No Time For Flash Cards

preschool activities, preschool crafts, and preschool books.

  • Blog
  • About
    • Terms Of Use
    • Disclaimer
    • Holiday Gift Guide For Kids
    • Advertise
    • In The Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin
  • Preschool Activities
  • crafts for kids
    Preschool Crafts
  • Preschool Books
  • sensory alphabet activity
    Letters & Numbers
  • For Teachers
  • Toddlers
  • Preschool
  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary

September 25, 2012 | 48 Comments

Ghost Bottle Bowling – Halloween Game For Kids

halloween game for kidsThere are a lot of homemade Halloween bowling games, but the goal of this one isn’t just to have fun knocking down a few ghosts ( although my son sure has had a blast!) it’s also about building fine motor skills, counting and making something together as siblings.

This post contains affiliate links

  1. Gather your materials. You will need some empty water bottles, sticky back black foam, scissors, a few packages of cotton balls and a pumpkin ball. Buy this ball here.halloween game for kids
  2. Start by filling your bottles with cotton balls. My two-year-old and I worked together filling her bottle. This was a challenge for her and her fine motor skills. My son had no problem and happily filled his first bottle in a snap.Halloween Game
  3. Make it a challenge for fast finishers. I decided to give my son a challenge and asked him to estimate how many cotton balls it takes to fill a bottle, then count to see the difference.
  4. While your kids fill the bottles cut some eyes from the foam. This sticky back foam is great for crafts when you don’t want to wait for the glue to dry.
  5. When all the bottles are filled peel the backing off the eyes ( more fine motor work) and pop them on the bottles.
  6. Can you tell which one my daughter made?
  7. Now it’s time to bowl. My daughter got frustrated pretty quickly, but I am going to try again today when her brother is at school. I don’t think it was the activity that frustrated her so much as not being able to do it just like her much more coordinated older brother. He had a blast.  On his own, he decided to try out different ways to arrange the ghosts. In a horizontal line, diagonal one, a bunch and then in this X. All I know is he was working on gross motor skills while also experimenting with the most basic of a physics lesson. 

 

Halloween Books

AlphaOops: H Is for Halloweenby Althea Kontis is a really sophisticated alphabet book that works well for a wide range of kids. A toddler will enjoy the bright illustrations by Bob Kolar and older children will be able to follow along with the silly storyline about the letters putting on a Halloween show. What I adore about this book is that the letters are completely out of order and some of the things they represent are far from ordinary.  Instead of werewolf, the author used the word lycanthrope which I had never heard, and my son loved learning something at the same time as I did.  The few trickier words were great for my son who often guesses words even though he can sound them out. It forced him to work harder. As soon as we were done reading it together, he asked to read it again. A super awesome alphabet book for Halloween!

Creepy Monsters, Sleepy Monsters by Jane Yolen is a sweet monster book with minimal text and very rich illustrations by Kelly Murphy.  The story is really about the daily wind down and bedtime for two monsters. You and your child will absolutely relate to them on one page or another ( or all). These little monsters are just like our little monsters resisting bedtime, trying to avoid baths… well you know the daily struggle. My daughter was not into the book but my son liked it even though I’d gear it towards the 2-4 crowd. We chose our favorite monsters on each page and found interesting details like the recipe for tentacle soup on the page where the mom is making dinner. Cute, your child will relate to it and it’s not at all scary!

Filed Under: Age Preschool, Age: Kindergarten, Age: Toddlers, Bowling, games, Ghost, Halloween, Preschool Crafts | 48 Comments

Like this post? Share it with a friend!

Become an Email Subscriber

Sign up above and receive all new No Time for Flashcards posts directly in your email inbox.

You may also like these posts

preschool halloween activities
Next Post: Monster Blocks & Memory Game For Halloween
Previous Post: Letter Monster Craft For Kids

48 Comments

  1. Letters Numbers and Books oh my says

    September 25, 2012 at 10:55 am

    great minds think a like I just posted our pumpkin bowling using a real pie pumpkin and orange colored water (in water bottles) to go with Tiger Tales 5 Little Pumpkins 🙂

    http://lettersnumbersandbooksohmy.blogspot.com/2012/09/5-little-pumpkins-and-halloween-bowling.html

    Cute Ghost Pins! 🙂 and great books we love them!

    to Letters Numbers and Books oh my" aria-label='reply to this comment to Letters Numbers and Books oh my'>reply to this comment
  2. Becky@osp says

    September 25, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    Love this as I have 5 yr old twin boys who struggle with fine motor AND love to knock things down. :). I looks like one my 2yo daughter will love too although she kicks butt in fine motor she needs gross motor work. Yep, I have 3 former preemies all with different mild delays.

    Where did you find the ball?

    to Becky@osp" aria-label='reply to this comment to Becky@osp'>reply to this comment
  3. Andrea says

    September 26, 2012 at 6:05 am

    FUN! I’ve spent the last couple days looking at your site and writing down activities to do with my kids (4 and almost 2). We have a long list! Where did you get the cute ball?

    to Andrea" aria-label='reply to this comment to Andrea'>reply to this comment
    • admin says

      September 26, 2012 at 10:30 am

      I got it at Safeway of all places. I looked for a name on it but there was nothing. I did find this similar one though Baden Rubber 8.5-Inch Playground Ball

      to admin" aria-label='reply to this comment to admin'>reply to this comment
  4. JDaniel4's Mom says

    September 29, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    What fun! I love the three eyed ghost.

    to JDaniel4's Mom" aria-label='reply to this comment to JDaniel4's Mom'>reply to this comment
    • admin says

      September 29, 2012 at 6:55 pm

      He did have 4 but my son negotiated with her to give one up so all his could have 2 each.

      to admin" aria-label='reply to this comment to admin'>reply to this comment
  5. Stephanie KierysSmkierys says

    September 30, 2012 at 4:07 pm

    Tried this activity today with my almost 22 month old. She loved it! We improvised and just drew the faces on with a marker. I love your blog! We have tried a ton of activities! My daughter still likes to play with her valentine’s sensory box. Thank you for all the great ideas!

    to Stephanie KierysSmkierys" aria-label='reply to this comment to Stephanie KierysSmkierys'>reply to this comment
  6. Erin says

    October 20, 2012 at 9:48 am

    I’m so glad I came by to read the post on this. I am so quick to make materials for my special ed. pre-school class on my own, but after reading your post, I had a duh! moment! What an excellent point to make about the fine motor practice of having the kiddos fill the bottles themselves! We will be making them together and then using them to bowl! I love it!

    to Erin" aria-label='reply to this comment to Erin'>reply to this comment
    • admin says

      October 20, 2012 at 11:15 am

      I catch myself making things for both my kids too , I am glad I remembered for this post!

      to admin" aria-label='reply to this comment to admin'>reply to this comment
  7. Carolyn Wilhelm says

    September 20, 2014 at 8:52 am

    this is perfect, easy for children to create, you offered so many educational aspects of these activities, love the physics and the book recommendation, thanks so much–pinned, and linked from my recent fall learning post, thanks

    to Carolyn Wilhelm" aria-label='reply to this comment to Carolyn Wilhelm'>reply to this comment

Trackbacks

  1. Lap Learning Lesson – Ghosts (the friendly kind) and even a ghost HUNT | Learning is Messy says:
    October 9, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    […] Water bottle Ghost (idea from here) […]

    to Lap Learning Lesson – Ghosts (the friendly kind) and even a ghost HUNT | Learning is Messy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Lap Learning Lesson – Ghosts (the friendly kind) and even a ghost HUNT | Learning is Messy'>reply to this comment
  2. Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids says:
    October 11, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    […] at No Time for Flashcards always has some of the best ideas! Ghost Bowling is a craft and a game all in one. The ghost pins are made from empty water bottles filled with […]

    to Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids'>reply to this comment
  3. 101 Ways to Play: #22 Mini Pumpkin Gross Motor Fun | Embrace Your Chaos says:
    October 26, 2012 at 10:25 am

    […] out these cute homemade bowling pins from No Time for Flash Cards!  You can create mini bowling pins by using even smaller water bottles and then use your mini […]

    to 101 Ways to Play: #22 Mini Pumpkin Gross Motor Fun | Embrace Your Chaos" aria-label='reply to this comment to 101 Ways to Play: #22 Mini Pumpkin Gross Motor Fun | Embrace Your Chaos'>reply to this comment
  4. halloween games, ghost bowling, homemade games, halloween activities says:
    October 28, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    […] Halloween Games: Ghost Bowling {Homemade Games} October 26, 2012 By inspiredbyfamily 2 Comments Are you looking for fun Halloween Games for Fall parties? Kids love Halloween activities such as this ghost bowling homemade game! The Kids Activities Blog tested out this Halloween game and we hope that you try it out on your kids, too!  For a variation using clear bottles and cotton balls, check out No Time for Flashcard’s for her Fall Bowling Activity. […]

    to halloween games, ghost bowling, homemade games, halloween activities" aria-label='reply to this comment to halloween games, ghost bowling, homemade games, halloween activities'>reply to this comment
  5. Birthday, Laundry and Leaves? Activities for All! on hands on : as we grow says:
    March 6, 2013 at 4:35 am

    […] Bottle bowling for Halloween from No Time for Flash Cards! Those ghost bottles are adorable! […]

    to Birthday, Laundry and Leaves? Activities for All! on hands on : as we grow" aria-label='reply to this comment to Birthday, Laundry and Leaves? Activities for All! on hands on : as we grow'>reply to this comment
  6. Halloween games - Save More Spend Less with Heidi says:
    September 13, 2013 at 9:03 am

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling using recycled water bottles, cotton balls and of course a pumpkin ball to have an easy and fun game! […]

    to Halloween games - Save More Spend Less with Heidi" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween games - Save More Spend Less with Heidi'>reply to this comment
  7. Halloween Games for Kids (for both Group Play and Independent Play) - Buggy and Buddy says:
    September 30, 2014 at 9:34 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling: I love how this game can be made by children on their own or together with friends, while also providing fine motor and counting practice! […]

    to Halloween Games for Kids (for both Group Play and Independent Play) - Buggy and Buddy" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween Games for Kids (for both Group Play and Independent Play) - Buggy and Buddy'>reply to this comment
  8. Celebrate Silliness! 28 Of The Ultimate Halloween Games For Kids says:
    October 5, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling Have fun knocking down a few ghosts with No Time For Flash Cards […]

    to Celebrate Silliness! 28 Of The Ultimate Halloween Games For Kids" aria-label='reply to this comment to Celebrate Silliness! 28 Of The Ultimate Halloween Games For Kids'>reply to this comment
  9. 50 Halloween Craft Ideas For Preschool - No Time For Flash Cards says:
    July 29, 2015 at 3:29 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling Glittered Pumpkins For Toddlers […]

    to 50 Halloween Craft Ideas For Preschool - No Time For Flash Cards" aria-label='reply to this comment to 50 Halloween Craft Ideas For Preschool - No Time For Flash Cards'>reply to this comment
  10. 75 Recycled Art Projects For Kids - No Time For Flash Cards says:
    August 18, 2015 at 2:33 pm

    […] Discovery Bottles Milk Carton Fire Station Milk Plug Ring Soda Bottle Flower Prints from Inner Child Fun Milk Carton Bird Feeder Juice Jug Rocket Ghost Bottle Bowling […]

    to 75 Recycled Art Projects For Kids - No Time For Flash Cards" aria-label='reply to this comment to 75 Recycled Art Projects For Kids - No Time For Flash Cards'>reply to this comment
  11. 10 Toddler Friendly Ghost Crafts | The Train Driver's Wife says:
    September 13, 2015 at 2:47 pm

    […] love this active Ghost Bowling Game from No Time for Flashcards  What a fun way to keep toddlers […]

    to 10 Toddler Friendly Ghost Crafts | The Train Driver's Wife" aria-label='reply to this comment to 10 Toddler Friendly Ghost Crafts | The Train Driver's Wife'>reply to this comment
  12. Pumpkin activities and crafts for toddlers and preschoolers says:
    September 23, 2015 at 10:25 pm

    […] Ghost bottle bowling from No Time for Flashcards […]

    to Pumpkin activities and crafts for toddlers and preschoolers" aria-label='reply to this comment to Pumpkin activities and crafts for toddlers and preschoolers'>reply to this comment
  13. It’s October Already!! | Celtic Knitting Company says:
    October 3, 2015 at 2:23 pm

    […] Click Here For More Information […]

    to It’s October Already!! | Celtic Knitting Company" aria-label='reply to this comment to It’s October Already!! | Celtic Knitting Company'>reply to this comment
  14. 25 Halloween games for kids says:
    October 10, 2015 at 8:51 am

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling (No Time For […]

    to 25 Halloween games for kids" aria-label='reply to this comment to 25 Halloween games for kids'>reply to this comment
  15. Best of Pinterest: Halloween class party ideas - Savvy Sassy Moms says:
    October 13, 2015 at 12:30 pm

    […] 5. Ghost Bottle Bowling by No Time for Flashcards […]

    to Best of Pinterest: Halloween class party ideas - Savvy Sassy Moms" aria-label='reply to this comment to Best of Pinterest: Halloween class party ideas - Savvy Sassy Moms'>reply to this comment
  16. 25 Halloween Games for Kids says:
    October 13, 2015 at 3:26 pm

    […] 10. Ghost Bottle Bowling | No Time for Flashcards Kids can put this game together all by themselves! […]

    to 25 Halloween Games for Kids" aria-label='reply to this comment to 25 Halloween Games for Kids'>reply to this comment
  17. 5 Halloween Family Activities | Kiband – A Smartband Child Tracker to Keep Families Close says:
    October 21, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    […] ghosts? Grab some water bottles, cotton balls, and a ball that looks like a pumpkin(or make one). Here are some ideas on making the […]

    to 5 Halloween Family Activities | Kiband – A Smartband Child Tracker to Keep Families Close" aria-label='reply to this comment to 5 Halloween Family Activities | Kiband – A Smartband Child Tracker to Keep Families Close'>reply to this comment
  18. Five fantastic Halloween party games the kids will love to play | Birmingham news says:
    October 30, 2015 at 8:56 am

    […] of this can be seen at A Girl And A Glue Gun and Evite , as well as No Time For Flashcards […]

    to Five fantastic Halloween party games the kids will love to play | Birmingham news" aria-label='reply to this comment to Five fantastic Halloween party games the kids will love to play | Birmingham news'>reply to this comment
  19. Five fantastic Halloween party games that kids will love to play | Holiday Music says:
    October 30, 2015 at 11:18 am

    […] of this can be seen at A Girl And A Glue Gun and Evite , as well as No Time For Flashcards […]

    to Five fantastic Halloween party games that kids will love to play | Holiday Music" aria-label='reply to this comment to Five fantastic Halloween party games that kids will love to play | Holiday Music'>reply to this comment
  20. Story Time: Gus Was a Friendly Ghost | Lit Mama Homeschool says:
    December 4, 2015 at 8:52 am

    […] Or head over to No Time for Flashcards to get directions on how to set up Ghost Bowling. […]

    to Story Time: Gus Was a Friendly Ghost | Lit Mama Homeschool" aria-label='reply to this comment to Story Time: Gus Was a Friendly Ghost | Lit Mama Homeschool'>reply to this comment
  21. Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids - Robyns.World says:
    January 12, 2016 at 2:27 pm

    […] at No Time for Flashcards always has some of the best ideas! Ghost Bowling is a craft and a game all in one. The ghost pins are made from empty water bottles filled with […]

    to Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids - Robyns.World" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween Craft Ideas for Kids - Robyns.World'>reply to this comment
  22. Together Blog says:
    December 14, 2016 at 8:38 am

    Celebrate Halloween Together All Lit Up Hand

    […] s by Bob Kolar and older children will be able to follow along with the silly st […]

    to Together Blog" aria-label='reply to this comment to Together Blog'>reply to this comment
  23. 20+ Fun and Easy Halloween Spiel-Ideen für Kinder 2017 – Viele Kreative Ideen says:
    September 18, 2017 at 7:31 am

    […] über notimeforflashcards. […]

    to 20+ Fun and Easy Halloween Spiel-Ideen für Kinder 2017 – Viele Kreative Ideen" aria-label='reply to this comment to 20+ Fun and Easy Halloween Spiel-Ideen für Kinder 2017 – Viele Kreative Ideen'>reply to this comment
  24. 10 Hilarious Halloween Party Games For Kids - Cool DIYs says:
    October 6, 2017 at 8:14 am

    […] Tutorial at NoTimeForFlashCards […]

    to 10 Hilarious Halloween Party Games For Kids - Cool DIYs" aria-label='reply to this comment to 10 Hilarious Halloween Party Games For Kids - Cool DIYs'>reply to this comment
  25. Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Creative & Fun Games for All Ages - Word To Your Mother says:
    August 31, 2018 at 10:11 am

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling – No Time for Flashcards […]

    to Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Creative & Fun Games for All Ages - Word To Your Mother" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Creative & Fun Games for All Ages - Word To Your Mother'>reply to this comment
  26. Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Easy & Fun Party Games - Word To Your Mother says:
    September 16, 2018 at 7:51 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling – No Time for Flashcards […]

    to Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Easy & Fun Party Games - Word To Your Mother" aria-label='reply to this comment to Halloween Games for Kids! 26 Easy & Fun Party Games - Word To Your Mother'>reply to this comment
  27. 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties! says:
    October 1, 2018 at 11:33 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling […]

    to 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!" aria-label='reply to this comment to 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!'>reply to this comment
  28. 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties! says:
    November 1, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling […]

    to 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!" aria-label='reply to this comment to 30+ Halloween Games & Activities for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!'>reply to this comment
  29. modewelt 20+ Spaß und einfache Halloween-Spiel-Ideen für Kinder - modewelt says:
    November 15, 2018 at 4:50 am

    […] noimeforflashcards […]

    to modewelt 20+ Spaß und einfache Halloween-Spiel-Ideen für Kinder - modewelt" aria-label='reply to this comment to modewelt 20+ Spaß und einfache Halloween-Spiel-Ideen für Kinder - modewelt'>reply to this comment
  30. 13 lustige DIY Halloween-Spiele für Kinder - DiY & Craft says:
    September 25, 2019 at 12:06 pm

    […] Anweisungen erhalten Sie unter Keine Zeit für Flash-Karten […]

    to 13 lustige DIY Halloween-Spiele für Kinder - DiY & Craft" aria-label='reply to this comment to 13 lustige DIY Halloween-Spiele für Kinder - DiY & Craft'>reply to this comment
  31. 30+ Halloween Games for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties! says:
    September 27, 2019 at 3:26 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling […]

    to 30+ Halloween Games for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!" aria-label='reply to this comment to 30+ Halloween Games for Kids: Great for Classroom Halloween Parties!'>reply to this comment
  32. 28+ Best Halloween Games For Kids–Fun Party Games for All Ages New for 2019! – Baby Candy Land says:
    September 29, 2019 at 4:49 pm

    […] Ghost Bottle Bowling […]

    to 28+ Best Halloween Games For Kids–Fun Party Games for All Ages New for 2019! – Baby Candy Land" aria-label='reply to this comment to 28+ Best Halloween Games For Kids–Fun Party Games for All Ages New for 2019! – Baby Candy Land'>reply to this comment
  33. October Fun. | The Jordan Journey says:
    October 21, 2019 at 11:29 am

    […] of Frank’s friends came over and ate snacks and then went downstairs for game time! We played ghost bowling {with pins made out of water bottles stuffed with cotton balls}, pin the boo on the ghost, a […]

    to October Fun. | The Jordan Journey" aria-label='reply to this comment to October Fun. | The Jordan Journey'>reply to this comment
  34. 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - BULLETINr says:
    September 28, 2020 at 8:02 am

    […] Learn more: No Time For Flashcards […]

    to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - BULLETINr" aria-label='reply to this comment to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - BULLETINr'>reply to this comment
  35. 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities for Kids – Education News says:
    September 28, 2020 at 9:28 am

    […] Learn more: No Time For Flashcards […]

    to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities for Kids – Education News" aria-label='reply to this comment to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities for Kids – Education News'>reply to this comment
  36. 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - NWS100 says:
    September 28, 2020 at 10:01 am

    […] Learn more: No Time For Flashcards […]

    to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - NWS100" aria-label='reply to this comment to 35 Frightfully Fun Halloween Games, Crafts, and Learning Activities For Kids - NWS100'>reply to this comment
  37. 49 Super Fun Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers says:
    December 22, 2020 at 2:22 am

    […] Ghost bottle bowling from No Time for Flashcards […]

    to 49 Super Fun Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers" aria-label='reply to this comment to 49 Super Fun Pumpkin Activities for Preschoolers'>reply to this comment
  38. Fun Halloween Games- Candy Corn Color Match says:
    July 24, 2021 at 12:49 pm

    […] Ghost Bowling from No Time for Flashcards […]

    to Fun Halloween Games- Candy Corn Color Match" aria-label='reply to this comment to Fun Halloween Games- Candy Corn Color Match'>reply to this comment

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Search For Activities

Now In Paperback!

Buy NOW

All Activities

Become an Email Subscriber

Sign up above and receive all new No Time for Flash Cards posts directly in your email inbox.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Bloglovin

Copyright © 2008-2023 • No Time For Flash Cards - ACM Media LLC • Site Design by Emily White Designs