25 Fun Facts About Halloween Trivia for Kids

Halloween falls on the last day of which month?

Halloween is 31 October, the evening before the Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

The word Halloween is a shortened form of which older name?

It comes from the Scots form of All Hallows' Eve, where 'even' means evening. So the name means saints' evening.

Why did people once set carved lanterns on their windowsills?

Carved lanterns were believed to ward off evil spirits, which is why they ended up facing outward at windows.

Botanically speaking, a pumpkin counts as which of these?

Pumpkin fruits are a kind of berry called a pepo — the same botanical family trick that makes cucumbers berries too.

The heaviest pumpkin ever recorded weighed closest to which figure?

The record was set in October 2023 at 1,246.9 kg, which is about 2,749 pounds — roughly the weight of a small car.

Wild pumpkins and the first farmed ones came from which continent?

Pumpkins are native to what is now northeastern Mexico and the southern United States, and were farmed thousands of years ago.

What do costumed children call out at the door on Halloween night?

The phrase has been standard for about a century, and it is technically a threat, politely delivered.

Which cakes were handed out to people who went door to door at Allhallowtide?

Soul cakes were given in exchange for prayers for the dead, and the custom is a likely ancestor of trick-or-treating.

The Halloween call children make at the door was first recorded in print in which country?

A newspaper in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario printed it in 1917, years before the phrase caught on more widely.

In apple bobbing, how are players supposed to get an apple out of the water?

Apples float, heads get wet, and hands are strictly not allowed. The game is centuries old.

Bats are the only mammals that can do which of these?

Flying squirrels only glide. Bats are the sole mammals capable of true, sustained flight.

Bats belong to which order of animals?

Chiroptera comes from Ancient Greek for 'hand-wing', which is exactly what a bat's wing is — a webbed hand.

How do most bats find insects and obstacles in the dark?

They send out ultrasonic squeaks and read the echoes that bounce back, building a sound picture of the dark.

Candy corn is made in white, orange and which third colour?

The three bands are meant to look like autumn harvest colours, or a kernel of corn on the cob.

Mexico's Day of the Dead is traditionally held on which dates?

The holiday runs alongside the Christian feasts at the start of November, though some places begin on 31 October.

What is an ofrenda?

Families build a private altar holding the favourite food, drink and photographs of relatives who have died.

Brightly decorated sugar skulls are known in Spanish by which name?

Calaveras are painted in bold colours to celebrate the personality of the person being remembered.

Which country's influence spread Halloween traditions around the world in the late 20th century?

The customs began in Ireland and Scotland, but it was American films, television and shops that exported them everywhere else.

In a 2025 US survey, which Halloween activity was the most popular of all?

Two out of three people said they would hand out candy, ahead of dressing up and decorating, both on 51%.

Roughly what share of Americans said they would celebrate Halloween in 2025?

Seventy-three per cent planned to take part, which is a very big number for a holiday with no day off attached.

Which company makes Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

Reese's has been a Hershey brand for decades and is one of the best-selling sweet brands anywhere.

Which advertising slogan belongs to Skittles?

The rainbow line was created by a New York advertising agency and has stuck to the brand ever since.

In which decade were Halloween costumes first mass-produced for shops?

Firms like Ben Cooper began making shop-bought costumes in the 1930s, just as trick-or-treating took off.

All Saints' Day, the feast right after Halloween, falls on which date?

Halloween is its eve, which is where the holiday's name comes from in the first place.

Which day comes immediately after All Saints' Day?

All Souls' Day commemorates the faithful departed and completes the three-day season of Allhallowtide.