Who’s ready for a Halloween scavenger hunt? This year’s celebration will look a little different. While we’re still decorating, instead of traditional trick-or-treating we’re planning a Neighborhood Halloween Scavenger Hunt—an easy, festive way to enjoy spooky displays with the whole family.
Last year we tried a Christmas decoration scavenger hunt and the kids loved it, so a Halloween version seemed like the perfect next event. Many neighborhoods go all out with Halloween décor, making this activity a great way to enjoy neighbors’ creativity and get the family outdoors.
How do you play a Neighborhood Halloween Scavenger Hunt?
If your immediate area doesn’t feature many Halloween displays, look for another neighborhood known for decorating. You can easily adapt the hunt to your family’s needs.
Pick up clipboards or inexpensive supplies from a dollar store to hold the scavenger lists. We usually run the hunt one of two ways:
- Drive through a decorated neighborhood while each child marks off items they spot from the car.
- Walk the neighborhood after dark to view lights and props up close, using the list as you stroll.
Make it a friendly competition—whoever completes their list first wins a small prize or the honor of choosing the next family activity.
Download the Halloween Scavenger Hunt File
Halloween Music for the Car Ride
If you do the hunt by car, a Halloween playlist sets a fun mood. Use themed music for background ambiance or play a Name That Tune game to keep kids entertained between stops.
More Halloween Games
- Halloween Escape Room for Teens & Tweens
- Halloween Treasure Hunt
- Witch Hat Twister
- Halloween Name That Tune
- Halloween Trivia for Kids & Adults
Halloween Treats
After the hunt, reward everyone with some delightful Halloween-themed treats. A favorite in our house is Monster Mash Cheesecake Bars—colorful, festive, and delicious. If you want more ideas, consider the following themed desserts and snacks:
- Fire & Brimstone Brownies
- Monster Toes on a Stick
- Glass Sugar Shards Cupcakes
- Rice Krispies Brains
- Zombie Eye Cupcakes
- Vampire Kiss Cookies
- Edible Eyeballs on a Stick
Halloween Activities for Kids
- Spider Slime
- 30 Days of Fall Fun activities
- Eyeball Slime
- Printable Halloween activity sheets
- Witch’s Brew Slime
- Halloween games for kids and adults with free printables
Do you need Halloween prizes?
Small prizes make the scavenger hunt extra exciting. You can create homemade favors like Surprise Balls or Pumpkin Goody Bags, or pick up inexpensive store-bought items. Popular ideas include light-up necklaces, themed pens, small treat bags filled with Halloween chocolate, spooky stress balls, and novelty trinkets.
Get the Halloween Game eBook
If you want a complete collection of Halloween activities, consider downloading the 31-page Spooky Halloween Game eBook. It includes a variety of printable games and ideas perfect for families and groups:
- 30 Days of Fall Fun
- Halloween Scavenger Hunt
- Halloween Treasure Hunt
- Five printable games (word search, crossword, maze, secret messages, and more)
- Scary Movie Trivia for kids and adults
- Halloween Pictionary
- Ten Harry Potter Movie Bingo cards