Halloween is such an exciting time for kids — the costumes, the sweets, the spooky fun. But if you’re a parent, you already know how quickly the costs can add up. Between school parties, shop-bought decorations, and endless requests for treats, it can start to feel like a strain on your budget.
The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to make Halloween magical. With a little creativity (and things you probably already have at home), you can fill the season with activities your kids will love — without the stress of overspending.
In this post, I’ve pulled together ten cheap and cheerful Halloween activities that are big on fun and light on your wallet. They’re simple, family-friendly, and perfect for creating those cosy October memories that your kids will talk about for years.
🖌️ Creative Crafts
Crafts are such a fun way to keep kids entertained at home — and they don’t need to be expensive or complicated. With just a few supplies (many you probably already have lying around), you can create spooky little projects that double as decorations.
1. Paper Plate Pumpkins
All you need are paper plates, orange paint or crayons, and some black card for eyes and mouths. Let the kids paint their plates bright orange, then cut and stick funny faces. These make brilliant wall or window decorations.
2. DIY Ghost Garlands
Take some tissues, coffee filters, or scrap fabric, scrunch them into little ghost shapes, and tie with string or ribbon. Draw eyes with a marker pen and hang them across a doorway or along the fireplace.
3. Handprint Spiders
This one is always a hit with younger kids. Paint your child’s hands black, press them onto white paper (with the thumbs overlapping slightly) to make a spider shape, then add googly eyes once it’s dry. It’s messy, fun, and makes a perfect keepsake.
🍌 Spooky Snacks (Budget-Friendly)
Halloween snacks don’t have to mean buying expensive themed treats from the shops. With a little creativity, you can make simple, healthy (ish!) bites that kids love — all using cheap ingredients you probably already have at home.
4. Banana Ghosts
Peel a banana, cut it in half, and stand it upright. Use chocolate chips or raisins for the eyes and mouth. They’re quick, funny, and the kids can help decorate them.
5. Pumpkin Oranges
Peel satsumas or clementines and pop a little piece of celery in the top to look like a pumpkin stalk. They make a colourful, healthy Halloween treat that’s perfect for after school.
6. Monster Popcorn
Make a bowl of plain popcorn, then drizzle with melted chocolate or coloured candy melts. Add sprinkles or edible eyes if you have them. It’s cheap, cheerful, and kids go wild for it.
🎲 Games & Activities
Halloween fun doesn’t have to be complicated — kids just want to be silly, run around, and laugh. These games are easy to set up, cost next to nothing, and work for any age group.
7. Pumpkin Bowling
Use a mini pumpkin as the bowling ball and set up empty plastic bottles or cans as pins. Kids will love rolling the bumpy pumpkin and watching everything tumble over.
8. Mummy Wrap Game
All you need is a roll of loo paper! Kids take turns wrapping each other up like a mummy, and the fastest (or funniest) wrap wins. Bonus: you’ll have hilarious photos to keep.
9. Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Hide small Halloween-themed items (plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, or wrapped sweets) around the house or garden, and give the kids a simple checklist to tick off as they find them.
👨👩👦 Family Memory Maker
Sometimes the best memories come from the simplest traditions. You don’t need a big party or expensive outfits — just a bit of imagination.
10. DIY Costume Parade at Home
Raid the dress-up box, your wardrobes, or even the kitchen cupboards. Challenge the kids to put together their silliest or spookiest costumes from whatever they can find. Then turn on some Halloween music and let them strut their stuff in a “costume parade” around the living room. It’s free, it’s hilarious, and it’s the kind of thing they’ll remember long after the sweets are gone.
🎃 Which ones will you do??
Halloween doesn’t need to cost a fortune to be fun. With a few simple crafts, some silly games, and budget-friendly snacks, you can create a magical October your kids will never forget.
Pick two or three of these ideas to try this week — you’ll be surprised how much excitement they bring without spending more than a couple of pounds.
✨ Save this list to Pinterest so you’ve got it handy when the spooky season rolls around next year, and let me know which activity your kids loved most!
