So, you’ve got your Halloween decorations up, the creepy snacks prepared, and the perfect playlist ready to go. But how do you keep your guests engaged and ensure they have an unforgettable time? The answer lies in the games! Whether you’re into spine-chilling scares or just some light-hearted fun, there’s a game here for every type of guest.
Imagine your friends arriving, dressed to the nines in their spookiest attire, only to find a series of games that are not only entertaining but also bring everyone together. These games will have your guests laughing, competing, and maybe even screaming with delight.
From classic favorites to unique new ideas, this list will guide you through 25 of the best Halloween party games for adults. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!
Classic Halloween Games with a Twist
1. Murder Mystery Dinner
Why not kick things off with a classic? A murder mystery dinner is a perfect way to get everyone involved from the get-go. Assign roles to your guests beforehand, and let the mystery unfold as they arrive.
- Setup: Choose a theme (like a haunted mansion or a vampire lair) and send out character descriptions with your invites.
- Gameplay: As the host, you’ll guide the game and reveal clues. Guests will have to figure out who among them is the “murderer.”
- Twist: Add supernatural elements to the mystery for extra Halloween flair.
Hosting a murder mystery dinner is more than just a game; it’s an experience. The immersive environment and engaging plot can transform your party into a memorable event. Make sure to add eerie sound effects and dim lighting to heighten the suspense. Your guests will love solving the mystery while staying in character, making for an unforgettable night.
2. Pumpkin Bowling
Turn your backyard into a bowling alley with a Halloween twist.
- Setup: Use small pumpkins as bowling balls and plastic ghost or monster pins.
- Gameplay: Divide guests into teams and see who can knock down the most pins.
- Twist: Paint the pumpkins with glow-in-the-dark paint for a night-time game.
Pumpkin bowling combines the fun of bowling with the festive spirit of Halloween. To make it even more exciting, consider adding obstacles on the “lane” or awarding prizes for the most creative bowling techniques. This game is perfect for breaking the ice and getting everyone into the Halloween spirit.
3. Apple Bobbing… with a Twist
Apple bobbing is a Halloween staple, but why not add a little twist to it?
- Setup: Fill a large tub with water and apples, but add some fake eyeballs and other creepy items.
- Gameplay: Blindfold participants and have them bob for apples without knowing what else is in the water.
- Twist: Add some “truth or dare” slips inside the apples for an extra surprise.
Adding a twist to apple bobbing can turn a traditional game into a thrilling challenge. The element of surprise with the hidden items and the added dare component will keep your guests entertained and on their toes. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more fun and laughter into the evening.
Competitive Halloween Challenges
4. Costume Contest
A Halloween party wouldn’t be complete without a costume contest.
- Setup: Set up a runway area and have a panel of judges or let the guests vote.
- Categories: Best overall costume, scariest costume, funniest costume, and most creative costume.
- Prizes: Give out themed prizes like spooky decor, Halloween treats, or even a bottle of wine.
Encourage your guests to go all out with their costumes by offering a variety of categories. The costume contest not only adds an element of competition but also gives everyone a chance to show off their creativity. You can even have a mini fashion show where participants strut their stuff on a makeshift runway.
5. Escape Room Challenge
Transform a room in your house into an escape room.
- Setup: Decorate the room with eerie items and create puzzles and clues related to Halloween.
- Gameplay: Divide guests into teams and see who can escape the fastest.
- Twist: Add live actors to play ghosts or zombies to enhance the experience.
Escape rooms have become a popular entertainment option, and creating your own at home can be a fantastic addition to your Halloween party. The combination of teamwork, problem-solving, and a creepy atmosphere will make this game a highlight of the night. Be sure to tailor the difficulty level to your guests’ preferences to ensure everyone has a great time.
6. Halloween Trivia
Test your guests’ knowledge with some Halloween trivia.
- Setup: Prepare a list of questions related to Halloween history, movies, and traditions.
- Gameplay: Split guests into teams and have a trivia night.
- Twist: Include some physical challenges for wrong answers, like doing a spooky dance or telling a scary story.
Halloween trivia is an excellent way to mix education with entertainment. You can include questions about classic horror films, Halloween customs from around the world, and fun facts about the holiday. Adding physical challenges for incorrect answers will keep the energy high and the laughter flowing.
Scary and Spooky Games
7. Horror Movie Charades
Charades with a horror movie twist can be a lot of fun and laughter.
- Setup: Write down the names of popular horror movies on slips of paper.
- Gameplay: Have guests act out the movie titles without speaking, while their team guesses.
- Twist: Include some lesser-known movies to make it more challenging.
Horror movie charades is a fantastic way to incorporate everyone’s love for scary films into a game. Acting out scenes or titles from horror movies will not only test your guests’ acting skills but also their knowledge of the genre. This game is sure to generate plenty of laughs and maybe even a few scares.
8. Ghost Stories
Everyone loves a good ghost story, especially on Halloween.
- Setup: Create a cozy, dark space with candles and spooky decorations.
- Gameplay: Take turns sharing the scariest ghost stories. You can use prompts or let guests come up with their own.
- Twist: Add sound effects or have someone hidden to jump out at key moments.
Ghost stories are a timeless Halloween tradition that can be both spooky and entertaining. Encourage your guests to bring their best stories or use prompts to get the creative juices flowing. Enhancing the storytelling with sound effects or surprise jump scares will make the experience even more immersive and memorable.
9. Zombie Tag
This game is perfect for those who love a bit of physical activity.
- Setup: Designate a playing area and choose one or two zombies to start.
- Gameplay: The zombies try to tag other players, who then become zombies themselves.
- Twist: Add obstacles and safe zones to make the game more interesting.
Zombie tag is a high-energy game that gets everyone moving. It’s a fantastic way to break up the evening and add some physical activity to the mix. The addition of obstacles and safe zones adds strategy to the game, making it even more engaging for participants.
Fun and Light-hearted Games
10. Halloween Pictionary
Combine creativity and fun with Halloween Pictionary.
- Setup: Prepare a list of Halloween-related words or phrases.
- Gameplay: Guests take turns drawing the words while their team guesses.
- Twist: Use glow-in-the-dark markers and a blacklight for a spooky effect.
Halloween Pictionary is a great way to let your guests’ artistic sides shine. The combination of drawing and guessing makes for a lively and interactive game. Using glow-in-the-dark markers and a blacklight adds a unique twist that enhances the Halloween atmosphere.
11. Monster Dance-Off
Get everyone moving with a monster dance-off.
- Setup: Create a dance floor area and have a playlist of Halloween-themed songs.
- Gameplay: Guests compete in a dance-off, showcasing their best monster moves.
- Twist: Have surprise dance challenges like the “mummy shuffle” or “zombie stomp.”
A monster dance-off is a fun way to get your guests up and dancing. The combination of Halloween-themed music and creative dance moves will have everyone laughing and enjoying themselves. Adding surprise dance challenges keeps the competition exciting and unpredictable.
12. Halloween Bingo
A classic game with a Halloween twist.
- Setup: Create bingo cards with Halloween symbols instead of numbers.
- Gameplay: Call out the symbols and the first to get a bingo wins.
- Twist: Include some spooky prizes for the winners.
Halloween Bingo is a simple yet engaging game that everyone can enjoy. The themed symbols add a festive touch, and the possibility of winning spooky prizes keeps the stakes high. This game is perfect for a more relaxed part of the evening.
Interactive and Social Games
13. Witch Hat Ring Toss
A simple yet fun game that everyone can enjoy.
- Setup: Use cone-shaped witch hats and glow-in-the-dark rings.
- Gameplay: Players try to toss the rings onto the witch hats from a distance.
- Twist: Make it a team competition to see who can score the most points.
Witch hat ring toss is a light-hearted game that’s easy to set up and play. The glow-in-the-dark rings add a fun twist, especially if you’re playing in a dimly lit area. Turning it into a team competition encourages camaraderie and friendly rivalry among your guests.
14. Scavenger Hunt
Plan a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around your home or yard.
- Setup: Create a list of spooky items for guests to find.
- Gameplay: Divide into teams and see who can find all the items first.
- Twist: Add riddles or challenges for each item to make the hunt more engaging.
A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to get your guests exploring and interacting with the party environment. The Halloween theme adds an element of mystery and excitement. Including riddles or challenges for each item makes the hunt more challenging and fun.
15. Psychic Readings
Set up a psychic reading station for some light-hearted fun.
- Setup: Decorate a small area with mystical items like tarot cards and crystal balls.
- Gameplay: Have a designated “psychic” give fun and spooky readings.
- Twist: Include fortune cookies with Halloween fortunes.
Psychic readings can add an element of intrigue and mystery to your party. Whether or not your guests believe in the supernatural, they’ll enjoy the playful and entertaining aspect of the readings. The fortune cookies with Halloween fortunes are a fun takeaway that keeps the theme going.
Crafty and Creative Games
16. Pumpkin Carving Contest
Let your guests show off their artistic skills with a pumpkin carving contest.
- Setup: Provide pumpkins, carving tools, and decorations.
- Gameplay: Guests have a set amount of time to carve their pumpkins.
- Twist: Have different categories like scariest, funniest, and most creative pumpkin.
Pumpkin carving is a quintessential Halloween activity that allows your guests to showcase their creativity. Providing a variety of tools and decorations encourages unique and imaginative designs. The different categories ensure that there’s something for everyone, and awarding prizes adds a competitive edge.
17. Mummy Wrap
A hilarious game that’s sure to get everyone laughing.
- Setup: Use toilet paper or crepe paper.
- Gameplay: Teams race to wrap one of their members as a mummy.
- Twist: Add a time limit or have a fashion show for the best-dressed mummy.
Mummy wrap is a simple yet highly entertaining game. The race to wrap a team member adds excitement, while the final reveal of the mummies provides plenty of laughs. The fashion show element allows everyone to appreciate the creativity and effort put into the mummy designs.
18. Halloween Photo Booth
Create lasting memories with a Halloween photo booth.
- Setup: Set up a decorated area with props and a camera.
- Gameplay: Guests can take turns posing and snapping photos.
- Twist: Have a costume contest based on the photo booth pictures.
A Halloween photo booth is a fantastic way to capture the fun and creativity of your party. Providing a variety of props ensures that each photo is unique and entertaining. The costume contest based on the photos adds an interactive element that encourages everyone to participate.
Unique and Unusual Games
19. Potion Making
Unleash your inner witch or wizard with a potion-making station.
- Setup: Provide various ingredients like colored water, glitter, and dry ice.
- Gameplay: Guests create their own spooky concoctions.
- Twist: Have a contest for the best-looking or most creative potion.
Potion making is a unique and interactive activity that taps into the magical side of Halloween. The various ingredients allow guests to experiment and create their own “potions,” adding an element of creativity and fun. The contest for the best potion encourages friendly competition and showcases the most inventive creations.
20. Haunted House Tour
Turn part of your home into a mini haunted house.
- Setup: Decorate a hallway or room with spooky items and dim lighting.
- Gameplay: Guide small groups through the haunted area.
- Twist: Add live actors to enhance the scares.
A haunted house tour is a thrilling addition to any Halloween party. The eerie decorations and dim lighting set the mood, while the live actors add an element of surprise and fear. Guiding small groups through the haunted area ensures that everyone gets a personalized and immersive experience.
21. Witch’s Brew Relay
A fun relay race with a Halloween twist.
- Setup: Create a course and provide cauldrons and ingredients.
- Gameplay: Teams race to complete their “brew” by adding ingredients one at a time.
- Twist: Use funny or gross items like spaghetti “worms” or peeled grape “eyeballs.”
The witch’s brew relay is a lively and interactive game that combines teamwork with Halloween-themed fun. The funny or gross items add an element of surprise and laughter, making the race even more enjoyable. This game is perfect for adding a bit of physical activity and excitement to your party.
Classic Board and Card Games
22. Halloween Mafia
A spooky version of the classic party game.
- Setup: Use Halloween-themed roles like witches, ghosts, and vampires.
- Gameplay: Players try to figure out who the “monsters” are before they take over.
- Twist: Add special powers or items that players can use.
Halloween Mafia is a strategic and engaging game that adds a spooky twist to the classic Mafia game. The themed roles and special powers make the game more immersive and entertaining. This game is perfect for a group that enjoys mystery and strategy.
23. Codenames: Halloween Edition
Put a Halloween spin on the popular word game.
- Setup: Create a custom set of Halloween-themed cards.
- Gameplay: Teams try to guess their words based on one-word clues.
- Twist: Add a timer to increase the pressure.
Codenames is a popular word game that can be easily adapted for Halloween. The custom cards add a festive touch, while the timer adds a sense of urgency and excitement. This game is great for groups that enjoy wordplay and strategy.
24. Ouija Board Session
For those who dare, a Ouija board can be a thrilling game.
- Setup: Create a spooky atmosphere with dim lighting and eerie music.
- Gameplay: Guests take turns asking questions to the board.
- Twist: Have a “spirit” hidden to give surprising answers or make spooky noises.
An Ouija board session can add an element of mystery and suspense to your Halloween party. The spooky atmosphere and eerie music set the mood, while the hidden “spirit” adds an element of surprise and fun. This game is perfect for guests who enjoy a bit of supernatural intrigue.
Food and Drink Related Games
25. Spooky Cocktail Challenge
Get creative with a cocktail-making contest.
- Setup: Provide a variety of ingredients and spooky garnishes.
- Gameplay: Guests create their own Halloween-themed cocktails.
- Twist: Have a panel of judges taste and award prizes for the best drinks.
The spooky cocktail challenge is a fun and interactive way to incorporate food and drink into your Halloween party. The variety of ingredients and garnishes allows for creativity and experimentation. The judging panel adds a competitive element, and the delicious drinks are a bonus for everyone.
26. Bobbing for Shots
A grown-up twist on the classic apple bobbing game.
- Setup: Fill a large tub with water and small, sealed bottles of alcohol.
- Gameplay: Guests take turns bobbing for the bottles.
- Twist: Include a mix of different types of alcohol for variety.
Bobbing for shots adds a fun and adult twist to the traditional apple bobbing game. The variety of alcohol ensures that there’s something for everyone, and the game is sure to get everyone laughing and having a good time.
27. Halloween Cookie Decorating
A fun and creative activity for your guests.
- Setup: Provide plain cookies, frosting, and a variety of decorations.
- Gameplay: Guests decorate their own cookies.
- Twist: Have a contest for the best-decorated cookie.
Halloween cookie decorating is a fun and creative way to involve your guests in the food preparation. The variety of decorations allows for endless creativity, and the contest adds a competitive edge. Plus, the decorated cookies make for a delicious treat.
Conclusion
There you have it—25 thrilling, spooky, and downright fun Halloween party games for adults. Whether you’re looking to scare your guests or just ensure they have a memorable time, these games are sure to make your Halloween party a hit. So, gather your friends, put on your best costume, and get ready for a night of laughs, screams, and unforgettable memories. Happy Halloween!