Halloween Pranks! Halloween is the perfect time to stir up a little mischief—but not everyone wants a heart-pounding scare. Sometimes, the best pranks are the ones that make people laugh, not scream. Whether you’re entertaining trick-or-treaters, hosting a spooky party, or just want to pull a fast one on your friends, these pranks are more funny than frightening.
From silly surprises to unexpected switch-ups, here are 15 Halloween pranks that keep the spirit of the season light, hilarious, and totally harmless. Each one includes helpful tips so you can get it just right!
1. Googly Eyes Galore
Transform your home or office into a watchful wonderland by sticking googly eyes on everything—from apples in the fridge to coffee mugs and staplers. It’s a subtle and silly way to catch people off guard as they realize they’re being “watched.” The more unexpected the placement, the funnier the reaction.
This prank is particularly great because it’s simple and mess-free. All you need is a pack of self-adhesive googly eyes from the craft store. You can even go big and use giant ones on mirrors, chairs, or your car’s headlights.
Tip: Start the night before and stick them on everyday objects like shampoo bottles, cereal boxes, or the microwave door. Go for quantity—it’s the cumulative effect that makes it hilarious.
2. The Classic Talking Pumpkin
Hollow out a pumpkin and hide a walkie-talkie or Bluetooth speaker inside, then place it somewhere people are sure to pass. When someone walks by, use the device to whisper funny messages, random noises, or silly “hauntings.” It’s creepy at first, but the laugh always follows once they realize it’s a joke.
You can also team up with a friend to hide nearby and control the voice from a distance. This works especially well at parties, porches, or office lobbies. Keep the tone lighthearted to avoid giving anyone an actual fright.
Tip: Pre-record some funny phrases if you’re not around to speak live. Classic lines like “Hey! I’m stuck in here!” or “Do you like pumpkin pie?” are always a hit.
3. Spider Ice Cubes
Drop a few fake plastic spiders into an ice cube tray, fill it with water, and freeze. Then serve the cubes in drinks at your Halloween gathering. When the ice begins to melt, your guests will notice something suspicious—and hilarious—floating in their beverage.
The visual surprise makes this prank harmless and fun. It’s especially entertaining when people catch the prank mid-sip and realize the “spider” isn’t real. Just make sure your fake spiders are clean and food-safe.
Tip: Choose dark-colored drinks like cola or punch so the spiders are hidden until the ice melts a bit. Offer the drink with a straight face and watch the reactions unfold.
4. Toilet Monster
Add a surprise to the bathroom by taping a spooky face or monster cutout under the toilet seat lid. When someone lifts it, they’ll get a little jump scare—but one that ends in laughter. This works best in shared bathrooms at home or at parties.
You can print a creepy face or buy a toilet decal made just for this prank. Just make sure it’s easy to remove and doesn’t damage the toilet. Bonus points if you coordinate the bathroom with other spooky decorations.
Tip: Choose a cartoonish or goofy face to keep it funny instead of disturbing. Place a note that says “You’ve been tricked!” nearby for an extra chuckle.
5. Switched Candy Wrappers
Take a few mini candy bar wrappers and carefully open them without tearing. Swap out the chocolate inside with veggies like baby carrots, broccoli florets, or even raisins. Reseal the wrappers with a glue stick or double-sided tape, then offer them to friends or family.
This prank is hilarious because it plays off everyone’s love for Halloween treats. The confused expression after biting into a “Snickers” and finding a carrot is pure gold. Just don’t use it for trick-or-treaters—save it for your inner circle.
Tip: Make sure you give the person a real treat after the prank so it doesn’t feel like a total trick. It’s all in good fun, but chocolate is sacred on Halloween!
6. Creepy Crawly Keyboard
If you’re in a shared workspace or have a computer-savvy friend, slide some fake plastic bugs between the keys of their keyboard. When they go to type, they’ll get an eerie surprise—and hopefully a big laugh.
This prank is low-effort and easy to reverse, making it perfect for office environments or virtual learning setups. It’s subtle enough to take a few seconds to notice, which adds to the fun.
Tip: Do this after hours so you’re not caught in the act. A mix of spiders, cockroaches, and worms adds variety to the scare.
7. Floating Ghost Balloon
Draw a spooky face on a white helium balloon and attach a long white string or sheet to create a floating ghost. Let it hover behind a door, in a hallway, or above a party table. When people walk by and feel it brush their shoulder—instant funny fright!
The floating effect creates a fun optical illusion that makes the ghost feel alive. It’s an excellent decor-based prank that doubles as a laugh generator. The slower it floats, the creepier—but still cute—it becomes.
Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark stickers for eyes to make it visible at night. Add a soft fan to create a subtle swaying motion.
8. Mystery Snack Swap
Remove the cream filling from Oreo cookies and replace it with white toothpaste, then reassemble. Offer them to friends or leave them out on a snack table and watch as people take a bite. It’s a classic that never gets old.
This prank is great for those who love subtle, food-based humor. The taste difference is shocking at first but won’t cause any harm—and is guaranteed to create laughter once they realize the trick.
Tip: Use a mint-flavored toothpaste and clean the cookies gently before putting them back together. Have real Oreos nearby to offer as a peace offering.
9. The Mirror Message
Write a silly or spooky message on the bathroom mirror using soap, so it’s invisible until the mirror steams up. Try phrases like “I’m watching you,” “Nice costume!” or “BOO!” After a hot shower or bath, the words suddenly appear.
This prank is subtle and leaves people wondering how it got there. It’s fun, mysterious, and easy to clean up. Best of all, it only works when conditions are right, adding to the effect.
Tip: Use bar soap or a cotton swab with toothpaste for best results. Keep the message playful rather than scary.
10. Remote Control Mayhem
Hide a Halloween prop like a crawling hand, dancing skeleton, or laughing pumpkin and control it remotely from another room. When guests least expect it, activate the prop and watch the reactions. It’s more funny than frightening—especially when the prop is comically animated.
This is a great party prank and gives you plenty of opportunity to catch people off guard in a fun way. The surprise movement is more likely to cause laughter than panic.
Tip: Test the remote from your hiding spot ahead of time. Be ready to turn it off quickly if someone gets startled too much.
11. Costume Confusion
Secretly dress up in the same costume as a friend or family member and “twin” them at an event. Don’t let them know in advance—it’ll be hilarious when they realize they have a clone. Bonus points if you mimic their mannerisms too.
It’s a lighthearted prank that’s perfect for parties, group photos, or trick-or-treating. It always leads to laughter and fun conversations.
Tip: Choose a costume that’s easy to copy. Let mutual friends in on the joke so they can help capture reactions.
12. Talking Candy Bowl
Place a Bluetooth speaker or hidden voice recorder inside a candy bowl on your front porch or desk. As people reach for candy, play silly recordings like “Hands off!” or “Only one, greedy ghoul!” The effect is surprising, then instantly funny.
This prank is ideal for Halloween night and can be repeated all evening. Kids and adults alike will get a kick out of it.
Tip: Use a motion-activated speaker if available, or have someone nearby with a remote to trigger it when the time is right.
13. Pumpkin Spice Switch-Up
Offer a friend a “pumpkin spice latte” but fill the cup with something unexpected—like soup, orange soda, or mashed sweet potato. When they take a sip expecting coffee, their confused reaction is priceless.
This prank plays off seasonal expectations and is best used on pumpkin spice lovers. Just make sure the substitute is edible!
Tip: Use a real coffee cup and lid to keep the illusion. Once the joke is over, treat your friend to a real PSL.
14. Jumping Jack-in-the-Box Skeleton
Hide a spring-loaded skeleton toy or jack-in-the-box prop in a drawer or cabinet. When someone opens it, the skeleton pops out with a silly face or sound. It’s a quick surprise that ends in laughs.
This works well in kitchens, desks, or toy chests—anywhere someone might reach without thinking. Kids love it, and adults get a kick out of it too.
Tip: Attach a note that says “Gotcha!” so people know it was all in good fun. Record their reaction if you can!
15. Ghost in the Closet
Hang a sheet ghost with glow-in-the-dark eyes in a seldom-used closet or pantry. When someone opens the door looking for a snack, they’ll find a spooky surprise staring back. It’s unexpected and funny—especially when they realize it’s just fabric and foam.
You can use a wire hanger or balloon to give the ghost shape. Add a glow stick necklace for nighttime reveals.
Tip: Choose a closet that doesn’t get opened too often so the prank stays in place until discovered. Add cobwebs for extra flair.
16.Ghost in the Toilet
Add a hilarious Halloween surprise to your bathroom by placing a ghostly figure or decal inside the toilet bowl. You can print or buy a cartoon-style ghost face and tape it under the seat or even float a laminated cutout inside the bowl itself. When someone lifts the lid or goes to use the toilet, they’ll be greeted by a spooky (but silly) little spirit staring back at them.
This prank works best when it’s unexpected—try it in a guest bathroom, at a Halloween party, or in a shared household. You can even add glow-in-the-dark stickers or a small waterproof light to really make the ghost pop during nighttime visits. The goal isn’t to terrify anyone—just to give them a laugh when they least expect it.
For added fun, make a matching ghost “toilet paper roll” by drawing a surprised face on a roll and adding a sheet cape. Together, they turn your bathroom into a haunted (and humorous) hideaway that guests won’t soon forget.
Tip: Use waterproof materials or laminate paper cutouts to prevent damage. Choose a wide-eyed or goofy-looking ghost face to keep things lighthearted and family-friendly.
Final Tips for Pranking Success:
- Keep it clean: Avoid pranks that leave a mess or cause damage.
- Know your crowd: Always prank people who enjoy a good laugh.
- Offer a treat afterward: A candy peace offering always helps!
- Film if appropriate: Reactions are half the fun—just get permission to share.
Conclusion
This Halloween, keep the scares light and the laughter loud with pranks that bring more giggles than gasps. Whether you’re pulling one over on your best friend or surprising your coworkers, these funny tricks are the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season. So go ahead—treat yourself to a little mischief!
Want more lighthearted Halloween fun? Share your favorite prank or tag a friend you’d love to prank this year!