Once the trick-or-treating is done, why not give the kids one more Halloween treat — a spooky surprise waiting for them back home? Turning your child’s playhouse into a haunted house is a brilliant way to round off the night, and it’s easier than you think. With a few decorations, some clever lighting and a bit of imagination, that familiar little playhouse can become the creepiest spot in the garden.
Here are some tricks and tips, with thanks to York Timber, for turning a playhouse into a haunted house the kids will be talking about for weeks.
A Sturdy Playhouse
First things first: make sure your playhouse is in good shape before you start decorating. There’s no point spending an evening transforming something that’s falling apart, leaking or in need of repair. A quick check of the roof, walls and door will save you a headache later — and keep things safe once the decorations go up.
Spooky Decorations
Once you know your playhouse is sound, it’s time for the fun part. Here are some easy ideas to make it look properly haunted:
- Pull apart cotton wool to create creepy spider webs across corners and doorways.
- Hang scary masks from the ceiling for a jump-scare effect.
- Wrap white muslin around fake skulls with lights inside for an extra eerie glow.
- Scatter fake creepy crawlies on the floor — spiders are always a favourite.
- Hang a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door. Kids love a good warning sign!
Recommended Reading: 10 Devilishly Delightful DIY Halloween Decoration Ideas
Scary Lighting
Lighting makes all the difference to the atmosphere. Start by blacking out the windows with black paper so it’s properly dark inside, then bring in the spooky glow:
- Carved pumpkins with tealights inside look brilliant — just keep an eye on any lit candles at all times for safety.
- Torches with cut-out filters can project ghostly shapes like pumpkins, ghouls and spiders onto the walls.
- Strings of battery-operated Halloween lights are an easy way to add a warm, spooky glow around the house.
- Try making your own Halloween lanterns from old jars for a homemade touch.
- Feeling adventurous? Glow-in-the-dark paint or pens can be used to write spooky messages on the walls — maybe even your children’s names, for a bit of personal spooky fun.
Recommended Reading: 30 Fangtastically Fun Halloween Projects For Kids
Terrifying Noises
Sound really brings a haunted house to life. Put together a Halloween playlist of eerie sound effects and spooky music on your phone or tablet and play it quietly inside the playhouse for the full atmosphere.
Sweet Treats
No haunted house is complete without a treat for anyone brave enough to visit. After all, everyone knows chocolate or sweets are the perfect reward after a good scare!
Recommended Reading: Easy Spider Halloween Cookies for Kids
Enjoy the decorating, and enjoy your kids’ faces even more when they discover their playhouse has been transformed into a haunted house!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to turn a playhouse into a haunted house?
It depends on how elaborate you want to go, but most families can put together a simple spooky transformation — cobwebs, lighting and a few decorations — in an hour or two.
Is it safe to use candles or tealights in a playhouse?
Battery-operated lights are the safest option for younger children. If you do use tealights in pumpkins, keep them supervised at all times and never leave them unattended.
What age is this activity suitable for?
This is a flexible activity that works for most ages — younger children may prefer softer lighting and fewer scares, while older kids often enjoy going all out with spookier effects.
Can I do this without a playhouse?
Yes — the same decorating tips work just as well in a garden shed, tent, or even a corner of the sitting room if you don’t have a playhouse.
Related Articles
- 10 Devilishly Delightful DIY Halloween Decoration Ideas
- 30 Fangtastically Fun Halloween Projects For Kids
- Easy Spider Halloween Cookies for Kids
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