1. Telling fortunes
They needn’t know that your magic balls just glass, so make up the scary things you see: a phantom in the attic, a monster in the cellar, and some sneaky ghosts ready to scare them.

2. The spice is right

A marshmallow-and-coconut ghost sits pretty atop a spiced cupcake-just the right size for little paws.

3. Sock monsters
Knock their socks off this adorable craft: Have guests fill a clean solid-colored sock with rice or lentils, secure with a rubber band, and add paper eyes with double-sided tape.

4.  Creature of the night

Pass around a plateful of crisp chocolatey bat cookies and watch how quickly they flyaway.

5. Candy corn vs. pumpkin
Jazz up a classic game piece. Winner eats all.

6. Goblin cereal pops
These cute creatures on a stick make memorable munchies for kids of all ages. Make them scary or silly-the choice is yours.

7. Bean counter
Keep kids guessing with a jar full of festive Halloween jelly beans. The wizard with the closest tally takes home the jar-just make sure you’ve counted the jar beforehand.

8. Here’s looking at you

These deviled-egg eyeballs and lightly seasoned potato ghosts will disappear before your eyes.

9. Halloween twist-up
Left hand on green monster… right hand on orange pumpkin. Make you own version of Twister using Halloween icons-such as a jack-o’-lantern, a witch’s hat, a ghost, and a monster’s head-in place of the colored dots. I made this one from canvas and latex paint.

10. Make dad a mummy
For an easy game that will have your kids rolling with laughter, split the party into two groups and time teams as they wrap Dad with toilet paper. Give each child a roll and watch them whirl.

11. Gummy candy
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a wiggly, jiggly gummy worms in assorted colors and flavors-let kids find them in the most unexpected places!

12. Bone-chilling punch

Turn apple juice and ginger ale into a delicious kiddy cocktail. A frozen fake hand floating on top adds to the squeamish appeal.

13. Cat’s cradle
This school-yard string game is always a favorite. Pair kids up with a two-foot knotted strand of yarn and have they raced to see who can be the first to climb Jacob’s ladder or don the cat’s whiskers.

14. Wake the dead
Our easy-to-bake- tombstone cake has chocolate and vanilla layers, to please all.

15. Funny faces
From a simple white mask to elaborate eyes, face painting is a fabulous way to enhance kids’ costumes. For best results, use cream based makeup and soft paintbrushes.
Tip: Save this activity till after kids have eaten.

16. Jack-o’- lantern salad

A navel orange makes the perfect pint-size pumpkin. Carve one up for each partygoer or just make a few and place them around a large bowl of fruit salad.

17. Buckets of fun
No party is complete without goody bags. I made mine more fun by using painters’ pails (available at home centers), coated with rustproof paint in a gruesome shade of green and filled with candy-of course.

18. Moving-hat trick
Tie a long piece of clear thread to a black witch’s hat. When the moment is right, pull the string-and watch your guests squeal with delight.

19. Powder your nose
The kids will be so tempted by these hanging doughnuts that they don’t notice the prank. To assemble, string ribbon through hole. Adjust height so doughnuts hang at nose level. Tape ribbons ends to ceiling or door frame. Be sure to put extra added powdered sugar on the doughnuts. Tie kids’ hands behind their back then tell them to go for it-and don’t forget your camera!

20. Finger food

Lifelike breadstick fingers give new meaning to chewing one’s nails. Dunk them into a slimy green swamp dip for a doubly delicious mouthful.

21. Ghost dancing
Take turns waltzing with this friendly ghost made from a helium balloon and bed sheet.