Marshmallow Ghosts on a String Game

Marshmallow Ghosts on a String is a Halloween twist on the old-fashioned apples-on-a-string game. Players keep their hands behind their backs and try to eat a dangling ghost marshmallow without dropping it!

With a busy household, I appreciate games that take very little time to set up. This one uses a few basic supplies and reminds me of the old-fashioned apples-on-a-string game—with a Halloween twist.

Why You’ll Love This Marshmallow Ghost Game

• Easy setup: You only need a few basic supplies.
• Simple decorations: Draw ghost faces directly onto the marshmallows.
• Adjustable height: Raise or lower each string to suit the players.

Supplies for Marshmallow Ghosts on a String

• Marshmallows: My original photos show regular-sized marshmallows, but I think jumbo marshmallows would make the game more fun and challenging.
• Black edible food marker: For drawing the ghost faces.
• String: For hanging the marshmallows.
• Broom or pole: To hold the strings.

How to Set Up Marshmallow Ghosts on a String

Step 1: Draw the ghost faces.
Use a black edible food marker to draw eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.

Step 2: Attach the strings.
Tie a long piece of string around each marshmallow, securing it with a knot at the top.

Step 3: Hang the marshmallows.
Tie the other end of each string to a broom or pole. Leave enough space between the marshmallows for the players to stand comfortably.

Step 4: Position the broom or pole.
Have two adults hold it up. They can gently sway it to make the ghosts swing back and forth for an extra challenge. Alternatively, rest the ends on two ladders spaced apart and secure them to the ladder steps with duct tape and/or rope.

Step 5: Adjust the height.
Have the players stand beneath their marshmallows. Untie and adjust the strings as needed so each ghost hangs at about mouth level.

The first player to finish their entire ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any on the floor wins!

Adjust the rules to suit the players’ ages. For a competitive round, the first player to finish their ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any wins. For a more relaxed game, let everyone keep trying without eliminating players if their marshmallow falls.

How to Play Marshmallow Ghosts on a String

• Have each player stand in front of a hanging marshmallow.
• Players place their hands behind their backs.
• Say “Go!” to start the game.
• Players try to eat their entire ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any on the floor.
• If a player’s marshmallow drops, that player is out.

Marshmallow Ghosts on a String Game Tips

• Check the height before starting. Each marshmallow should hang at the player’s mouth level.
• Leave space between players. Spread the strings along the broom or pole.
• Try a seated setup. Players can sit in chairs while you adjust the strings to their mouth level.

Can You Play This Game at a School Halloween Party?

Check with the teacher or school nurse before planning a game involving food. Follow the school’s food and allergy policies, and check the current marshmallow packaging rather than assuming a particular brand is suitable for everyone.

For a home party, ask parents about food allergies before choosing the marshmallows.

More Halloween Party Games

Looking for more Halloween fun? Try these easy party games:

• Pumpkin Ring Toss
• Candy Corn Ring Toss
• Ghost and Pumpkin Bowling
• Spider Legs Pantyhose Game
• Unwrap the Mummy
• Glow-in-the-dark candy hunt
• Haunted castle bean bag toss

Printable Marshmallow Ghosts on a String Instructions

If you try this game, I’d love to hear how it went! Leave a rating and comment below.

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Marshmallow Ghosts on a String Game

A Halloween twist on the old-fashioned apples-on-a-string game! Players keep their hands behind their backs and try to eat a hanging ghost marshmallow without dropping it.

Prep Time15 minutes mins

Active Time15 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Yield: 1 game

Author: Melissa Haines

Materials

• Marshmallows: My original photos show regular-sized marshmallows but I think jumbo marshmallows would make the game more fun and challenging.
• Black edible food marker: For drawing ghost faces.
• String: For hanging the marshmallows.
• Broom or pole: For holding the strings.

Instructions

Setting Up

• Use a black edible food marker to draw eyes and a mouth on each marshmallow.
• Tie a long piece of string around each marshmallow, securing it with a knot at the top.
• Tie the other end of each string to a broom or pole, leaving space between the marshmallows for each player.
• Have two adults hold the broom or pole up. Alternatively, rest the ends on two ladders spaced apart and secure them to the ladder steps with duct tape and/or rope.

How to Play

• Have the players stand beneath their marshmallows. Adjust each string so the ghost hangs at about the player’s mouth level.
• Have each player stand in front of a hanging ghost marshmallow.
• Players put their hands behind their backs.
• Say “Go!” to start.
• Players try to eat their entire ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any on the floor.
• If a player’s marshmallow drops, that player is out.
• The first player to finish their entire ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any on the floor wins!

Notes

• Extra challenge: Adults holding the broom or pole can gently sway it to make the ghosts swing back and forth.
• Seated option: Have players sit in chairs, then adjust the strings to their mouth level.
• Rope alternative: Hang the marshmallow strings from a rope instead of a broom. As noted in my original post, the rope can sway more for an extra challenge.
• School parties: Check with the teacher or school nurse before planning a food game. Follow school food and allergy policies and check the current marshmallow packaging.
• Adjust the rules to suit the players’ ages. For a competitive round, the first player to finish their ghost marshmallow without using their hands or dropping any wins. For a more relaxed game, let everyone keep trying without eliminating players if their marshmallow falls.

That’s it! 

~Happy Halloween