Light Up the Dark: Fun Shadow Play Ideas for Families 🌙🔦

Every year when the clocks go back and the nights draw in, life with little ones can feel… well, a bit dimmer! Sure, the darker evenings can be a blessing (hello, earlier bedtimes 😴), but they can also make it trickier to get active and playful once the sun goes down. And for some children, darkness can feel more spooky than snug.

So — how do you turn something scary into something magical?
Easy. Grab a torch, switch off the lights, and let the shadows do the work!

We’ve been diving into the dark here at Eureka! to come up with a few bright ideas for light and shadow play at home — perfect for curious kids, creative parents, and anyone who likes to turn a dark night into an adventure.

🔦 Shadow Puppets (with a Twist!)

Forget dogs and birds — though they’re classics for a reason! Try using your hands to make letters of the alphabet or even spell out your child’s name. Or grab toys, cut-outs, and kitchen utensils to create your own shadow characters. The sillier, the better!

💃 Torch Limbo

Bring back a retro party favourite — with light! Hold your torch horizontally so the beam becomes your “limbo pole.” Take turns shimmying under it, lowering the beam each round. If the light touches you — you’re out! Bonus points for 80s dance moves.

🏙️ Build a Shadow City

Grab some boxes, tins, toys — whatever you can find — and build your very own skyline. Shine a torch to project your Shadow City onto a wall, and see your creation come to life!
Top tip: cut windows or shapes into boxes to make your cityscape even more dramatic.

🌟 Guess the Shadow!

Find objects that make interesting shapes when you shine a light through them — colanders, leaves, cuddly toys, cutlery, you name it. Stand with your back to your little detectives, cast a shadow on the wall, and let them guess what it is!

Dark nights don’t have to be gloomy — they’re the perfect excuse to get creative, explore light and shadow, and share some giggles together.

We’d love to see what you come up with! Share your shadowy masterpieces with us on Facebook or Instagram, and don’t forget to visit us at Eureka! this half term for more hands-on fun to chase away those seasonal blues. 💡