23 Insanely Fun Halloween Games for Big Groups of All Ages

Halloween parties are all about spooky fun, am I right? And nothing brings a big group together like some killer games. 

So, I’ve been to my fair share of Halloween parties, and the ones with the best games are always the most epic.

So, let’s dive into my picks for the greatest Halloween games that’ll work for your big monster mash, whether you’re partying with kids or a bunch of grown-up ghouls.

I’ll cover:

• Indoor games for when it’s creepy cold outside
• Outdoor games to get the blood pumping
• Games for the little gremlins
• Even some virtual options for all you Zoom zombies out there

But first, let’s talk about what makes a solid Halloween game in the first place.

How to Pick Petrifying Party Games

When you’re looking for games to play with a big crew, keep these things in mind:

Do	Don’t
Pick games that are easy to explain	Go for games with a ton of complicated rules
Get everyone involved and interacting	Leave people out or let them get bored
Embrace the Halloween theme	Forget to add some spooky flair
Make sure they work for your group	Choose games that are too kiddie or too grown-up

I remember this one Halloween party I went to where we played a game called “Zombie Tag.” It was like regular tag, but when you got tagged, you had to join the zombie horde and shamble after everyone else. 

It was hilarious watching a bunch of adults stumbling around moaning “braaaains.” Simple, silly, and perfect for a big group.

Stay tuned, ’cause next we’re gonna get into the real meat of it with some killer indoor game ideas for big groups

Indoor Halloween Game Ideas

When the weather outside is frightful, but your party is so delightful, these indoor games will keep the fun going all night long.

1. Murder Mystery Party

Okay, picture this: you and your friends all dressed up as suspects in a murder mystery, trying to figure out whodunit. It’s like Clue, but in real life! Here’s what you need to make it happen:

• A murder mystery kit or script (you can find these online)
• Costumes for each character
• A designated “host” to keep the game moving
• Spooky snacks and drinks to set the mood

My friend said she went to murder mystery party where she played a wealthy widow with a dark secret. Let’s just say, she got really into character. 

But, I think that’s important. Just encourage everyone to embrace their roles and have fun with it!

2. Halloween Trivia Tournament

Think you know everything about Halloween? Put your knowledge to the test with a trivia tournament! Here’s how to set it up:

1. Divide everyone into teams
2. Come up with a list of Halloween-themed questions (movies, history, candy, you name it)
3. Take turns asking each team a question
4. Keep score on a whiteboard or chalkboard
5. The team with the most points at the end wins a spooky prize!

3. Spooky Scavenger Hunt

A scavenger hunt is a classic party game, but with a Halloween twist, it becomes a spooktacular adventure! Here’s what you’ll need:

• A list of Halloween-themed items for players to find
• Bags or baskets for collecting the items
• Prizes for the winners

You can hide the items around your house or yard, or even send players out into the neighborhood (if it’s safe and legal, of course).

Some ideas for your list:

• A plastic spider
• A candy wrapper
• A Halloween decoration
• A pumpkin
• A witch hat

The first team or player to find everything on the list wins! Just be careful not to scare the neighbors too much.

4. Costume Contest

No Halloween party is complete without a costume contest! Here’s how to make yours stand out:

• Set up a “runway” area for contestants to show off their costumes (use battery-operated fairy lights, set up chairs alongside the runway, etc)
• Choose categories like scariest, funniest, most creative, and best group costume
• Have everyone vote for their favorites in each category
• Give out prizes like candy, gift cards, or even homemade trophies!

One year, I went to a party where the prize for best costume was a giant inflatable dinosaur. Talk about motivation to go all out!

Well, now it’s time to take this party outside.

Whell, if you’re brave enough to face the crisp autumn air, these outdoor games will keep your Halloween party going strong.

5. Monster Hunt Mayhem

Objective: Find and capture sneaky paper “monsters” lurking around the house.
Materials: A collection of printed or handmade monster cutouts.
Setup:

1. Swipe the cutouts with a bit of glow-in-the-dark paint.  Then scatter the cutouts in tricky hiding spots across the room (or house) 
2. Give each hunter a flashlight and a bag to capture their prey.

Gameplay:

• Unleash the hunters in the dimly lit room, guiding them to sniff out those hidden fiends using their flashlights.
• Players collect monsters by tossing them into their bag.
• Most monsters caught in 5 minutes wins.

6. Pumpkin Puzzle Panic

Objective: Piece together a pumpkin puzzle before the clock strikes midnight.
Materials: Several sets of Halloween-themed jigsaw puzzles.
Setup:

1. Split into teams and assign a different puzzle (no more than 25 pieces; hey, you don’t want the game to go on forever, do you?) to each team.
2. Set up tables and supply a spooky-themed timer.
   

Gameplay:

• The teams race against the clock to finish their puzzles.
• First team to complete it earns the haunted crown of victory.

Outdoor/Active Halloween Games

7. Pumpkin Carving or Painting Contest

Nothing says Halloween like a good old-fashioned pumpkin carving contest.

But if you’re not ready to handle sharp objects (or you’ve got little ones running around), a painting contest is a great alternative! Here’s what you need:

• Pumpkins (of course!)
• Carving tools or paint supplies
• A table or flat surface to work on
• Prizes for the winners

8. Mummy Wrap Race

This game is a classic for a reason – it’s hilarious to watch and even more fun to play! Here’s how it works:

1. Divide everyone into teams of two
2. Give each team a roll of toilet paper
3. On “go,” one person from each team has to wrap their partner from head to toe in toilet paper
4. The first team to use up their entire roll wins!

9. Halloween Obstacle Course

If you’ve got a big yard or outdoor space, set up a spooky obstacle course for your guests to navigate. Here’s some ideas:

• Crawling under fake spider webs
• Jumping over “graves” (aka hula hoops or cardboard cutouts)
• Tossing eyeballs (ping pong balls) into a witch’s cauldron
• Walking across a balance beam over a “pit of snakes” (jump ropes or pool noodles)

The possibilities are endless! Just make sure to have a prize for the fastest time.

10. Ghosts in the Graveyard

“Ghost in the Graveyard” is a classic outdoor game that’s perfect for those who love a good mix of hide-and-seek with a dash of spookiness.

Here’s how you can get in on the fun:

Set up:

1. Pick Your Playground: Grab a spacious outdoor area like a park or a backyard. Just make sure there’s enough room to run (and hide!).
2. Home Base: Choose a spot everyone can remember and reach easily. This could be anything from a tree to a porch step.
3. Who’s the Ghost? Decide who gets to be the ghost. You can draw straws, play rock-paper-scissors, or just volunteer if you’re feeling brave.

Gameplay:

1. Hide and Seek, but Spooky: The ghost hides while everyone else waits at the home base, eyes shut, counting to whatever number feels right—usually up to 50. When the counting ends, shout something fun like, “Midnight! I hope I don’t see the ghost tonight!” and off you go.
2. Spotting the Ghost: The thrill is in the hunt. When someone spots the ghost, they yell, “Ghost in the graveyard!” and it’s a mad dash back to home base.
3. The Chase: If the ghost tags you before you make it back, you’re the next ghost. If the ghost doesn’t tag anyone, the last one back is it.

Tips for Extra Fun

• Nighttime Play: For an extra eerie vibe, play after dark with flashlights. Just be sure not to trip over anything!
• Team Up: Sometimes it’s less scary and more strategic to search in pairs.
• Keep It Safe: Set clear boundaries and make sure everyone knows the area well to avoid any bumps or falls.
• Flashlight Tag: Use flashlights to tag instead of physical touch. It’s less jumpy but just as fun.
• Scary Stories: Kick off the game with a ghost story to set the mood. Just spooky enough to keep everyone on their toes!

A friend of mine told me about this this game at a Halloween party in a real graveyard once. Let’s just say, it was a little too realistic.

11. Pumpkin Relay Ruckus

Be the fastest team to get your pumpkin across the finish line.
Materials: Pumpkins (one per team), cones, and a sturdy spoon for each player.
Setup:

1. Set up a relay course with cones marking the path.
2. Divide the group into teams and give each team a pumpkin and spoon.

Gameplay:

• Players take turns racing while balancing their pumpkin on a spoon.
• If it falls, pick it up and keep going!
• First team to complete the course wins.

12. Wicked Witch’s Broom Race

Ride your broomstick to victory while dodging spooky obstacles.
Materials: Broomsticks (one per player) and cones or Halloween decorations for obstacles.
Setup:

1. Create a racecourse with cones and spooky decor as obstacles.
2. Hand out broomsticks to each player.

Gameplay:

• Players have to zigzag through the obstacles while riding their brooms.
• Touching an obstacle costs precious seconds.
• First to cross the finish line wins!

13. Graveyard Ghost Hunt

You’ve gotta find the “ghosts” hiding around the graveyard without getting caught by the ghost master.
Materials: Ghost-themed cutouts and one player designated as the ghost master.
Setup:

1. Scatter the ghost cutouts around the playing area.
2. The ghost master guards the treasure, tagging intruders.

Gameplay:

• Players sneak around the “graveyard,” trying to collect the ghost cutouts without being tagged.
• If tagged, a player must sit out until another player frees them by giving them a high-five.
• Whoever collects the most ghosts wins.

Halloween Games for Kids and Families

If you’ve got little monsters running around, these games will keep them entertained (and out of your hair) all night long.

14. Candy Corn Guessing Game

Fill a jar with candy corn and have everyone guess how many pieces are inside.

The person who gets closest without going over wins the whole jar! It’s a simple game, but kids love it.

If you wanna learn how to do a candy corn guessing game the right way, check out the article: Candy Corn Guessing Game (Unleash the Fun at Your next Party!)

15. Halloween Bingo

Bingo is a classic game that’s easy to Halloween-ify. Just print out some bingo cards with Halloween-themed words or pictures, and use candy corn or pumpkin seeds as markers. Some ideas for your bingo cards:

• Witch
• Ghost
• Pumpkin
• Candy
• Bat
• Skeleton
• Haunted house

The first person to get five in a row wins a spooky prize!

16. Pin the Boo on the Ghost

This is a Halloween twist on the classic party game “pin the tail on the donkey.” Here’s what you need:

• A large poster or printout of a ghost
• Cutouts of the word “boo” (or you can use stickers)
• Blindfolds
• Tape

To play, blindfold each player and spin them around three times. Then, they have to try to stick the “boo” as close to the ghost’s mouth as possible. The player who gets closest wins!

I played this game at a Halloween party with a bunch of sugared-up kids once. Let’s just say, there were a lot of “boos” stuck to the wall by the end of the night.

17. Pumpkin Piñata

What’s better than candy? Candy that you have to work for!

A pumpkin piñata is a super duper fun way to get kids, teens, adults, everyone moving and grooving. Here’s how to make one:

1. Get a large, hollow plastic pumpkin (you can find these at most craft stores)
2. Cut a hole in the bottom of the pumpkin
3. Fill the pumpkin with candy and small toys
4. Hang the pumpkin from a tree or pole
5. Let the kids take turns trying to break it open with a bat or stick

Just make sure to have a grown-up supervise, and watch out for flying candy!

18. Ghost Cup Stacking Game

This game is perfect for teams.  You can even hav a relay race if you structure everything right. Check it out.

Objective: Stack and unstack your spooky cups in record time!
Materials: White plastic cups, permanent markers.
Setup:

1. Draw ghostly faces on the cups to give them that eerie vibe.
2. Hand out a stack of these ghost-faced cups to each player.

Gameplay:

1. On “go,” each player must stack their cups into a pyramid shape as fast as possible.
2. After the pyramid is built, players must then unstack and re-stack the cups into a single tower.
3. First one to finish wins the title of “Ghost Cup Master.”

19. Zombie Eyeball Toss

Objective: Toss those zombie eyeballs into holes to score points. The creepier, the better!
Materials: Board with various sized holes, fake eyeballs (can be ping pong balls painted like eyes).
Setup:

• Designate point values for each hole on the board; smaller holes should have higher points.
• Set the board at a challenging distance from the tossing line.

Gameplay:

Players take turns throwing their set of eyeballs towards the board.

Each eyeball landing in a hole scores the designated points.

After a set number of rounds, the player with the highest score wins.

Virtual Halloween Game Ideas

Just because you can’t have a big in-person bash doesn’t mean you can’t still get your spook on!

Here’s some ideas for virtual Halloween games that’ll make your Zoom party the talk of the town (or at least the talk of the breakout rooms).

20. Online Costume Contest

Just because you’re not in the same room doesn’t mean you can’t show off your killer costume! Here’s how to do a virtual costume contest:

1. Have everyone dress up in their costumes and log onto the video call
2. Take turns having each person show off their costume
3. Use the poll feature to vote on categories like scariest, funniest, most creative, etc.
4. Give out virtual prizes like e-gift cards or digital downloads

I once did a virtual costume contest where I dressed up as a “Zoom zombie” with a green screen background that made it look like I was in a graveyard. It was a hit!

21. Spooky Story Round Robin

This game is perfect for getting everyone’s creative juices flowing. Here’s how it works:

1. One person starts off the story with a spooky sentence like “It was a dark and stormy night…”
2. The next person adds a sentence to the story
3. Keep going around the virtual room until the story is complete
4. Read the whole story aloud at the end and marvel at your collective genius (or laugh at how ridiculous it turned out)

22. Halloween Charades

Charades is a classic party game that translates well to the virtual world. Here’s how to play:

1. Divide into teams (you can use the breakout room feature for this)
2. Each team takes turns having one person act out a Halloween-themed word or phrase
3. The other team members have to guess what the word or phrase is
4. Set a time limit for each round to keep things moving

Some ideas for Halloween charades:

• Carving a pumpkin
• Trick-or-treating
• Bobbing for apples
• Haunted house
• Witches’ brew

Just make sure to mute your microphone when it’s not your turn to avoid any accidental cheating!

23. Trick-or-Treat Trivia

This game is a fun way to test your Halloween knowledge and get some virtual treats along the way. Here’s how to play:

1. The host asks a Halloween-themed trivia question
2. Players have to privately message the host with either “trick” or “treat” before the question is asked
3. If the player answers the question correctly and chose “treat,” they get a point. If they choose “trick,” they lose a point.
4. Keep track of the scores and give out prizes at the end

Some sample trivia questions:

Question	Answer
What is the most popular Halloween candy in America?	Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
What is the fear of Halloween called?	Samhainophobia
In what year was the first Halloween movie released?	1978

I played this game with a group of friends and ended up with a negative score because I kept choosing “trick.”

Apparently, my Halloween knowledge isn’t as vast as I thought.

Tips for Hosting a Successful Halloween Game Night

So, you’ve got your games all picked out, but now what?

Here’s some tips to make sure your party is a graveyard smash and not a total ghost town:

1. Set the mood: Decorations are key, folks! Go all out with the fake cobwebs, spooky lights, and maybe even a fog machine if you’re feeling extra. Just don’t go overboard like I did one year and set off the smoke alarms. That really killed the vibe.
   
2. Dress the part: Encourage your guests to come in costume. You could even have a contest for the best one! Just make sure you’ve got a killer costume yourself. One year, I dressed up as a “cereal” killer. Get it? I had tiny cereal boxes stabbed with plastic knives. Needless to say, I didn’t win the contest.
   
3. Plan your playlist: No party is complete without some spooky tunes. Mix in some classic Halloween jams with more modern bops. And if you really want to get the party going, throw in “The Monster Mash.” That song is scientifically proven to make people dance like zombies.
   
4. Serve up some spooky snacks: You can’t have a party without food! Whip up some Halloween-themed treats like “mummy dogs” (hot dogs wrapped in crescent rolls) or “witch’s fingers” (breadsticks with almond fingernails). One year, I tried to make a “kitty litter cake.” Let’s just say it looked a little too realistic.

Do	Don’t
Decorate like your (after) life depends on it	Go so overboard you set off the fire alarm
Encourage costumes	Forget to wear a costume yourself
Play spooky tunes	Put “Monster Mash” on repeat
Serve themed snacks	Make anything that looks too gross

Want More?

Check out some other super fun Halloween games in these articles:

• Pass the Pumpkin: Your Go-To, Low-Prep Game for Halloween
• 15 Halloween Dollar Store Minute to Win It Games (Cheat & Fun)
• 23 Must-Try Halloween Minute to Win It Games for Epic Fall Fun
• 27 Epic Alternatives to Bobby for Apples That Are Just as Fun