Looking for a simple and fun Halloween craft to do with your kids? These Halloween paper lanterns are the perfect mix of creativity and spooky fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, prepping for a classroom party, or just looking for a festive activity, this project is sure to delight preschoolers, elementary kids, and even tweens.
Let’s dive into how to make this kid-friendly Halloween decoration using basic supplies you probably already have at home!
🧡 Why Kids Love Halloween Paper Lanterns
- Easy to make with scissors, paper, and glue
- Great for fine motor skills and creativity
- Perfect for Halloween parties or spooky décor
- Can be customized with ghosts, pumpkins, bats, and more!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
- Colored construction paper (orange, black, purple, green)
- Scissors (child-safe for younger kids)
- Glue stick or tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Stapler (optional)
- Googly eyes, stickers, glitter (optional)
🧙 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Paper
Pick a Halloween color—orange for pumpkins, black for bats, purple for witches, or green for monsters.
2. Fold the Paper
Fold a piece of construction paper in half lengthwise (hot dog style).
3. Draw Cutting Lines
Use a ruler to draw straight lines starting from the fold, about 1 inch apart. Leave about an inch at the top uncut.
4. Cut the Slits
Cut along the lines—be careful not to cut through the edge!
5. Unfold and Roll
Unfold the paper, then roll it into a cylinder with the slits running vertically. Glue or staple the ends together.
6. Add a Handle
Cut a thin strip of paper and attach it to the top to make a handle.
7. Decorate!
Let kids go wild adding eyes, fangs, stickers, or glow-in-the-dark details. Some fun ideas:
- Jack-o’-lantern faces 🎃
- Ghost eyes 👻
- Spider webs 🕸️
- Witches’ hats 🧙♀️
🕯️ Make It Glow (Optional)
Drop in a battery-operated tea light for a glowing lantern effect—perfect for Halloween night displays or indoor fun!
📚 Educational Tie-Ins (Perfect for Homeschooling!)
- Fine motor practice with folding and cutting
- Color recognition and pattern making
- Story prompts: Have kids create a story about their spooky character lantern
- Math: Measure strips or count decorations
📌 Tips for Success
- For preschoolers, pre-cut slits and let them decorate.
- Use thicker paper or cardstock if you want sturdier lanterns.
- Avoid real candles—LED tea lights are safer and just as fun.
🎉 More Halloween Crafts You’ll Love
- 🦇 Toilet Paper Roll Bats
- 🎃 Paper Plate Pumpkins
- 🕸️ Yarn Spider Webs
- 👻 Cotton Ball Ghosts
- 🦴 Q-Tip Skeletons
🧡 Final Thoughts
Halloween paper lanterns are a classic craft with endless spooky variations. They’re simple, mess-free, and perfect for all ages. Plus, they double as cute Halloween decorations your kids will be proud of.
Ready to light up your Halloween season? Grab the scissors and let the spooky fun begin!
Looking for a simple and fun Halloween craft to do with your kids? These Halloween paper lanterns are the perfect mix of creativity and spooky fun. Whether you’re homeschooling, prepping for a classroom party, or just looking for a festive activity, this project is sure to delight preschoolers, elementary kids, and even tweens.
Let’s dive into how to make this kid-friendly Halloween decoration using basic supplies you probably already have at home!
🧡 Why Kids Love Halloween Paper Lanterns
- Easy to make with scissors, paper, and glue
- Great for fine motor skills and creativity
- Perfect for Halloween parties or spooky décor
- Can be customized with ghosts, pumpkins, bats, and more!
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
- Colored construction paper (orange, black, purple, green)
- Scissors (child-safe for younger kids)
- Glue stick or tape
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Stapler (optional)
- Googly eyes, stickers, glitter (optional)
🧙 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Choose Your Paper
Pick a Halloween color—orange for pumpkins, black for bats, purple for witches, or green for monsters.
2. Fold the Paper
Fold a piece of construction paper in half lengthwise (hot dog style).
3. Draw Cutting Lines
Use a ruler to draw straight lines starting from the fold, about 1 inch apart. Leave about an inch at the top uncut.
4. Cut the Slits
Cut along the lines—be careful not to cut through the edge!
5. Unfold and Roll
Unfold the paper, then roll it into a cylinder with the slits running vertically. Glue or staple the ends together.
6. Add a Handle
Cut a thin strip of paper and attach it to the top to make a handle.
7. Decorate!
Let kids go wild adding eyes, fangs, stickers, or glow-in-the-dark details. Some fun ideas:
- Jack-o’-lantern faces 🎃
- Ghost eyes 👻
- Spider webs 🕸️
- Witches’ hats 🧙♀️
🕯️ Make It Glow (Optional)
Drop in a battery-operated tea light for a glowing lantern effect—perfect for Halloween night displays or indoor fun!
📚 Educational Tie-Ins (Perfect for Homeschooling!)
- Fine motor practice with folding and cutting
- Color recognition and pattern making
- Story prompts: Have kids create a story about their spooky character lantern
- Math: Measure strips or count decorations
📌 Tips for Success
- For preschoolers, pre-cut slits and let them decorate.
- Use thicker paper or cardstock if you want sturdier lanterns.
- Avoid real candles—LED tea lights are safer and just as fun.
🎉 More Halloween Crafts You’ll Love
- 🦇 Toilet Paper Roll Bats
- 🎃 Paper Plate Pumpkins
- 🕸️ Yarn Spider Webs
- 👻 Cotton Ball Ghosts
- 🦴 Q-Tip Skeletons
🧡 Final Thoughts
Halloween paper lanterns are a classic craft with endless spooky variations. They’re simple, mess-free, and perfect for all ages. Plus, they double as cute Halloween decorations your kids will be proud of.
Ready to light up your Halloween season? Grab the scissors and let the spooky fun begin!