19 Ways to Pose a Skeleton for Halloween

Halloween decor doesn't have to be dark and creepy all the time. For a fun twist on the usual Halloween yard decorations, look no further than life-size pose-and-stay skeletons. These skeletons have articulating arms and legs that allow them to be posed, giving you endless opportunities for skeletal antics. Pose them once and leave them all season, or if you are super committed, you can change their poses daily or weekly, keeping neighbors on their toes.

Where Do I Buy Posable Skeletons?

The surge in popularity of large posable skeletons means that they are readily available for purchase at big box stores as well as online. Most large skeletons are around 5 feet tall and come with movable arms and legs.

How to Make a Skeleton Stand Up

While the joints of these posable skeletons are stiff enough to hold up their own arms, they are often not stiff enough to hold up their full body weight (or any props). Making them stand, though, is easy enough. We used bamboo stakes or garden stakes paired with floral wire. Push the stake into the ground, place the skeleton legs against the stake (Image 1), and then secure with floral wire (Image 2 + 3). You could also use white zip ties, but since we were changing our skeleton's poses often, wire was easy to use and cost less. We also used the wire to attach any props to the skeleton (Image 4). For a few poses, we also used a bit of clear tape.

Props and Posing Tips

The best thing about these funny Halloween skeletons is that even posed alone with no props they are still funny. Think of a skeleton hanging from a tree, peeping over a fence, chasing another skeleton around the yard or just sitting on the porch. However, adding some props definitely ups the game: You can use small items you already have on hand, like rain boots and an umbrella, or pose a skeleton so it interacts with larger items, like your grill or lawn mower. The skeletons are easiest to pose standing if their hands are wired to a prop. These Halloween skeleton ideas are sure to give you lots of inspiration for your own boney creations.

Halloween Skeleton Ideas

Ready to start decorating? These Halloween skeleton ideas are sure to give you lots of inspiration for your own bone-chilling creations.

1. Gardener Skeleton

We really dig this gardener skeleton complete with overalls and a plant. We just hope he doesn't work his fingers to the bone. Skeletons that are sitting or squatting, like this guy, can often be posed with no additional support, making it an easy option.

2. Bride and Groom Skeleton

It's 'til death do us part for this romantic duo. An inexpensive veil, faux flowers and a top hat and you have yourself the cutest (creepiest?) couple on the block. A metal fence provides simple support for these two skeletons.

3. Sunbathing Skeleton

This boney buddy is working hard on his skele-tan. Place your skeleton in a lawn chair with a beach umbrella and some sunglasses so he can soak up rays. You could also lie him down on a beach towel with a cooler for a similar summer vibe.

4. Peeping Skeleton

An easy and quick pose, this skeleton has been caught "spine" on the neighbors. Wire the skeleton's hands to the fence making it appear that he is a peeping Tom.

5. Porch Skeleton

This skeleton is an homage to the glory of crisp fall mornings. Adorn him with a beanie and blanket while he peruses the obituaries and sips his coffee in a cozy porch chair. He is a perfect option for a covered spot on a rainy day.

6. Yogi Skeleton

While it isn't exactly the "corpse" pose, a handstanding skeleton is an easy yoga pose to master. Stakes and wire easily hold him vertical as his hands provide additional stability. You could also try other simple yoga poses like downward dog or warrior.

7. Grilling Skeleton

Turn your skeleton into a grill master by propping him up against a grill (We used wire to attach his hand to the handle.) and adding a chef's hat and apron. Spare ribs, anyone?

8. Rainy Day Skeleton

How did the skeleton know it was going to rain? He could feel it in his bones! This skelly is ready for a rainy day. All you need is an umbrella and some rainboots. The articulating ankle joints make putting shoes onto the skeleton easy, and the height of the boots provides some extra stability, so this skeleton stands tall with minimal support. To attach the umbrella, we wired the handle to his hand and the top of the pole to his shoulder. His head supported the canopy.

9. Skiing Skeleton

Old sporting equipment hiding in the back of your closet can lead to some super creative ideas for poses. This bone-chilling skeleton is ready for the slopes in skis, a scarf and a beanie. Wire his hands to the ski poles to make him sturdy. Dust some flour on the grass to create "snow." No skis? Try a sled instead!

10. Fire Pit Skeleton

Fall is "bone-fire" season, so pull up a cozy chair and break out the marshmallows! Some roasting sticks, a cozy blanket and a roaring fire complete this hot look that required no additional bracing. This skeleton would be a perfect accent to a backyard Halloween party.

11. Captive Skeleton

No need to even step outside to create this hostage situation. Simply scrawl HELP on a piece of scrap paper or cardboard and place him inside a window. Use clear tape to invisibly hold his hands (and the sign) in place. Try out different "humerus" messages on the sign to keep the neighbors laughing.

12. Santa Skeleton

Are you one of those folks who just rolls right from Halloween decor into Christmas decor? This one is for you. It's the most "bone-derful" time of the year for this skeleton. Wearing a Santa hat and holding a strand of Christmas lights, he's a little bit spooky and a little bit festive.

13. Dining Room Skeleton

No Halloween dinner party should be complete without a guest of honor. Seat a skeleton at the head of a spooky tablescape for an unexpected and whimsical touch. "Bone" appetit!

14. Hanging Skeleton

He's hanging on for dear life! Hang a skeleton from a gutter or an upper window. Attach S-hooks to his fingers with wire. Make it extra funny by placing a crooked ladder just out of his reach.

15. Fishing Skeleton

What do skeletons fish for? Bonefish! A child's fishing rod is the perfect size for a posable skeleton. Add a fishing hat, life jacket and a net to reel in big laughs.

16. Swinging Skeleton

If you have a swing in your yard, this idea is low-hanging fruit. Just place your skeleton on the swing and let him hang around. You may need to wire his hands to the swing if you plan on leaving him through the season.

17. Weightlifting Skeleton

He's been working on his deadlift, but he's having a hard time bulking up. We made this lightweight barbell out of a spare piece of PVC pipe, Styrofoam balls and some paint and then wired it to his hands.

18. Swimming Skeleton

Keep those summer vibes going strong all the way 'til Halloween with this pose. A kiddie pool and some goggles are all you need to make a big splash.

19. Mowing Skeleton

The neighbors will laugh their "grasses" off when they see this skeleton hard at work. This pose is particularly funny when you dress your skeleton in the quinessential mowing outfit, including jeans, a bandana and a sun hat.

No matter how you pose them, these hilarious skeleton ideas for Halloween are sure to tickle your funny bone.