This spooky Halloween track took the lead in our fall play.
Our Halloween decorations exploded all over the floor, and we had a giant cardboard box. Why not put the two together?
It was quick. It was easy to make. And it inspired imaginary play for the kids!
This article will tell you the benefits of creating a spooky Halloween track, answer some frequently asked questions, and how to set up this fall activity!
RELATED: Looking for even more Halloween ideas? Here are 31 activities for October.
- Why Play this Spooky Outdoor Track Activity
- My Creative Outlet and Set-Up
- My Top Tips for Making A Halloween Track
- Seasonal Activity Cards
- What You Need to Make the Track
- How to Make A Spooky Halloween Track
- Catch Your Breath and Let Imaginary Play Work
- Check Out These Fun Halloween Activities
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Play this Spooky Outdoor Track Activity
- Develops motor skills – with this activity, kids learn how to hold and move cars around a specified area.
- Encourages creativity – the game turns into whatever they want it to be!
- Incorporates different textures – a great way for little hands to explore and experiment is by adding spider webs and tissue paper!
My Creative Outlet and Set-Up
I may have had a lot of fun making this track.
It’s true.
All it took was bringing a large box and black paint outside; the next thing I knew, I surged with inspiration. Maybe this was the creative outlet I needed after being stuck at home since March (sigh).
Maybe next I will paint the bathroom? Eh, probably not.
This simple loop was easy to make and very therapeutic. The boys watched from the sidelines as I went around and around.
RELATED: This and our fall activity list have given us life!
My Top Tips for Making A Halloween Track
- Use what you have in the house – I have a supply list for you, but the truth is you probably have most of this already lying around. I didn’t get supplies for this activity. Instead, I collected them.
- Ask around for extras – If you don’t have a box, the chances of a neighbor having one are pretty high. Ask around!
- Keep it super simple! – Play can become distracted when there are too many parts and pieces. Keeping a small ratio of cars to spooky decor is the ticket.
Seasonal Activity Cards
No more searching for ideas. Here’s exactly what you need to celebrate fall, Halloween, winter, and Noon Year’s Eve.
You will ADORE these 20 all-new ideas.
What You Need to Make the Track
- Black washable paint – check out this one on Amazon. You’ll need this to design your track.
- Large cardboard box – use what you have; this will be your flat surface.
- Lava – (are you surprised?) We had some yellow and orange tissue paper left over from our pumpkin activity, so I added it to the cauldron. It turns out that it became a giant pile of lava that the race cars had to jump right over. Lava is life here, so it made sense that is where this would go.
- Race cars – try different sizes and colors. You can’t have a race track without race cars!
- Spider web – gives it a spooky Halloween touch.
- Use your random collection of Halloween items – use whatever you find from years past. More toys and textures for kiddos to play with.
We kept the track out for future use when the boys were finished and added the spider web to our bushes!
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RELATED: Need quick ideas on the fly? Check out our activity cards for preschoolers and big kids!
How to Make A Spooky Halloween Track
Step 1. Flatten a large cardboard box
Use this as the space for your track to create a flat surface.
Step 2. Paint or draw the track
Make a big looped track as I did.
Step 3. Add cars
Give your children some vehicles that they can push along the track.
Step 4. Throw in different textures
Add spider webs, tissue paper, and any Halloween decorations you have!
Catch Your Breath and Let Imaginary Play Work
Why not let your kids have fun with cars, textures, and Halloween all in one? Not only is it fun, but it helps their developmental skills in their early years.
I put out the items to play with and let the boys take the lead.
My five and almost seven-year-old played for a while as I could sit back and catch my breath. If my three-year-old had been home, I know he would have jumped right in!
Here is an extensive article on how experts measure the validity of imaginary play.
RELATED: Ever wonder what’s behind the play and how children learn? Check out our online course, WONDER: Playing to Learn.
Check Out These Fun Halloween Activities:
- Halloween Kerplunk
- Halloween Water Play
- How to Make a Robot Costume
- Room on the Broom Paint by Number
Frequently Asked Questions
Nope! I also love to use painter’s tape on a flat surface.
I love using items I already own. We made this track as I pulled out the previous year’s Halloween decorations.
Ages 2.5-5.5 are typically best for activities like this. However, older children often like to jump in and play along. Leave the track; children can return to it over the next few days.
