Kids’ Craft: Haunted Halloween Gingerbread Houses

Looking for an activity for a kids’ Halloween party? Try making candy-covered haunted gingerbread houses.

1. Frame the House

Using small dairy cartons (such as milk, heavy cream or half-and-half) as the base of the house is a lifesaver when hosting a kids' gingerbread house party. The cartons give the gingerbread house a sturdy frame in case the kids are too rough and overly ambitious about how much decorating a gingerbread house can take.

2. Prep the Houses

For most kids, decorating is the fun part, not the actual house building. For younger children, preassemble houses with graham crackers using icing as the glue. Maybe leave one wall off for the kids to attach themselves.

3. Lay Out the Decorations

Set out lots of decorating options including candy corn, Halloween sprinkles and, most importantly, edible eyeballs. It’s a good idea to invest in some inexpensive plates to give away as well. The kids will want to take their houses home so have them build them right on top of a Halloween party plate they can take home.

4. Icing Is the Glue

The icing acts as the edible glue at a gingerbread house-making party. Offer several colors and possibly even various piping tips for kids to try and make designs.

There is no right or wrong way to decorate a haunted gingerbread house. Older kids may get inspired with additions and younger kids may be more interested in eating the candy rather than decorating with it.