Several toilet-paper-roll ghost crafts hang on white string, arranged over overlapping sheets of bright purple, green, and orange paper. Each roll is painted white with a simple black ghost face, and long white tissue-paper streamers trail from the bottom, creating a floating, playful Halloween look.

DIY Toilet Paper Roll Ghost Craft for Kids (Easy, Cute, and Perfect for Halloween!)

Halloween crafting with kids doesn’t have to be complicated, messy, or expensive. In fact, some of the BEST memories come from the simplest projects—the kind made with items you already have at home. If you’re looking for a fun, fast, and adorably spooky craft that little hands can proudly create, these DIY Toilet Paper Roll Ghosts are perfect!

This easy Halloween craft transforms your everyday recycling bin into something magical, floaty, and festive. Kids get to paint, glue, design silly faces, and watch their creations come to life as they flutter in the air. They’re cute enough to hang around your house for the entire month of October—and simple enough for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids to enjoy together.

Whether you want a quick afternoon activity, decor for a class Halloween party, or a budget-friendly craft for a playdate, this ghost craft checks all the boxes. Best of all, you can make a whole family of hanging ghosts in under an hour!

Why You’ll Love This Toilet Paper Roll Ghost Craft

Before we jump into the step-by-step instructions, let’s talk about why this craft has quickly become a Halloween favorite in so many homes and classrooms.

Budget-Friendly

All you need are toilet paper rolls, white paint, paper or crepe streamers, and a black marker—things you probably already have.

Minimal Mess

You can skip the paint entirely by wrapping the rolls with white paper. Even the gluing can be simplified for small kids.

Quick to Make

These ghosts dry fast and come together easily. Make one or make twenty—they’re perfect for short attention spans.

Great for All Ages

Toddlers can help by sticking paper strips or drawing simple faces, while older kids can customize details.

Adorable Floating Decorations

Hang them from ceilings, doorways, fans, or tree branches outside—they sway and “float,” adding the perfect spooky touch.

Materials You’ll Need (For 5 Hanging Ghosts)

You only need a handful of inexpensive supplies, which makes this craft ideal for large groups or Halloween parties:

  • 5 empty toilet paper rolls
  • White paint or white construction paper
  • Paintbrush
  • White crepe paper or tissue paper – cut into strips about 12 inches (≈30 cm) long
  • 5 pieces of yarn or string (each about 8–12 inches / 20–30 cm)
  • School glue, tape, or stapler (use whatever your kids can handle easily)
  • Black marker (for drawing ghost faces)

If you’re doing this craft with a classroom or group, consider pre-cutting the paper strips and pre-painting the rolls to make assembly quick and stress-free.

Step-By-Step Instructions: How to Make Toilet Paper Roll Ghosts

This project is intentionally simple so kids can take the lead. Grown-ups can supervise the glue or help with attaching the yarn, but the rest is totally kid-powered.

Step 1: Paint Each Toilet Paper Roll White

Brush a layer of white paint over the entire outside of the toilet paper roll. You can use washable craft paint so cleanup is a breeze.

Let them dry completely before moving to the next step. Since cardboard absorbs paint quickly, this usually only takes a few minutes.

Short on time?
Skip the paint! Simply wrap each roll with white construction paper and secure it with a piece of tape. It gives the same ghostly look with zero drying time.

Step 2: Add the Ghost Tails

Once the rolls are painted or wrapped, it’s time to give your ghosts their floaty, fluttery tails!

Take your pre-cut strips of white crepe paper or tissue paper (about 12 inches long each). You can use about 6–10 strips per ghost depending on how full you want the bottom to look.

Attach them inside one end of the roll using:

  • School glue
  • Tape
  • Or a stapler if you need something ultra-secure

Help younger kids by holding the roll while they press the strips into place. When they hang later, these tails create the perfect ghostly movement!

Step 3: Draw the Ghost Face

This is where kids get to show their personalities. Using a black marker, draw:

  • Smiley faces
  • Scared faces
  • Ovals for eyes
  • Little “O” mouths
  • Wink faces
  • Or extra spooky expressions

Each ghost develops a different mood and personality. Encourage kids to experiment and make them all unique.

For classrooms or Halloween parties, you can set out examples (silly ghost, scary ghost, sleepy ghost, laughing ghost) to spark creativity.

Step 4: Attach the Yarn or String So the Ghost Can Hang

Cut a piece of yarn or string about 8–12 inches long. Attach it to the top of the roll using glue, tape, or a stapler. A stapler is the most secure option and works especially well when you’re hanging these inside a doorway.

Make sure the string is centered so the ghost hangs upright and looks like it’s floating.

Step 5: Let Everything Dry and Hang Them Up!

Once the glue is set, your ghosts are ready to fly!

Hang them:

  • From the ceiling
  • In a doorway
  • On a fan pull
  • Over a mantle
  • On a curtain rod
  • Above a Halloween party table
  • From tree branches outside

As the air moves, the tissue paper tails flutter, giving the ghosts the illusion of floating or dancing.

They’re charming, whimsical, and guaranteed to make your kids proud every time they walk into the room.

Creative Variations to Personalize Your Ghosts

One of the best things about this craft is how flexible it is. You can change the materials, style, and personality of your ghosts depending on your kids’ ages and preferences.

Here are some fun twists:

1. Add Googly Eyes

If you want extra cuteness, glue on googly eyes instead of drawing black circles.

Bonus: They wiggle when the ghost moves!

2. Try Glitter Ghosts

While the white paint is still wet, sprinkle a light dusting of glitter over the roll.

They sparkle under lights and look magical at night.

3. Rainbow Ghost Tails

Instead of white paper strips, use rainbow tissue paper or pastel colors for a whimsical, kid-approved look. This is adorable for toddlers!

4. Glow-in-the-Dark Ghosts

Use glow-in-the-dark paint or add glow-in-the-dark stickers to the ghost’s face.

Hang them near a nightlight and let the spooky fun begin.

5. “Emoji” Ghost Faces

Let kids create emoji-inspired ghosts:

  • 😆 laughing ghost
  • 😱 screaming ghost
  • 😴 sleepy ghost
  • 😜 silly ghost
  • 😍 heart-eyes ghost

This is especially popular with elementary-age kids.

6. Fancy Ghost Costume Add-Ons

Use scraps of fabric or felt to give your ghosts little accessories:

  • Tiny bow ties
  • Mini witch hats
  • Baby capes
  • Sparkly crowns
  • Stick-on rhinestones

They become not just ghosts—but characters!

7. Wind-Friendly Outdoor Ghosts

If hanging these outdoors:

  • Use packing tape instead of glue for the streamers
  • Add two layers of tissue paper for durability
  • Staple the yarn on both sides of the roll

These extra steps help your decor survive breeze and weather changes.

Educational Benefits of This Craft

Parents and teachers love this craft because it’s more than just fun—it supports learning and development too. Here’s what kids practice during this project:

Fine Motor Skills

Painting, gluing, drawing the face, and placing paper strips all strengthen hand muscles.

Creativity

Kids design their own expressions, choose tail placement, and personalize their ghost.

Following Directions

The simple step-by-step process teaches sequencing and early project-based learning.

Sensory Fun

Paint, tissue paper, cardboard, and yarn each offer a different texture for hands-on exploring.

Confidence Building

Kids LOVE seeing their crafts displayed around the house—and telling everyone, “I made that!”

How to Display Your Toilet Paper Roll Ghosts

Once your kids finish their floating creations, here are some cute ways to showcase them for the Halloween season:

Doorway Haunted Hallway

Hang multiple ghosts in a line across a hallway so everyone walks through their floaty tails.

Mantle or Bookshelf Decor

Place them on top of a shelf like a ghost family watching over your living room.

Spooky Bedroom Decor

Hang one above each kid’s bed as a “friendly ghost buddy.”

Classroom Halloween Display

String them together as a garland and hang across a whiteboard or bulletin board.

Party Decorations

Scatter them at different heights around a Halloween snack table.

Outdoor Tree Ghosts

Hang them from low branches so they twirl in the wind.

Displaying your kids’ artwork makes them feel celebrated—and adds a festive touch to your home.

Tips for Doing This Craft With Groups or Young Kids

If you’re using this activity for a classroom, birthday party, or playdate, here are ways to make the process easier:

Pre-Paint or Pre-Wrap the Rolls

This saves time and eliminates waiting for paint to dry.

Pre-Cut Everything

Cut the tissue strips and yarn ahead of time and place them in labeled bowls.

Use Tape Instead of Glue

Tape sticks instantly and is easier for small hands.

Provide Face Templates

You can draw sample ghost faces on sticky notes for kids to reference.

Set Up a Drying Station

A cookie sheet, cooling rack, or designated table helps keep crafts organized.

Make Each Ghost Unique

Provide optional decorations so each child feels special—stickers, glitter, hat cut-outs, etc.

More Halloween Crafts You’ll Love

If your kids have fun making toilet paper roll ghosts, try some of these other easy, low-prep Halloween crafts:

These crafts use inexpensive supplies, encourage creativity, and fill your home with spooky fun throughout October.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use paper towel rolls instead?

Yes! Just cut them in half.

What can I use instead of crepe paper?

Tissue paper, white ribbon, gift wrapping scraps, or even coffee filters cut into strips.

Is paint or paper better?

Both work great. Paper is tidier, paint is more fun—choose based on time and age.

How long do the ghosts last?

Indoors, they can easily last all season. Outdoors, reinforce them with tape or staples.

Final Thoughts: A Simple, Spooky Craft Kids Will Love

These DIY Toilet Paper Roll Ghosts are the perfect blend of fun, simple, inexpensive, and adorably spooky. With just a few household items and a little creativity, your kids can make a whole ghostly family that dances and floats around your home. It’s a Halloween craft you’ll want to repeat year after year—and it never loses its charm.

Whether you’re crafting at home, in a classroom, or at a Halloween party, this activity brings smiles, laughter, movement, and creativity together in the sweetest way. Plus, it’s a great reminder that some of the best childhood memories come from the simplest crafts.

Get your toilet paper rolls ready—it’s time to make some friendly little ghosts!

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