Halloween is right around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to transform your home into a spooky wonderland that excites both kids and adults. If you’re looking for DIY ideas that combine creativity, fun, and a little bit of craftiness, you’re in the right place! Let’s explore five DIY Halloween decoration ideas that will elevate your home and get your children in the festive spirit. 

Bonus: a few of these ideas can incorporate our very own Zig Zag House to add even more excitement to the season!

1.Bat-tastic Trash Bag Decorations, Level – Easy

This DIY project is simple, mess-free, and perfect for adding a spooky touch to anything, especially our Zig Zag House and other wooden furniture! Using just black trash bags, you can create dozens of bat cutouts that stick to practically any surface without the need for glue or tape. The best part? It’s an eco-friendly way to upcycle materials you already have at home.

Here’s how to make your own bats:

• Grab a few black trash bags and cut them open to create large, flat sheets.
• Draw or trace bat shapes in different sizes onto the plastic, then carefully cut them out.
• Gently rub the cutout bats to build up static electricity. Thanks to this static, the bats will cling to walls, windows, and even the Zig Zag House with ease!
• Stick them on the Zig Zag House for an instant Halloween makeover, or scatter them across other surfaces in your home for a spooky vibe.

This project is fun for kids and super easy to clean up, making it a win-win for parents!

Look, we tried it ourselves, too: 

https://www.instagram.com/p/DBUCDqxiH1C/

2.Ghostly Painted Leaves, Level – Easy

Looking for a simple yet charming DIY Halloween craft that the whole family can enjoy? Try turning fallen leaves into adorable ghost decorations! This nature-inspired craft is not only easy but also eco-friendly, using materials you can find right in your yard.

Here’s how to make ghostly leaves:

• Collect a variety of leaves—choose ones with interesting shapes and textures for a more diverse look.
• Paint the leaves white, covering them completely. Let them dry.
• Once dry, use black paint or a marker to draw cute or spooky eyes and mouths, turning each leaf into its own ghost character.
• Scatter these ghostly leaves around your home, or use them to decorate the Zig Zag House for a hauntingly fun touch. You can also string them together to create a ghost garland for hanging.

This craft is super easy and mess-free, making it perfect for kids of all ages. Plus, it adds a whimsical, natural element to your Halloween decorations!

3.Spooky Oreo Bats, Level – Easy

These Oreo bats are the perfect spooky treat to make with kids, and they double as a fun, edible Halloween decoration! With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these cute (and delicious) bats in no time.

Here’s how to make them:

• Start with Oreo cookies and carefully twist them apart.
• Break pretzel sticks in half and press them into the cream side to create bat “wings.”
• Place the cookie top back on and gently press to hold the wings in place.
• Use edible candy eyes and a small dot of frosting or melted chocolate to stick them onto the cookie face.

These Oreo bats make a delightful Halloween treat and are a great addition to your spooky decorations! Arrange them on a plate for a festive snack display or surprise your kids with these edible little creatures in the Zig Zag House play area.

Check it out, we gave it a try: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBrcvvXxXp6/ 

4.Creepy-Crawly Pipe Cleaner Spiders, Level – Easy

These DIY long-legged spiders are the perfect addition to any Halloween decor. Made with just a few simple materials, they’re easy, quick, and fun for kids to help with too!

Here’s how to make them:

1. Start with a small foam or pom-pom ball for the spider’s body (or skip this part and simply create a circle from the pipe cleaners).
2. Wrap black pipe cleaners around the ball to secure them in place, bending each pipe cleaner to create eight long, spindly legs.
3. Adjust the legs so the spider can stand up, bending them at different angles for a creepy, natural look.
4. Use small adhesive googly eyes for a fun touch, or paint tiny eyes with white and black paint for a spookier effect.

Arrange these long-legged spiders around your home, tuck them in corners, or place them in the Zig Zag House for a fun surprise. They're lightweight and can even be strung up with clear fishing line to make it look like they're crawling down from above!

We tried our best, take a look: https://www.instagram.com/p/DBvg0csCfx_/ 

5.Ghostly Yard Lanterns, Level – Easy

This easy DIY idea creates a spooky but fun atmosphere in your yard or home and can be made from items you likely already have at home.

Steps to create ghostly lanterns:

• Collect a few empty milk jugs or glass jars.
• Draw spooky ghost faces on the containers using a black permanent marker.
• Insert battery-operated string lights or tealights inside each jug.
• Line them up along your walkway, yard, or even inside to give off a ghostly glow at night.
• These lanterns are a fun project that kids can help with, and they’re a great way to create a festive atmosphere.

With these DIY Halloween decoration ideas, you can easily turn your home into a spooky, fun, and festive space that your kids will love. Whether you’re creating a haunted Zig Zag House or creating little ghosts out of fallen leaves, these ideas will bring the magic of Halloween to life. Plus, with a little creativity and the help of Duck Woodworks' Zig Zag House, your home will be the talk of the neighborhood (or at least, talked about by your Instagram followers). Happy decorating!