Handmade haunted house ideas: from ways to darken a room to props
There are times, like at daycares, kindergartens, or school culture festivals, when everyone gets to enjoy making a haunted house together, right?
Here are some handmade ideas that will come in handy for creating a haunted house at those times!
First, we’ll introduce ways to darken the room and how to build the haunted house pathways.
We’ll also share DIY prop ideas to boost the haunted house atmosphere!
Some of the ideas are simple enough for small children to help with, so be sure to use them as a reference.
We hope you can create a fun, unforgettable haunted house.
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Props (1–10)
mask
One thing you can almost always count on needing for a haunted house is a ghost mask.
Having items like this really helps set the mood when you’re trying to startle kids.
So here’s a simple way to make a mask.
All you need is a nonwoven face mask and a permanent marker.
First, undo the folds of the mask and cut holes where the eyes will be.
Then just draw a face with the marker, and you’re done.
It’s super easy, and with a bit of creativity you can make all kinds of spooky masks.
How about a mummy or a zombie, for example?
grave
A classic prop for haunted houses is the “grave.” It naturally has a creepy vibe, so just setting one up instantly boosts the atmosphere.
There are various ways to make one, but the easiest is to use cardboard.
Stack rectangular cardboard pieces in a stepped shape, then place a larger rectangular piece on top to create a gravestone-like look.
Paint it gray, and use a white marker to write something like “Family Grave” on it.
You can also add touches to make it look old and weathered.
A wall with handprints
A wall covered with handprints is an easy way to create a super scary atmosphere.
The method is very simple: put red paint handprints on a cardboard wall, or stick sheets of construction paper with handprints onto the wall.
You can also apply the idea to signs by adding handprints to them.
If you want to make things feel really creepy, definitely give this a try.
Another big plus is that kids of all ages can join in.
Let’s have fun making handprints together.
bagged doll
A creepy, skin-crawling scare! Here’s an idea for bagged dolls.
Just imagining a bunch of dolls stuffed into bags is enough to give many people the chills, isn’t it? In the video, there are also splashes of red liquid that look like fake blood.
Dolls piled up inside bags are eerie on their own, but the blood effect ramps up the realistic terror even more.
Use this for a haunted house at a school festival, and visitors are sure to freeze in their tracks!
Jack-o’-lantern
How about making a ghost lantern? It might be easier to picture if you imagine a jack-o’-lantern you often see at Halloween.
First, prepare yellow or white construction paper.
Since you’ll be cutting it into small pieces, scraps left over from something else are fine.
Next, prepare a balloon, attach the paper to it, and then pop the balloon.
After that, attach the facial features and you’re done.
I introduced it with a pumpkin theme this time, but you can also use gauze to give it a mummy-style finish.
ghost costume
To enjoy a haunted house even more, wearing costumes can be very effective.
For example, you could wear a ghost-style outfit made of plastic, or try adding a mask or headband.
That way, people may be more likely to see the haunted house as something fun rather than scary.
Also, it’s an option to create costumes for the “scarers” using a similar approach.
Consider the costume design based on the target age group.
It could also be fun to use ghost-themed anime as a motif.
Props (11–20)
coffin
Building a coffin is also a recommended idea.
If you have a coffin in your haunted house, visitors will feel a thrill, thinking “something might come out from inside,” and you can even use it to actually pop out and scare them.
However, the shape is a bit complex.
When making one, prepare cardboard and follow tutorials on videos or websites as you work.
Alternatively, you can get a craft kit—that way, you should be able to put it together right away.
And don’t forget to prepare costumes that match the coffin.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a whole range of handmade haunted house ideas. We covered methods for darkening the rooms, how to create passageways, and different types of props. Please refer to the parts you need and give them a try. We hope you create a fun haunted house that leaves lasting memories!