Need some not-so-scary Halloween fun for the little ones? These kid-friendly paper crafts are packed with charm, color, and just the right amount of spooky sweetness.
Perfect for younger kids, each project is simple to make and full of personality.
With just paper, glue, and a little imagination, your child can create decorations they’ll be proud to show off.
These crafts are a fun way to bring Halloween magic into your home without any of the fright, making them ideal for parties, classrooms, or cozy afternoons at the kitchen table.
Read more: These 22 Halloween Paper Plate Crafts Will Keep Kids Busy and Smiling
#1. Handprint Ghost Friends
This charming ghost craft captures more than Halloween spirit, it captures your child’s tiny hands too! Using simple handprints as the ghost’s arms adds a sweet personal touch, perfect for creating keepsakes.
Also, kids love dipping their hands in paint, and this one lets them get gloriously messy while crafting something adorably spooky.
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet colored cardstock (blue, purple, etc., 8.5” x 11”)
- White acrylic paint (non-toxic)
- Black paint or marker
- Paintbrushes (small and medium)
- Paper plate or damp cloth (for cleanup)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Paint a soft ghost shape in the center of the cardstock, you can think rounded top with a flowy base.
Step 2: Help your child dip their hands into white paint, then press them on both sides of the ghost to form playful hands.
Step 3: Once dry, use black paint or a marker to give your ghost a face with friendly, spooky, or just plain silly.
Step 4: Let it dry completely before displaying on your fridge, door, or classroom wall.
#2. Doily Ghost Cutouts
Wow, these lacy little ghosts are sweet, spooky, and seriously fun to make. Paper doilies already have that vintage, ethereal look, so transforming them into adorable spirits just takes a few snips and some personality.
Plus, each ghost can have its own look like glasses, crooked eyes, or even quirky shapes, which makes this an ideal craft for kids to personalize.
You can string them into a banner, stick them onto treat bags, or scatter them across your Halloween table.
Materials Needed
- Paper doilies (6″-8″ diameter)
- Black permanent marker (fine or medium tip)
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut ghost shapes from the doilies, using the lace border for the tail and leaving enough space at the top for the head.
Step 2: Use the marker to draw eyes and mouths, you go classic, spooky, or even nerdy with glasses!
Step 3: Let the ink dry for a minute, then decorate as desired or display them.
Tip: You can layer two ghosts together for a dimensional look or glue onto black paper for contrast.
#3. Intricate Paper Spiderwebs
Paper spiderwebs are such a satisfying craft, so simple to make, yet the final result looks like you spent hours!
These cutout webs bring a handmade gothic charm to tabletops, windows, or even your Halloween party plates. The best part is that you can fold and cut several at once if you’re decorating in bulk.
Materials Needed
- White printer paper (8.5” x 11”)
- Scissors (sharp-tipped)
- Pencil
- Optional: Small plastic spiders or pom-pom spiders
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold your paper into a triangle (like a snowflake base), then fold it into thirds to create a pie shape.
Step 2: Draw the web design lightly with a pencil, using curved lines and spokes radiating from the center.
Step 3: Carefully cut out the shapes between the lines to form the web pattern.
Step 4: Unfold gently to reveal your spiderweb masterpiece. Then glue on a spider or two for extra Halloween fun, and tape or hang your webs wherever you like!
#4. Apple Stamp Jack-o-Lanterns
Turn snack time into craft time with this clever idea using real apples to make pumpkin prints! The round shape of an apple half is the perfect stand-in for a pumpkin base and kids will love getting their hands a little messy.
After stamping the pumpkins, let your little artist add faces, curly vines, and all the silly details that make each Jack-o’-Lantern unique.
Materials Needed
- 1 apple (cut in half)
- Orange craft paint (2-3 tbsp)
- Black marker or paint pen (fine tip)
- Green marker or crayon
- White cardstock (8.5″ x 11″)
- Paper plate or tray
- Paper towel
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut an apple in half vertically and blot with a paper towel to reduce moisture.
Step 2: Pour orange paint onto a plate, then press the apple half into the paint.
Step 3: Stamp the apple onto the paper, pressing gently to create a pumpkin shape.
Step 4: Let the prints dry, then draw Jack-o’-Lantern faces with the black marker.
Step 5: Finally, add green curly vines with a marker or crayon for extra Halloween flair.
#5. Book Page Ghost Garland
Interestingly, this charming ghost garland adds a sweet, vintage touch to your Halloween setup. Each ghost is cut from old book pages or sheet music, giving your décor an extra dose of character and literary flair.
Moreover, hung with mini clothespins across twine, they flutter just enough to look like they’re floating midair.
See more: 5 Steps to Create Your Own Spooky Book Page Ghost Garland
#6. Hanging Skeleton Made From Paper Chains
Built with old-school paper chains and a cheeky paper plate skull, this decoration dances lightly in the window with every breeze.
The fun part is that watching kids link together the arms, legs, and spine while giggling at their skeleton’s wiggly limbs. It’s the kind of craft that’s wonderfully imperfect and full of character.
Materials Needed
- 1 paper plate (7″ round)
- White paper strips (1″ x 6″, approx. 24-30 strips)
- Black marker or black paper
- Glue stick or stapler
- Scissors
- Hole punch and string
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut the paper plate in half and shape the top half into a rounded skull.
Step 2: Draw or glue on large black eyes and a stitched mouth using marker or paper.
Step 3: Link the paper strips into chains to form arms, legs, and a torso.
Step 4: Cut out hand and foot shapes, attach to the ends of the chains, and connect all the limbs to the skull with glue or staples.
Step 5: Punch a hole at the top and add string to hang your bony buddy.
#7. Spooky Eyeball Paper Flowers
These creepy-cute eyeball flowers are Halloween decor with personality! Each layered petal adds dimension, while the pop of an oversized eye in the center gives off just the right amount of eerie charm.
Additionally, they’re the perfect accent for Halloween party invites, treat bags, table centerpieces, or even hair clips if you want to go full festive.
Materials Needed
- Colored cardstock: black, orange, patterned (approx. 3″ x 3″ per flower)
- 1 large googly eye (1″ diameter) per flower
- Paper flower templates or punches (3-4 sizes)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut 3 to 4 flower shapes in slightly different sizes using black, orange, and patterned paper.
Step 2: Layer the petals largest to smallest and glue them in the center, fanning them for fullness.
Step 3: Stick a big googly eye in the middle, make sure it’s centered for the full spooky effect.
Step 4: Let the glue dry and use your finished flowers on crafts, garlands, or wearables!
#8. Pumpkin Paper Lantern
With a simple fold-and-cut technique, this orange lantern mimics the glow of a carved pumpkin. It’s lightweight, kid-friendly, and can be hung in classrooms, entryways, or even strung together as a festive garland.
Specially, the 3D curved shape gives it charm, while the bold black eyes and toothy smile bring out its personality.
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet of orange construction paper (9″ x 12″)
- 1 strip of orange paper for handle (1″ x 8″)
- Black construction paper
- Glue stick or tape
- Scissors
- Ruler and pencil
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold the orange paper in half lengthwise (hotdog style).
Step 2: Draw evenly spaced lines from the fold to about 1″ from the edge. Cut along the lines.
Step 3: Unfold, curl the paper into a tube shape, and secure the edges with glue or tape.
Step 4: Cut out eyes, nose, and mouth from black paper and glue them onto the lantern.
Step 5: Attach the handle to the top using tape or glue.
Tip: Add an LED tealight inside to give it a cozy pumpkin glow!
#9. Glowing Skull Paper Lantern
This skull lantern adds a spooky glow to your Halloween night using just paper and a flameless tea light.
Plus, its folded design gives the skull a sculpted, almost animated look, while the cutout eyes and nose allow a flickering light to shine through for a ghostly effect.
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet of white cardstock paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Black marker or pen
- Scissors or craft knife
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- 1 battery-operated tea light candle
- Ruler
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw a skull face on the center of the paper, leaving enough space for folding edges.
Step 2: Carefully cut out the eye and nose holes to let the light shine through.
Step 3: Score vertical lines to create foldable sections and shape the paper into a curved lantern.
Step 4: Tape the edges to form a cylinder. Then you just place an LED tea light inside to bring your spooky skull to life!
#10. Googly-Eyed Witch’s Brew Cauldron
Let your little ones stir up some spooky magic with this playful paper cauldron! This project blends color, texture, and imagination into one giggle-worthy creation.
Using vibrant pom-poms, swirling crayon lines, and tons of googly eyes, it’s the perfect balance of silly and spooky.
Of course, kids can pretend they’re witches conjuring up a potion full of eyeballs and bouncing spells. It’s an easy way to build fine motor skills and let creativity bubble over.
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet white cardstock (8.5” x 11”)
- 1 sheet black construction paper
- 1 sheet purple cardstock
- Assorted googly eyes (various sizes)
- Mini pom-poms (green, orange, yellow, purple)
- Crayons or markers (green, orange, purple)
- Glue stick
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw and cut out a bubbling cauldron shape from black construction paper. You can sketch a simple pot with two handles.
Step 2: Glue the cauldron near the bottom of your white cardstock. This will be the base of your spooky spell.
Step 3: Use crayons or markers to draw colorful swirls and curls coming out of the pot to look like magical steam.
Step 4: Add googly eyes and pom-poms along the swirls and inside the cauldron. Let your kid place them wherever their imagination leads.
#11. Colorful Sugar Skull Rosette Fans
Why not celebrate Halloween with a splash of color and a nod to Día de los Muertos? These festive rosette fans feature accordion-folded paper in bold, radiant hues, topped with cheerful sugar skulls and dancing skeleton characters.
Bonus, they make delightful wall decorations or party backdrops. Each fan adds personality and a touch of cultural flair, plus, they’re super fun to make!
Materials Needed
- 8 colorful cardstock or construction paper (6″x12″ each)
- Glue stick
- Stapler
- Printed or hand-colored sugar skull and skeleton images (about 4″ tall)
- Scissors or craft paper punch
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold each paper accordion-style, about 1″ wide per fold.
Step 2: Fan each folded paper and glue or staple the ends together to form a circle.
Step 3: Use a hole punch along one edge for extra detail if desired.
Step 4: Print and color your skulls or skeletons, then cut them out.
Step 5: Finally, glue one character to the center of each rosette to complete your decoration.
#12. Halloween Handprint Friends
From a goofy Frankenstein to a grinning pumpkin, a dapper Dracula, and a boo-tiful ghost, this craft is a Halloween favorite for kids.
It’s the perfect keepsake activity for preschoolers or a fun addition to any fall classroom display. Each design is easy to customize and packed with personality!
Materials Needed
- Colored cardstock (8.5″x11″) – white, orange, black, green, red, beige
- Googly eyes (1/2″ diameter)
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Black marker
- Green paper strip (1/4″x6″)
- Pencil to trace hand outlines
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Trace your child’s hand on colored paper depending on the character (white for ghost, orange for pumpkin, black for vampire, green for Frankenstein).
Step 2: Cut out the handprints and glue on accessories like faces, eyes, hair, and even a bow tie for Dracula.
Step 3: Use small strips and shapes from paper scraps to add final details like mouths or scars.
Step 4: Let dry and proudly display on your wall or fridge.
Tip: You can add magnets to the back for easy fridge decor, or string them into a festive handprint banner!
#13. Easy Paper Ghost’s Craft
These dangling paper ghosts are the perfect mix of silly and spooky! With their oversized black eyes and cascading accordion legs, they add personality and fun to any window, wall, or classroom display.
What makes them extra charming is their movement as each little breeze brings them to life, wiggling and swaying like they’re ready to float away.
Materials Needed
- White printer paper or construction paper (8.5” x 11”)
- Black construction paper or markers
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Scissors
- String or thread
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Cut out a large ghost shape with rounded top, wide arms, and a flat bottom.
Step 2: Cut strips from another sheet of white paper, fold them accordion-style, and glue to the bottom edge as dangling legs.
Step 3: Cut out big black eyes and a wavy mouth, or draw them on with a marker.
Step 4: Punch a small hole at the top and tie string for hanging.
#14. Cone Jack-o-Lantern Craft
Haha, this fun and quirky cone-shaped Jack-o’-Lantern is more than a craft, it’s a paper sculpture full of character!
Shaped like a party hat with a spooky twist, this little guy can be used as a decoration, table centerpiece, or even worn on a tiny head for giggles. Its simple shapes make it perfect for younger kids to practice cutting and gluing, and the final result always brings smiles.
Besides, you can even turn it into a mini candy holder if you leave the top open.
Materials Needed
- 1 sheet orange cardstock (A4 or 8.5” x 11”)
- Scraps of black, white, and green paper
- Glue stick or school glue
- Scissors
- Pencil
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Roll the orange cardstock into a cone shape and secure it with glue. Then trim the base to sit flat.
Step 2: Cut out black triangle eyes, a nose, and a large jack-o’-lantern smile with sharp white teeth.
Step 3: Glue the face pieces onto the front of the cone. Next, add green leaves to the top for a pumpkin stem effect.
#15. Cup Ghost Windsock
This cup ghost windsock is as silly as it is spooky and it flutters perfectly on breezy porches or classroom windows.
Made from a plain paper cup, a few googly eyes, and trailing tissue legs, this little specter takes just minutes to put together. It’s the kind of easy craft kids love because they get to personalize the ghost’s expression and watch it float when hung up.
Materials Needed
- 1 white paper cup (9 oz or similar size)
- 2 googly eyes (1″ and 0.5″ mixed)
- White crepe paper (3-4 strips, 1.5″ x 18″)
- White cardstock or construction paper (approx. 4″ wide)
- Black marker
- Glue stick or hot glue gun
- String or twine (8″ length)
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Flip the cup upside down and glue on two googly eyes. You continue to draw a small open mouth using a black marker for a surprised ghost face.
Step 2: Cut arm shapes from white cardstock and glue them to the sides of the cup.
Step 3: Tape or glue crepe paper strips inside the rim of the cup so they hang down.
Step 4: Punch a hole in the top, tie on some string, and hang your ghosty buddy!
#16. DIY Skull Paper Garland Banner
This fun and easy skull garland adds the perfect spooky-cute vibe to your Halloween mantel or wall.
Made from simple white paper and string, it’s a budget-friendly project that delivers bold impact. Each skull shape is consistent, giving it a clean look, but you can always personalize with glitter, googly eyes, or colored paper.
Materials Needed
- White cardstock or construction paper (8.5″ x 11″)
- Black marker or printer
- Scissors
- Hole punch or needle
- String (approx. 6 ft)
- Skull template (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw or print multiple skull shapes onto white paper. Then cut them out carefully with scissors.
Step 2: Add eye sockets and teeth using a marker, or cut them out if you prefer a silhouette look.
Step 3: Punch small holes on the sides of each skull or use a needle to thread the string through.
Step 4: String the skulls onto your twine, spacing them evenly. Then hang your garland across a fireplace, window, or wall.
#17. Spooky Paper Garland Cutouts
These accordion-style paper garlands bring back grade school nostalgia in the best way. With just a few folds and cuts, you can make a whole row of dancing ghosts, cheeky pumpkins, spooky bats, or even grinning black cats.
They’re lightweight, bold, and perfect for stringing across a mantel, doorway, or window. Plus, it’s a fun craft for kids to join in.
Materials Needed
- Colored construction paper or cardstock (8.5” x 11” per strand)
- Pencil and scissors
- Printable or hand-drawn templates (ghost, bat, pumpkin, spider, cat)
- Glue stick or tape (optional)
- Markers or googly eyes
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold a sheet of paper accordion-style into equal sections (about 2-3” wide, depending on shape size).
Step 2: Trace your shape so that the arms, wings, or edges reach the paper folds.
Step 3: Carefully cut along your outline, making sure not to cut through the folds that connect each figure.
Step 4: Unfold and reveal your connected garland. You can also add decorations if desired.
Step 5: Tape or string them up wherever your space needs a little Halloween cheer!
#18. Twirling Paper Ghosts
These floating ghost spirals are such a simple but clever way to create Halloween magic. When you hang them from your window or ceiling, they spin gently with the air, almost like they’re haunting your home with a cheeky smile.
This is one of those crafts you can do with your kids in under 20 minutes, but the effect feels so fun and animated. They’re especially great if you’re decorating a classroom or trying to keep things lightweight and damage-free on windows.
Materials Needed
- White cardstock or thick paper (8.5” x 11”)
- Black marker or stickers
- Scissors
- Clear tape or string
- Pencil (optional)
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Draw a ghost figure at the top of your paper and then sketch a spiral down from its base, making it about 2 inches wide at the outer edge.
Step 2: Cut along the spiral line carefully until you reach the center. Then, use a marker to draw expressive ghost faces with silly, scared, or spooky!
Step 3: Tape a piece of clear thread or string to the top of each ghost.
Step 4: Hang them from a window frame, ceiling hook, or light fixture and watch them spin!
#19. Halloween Character Paper Fans
How about turning a few sheets of paper into a charming cast of Halloween characters?
These rosette-style fans feature playful pumpkins, spooky ghosts, and mischievous black cats, all with expressive faces and cute arms or ears that bring them to life.
They’re perfect for classroom doors, party walls, or window displays. This project is fun for both kids and adults, and a great way to mix creativity with some Halloween cheer!
Materials Needed
- Colored cardstock (8.5″x11″ sheets – orange, black, and white)
- Black, red, green, and white paper scraps for facial features and accessories
- Scissors
- Glue stick or craft glue
- Stapler
- Pencil
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Fold two sheets accordion-style (1″ folds), then staple together to form a circle.
Step 2: Cut out arms, ears, leaves, and facial features from colored paper. Then attach them to the fan using glue.
Step 3: Glue a circle or oval in the center for the face details to sit on neatly.
Tip: For extra sparkle, you can try using glitter paper or add googly eyes for fun dimension!
#20. Leaf Witch Character Art
I bet this whimsical leaf witch brings a touch of magic and nature to your Halloween decor.
Using real autumn leaves for the body and staff adds texture and charm, while simple pen drawings and paper accents bring the character to life.
Moreover, you can hang it on the fridge, turn it into a greeting card, or just let it be the star of your spooky display.
Materials Needed
- 2-3 fall leaves (approx. 3-5″ long, various shapes/colors)
- White cardstock (8.5″ x 11″)
- Black marker or pen
- Glue stick
- Googly eyes (optional, 1/2″ size)
- Colored paper scraps
- Scissors
Step-by-step Guide
Step 1: Arrange a long leaf vertically as the witch’s body, and glue it onto the paper.
Step 2: Draw arms, legs, boots, and a crooked witch hat using a black pen.
Step 3: Glue a round leaf for the broom top or staff and draw the handle extending to the witch’s hand.
Step 4: Add facial features using paper or marker. You can glue on googly eyes or draw in expressive ones for a goofy vibe.
Step 5: Now you just decorate with red cheeks, fangs, striped leggings, get playful!
