Children line up their little ghosts and take a deep breath before the race begins.
One puff of air sends a ghost spinning across the table while another wobbles in circles before tipping over. No two races ever seem to turn out quite the same.
That's what makes this flying ghost craft so much fun. Children quickly discover that making the ghosts is only the beginning.
Before long they're creating new racers, inventing finish lines, and laughing as every gentle breath sends their friendly little ghosts off on another unpredictable adventure.
Whether you're looking for an easy Halloween craft, a simple boredom buster, or a playful activity that gets children creating, laughing, and moving, these Flying Ghosts prove that some of the best toys are the ones children make themselves.
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Looking for more playful Halloween ideas? Explore our full collection of Halloween Activities for Kids for festive crafts, science experiments, sensory play, and hands-on activities the whole family will enjoy.
Supplies
One of the best things about these flying ghosts is how little you need to get started. In just a few minutes, children can create a Halloween toy they'll want to race again and again.
You'll need:
- Tissues or coffee filters
- Black permanent marker
- Drinking straws
- Scissors
- A flat table or smooth surface for racing
- An adult to help with cutting, if needed
How to Make Flying Ghosts
Step 1. Fold your ghosts
Step 2. Give each ghost a personality
Use a black permanent marker to draw funny, spooky, sleepy, or surprised ghost faces.
No two ghosts ever have to look alike.
Step 3. Get ready to race
Stand the ghosts on a smooth tabletop or other flat surface. Give each child a drinking straw and decide where the finish line will be.
The race is about to begin.
Step 4. Make them fly
Blow gently through the straw and watch your ghost glide across the table.
Some ghosts race straight ahead while others twirl, wobble, or suddenly change direction, making every race wonderfully unpredictable.
Before long, children are creating new ghosts, challenging each other to races, and cheering every time one unexpectedly zooms across the finish line.
Why Kids Love Flying Ghosts
The fun begins the moment the race starts.
One ghost glides straight across the table while another spins in circles or suddenly changes direction. Children quickly discover that no two races are ever exactly alike, and that's what keeps them coming back for "just one more."
Before long they're folding new ghosts, drawing funny faces, and inventing their own races and challenges.
Some children cheer for the fastest ghost. Others laugh the hardest when a ghost decides to twirl instead of fly.
That's what makes this simple Halloween craft so memorable. Children aren't just making a decoration. They're creating a toy that invites laughter, friendly competition, and imaginative play long after the markers have been put away.
Extend the Play
One ghost quickly becomes a whole ghost family.
Invite children to make ghosts in different sizes and see how each one flies. Does a smaller ghost race farther? Does a larger one spin more?
Every new ghost creates another opportunity to experiment and laugh together.
You can also set up finish lines, build simple obstacle courses, or create Halloween races where children cheer each other's ghosts across the table. Before long, they're inventing their own games and asking for one more race.
Sometimes the biggest surprise isn't which ghost wins.
It's where the next puff of air sends it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can we use coffee filters instead of tissues?
Yes! Coffee filters work wonderfully and are a little sturdier, making them a great option for repeated races.
What kind of straw works best?
A standard drinking straw works perfectly. Children simply blow gently through the straw to send their ghost gliding across a smooth surface.
Can younger children enjoy this activity?
Absolutely. Younger children love decorating the ghosts and watching them race across the table. An adult can help with any cutting if needed.
What surface works best?
A smooth tabletop, countertop, or hard floor gives the ghosts plenty of room to glide. Every surface creates a slightly different race.
Can we reuse the ghosts?
Yes. As long as the tissue or coffee filter stays in good shape, children can race their ghosts again and again.
More Ghost Activities to Explore
If your little ghosts couldn't wait for another race, here are a few more ghost-themed activities filled with laughter, imagination, and hands-on fun.
Ghost Rockets
Launch friendly little ghosts high into the air in a Halloween science activity where the hardest part is waiting for blastoff.
Ghost Bombs
Create playful ghost bombs that disappear into swirling ghostly clouds with every gentle toss.
Ghost Leaves
Turn fallen autumn leaves into a collection of friendly little ghosts filled with personality and imagination.
Halloween Activities for Kids
Discover our complete collection of Halloween crafts, science experiments, sensory play, and festive family activities designed to make the season unforgettable.
Ready, Set... Boo!
Sometimes the simplest activities become the ones children remember most.
A folded tissue.
A funny little ghost face.
One deep breath.
Before long, the table fills with laughter as friendly ghosts race in every direction and children ask for "just one more."
We hope these flying ghosts inspire your family to create, laugh, and discover that sometimes the best Halloween memories begin with the simplest ideas.
Because children don't just make the ghosts.
They bring them to life.
Save This Idea for Later
A tissue, a straw, and a little imagination are all it takes to turn a simple Halloween craft into a game children will want to play again and again.
Save this Flying Ghost Craft for Kids to Pinterest so it's ready the next time you're looking for an easy Halloween craft, a simple indoor activity, or a playful ghost game the whole family can enjoy.
