Halloween Games: Pop Goes the Pumpkin

Looking to kick off Halloween with a bang, not a boo? This version of a classic carnival game also makes a festive wall decoration, and bursting the confetti-and-candy-filled balloons in this Halloween party game will make everyone explode with laughter.

Note: Best for kids 6 and older. Pins make it easier for little kids to pop balloons, but darts will work well for slightly older players.

What You'll Need

Materials

  • 4-by-5 1/2-foot piece of foam board
  • 2 yards of burlap or other fabric
  • Duct tape
  • Removable hooks (such as Command hooks)
  • Thirty-five 12-inch orange balloons
  • Confetti
  • Candy (small, thin types work best)
  • Pump, for balloons (optional)
  • T pins
  • Green paper
  • Ribbon
  • Pushpins (or darts for bigger kids)
  • Balloon Template

Instructions

  1. Cover foam board with burlap; secure in back with duct tape. Adhere it to wall with hooks.

  2. Fill balloons with confetti (using a funnel) and candy. Leave a few treat-free to add to the suspense.

  3. Inflate the balloons (a pump makes it faster); tie off with a knot. Attach balloons to board with T pins, in a pumpkin shape.

  4. Cut a stem shape (download the template) from green paper, and secure with T pins.

  5. Cut ribbon; tie onto pushpin handles to make them easier to hold on to (and find, if dropped).

Related Articles