Halloween fun for younger kids

This story was originally titled "Your Kids: 0-5 years" in the November 2007 issue. Subscribe to Canadian Living today and never miss an issue!

Spooky rhymes & monstrous lines
Three Black Cats
Three black cats, three black cats
In black hats, in black hats
They all jumped into the Halloween brew.
They teased the ghosts and goblins, too!
Have you ever seen such a Hullabaloo?
On Halloween night, on Halloween night!
(Sing to the tune of “Three Blind Mice”)

In the graveyard
In the graveyard,
In the graveyard,
When the moon begins to shine,
There’s a doctor, crazy doctor,
and his monster Frankenstein.
Oh, my monster,
Oh, my monster,
Oh, my monster Frankenstein,
You are very, very scary, don’t come
near me, Frankenstein.
(Sing to the tune of “Oh My Darling”)

Jack-o’-lantern
Jack-o’-lantern, jack-o’-lantern
You are such a funny sight.
As you sit there in the window
Looking out into the night.
You were once a sturdy pumpkin,
growing on a curly vine.
Now you are a jack-o’-lantern,
See your lights shine.

Halloween games for small fry
Most young kids don’t like to trick-or-treat for long, but you can extend the fun with a fête at your house. Here are some games children will love.
Monster statues
What you need: fun Halloween music and space for kids to move around.
What to do: The game is similar to musical chairs. When the music stops, kids must freeze; if anyone moves, he’s out of the game. He then can help judge the next round.

Pin the hat/broomstick on the witch
What you need: a scarf, a simple handmade drawing and a paper item such as a broomstick with tape on it.
What to do: Blindfold kids and have them take turns pinning the item on your drawing.
Variations: Put the eye patch on the pirate or give the wizard a wand.

Broomstick relay
What you need: a couple of broomsticks.
What to do: Divide kids in teams; each child rides a broomstick to the end of the course and back, passing the broom on to the next child. You can do this in your basement or living room and add obstacles such as pumpkins.

Halloween treasure hunt
What you need: small Halloween-themed items from the dollar store, such as plastic spiders and stickers.
What to do: Have kids find the hidden treasure.

Check out our collection of Halloween crafts: costumes, invitations, goody bags, decor ideas, pumpkin-carving tips and more!