Halloween Math Scavenger Hunt: Trick or Treat Count and Color Game
Looking for a Halloween math scavenger hunt that gets preschool and kindergarten students out of their seats? This Trick or Treat Count and Color activity combines a classroom number hunt with a simple recording sheet. Students find picture cards, count the trick-or-treaters, and color the number that matches their answer.
The best part is that you can play two different ways: set up a Halloween classroom scavenger hunt for movement, or hide the cards in a sensory bin for a hands-on math center.
How to Play the Trick or Treat Counting Scavenger Hunt
1. Prepare the cards and recording sheets. Print the trick-or-treater counting cards and give each child a Count and Color recording sheet and crayons.
2. Hide the counting cards. Place the cards around your classroom where students can safely find them. Spread them out so children have room to move.
3. Search, count, and color. When students find a card, they count the trick-or-treaters pictured on it. Then they locate and color the corresponding number on their worksheet.
4. Check and discuss. Review the numbers together. Ask children how they counted and encourage them to point to each person once as they count.
Try It as a Halloween Sensory Bin Counting Game
For a quieter center, place the cards for this Halloween counting activity in a sensory bin instead of around the classroom. Children search the bin for a hidden card, count the trick-or-treaters, and color the matching number on the worksheet.
Choose classroom-appropriate sensory fillers and supervise small manipulatives. You can also skip the filler and use a tray or basket to keep setup simple.
Math Skills Students Practice
- One-to-one correspondence: Point to each trick-or-treater once while counting.
- Number recognition: Match the counted quantity to the printed numeral.
- Counting and cardinality: Understand that the last number said tells how many objects there are.
- Fine motor practice: Color the correct numeral on the recording page.
- Gross motor movement: Walk, search, and move between cards during the classroom scavenger hunt.
Tips for Preschool and Kindergarten
Model one card before students begin. For children who are just learning to count, offer a smaller selection of cards and count together. For students who are ready for more independence, let them search the room and complete their recording sheets on their own.
This activity works well for math centers, small groups, morning tubs, indoor movement breaks, or a Halloween classroom party. It’s also a useful way to practice counting without another traditional worksheet-only lesson. Sign up using the form below to get the Trick or Treat counting activity and try either version with your students.
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More Halloween Counting Games and Printables
Want even more ways to practice numbers this October? I’ve collected 12 Halloween counting activities for preschool and kindergarten in one place, including monster fangs, witch’s brew, eyeball counting, and more.
