If you love to throw parties for your kids [1], Halloween [2] is the perfect time to pull out all of the stops. Unlike other holidays, Halloween is all about the theme [3], the costumes, and the candy. Many times, these parties can turn into sleepovers [4] (sometimes you plan it that way, and sometimes your kid begs you to let their friends stay over). And when that happens, it's so fun to have a few creepy games on hand to enhance the Halloween mood (just make sure all of the kids are old enough and can handle it!). Whether it's a slightly spooky one that uses a Ouija board to connect to the spirit world or a chanting ritual in the mirror (I'm pretty sure I still can't order more than two Bloody Marys [5] at brunch), there's a handful of games that will keep everyone talking [6] well after Oct. 31. Keep reading to see them all now . . . if you dare.
Sweet Tooth
This game revolves around summoning a gnome to eat your chocolate (not kidding). To set up, you'll need a bar of chocolate, a pair of scissors, string or thread, and a mirror. Place the mirror face-up on the floor below a light fixture. Then, tie the string around the chocolate bar and suspend it from the light fixture above (make sure it's hanging over the mirror, not touching it). Players will need to be very quiet and not laugh or speak louder than a whisper. One person then cuts the string while another person shuts off the light, all while chanting, "Sweet Tooth, Sweet Tooth, please come," three times. When the light is turned on again, it will be revealed what the gnome has left for the group (more chocolate, less chocolate, or bite marks in the chocolate, legend says).
Light as a Feather
For five or more people, this game is designed to make one person's body lift up easily off the ground. There are several versions of this game, however, the end result is that the players surround the subject lying on the floor while chanting, "Light as a feather, stiff as a board," and then begin to lift them. The person's body should lift, or float, up easily, making people believe that ghosts are helping them.
Bloody Mary
This game explores the true legend of the woman behind the name. A mirror and candle are needed, as is a dark room. Players must chant "Bloody Mary" three times while staring directly into the mirror. An image of her bloodied face will appear in the mirror if you summon her, and, in some versions, if you don't turn on the lights in time, you could end up with her bloody hands on your face.
Ouija Board
A Halloween [8] rite of passage, Ouija is a must-play at any sleepover. To start, the players must put their fingers on the planchette, which is supposed to sit atop the letter G. After a few warmup circles, players then begin to ask questions and let the spirits lead them to the answers.
Sandman
In this game, one person lies on the floor while another tells them to listen to the legend of the Sandman. The person telling the story can make it as simple or elaborate as they wish, but whenever they mention a body part — like hands or feet — they must lightly run their finger over the point of focus and tell the person lying down to imagine they're being filled with sand. When the person gets up, it's said they feel totally weighed down and heavy, as if the Sandman had come and filled their body with sand.
Baby Blue
Like Bloody Mary, Baby Blue requires a dark bathroom and a mirror. Players must go into the bathroom alone, turn off all the lights, lock the door, and put their arms out like they are rocking a baby. Repeat "Blue Baby, Baby Blue" 13 times, and you'll start to feel the weight of a baby in your arms. But make sure to turn on the light and get out before the baby's mother comes looking for it by appearing in the mirror!
The Answer Man
Have everyone in the group sit in a circle and take out their phones before calling the person to their left. Most will probably get a busy signal, but there could be someone who actually gets through to the Answer Man. You can ask him anything, but be warned: he'll also have questions for you, and he better like your answers, or else!
Sinking Into the Carpet
In this game, someone lies face-down on the carpet while another person stands in front of them, holding their upper body off the ground about a foot. Do this for about 60 seconds, all while the person on the ground focuses really hard on the carpet. When the person standing slowly starts to lower the person on the ground's upper body, they'll feel like they're sinking into the carpet and into the underworld.
Ghost in the Graveyard
This game, which is essentially a scary version of hide-and-seek, is best played outside at night (under adult supervision, of course). To play, everyone must search to find the person hiding. When someone finds them, they yell, "Ghost in the graveyard!" The person who finds the "ghost" is safe, while everyone else must quickly run back to a predetermined safe home base before the ghost tags one of them to be it.