You know that moment when your kid suddenly remembers there’s a Halloween craft day tomorrow—and it’s already bedtime? Yeah, been there. Last year, my kitchen looked like a glitter bomb exploded while we tried making “spooky” decorations out of toilet rolls and old socks. But honestly? It turned out to be one of my favorite memories. That’s the thing about Halloween monster crafts for kids — they’re messy, silly, and so full of laughter. You don’t need fancy supplies or a perfect plan (trust me, googly eyes fix almost anything). Whether you’re trying to keep little hands busy on a rainy afternoon or planning a Halloween party at home, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll share fun, easy monster craft ideas your kids will actually want to make—and you might just find yourself joining in, too. Ready to get a little spooky and creative?
Halloween Monster Crafts for Kids
Halloween Monster Crafts for Kids are a fun way to celebrate the spooky season with colorful, silly, and not-so-scary creations. These easy and playful crafts are perfect for parties, classrooms, or family time.
Paper Plate Monsters

I’ve got to admit, paper plate monsters are one of my favorite Halloween crafts to do with kids — mostly because they’re so easy and messy in just the right amount. I remember one rainy October afternoon when my niece and nephew came over, and we ended up turning my dining table into a mini monster factory. We grabbed paper plates, paints, and a handful of googly eyes (because you can never have too many eyes on a monster, right?). Honestly, there’s no wrong way to make them — triangles for teeth, yarn for hair, even cupcake liners for ears!
What I love most about this craft is how every monster turns out totally different. My nephew made one with ten eyes and called it “Steve.” My niece’s monster had pink glitter fangs — terrifying but fabulous. In my opinion, it’s the perfect craft for kids who just want to let loose and be creative without rules or perfection.
Toilet Paper Roll Monsters
If you’ve been saving toilet paper rolls like I do (because I swear they’re gold for crafting), this one’s for you. Toilet paper roll monsters are such a fun, low-stress Halloween activity — and to be fair, they make cute decorations too. I usually pull out markers, bits of felt, pipe cleaners, and glue, then let the kids go wild. There’s something magical about seeing a plain cardboard roll turn into a three-eyed, wild-haired monster with a big goofy grin.
I’ve found that wrapping them in colored paper first makes them pop more — neon green, purple, or orange always scream Halloween vibes. One time, I made a “Mummy Monster” by wrapping the roll in tissue and adding big wobbly eyes. The kids couldn’t stop giggling! These monsters are perfect for setting on windowsills or using as finger puppets for a mini monster show. Honestly, it’s messy fun at its best.
Monster Handprint Art

Now, this one hits right in the nostalgia — monster handprint art! Every Halloween, I love tracing little hands and turning them into spooky (but adorable) creatures. There’s just something so heartwarming about it — especially when you look back a year later and see how much those tiny hands have grown. I usually grab some bright paint, press handprints onto paper, and then let the kids add eyes, teeth, and funky hair with markers or stickers.
Once, my little cousin made a green handprint with sharp white fangs and named it “Larry the Loud Monster” because, well, he yelled every time we tried to hang it up. In my opinion, these crafts make such lovely keepsakes — you can even frame them or turn them into cards for grandparents. It’s simple, personal, and honestly, a bit sentimental. And yes, I always end up with paint all over my hands too — totally worth it!
Popsicle Stick Monsters
These mini monsters are made using craft sticks and loads of imagination. Kids can glue sticks together to form square bodies or decorate them individually. They’re great for puppet shows or bookmarks.
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Paint the sticks with monster colors—green, purple, orange
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Add googly eyes, foam teeth, and pipe cleaner limbs
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Glue 3–5 sticks together to make bigger monster bodies
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Use pom-poms for noses or monster spots
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Turn into puppets by gluing to a larger stick or straw
Monster Masks
Let kids become their own monster by crafting fun masks! These can be made from paper plates or thick cardstock and decorated with all kinds of materials. A great wearable craft for Halloween parties.
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Cut eye holes before decorating for easy wear
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Use elastic string or craft sticks to hold the masks
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Let kids choose how many eyes or mouths their monster has
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Glue on yarn, feathers, or paper hair
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Add foam horns or fangs for 3D features
Sock Monsters
Turn old socks into adorable or creepy monster plushies! This craft is great for older kids who enjoy sewing or gluing fabric. They’re fun to make and perfect for pretend play or Halloween gifts.

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Use clean, colorful socks for a fun base
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Stuff with cotton or scrap fabric to shape the body
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Glue or sew on button eyes and felt mouths
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Add pipe cleaner arms or antennae
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Tie the end to make a head or keep it open-ended
Monster Slime Jars
Combine a craft and a sensory activity with monster slime jars! Kids can decorate the outside of jars and fill them with colorful slime. A perfect party favor or science twist for Halloween fun.
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Use plastic jars with lids for safety
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Decorate with googly eyes, paper teeth, and monster faces
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Fill with store-bought or homemade slime
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Add glitter or small beads for texture
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Label each jar with a fun monster name
Egg Carton Monsters
Egg cartons make great monster bodies! Each cup can be turned into a different creature with just a bit of paint and imagination. It’s a great way to reuse and get creative.
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Cut individual cups from a carton
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Paint with bright or spooky colors
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Add googly eyes, pipe cleaner legs, or antennae
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Stack or glue together to create multi-eyed monsters
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Use paper scraps for wings, horns, or tails
Monster Rocks
Painting rocks is always a hit, and monster rocks are no exception! These crafts are fun to make and look great as Halloween decorations or garden surprises.

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Wash and dry rocks before painting
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Use acrylic paint for best coverage
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Let kids design silly or spooky monster faces
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Add glued-on googly eyes or glitter details
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Seal with a clear coat for a lasting finish
Monster Bookmarks
Crafting monster bookmarks makes reading spooky stories even more fun! These corner-style bookmarks “bite” the page and come with big eyes and sharp teeth.
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Fold colored paper into triangle corner shapes
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Decorate with eyes, fangs, and monster tongues
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Use stickers or foam shapes for extra flair
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Let each child design a different monster style
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Great for gifting with Halloween books
Fuzzy Pom-Pom Monsters
Soft, fuzzy, and totally adorable—pom-pom monsters are easy and mess-free! These little guys are perfect for younger kids or quick projects.
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Use large pom-poms as the monster body
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Glue on googly eyes—one or more!
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Add mini pom-poms or foam for feet and arms
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Stick pipe cleaners for crazy hair or horns
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Let kids give each monster a fun name
Monster Footprint Art
Just like handprints, footprint monsters are a fun way to make art from something simple! These crafts are sweet keepsakes and a great sensory experience.
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Use washable paint to stamp feet on paper
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Add eyes, arms, and fangs with markers or paper
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Try different foot positions for different monster shapes
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Add a Halloween date to remember the moment
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Display as wall art or classroom décor
Glow-in-the-Dark Monsters
Add a glow to your monster crafts with this exciting twist! These monsters are perfect for nighttime fun and spooky Halloween windows.
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Use glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers
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Craft using black or dark paper for contrast
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Make spooky eyes and glowing mouths
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Let kids charge them under a light
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Hang them in windows or near night lights
Paper Bag Monster Puppets
Paper bags make an easy base for funny monster puppets. These crafts are interactive and ideal for storytelling and Halloween skits.
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Use colored paper bags or paint brown ones
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Decorate the flap as the mouth with teeth and tongue
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Add big eyes, fuzzy eyebrows, and horns
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Let kids create different voices for their monsters
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Host a mini puppet show after crafting
Shape Monsters
Help kids learn while crafting by making monsters from shapes! This activity mixes art and learning by encouraging kids to use triangles, circles, and squares creatively.
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Pre-cut shapes from colorful paper
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Let kids build monsters using different combinations
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Add a number of eyes and arms for counting practice
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Glue onto black paper to make a monster scene
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Talk about each shape and color as you go
Crafting Tips for Parents and Teachers
Crafting with kids during Halloween is all about fun, imagination, and a little bit of spooky magic! Whether you’re working in a classroom or at home, a few simple tips can help keep the activity stress-free and extra enjoyable. These suggestions will make it easier for little hands to create monster masterpieces while encouraging creativity and fun learning moments.
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Keep supplies within reach and pre-cut small parts for younger kids
Organize materials like paper, glue, scissors, and decorations on the table so kids can grab what they need easily. Pre-cut small pieces such as eyes, teeth, and horns to save time and avoid frustration for toddlers and preschoolers. -
Let kids be creative with colors and shapes—no “right” way
Encourage imagination by letting children choose their own monster features. A monster can have ten eyes or be bright pink—there’s no wrong way to craft a monster! -
Use washable supplies for easy cleanup
Pick washable markers, glue, and paints so cleanup is quick and messes aren’t a big deal. It helps both at home and in busy classrooms where many kids are crafting at once. -
Turn the crafts into games or story prompts
After the monsters are made, turn them into puppets, story characters, or even a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. This keeps the fun going beyond just the crafting session.
These tips will help create a smooth, creative, and exciting Halloween crafting experience for everyone involved!
FAQ
What age group are Halloween monster crafts suitable for?
These crafts are perfect for kids aged 3 to 10, with simple options for preschoolers and more detailed ones for older children. Always supervise younger kids with scissors or small parts.
What materials do I need for monster crafts?
Basic supplies include colored paper, glue, googly eyes, scissors, markers, pipe cleaners, and recycled items like toilet paper rolls or paper plates.
Are these crafts safe for small children?
Yes! Most crafts use child-safe materials. For younger children, pre-cut shapes and use non-toxic, washable glue and paints to ensure safety and ease.
Can I use these crafts for a Halloween party or classroom activity?
Absolutely! These monster crafts are great for classroom projects, party entertainment, or even as party favors. They’re fun, mess-friendly, and easy to set up.

Hi, I’m Victoria, an art and craft teacher at Newark City Schools, where I have the joy of working with middle school students to help them explore their creativity and develop their artistic talents. I believe that art is a powerful way for students to express themselves, and I strive to make every lesson a fun, engaging, and inspiring experience.
I created this website to share the art and craft projects, techniques, and resources that I use in my classroom, hoping to inspire both educators and young artists alike. Whether you’re a teacher looking for new ideas or a student eager to try something new, I’m excited to provide creative tools and projects that anyone can enjoy.
When I’m not in the classroom, I love experimenting with different art forms and learning new crafting techniques. My goal is to help others discover the joy of making things with their hands, and I hope my website serves as a space for everyone to explore their creative potential.