Trick or Treat Art Contest 2026
Free U.S. Art Contest for Children Ages 4–12
The Trick or Treat Art Contest, organized by Young Artists, invites children ages 4–12 to create original Halloween-themed artwork using their imagination.
The contest is open only to participants living in the United States, and there is no entry fee.
Children can create something scary, funny, playful, or completely original from their own imagination.
Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to:
- Children ages 4–12
- Participants living in the United States
Each child may submit one artwork.
Schools and clubs may submit artwork from any number of students.
Children may also enter individually; they do not have to participate through a school or club.
Theme
The theme is Trick or Treat, and children are encouraged to interpret the theme freely.
Possible subjects include:
- Spiders
- Bats
- Monsters
- Mummies
- Skeletons
- Witches
- Ghosts
- Scary or friendly cats
- Haunted houses
- Mysterious forests
- Candy
- Costumes
- Halloween parties
Children may also create an entirely original idea from their own imagination.
There is no single correct interpretation. The contest encourages children to express their own ideas and creativity.
Art Techniques
Children may use traditional art materials of their choice.
Examples include:
- Pencil
- Ballpoint pen
- Markers
- Pastels
- Chalk
- Paint
- Other traditional drawing and coloring materials
The artwork must be the child’s own original work.
How to Enter
Entries may be submitted in three ways:
Online Upload
Artwork may be scanned and uploaded through the online submission system.
A scanned copy of the artwork may be submitted by email.
Original artwork may also be submitted by mail.
For digital submissions, an important requirement applies:
Photographs of artwork are not accepted. The artwork must be scanned.
The submission must include information such as:
- Child’s name or initials
- Age
- School or club name
Prizes
For Children
10 winning artists will be selected.
Each winner will receive:
A creative gift package containing art and craft supplies
Winning artwork may also have the opportunity to be published in the special Trick or Treat book series.
A favorite drawing selected for each book may be featured as the book title and cover artwork.
All participants will also receive a sticker strip, while selected children whose artwork is published may receive an additional certificate.
For Schools and Clubs
The school or club that submits the best collection of drawings may receive:
A $1,000 gift card
The school or club will also receive a free copy of the book featuring artwork from its students.
Entry Fee
FREE
There is no entry fee to participate.
No purchase is necessary.
Deadline
Friday, October 30, 2026
This is the official closing date listed by the contest organizer.
Contest Information
Contest: Trick or Treat Art Contest 2026
Organizer: Young Artists
Eligibility: United States only
Age: 4–12
Category: Drawing / Children’s Art
Theme: Trick or Treat / Halloween
Entry Fee: Free
Entries: One artwork per child
Deadline: October 30, 2026
AI: The artwork must be the child’s own original work.
Official Contest Page
Trick or Treat Art Contest – Official Website
Important: This contest is open only to participants in the United States. Participants should check the official website for the latest rules and submission requirements before entering.
