As we ease into October, with jack-o’-lanterns starting to glow on porches and witch hats popping up in stores, this activity feels like the ideal starter for Halloween festivities. So, grab a mug of hot cider, and let’s get ready to conjure some fun with a DIY wand, exploring the history of witches, some spooky Halloween songs, books, and more. These activities are almost as magical as your kiddo’s imagination!

Why DIY Wands is a Blast for Kids

Kids love anything that makes their imaginations soar. A wand? It lets them step into their own magical world. This activity is charming because it’s hands-on, creative, and lets them flex their storytelling muscles. When they’re making wands and waving them in the air, they’re not just crafting—they’re building entire universes where they’re the star wizards.

These DIY wands are a chance to dream up spells, invent secret languages, and maybe even boss around a few imaginary dragons. Plus, it’s low-mess and uses stuff you can find in your backyard or craft stash. The best part? Watching their faces light up when they realize they made something cool all by themselves. It’s like handing them a key to Narnia, Hogwarts, or their own made-up realm of sparkly chaos.

And let’s not forget the sneaky life skills they’re picking up. Painting and gluing help with fine motor skills, planning out their wand’s design boosts creativity, and pretending to cast spells encourages storytelling and confidence. It’s the kind of activity that feels like pure play but is secretly teaching so much more.

A Peek into the History of Witches (The Cool, Not Creepy Kind)

Witches get a bad rap in old stories—cackling hags stirring cauldrons and scaring villagers. But let’s flip the script for the kids! Historically, many so-called “witches” were just super-smart folks, often women, who knew their way around herbs and healing. Back in the day, when someone had a fever or a stubborn cough, these herbal wizards were the go-to. They’d whip up teas, salves, and poultices from plants like chamomile or lavender, helping people feel better when doctors were scarce. Think of them as the original pharmacists, mixing up natural remedies with a side of wisdom.

In medieval times, these healers were often called “wise women” or “cunning folk.” They were community doctors, delivering babies, soothing aches, and sometimes even predicting the weather by watching nature’s signs. But the idea of spell-casting witches came from a mix of folklore and superstition. People believed these wise women could influence the world with words or rituals—like chanting to bring good luck or mixing potions to ward off bad vibes. This spell-casting was often just their way of focusing intention, like a prayer or wish, but it got spun into tales of magic.

Brooms? They became part of the witchy myth because folks used them in rituals, like sweeping away bad energy or dancing around them during harvest festivals. Over time, stories exaggerated this into witches flying on broomsticks, zooming through the night sky!

Sadly, not all witches were about healing—some did dabble in what folks called dark magic, like casting curses or using rituals to scare people. These practices, often exaggerated or misunderstood, gave witches a spooky reputation that stuck, making life tough for the kind-hearted healers who just wanted to help. It’s a reminder that stories can get twisted, and not every “witch” was out to cause trouble. For young kids, it’s best to focus on the helpful history of witches, the ones who used their smarts to aid their community and make the world a little better.

A History of Witches for Older Kids: The Salem Witch Trials

For the older kiddos who love a good history lesson, let’s talk about the Salem Witch Trials—a real-life moment that shaped how we think about the history of witches. Back in 1692, in Salem, Massachusetts, a wave of fear swept through the town, and people started accusing each other of being witches. It began when a few girls acted strangely, and folks blamed it on witchcraft. Soon, neighbors were pointing fingers, and over 200 people were accused of practicing dark magic. Sadly, 20 people were executed, and others were jailed, all because of rumors and panic.

The trials happened because people were scared of things they didn’t understand, like illness or unusual behavior, and they let fear take over. Today, we know it was a big misunderstanding, fueled by superstition and not enough facts. It’s a great conversation starter for older kids about fairness, standing up for what’s right, and not judging people too quickly. Keep it light by tying it back to their wands—maybe they can cast a “Truth-Finding Spell” to sort out fact from fiction!

Salem, Massachusetts embraced their heritage and is now quite the spot to visit during October. Everything has a witchy theme and magical energy, so I’ve heard. I can’t wait to visit one day! Until then, during October I will content myself with watching Hocus Pocus and making wands with my boys.

Kid-Friendly Witchy Books to Spark the Magic

To keep the witchy vibes fun and light, here are some adorable books that’ll get your kids giggling and dreaming of magical adventures. These are perfect for cozying up after making wands:

• Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson: This one’s a Halloween must-have! A kind-hearted witch and her cat zoom around on a broom, picking up animal friends along the way. It’s got rhythm, rhymes, and a sweet message about teamwork. 
• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola: Meet Strega Nona, the Italian “Grandma Witch” who uses her magic pasta pot to feed her town. It’s warm, funny, and just a little mischievous—perfect for kids who love a good giggle. Her cozy kitchen vibes make magic feel homey and approachable.
• The Little Witch by Otfried Preussler: A young witch named, well, Little Witch, wants to join the big witches’ dance but has to prove she’s a “good” witch first. It’s a charming story about growing up and finding your own kind of magic, with just enough whimsy for the spooky season.
• Prince Bertram the Bad by Arnold Lobel: A broomstick flying witch teaches a naughty little prince how to behave himself by turning him into the monster he acts like. A little life lesson is taught in this cute and magical story.

Honorable Mention: The Witch Who Was Afraid of Witches by Alice Low is difficult to come by, but if you do it’s a keeper! In this sweet story, Wendy, a young witch, feels like she’s not as “witchy” as her sisters. But with a little courage, she discovers her own kind of magic. It’s a heartwarming tale about believing in yourself, perfect for kids who might feel a bit shy about their own sparkle. These books keep things cute, not creepy, and they’ll have your kids itching to wave their DIY wands and join the fun. Pair them with your craft session for a full-on witchy day!

Spooky Tunes to Amp Up the Witchy Vibes

No Halloween crafting session is complete without a Halloween songs playlist to set the mood! Whether your kids are waving their freshly made wands or dancing around in their witchy costumes, these fun, songs will keep the spooky spirit high. Here are a few Halloween songs we love to listen to in our home and will get everyone into the magic:

• Double, Double, Toil and Trouble by John Williams: This eerie yet playful track from the Harry Potter soundtrack is perfect for wand-waving antics. It’s got that magical, cauldron-bubbling vibe that’ll have your kids chanting along like they’re brewing potions at Hogwarts. Crank it up while they’re painting their wands for instant wizard vibes!
• This Is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas: The iconic theme song from Tim Burton’s classic is a must for any Halloween song playlist. It’s catchy, just spooky enough, and perfect for kids who love Jack Skellington’s quirky world. Play it during your craft session to inspire some Pumpkin King-level creativity.
• Spooky, Scary, Skeletons by Andrew Gold: This 1996 song is a hit in our household. The lyrics are the right amount of spook, creep, and scare for little kids to sing along to.
• Punky Punkin‘ by Rosemary Clooney: This delightful 1950s tune is pure Halloween joy, celebrating a happy pumpkin with Rosemary’s warm, jazzy charm. It’s upbeat and perfect for kids crafting their wands or bopping along to jack-o’-lantern vibes. A must for keeping the spooky season festive
• The Wobblin’ Goblin by Rosemary Clooney: Another gem from Rosemary, this silly, upbeat song is all about a goofy goblin who can’t stop wobbling. It’s lighthearted and danceable, making it a hit for younger kids who want to wiggle while they glue.
• The Witch Is In by Rosemary Clooney: This jazzy track is like a wink from a friendly witch. It’s got a playful, mischievous energy that pairs perfectly with casting pretend spells or strutting around in a DIY cape. Kids will love the retro charm!

Pop these Halloween songs while crafting, or let them fuel a Halloween dance party. They’re just spooky enough to feel festive but totally kid-friendly, keeping the magic flowing as your little wizards create and play!

Let’s Craft Some Magic: Make Your Own Wand

Alright, let’s get to the heart of the fun—making wands together! This is where the magic happens, and I promise it’s so easy even the most craft-averse parent (no judgment, we’ve all been there) can pull it off. Here’s what you’ll need to gather: a few sticks about the width of your pinky and the length from your elbow to your fingertips (fresh off a tree works best for that natural vibe), a hot glue gun, black and brown paint, a paintbrush, and some Mod Podge to seal it all up. If you’ve got some extra paint colors like gold, silver, or even a sparkly purple, grab those too for some flair.

First, head outside with your kiddos to hunt for the perfect stick. This part’s an adventure in itself—let them pick ones that feel “magical” to them. Maybe it’s a stick with a cool knot or a slight curve that screams “wizard vibes.” Snipping fresh from the plant is best because then they are solid and sturdy for those spell casting sessions (or the occasional sword fight that breaks out between my boys). Once you’ve got your sticks, bring them inside and give them a quick wipe to remove any dirt or loose bark. Don’t worry about making them perfect; a little ruggedness adds character when making wands.

Now, fire up that hot glue gun (parents, this is your job—safety first!). Hand the stick to your kid and let them decide which end will be the grip. Then, start drizzling hot glue around that end, wrapping it in swirls, zigzags, or whatever funky pattern they dream up. I usually end to make the thicker end the handle but your child might have a different vision. Maybe they want a chunky, knobby grip or a sleek, spiraled one—it’s all about making it unique. The glue adds texture and makes the wand look like it’s got some serious magical mojo. Let it cool completely so the glue hardens into those awesome ridges.

Time to paint! Grab your black or brown paint and cover the whole stick, glue and all. This is where the wand starts to look legit. Once the base coat is dry, here’s a fun trick: try dry brushing to add some depth. Dip a dry paintbrush into a lighter or darker shade (like purple on black or black on brown), wipe off most of the paint, and lightly brush over the glue ridges. It’ll highlight the texture and make the DIY wand look like it’s been carved by a master wandmaker. Let your kid go wild with colors if they want—maybe a glittery tip or a metallic grip for extra sparkle.

After the paint’s dry, it’s time to seal the deal with Mod Podge. Brush a thin layer over the entire wand to protect the paint and give it a polished look. This step keeps your kid’s masterpiece from chipping during their epic spell-casting sessions. Let it dry completely (patience, young wizards!), and then it’s time to play! Hand them their wand and watch them dive into imaginary worlds, waving it around to cast spells on each other. Encourage them to invent a backstory—maybe it was gifted by a forest sprite or found in a dragon’s lair.

Spooky Season Spell Ideas

To keep the fun going, here are a few kid-friendly spells to keep their wand-waving adventures going even after making wands:

• Giggle Charm: Wave the wand in a circle above your head and say, “Laughius!” to make everyone (including yourself) giggle uncontrollably.
• Invisible Cloak Spell: Swish the wand and whisper, “Vanisho!” to pretend you made your child invisible. Then act like you can’t see them!
• Dance Party: Turn on some good dance music and point the wand at each individual kiddo saying, “Danceon!”

These silly spells are perfect for keeping the vibe light and playful, and they’ll have your kids inventing their own in no time. There’s no better way to encourage your child’s imagination this Halloween season than by making wands.

Wrapping Up the Witchy Fun

There you have it, folks—a wickedly fun way to kick off Halloween with a DIY wand and a handful of other crafty projects that are all about creativity, imagination, and a sprinkle of magic. These activities are cheap, easy, and let your kids shine as the masterminds behind their own spooky creations. Pair them with some witchy books, Halloween songs, a few silly spells, and maybe a costume or two, and you’ve got a recipe for a Halloween season filled with laughter and adventure. So, grab those sticks, fire up the glue gun, and let your little wizards loose. Here’s to a Halloween full of wonder, where the only limit is how big they can dream!

What’s your favorite way to get into the Halloween spirit? Drop a comment below, and let’s keep the witchy vibes going! Until next time, keep playing, keep imagining, and keep making every day a little more magical.