5 Games and Ideas for Hallowe'en Craic at Home

Staying in this Hallowe'en? Hosting a small get together for family and friends? Looking for ideas on how to keep the kids entertained over the mid-term break?

We've got you covered with these spooky, craic-filled games that will take you all the way back to the Hallowe'en parties of your childhood! Be prepared to get creeped out, competitive, and silly...

Box of Horrors

If your family/guests aren't too squeamish, this icky game is a great way to kick off the night.

Place foods into a small bowl or box and pass it around the room. Everyone has to stick their hand in to feel the contents and guess what they are. The first person get all of them right are the winner.

Get creative with the food - think slimy cooked noodles, chunks of gelatin, wilted spinach, and peeled tomatoes, grapes, and bananas. It'll be gross yet fun and it's suitable for adults and kids alike — keep napkins on hand!

Save the nice treats for later!

Dangling Apples or Donuts - 'Snap Apple'

This one's been a firm staple of Hallowe'en parties in Ireland for generations, owing in part to its simplicity. Like the ultimate classic Hallowe'en game, Bobbing Apples, this one involves taking chunks out of our favourite autumn fruit. 

To begin, hang apples from a horizontal line of string and tie participants' hands behind their backs. Then the race is on to see who can take the most bites out of their apple as the timer (set to a length of your choice) ticks down to zero.

Donuts are a good alternative for kids who may find biting the apple tricky. 

Sports Day with a Spooky Twist

Mummy Race

Wrap participants legs in masking tape and have them hop to the finish line!

Pumpkin Bean Bag Toss

Grab some hollowed-out pumpkins and set up a game of bean bag toss in the back garden. Two points for whoever gets the bag in, first to ten wins (rules are up to you).

As for what to throw, table tennis balls may do the trick, or better yet — make your own bean bags by filling an old sock with rice. 

Practice Your Poker Face with a Murder Mystery

You don't need to be a theatre fan or expert to host your own murder mystery at home. 

Channel your inner actor (and the spookiness of All Hallows Eve) to immerse yourself in a story that everyone can get involved in.

This one's ideal for adult parties and you will typically need about 6-15 people to get the most out of the game. 

Here's a free murder mystery script — complete with nametags and in-depth backstories — to get you started. There are also loads of other free scripts available to download online. 

Frightening Faces

Hallowe'en is probably the best excuse of all to get silly, no matter your age. Get creative with a face paint palette (which you will find in most local convenience/bargain stores) and give your guests or little monsters a spine-chilling makeover. 

For bigger adult groups, make it competitive by getting teams of two to take turns painting each other faces and then vote for the winning (scariest!) design. Victor gets a handful of the best Hallowe'en treats in the house!

You can even make your own face paint at home with a few ingredients from your pantry and bathroom cupboard. Check out this how-to guide here. 

Due to ongoing restrictions, many local festivals and in-person events have been postponed this year, but there are still plenty of ways that you can enjoy Hallowe'en at home with family, friends, and your wider community. Support local this mid-term break and Happy Hallowe'en!