Halloween is a time for all good ghosts, ghouls and goblins to raise their spirits. Host a costume party for your little monster and organize some fun party games. Halloween games can be especially grotesque, freaky and nightmarish. But, you can brew them up nicely with less creepy games too. Here are some guidelines to help plan your party games.

1

Know the range of children's ages. The most important thing to do when organizing party games is to make them age appropriate. You wouldn't want to scare the pants off a little tike and make them have nightmares. Or on the other hand make the older children bored and lose interest in the party.

2

Shop for game ideas. Go online and search for Halloween party games. There are endless choices for all ages. Some are grotesque, some are creepy and others are crafty and fun.

3

Get your props to make the party games. Once you have figured out what games you want to play you'll need to gather the items. Homemade games are creative and most people enjoy them. Look in thrift stores, budget stores, department stores and make a list for each child to contribute.

4

Include elements of nature in your party games. Use carved pumpkins to place on the ground for golf. Build a ramp and put the pumpkin at the top. Place candy inside and whoever gets the most balls in wins the candy. Bob for apples, make leaf prints, toss acorns into a bucket for prizes.

5

Set a table for crafts. Put a bunch of acrylic paints, brushes and small pumpkins on the table. Let kids paint their own pumpkin and take it home. Have an adult doing face painting for everyone. Leave some pictures out of scary, funny and ugly faces to choose from.

6

Search and find in the dark. Hide plastic insects in a room. Give flashlights, tweezers and containers to children and have them find the hidden bugs and creepy crawlers. Whoever has caught the most critters wins a prize.

7

Serve food but don't eat it. This game is for kids to guess what the food is. Place items in a bowl and blindfold the child. Have them guess what kind of food it is by eating or feeling it. Use gummy worms, jello brains, bubblegum eyeballs. Have kids make their own spider pops to take home.