGH A STRAW: CAMPFIRE SONGS FOR MONSTERS tells of monster sing-alongs with new, fun songs set to old tunes, such as '99 Bottles of Blood on the Wall' and 'A-Camping We Will Go'. Gris Grimly's zany drawings enhance a fun set of sing-along modifications"~Reviewed by Midwest Book Review

Worms ,Anyone???

Here's a really cool food idea for a Halloween party using hot dogs as the main ingredient. You will never look at a hot dog in the same way again...lol

Here's what you need--

• 1 package (16 ounces) hot dogs
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon spicy brown mustard
• Dash Liquid Smoke, optional
• 6 hamburger buns, split

Here's the directions--Cut each hot dog into eight strips. In a large skillet saute hot dogs in oil until golden brown. Add brown sugar,Worcester sauce,mustard and liquid smoke (if desired). Heat through and serve on hamburger buns--Makes 6 servings.

and a craft too--CONE WITCH

This versatile cone witch can be as simple or as extravagant as your child wants it to be. A great project for many different age levels! (**Be sure to visit Kaboose for more wonderful craft ideas.)



Here's what you will need:

• 1 sheet each black and green construction paper
• Tape
• White craft glue
• Scissors
• ½ sheet each white and purple construction paper
• Red marker, paint pen, colored pencil, or crayon
• Glue stick
• Gold paint pen
• Miniature green pom-pom
• 2 medium yellow wiggle eyes
• Black fine tip marker
• Pattern

How to make it:

1. Roll black paper into a cone shape and secure with tape. Use scissors to trim off excess so that the cone will stand on its own. Save black paper scraps for later steps.
2. Cut the hat pattern from black paper. Place the hat "donut" on top of the cone and gently slide down. Where the hat brim ends is where you will glue the green strip for the witch's face.
3. Cut a two-inch wide strip from green paper and apply glue stick. You will need enough green paper to wrap around the cone. The paper will cross in the back (see tips for an alternate method). Glue the strip in place just under the hat brim.
4. Glue the hat brim in place using white craft glue.
5. Use the same method as in step 3 to create the belt, but make the width about 3/4 of an inch.
6. Cut two leg patterns from the white paper and two shoe patterns from the black paper. Draw red stripes onto the white legs then glue the black shoes to the ends of the legs. Use a gold paint pen to draw buckles onto shoes.
7. Fold the legs in half and apply glue stick to the top halves. Insert legs into the bottom of the cone and press against the sides to adhere.
8. Cut purple paper into two-inch long strips, about ¼" wide. Glue around the head for the hair and cut a few of the strips into shorter pieces for the bangs.
9. Glue on wiggle eyes and pom-pom for the nose, and then add a mouth with black marker.
10. For the final touches, use a gold paint pen to add a buckle to the hat and cut a buckle from black paper (or draw on with a marker) and glue to the belt.

Books related to out projects:

The Big Halloween Scare

"Any kid will love this book. This book is so funny that you should not even think twice about buying it- it is a guaranteed hit! There is no doubt that you would not like this book"~Reviewed by "a kid"

Curious George Goes to a Costume Party
"This book is about Curious George going to a costume party. My favorite character in this book was George because he looks at everything in the shop. I liked this book because George can't wait to go to the party. You should read this book because George does everything!"~Reviewed by Neesha

Pumpkin Rolls

If you are one of thsoe families who love to decorate for Halloween here is another really cool craft idea thanks for FamilyFun magazine. This is truly the first time I have ever seen this idea and I have seen a ton of crafts.

Here is what you will need:

Materials

• Toilet tissue rolls
• Orange fabric
• Brown paper bag
• Glue
• 12-inch green pipe cleaners
• Green felt leaves

FOR INSTRUCTIONS (click onto link)

Books related to our subject:

The Perfect Pumpkin Pie

by Denys Cazet

"A GREAT book to spend your money on!!!! I bought this as a "Maybe" for my 5yr old daughter. It has become the "Grandma & me" book. She laughs & laughs & can "read" the book to us. LOVE IT!!!!"

PUCHASING INFORMATION

PURCHASING INFORMATION

Skull Potato Stamp

Here's a fun and easy craft I found on Martha Stewart that will need some paternal supervision.

Tools and MaterialsPotato
Paring knife
Melon baller
Acrylic paint
Treat bags or other object to decorate
Skull Potato Stamp How-To1. Cut potato in half.
2. Scoop out eyes and cheek with melon baller; carve nostrils and teeth with paring knife
3. Apply acrylic paint to potato and stamp treat bag.

Link For Skull Template

Books related to our project--"This book is a great read to prepare your child for the fun and excitement of Halloween. It displays different American holidays and rates Halloween as Emily Elizabeth's and Clifford's favorites. They show Clifford in different costumes and let's your child interact by asking which would "you" suggest. My 3 years old really enjoys this one."
FOR PURCHASING INFO

"Bone soup is a perfect fall book to curl up with and read to your grandchildren on a chilly day with a pot of soup on the stove! And don't forget to throw in a couple of chicken bones for fun!"
FOR PURCHASING INFO

DIY Robot Costume

Hope you have allot of aluminum foil. lolCredit http://www.google.com/imgres?q=robot+costume&um=1&hl=en&sa=N&rlz=1I7GGLL_en&tbm=isch&tbnid=
8Nj9hQx2YalhgM:&imgrefurl=http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/Inexpensive-Homemade-Costumes.
html&docid=c2gPgPlZo-YnVM&w=209&h=291&ei=cU1vTpjvC4negQftg8SrCQ&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=1110&vpy=228&dur=1045&hovh=232&hovw=
167&tx=166&ty=135&page=3&tbnh=159&tbnw=114&start=47&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:15,s:47&biw=1440&bih=684

Books related to our project:

FOR PURCHASING INFORMATION

My little girl adores this book, she talks about it at bedtime, we have to draw pictures of all the bugs, she won't stop talking about it. Love it!!

FOR PURCHASING INFORMATION

A couple boxes, some aluminum foil, and lots of gadgets make this costume easy and a lot of fun to make.  Using various things found around your home, you and your child will have a great time designing your own robot of the future!

What you'll need:

• Two cardboard boxes, one large for the body and one smaller for the head
• Silver spray paint
• Screening material or silver toile scraps
• Assortment of buttons, beads, bright costume gems, plastic bottle tops, a spring toy (recommended: Slinky)
• Craft knife
• Hot glue gun
• Scissors
• Black permanent marker, various colors of paint pens
• Gray long-sleeved shirt or sweatshirt
• Gray sweatpants
• Black gloves
• Two shoeboxes
• Tin foil

How to make it:

1. Cut out a hole in the top of the larger box, large enough for your child’s head to fit through.  Place box on your child, and identify where the arm holes should be.  Remove the box, cut the arm holes, and put it back on your child.
2. Place the smaller box on your child’s head and mark where his face is.  Identify and mark where his ears are.  Remove the box and cut a rectangular hole large enough for his eyes and mouth to be exposed.  Cut ear holes where marked.
3. Outside in an open area, with the ground protected by newspapers, use the silver metallic spray paint to cover the boxes completely with paint, and allow it to dry fully .
4. When the head box is dry, cut a piece of screen large enough to cover the rectangular face opening.  On the inside, use your hot glue gun to secure the piece over the opening, all the way around the rectangle.  Allow to dry.
5. Using your permanent marker and paint pens, draw dials and gauges on the front of the body to your liking.  This is where your imagination can go wild.  Use your hot glue gun to attach buttons, gems, beads, and spring toy to decorate your robot, placing things in a symmetrical manner across the body.  You can also go online and print off images of gauges or dials, then glue them on the front.  Photos and photocopies of clock faces and calculators from catalogs or magazines can be used, too
6. Turn your shoeboxes upside down and cut holes in the bottoms large enough for your child’s foot to go through.  Cover the boxes with foil and secure with glue or tape.
7. When dressing your child, have him put on the black shirt, pants, and gloves, then arrange the boxes comfortably for him. After his sneakers are on, he can put his feet into the upside down shoeboxes and go!