Halloween is a favourite for little ones: dressing up, pumpkins and a bit of pretend spookiness. Here are some easy ways to enjoy it with your child, whatever their age, along with a few tips to keep everyone safe.
Keep it friendly, not frightening
For babies and toddlers, "spooky" can be a bit much. Try smiling pumpkins, friendly ghosts and gentle dressing-up, and let your child decide how much they want to join in. If they would rather watch from your lap, that is absolutely fine.
Easy Halloween activities for toddlers and preschoolers
- Pumpkin scooping and sensory play: let children feel the seeds and pulp (adults do the cutting). It is great for fine motor skills and for building vocabulary: squishy, slimy, cold, bumpy.
- Ghost and pumpkin crafts: paper plates, paint and cotton wool go a long way, and there is no wrong way to do it. For a no-mess version, try our no-carve pumpkin decorating ideas.
- Pumpkin seed counting: a simple early maths game for ages 2 and up. Count, sort and make patterns.
- Autumn leaf hunt: take a walk to collect leaves, conkers and sticks, then use them for a collage when you get home.
- Dress-up and storytelling: pick a favourite story and act it out in costume. Need inspiration? See our easy DIY Halloween costumes for toddlers.
Why this kind of play matters
Simple, hands-on activities like these help children develop their language, coordination and imagination. They also give you quality time together, which matters far more than getting the craft "right". At Rowans, we believe play is how young children learn best, and seasonal activities are a great way to keep it fresh and exciting.
Staying safe at Halloween
- Choose flame-free costumes and check that masks do not block your child’s view.
- Use battery tea lights in pumpkins instead of candles.
- Keep small decorations and sweets away from babies and under-threes.
- If your child has allergies, check the labels on any treats.
- Use reflective strips or a torch if you are out after dark.
Halloween at Rowans Day Nursery
We are celebrating Halloween at the nursery with a fancy dress party on Friday 30 October, from 2pm to 4pm. There will be spooky activities, crafts and cooking, all planned for little ones so everyone can join in at their own pace. Take a look at how we celebrated last year for a taste of the fun.
Questions? Call us on 0121 354 1752 or get in touch.
More Halloween ideas from Rowans
Looking for more inspiration? Take a look at some of our favourite Halloween posts from previous years:
- Halloween Fancy Dress Party: Spooktacular Fun at Rowans Day Nursery
- Creative Halloween Costume Ideas for Children
- Spooky Halloween Fun for Children at Rowans Day Nursery
Half-term fun at Rowans
If you need childcare over half-term, our holiday club runs Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, finishing the week with pumpkin carving and party games. It is £33 per day, including all meals, snacks and drinks. Find out more and book your place.
Looking for a nursery for your little one? Book a tour of Rowans Day Nursery and see where the fun happens.
