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Writer's pictureLeira Mendoza

DIY Halloween Costumes: Get Creative with What You Have!


What You’ll Need:


  • Old clothes, fabric scraps, or thrift store finds

  • Scissors, glue, and safety pins

  • Face paint, markers, or fabric paints

  • Costume accessories like capes, hats, or wings (DIY or store-bought)


Instructions:


  1. Raid the Closet: There’s no need to spend a fortune on store-bought costumes. Look through your closet for old clothes that can be repurposed into something spooky or fun. Old sheets can become ghost costumes, black clothes can be used for a cat or bat, and colorful fabrics can turn into superhero outfits.


  2. Design Your Look: Get creative! Sketch out what you want to be for Halloween and figure out how to make it with what you have at home. For example:


    • DIY Superhero: Use an old T-shirt as the base, then cut out a fabric cape. Add a simple mask using felt or paper, and paint your superhero logo onto the shirt!

    • Mummy Madness: Grab an old white sheet or gauze bandages, cut them into strips, and wrap them around your child to turn them into a spooky mummy.

    • Animal Fun: Create animal ears from felt, use face paint to add whiskers, and pair with a matching shirt and pants for a cute animal costume (think cats, bunnies, or even dinosaurs!).


  3. Accessorize: You can add fun accessories like belts, fake glasses, or homemade wands to complete the look. Let your child’s imagination run wild as they create their dream costume.


  4. Show it Off: Have a mini costume parade at home, take photos of the final look, and let the kids show off their creations during any Halloween gatherings or virtual parties.


Bonus Idea: Host a DIY costume fashion show with your family or friends!.  Everyone can share their costumes and vote on the most creative or funniest look.



 

Pumpkin Carving: Craft Your Own Jack-o’-Lanterns!


What You’ll Need:


Pumpkins (big or small)


  • Carving tools (you can use a simple knife set or a pumpkin carving kit)

  • Markers for sketching your design

  • Tea lights or LED candles to light up your creation

  • Newspaper or a cloth to keep the mess under control


Instructions:


  • Pick Your Pumpkin: Head to a local pumpkin patch or your nearest store to choose the perfect pumpkin. Whether you prefer large ones for dramatic designs or small ones for cute creations, make it a family trip!

  • Sketch Your Design: Use a marker to draw your jack-o’-lantern face or pattern. You can go for the classic triangle eyes and a big toothy grin, or get creative with spooky ghosts, stars, or even animal faces.

  • Carve It Out: Carefully cut the top off your pumpkin and scoop out the insides (kids love this part!). Then, carve out your design along the lines you drew. Older kids can help, but for younger ones, let them take the lead on sketching while you handle the carving.

  • Light It Up: Place a tea light or battery-operated LED candle inside your pumpkin, pop the top back on, and watch your creation come to life! Line them up on your doorstep to welcome trick-or-treaters or set them on your windowsill for a spooky glow.


Bonus Idea: Turn it into a mini pumpkin carving contest! Let each family member create their own jack-o’-lantern, and vote on the spookiest or funniest one.


Enjoy a Spooky October!


These activities are the perfect way to bond with your child while embracing the fun spirit of October. Remember, the goal is to enjoy the process together, so let your child’s creativity lead the way.


Share your pumpkin creations and DIY costumes with us on social media! Tag us @FunActivitiesforKidz and use the hashtag #OctoberFun for a chance to be featured in our next newsletter!


You can download our 5-page FREE coloring book here!




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