Trick or Treat Halloween Maths Ideas
Halloween is full of costumes, giggles and sweet treats, and it’s also bursting with opportunities to explore real-life maths through play!
Whether you’re trick-or-treating after dark or heading out earlier in the day to spot spooky decorations, here are some simple, playful ways to build maths confidence on the move.
1. Spot the Numbers on the Doors
Every house you walk past is an opportunity for a little maths learning.
For little ones: Count together as you walk, “One, two, three!”
For preschoolers: Look closely at the door numbers, “Can you find number 10?”
For older children: Hunt for odd and even numbers, predict what number will come next, or look for patterns “All the even numbers are on this side!”
Ask: “Which is the biggest number we’ve spotted?”
Maths focus: Number recognition, counting, number patterns
2. Halloween Tally Challenge (Perfect for a Daytime Walk)
If you’re out earlier in the day, take a little notebook or mini whiteboard to keep a Halloween tally.
Tally what you see, such as:
Pumpkins
Ghosts
Spider webs
Witches
Candles
Each time you spot one, make a tally mark (||||). When you get home, count up your totals and compare what you saw most and least.
Ask: “Did we see more pumpkins or ghosts?” “How many spider webs altogether?”
Maths focus: Counting, comparing, recording data
3. Sort and Group
Encourage your child to sort their sweets by colour, size or type (chocolates, lollies, jellies).
Ask: “Which group has the most?” “Can we make equal groups of 5?”
Maths focus: Sorting, grouping, comparing quantities
4. Make a Treat Shop
Give each sweet a pretend price and take turns being the shopkeeper.
Ask: “If I buy a lolly (2p) and a chocolate (3p), how much altogether?”
Maths focus: Addition, money, early problem-solving
5. Compare Trick-or-Treat Buckets
Whose bucket looks heavier? Make a prediction, then check using kitchen scales or by counting sweets.
Ask: “Were we right?” “Who has more? Who has fewer?”
Maths focus: Estimating, measuring, comparing
6. Pattern Play
Use sweets or decorations to make repeating patterns; orange/black/orange/black, or lolly/chocolate/lolly/chocolate.
Ask: “What comes next?” “Can you make your own pattern?”
Maths focus: Pattern recognition, sequencing, reasoning
7. Share Fairly
Sharing out sweets is the perfect way to explore division and fairness.
Ask: Make two piles and ask “Is it fair?” “How many to make it fair?”
Maths focus: Division, sharing, problem-solving
Why It Matters
Everyday moments like Halloween walks and sweet-sorting are full of maths. When children see numbers and problem-solving as part of play, they grow up feeling confident, capable and curious about learning.
At Jump Start Maths, we turn play into progress, helping children aged 2–5 build early maths confidence through movement, stories and fun.
Keep the Learning Going
Join our mailing list or book a class in Roberttown (Tuesdays) or Brighouse (Wednesdays, including free soft play). Our Winter Term starts 11–12 November, and bookings are open now.
Book your place now: www.jumpstartmaths.com/booking