16 Fun Halloween Party Games for Kids, Teens and Adults
After the sweets are handed out and the costumes have been admired, now there's a room full of people looking for something to actually do. A good game fixes that. Whether you're hosting a crowd of eight-year-olds, a group of teens who think they're too cool for games, or the adults after the kids are in bed, there's something below that'll work. Most use things you already have in the cupboard or can pick up in one trip.
We've split this list into traditional Irish games, ones aimed squarely at children, and ones better suited to teens and adults, so you can pick and mix depending on who's actually coming. Each one includes a quick "what you'll need" list, so there's no last-minute dash to the shop halfway through the party.
Traditional Irish Halloween Games
Ireland has its own Halloween traditions that go back generations, long before trick-or-treating became the main event, and they're still genuinely fun with a modern crowd.
Snap Apple
Hang an apple from a string tied to a doorframe or beam, and take turns trying to take a bite with your hands behind your back. It sounds simple and it is, but it's harder (and funnier to watch) than anyone expects.
What you'll need: apples, string, a doorframe or sturdy beam
Bobbing for Apples
A Halloween classic for good reason. Fill a large basin with water, float a handful of apples, and see who can grab one using only their teeth. Lay towels down first as this game gets wet.
What you'll need: a large basin or tub, apples, towels
Barmbrack Fortune Telling
Traditional barmbrack is baked with small trinkets inside (a ring for marriage, a coin for wealth, a pea for no marriage that year) and whoever finds which item in their slice gets their "fortune" for the year ahead. It's a fun, low-effort way to bring some tradition to the table.
What you'll need: a barmbrack (shop-bought or homemade), small wrapped trinkets
Storytelling by Candlelight
Turn off the main lights, light a few candles, and take turns telling scary (or silly, for younger crowds) stories. It's one of the oldest Halloween traditions there is, and it costs nothing beyond a bit of nerve to go first.
What you'll need: candles or battery tealights, a dark room
Halloween Games for Children
Pumpkin Ring Toss
Set up a few small pumpkins (real or plastic) at varying distances and let kids toss rings or glow bracelets to land around the stems. It’s simple, quick to set up, and works for a wide age range.
What you'll need: small pumpkins, rings or hoops, a scoring chart if you want to keep score
Mummy Wrap Relay
Split into teams and give each one a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamers. First team to fully "mummify" one teammate, head to toe, wins. It's chaotic in the best way.
What you'll need: toilet roll or streamers (a couple of rolls per team)
Halloween Musical Statues
Play spooky music and have kids dance until it stops. Anyone still moving when the music cuts is out. This is a Halloween twist on a party classic that needs zero setup.
What you'll need: a speaker or playlist, nothing else
Spider Web Toss
Tape a large paper spider web to a wall or door and let kids throw sticky balls (or bean bags) to see who can land the most on the web. Great for a range of ages and needs almost no supervision once it's set up.
What you'll need: paper or string for a web shape, tape, small bean bags or soft balls
Pin the Wart on the Witch
This Halloween spin on the classic party game involves blindfolding each child and letting them try to stick a "wart" in the right spot on a witch's face poster. It’s simple, cheap, and reliably a hit with younger kids.
What you'll need: a witch poster or drawing, sticky "wart" cut-outs, a blindfold
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Hide small Halloween-themed items or clues around the house or garden and send kids off in pairs to find them all. Adjust the difficulty by age, and have a small prize waiting at the end.
What you'll need: small hidden items or written clues, a prize for the finish line
Halloween Games for Teens and Adults
Two Truths and a Lie: Spooky Edition
Everyone shares three "facts" about a scary movie, urban legend, or their own spookiest real-life story (two true, one invented) and the group guesses which is the lie. This requires zero prep, endless mileage.
Halloween Trivia Night
Put together a quick round of horror movie, folklore, or general Halloween trivia and split into small teams. It works brilliantly as an icebreaker before the rest of the party gets going.
What you'll need: a printed or phone-based question list, pens and paper for answers
The Pumpkin Carving Challenge
Set a timer, hand out small pumpkins, and let everyone carve against the clock. Judge on creativity, not just skill. The "worst" attempt is usually the funniest part of the night.
What you'll need: pumpkins, carving tools, a timer
Halloween Charades
Swap in horror movies, monsters, and Halloween traditions for the usual charades categories. It works just as well for a small gathering as a bigger crowd.
What you'll need: a list of Halloween-themed words or phrases
Would You Rather: Halloween Edition
This quick, no-prep icebreaker works for any size group. Pose a series of horror-themed "would you rather" questions and have everyone vote or shout their answer. It's a good filler between bigger games or while food's being served.
What you'll need: a list of questions (written or pulled up on a phone)
Cocktail (or Mocktail) Mixology Challenge
Set out a few spirits, mixers, and garnishes and challenge guests to invent their own "spooky" drink, complete with a name. This is great as a low-key activity once the main games have wound down. Pair it with our Halloween Cocktails & Mocktails guide for inspiration.
Halloween Prizes and Treat Bag Ideas from Lidl
No Halloween game night is complete without something to win. Lidl's Halloween range is worth a browse for small, affordable prizes that don't require a separate shopping trip — think seasonal sweets, mini decorations, or novelty items for younger guests. For treat bags, the Halloween sweets and treats range has plenty of options to fill a bag without overspending, whether you're sending kids home with something after a party or handing out prizes mid-game.
A simple points system works well if you're running several games in one night (a tally on a whiteboard or piece of paper is all it takes) with the overall winner picking first from the prize table at the end. It keeps younger guests especially invested in whatever's coming next, and gives the night a natural shape rather than one game blending into another.
However you're spending the night, the best Halloween games are the ones that get everyone off their phones and into the spirit of it, whether that’s a mix of a couple of traditional games, something for the kids, and something for the adults. Pick three or four rather than trying to fit everything in, keep the rest in your back pocket for next year, and let the night find its own pace. Have a spook-tacular night, whatever you end up playing.