Follow the yellow brick road with our Wizard of Oz Family Costume ideas! Explore our tips and tricks to transform your loved ones into Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, the Cowardly Lion, and more, for an enchanting and unforgettable Halloween adventure!
We’ve only been doing family costumes for a few years now (looking back we should’ve started MUCH earlier) and the second costume we chose was the Wizard of Oz.
My 3-year-old was obsessed with the Wicked Witch that year, so it would’ve been silly not to plan a Wizard of Oz family costume!
My daughter, with a green-colored face and witch nose, was our Wicked Witch, while her sister became the kind Glinda (a little play on Wicked.) I already had a Dorothy dress so that became my character, while my husband, a little goofy in nature, became the Scarecrow. Our littlest one roared as the Cowardly Lion (and she truly roared whenever we put that lion head on her lol).
Keep reading to see all of the tips for creating a magical and memorable Wizard of Oz-themed ensemble that will have everyone in your family feeling like they’re off to see the Wizard!
DIY Dorothy Costume
As I mentioned above, I already had almost all of the pieces I needed to dress as Dorothy including the blue plaid dress, puff sleeve shirt, plaid bows, and blue socks (that actually double as ruby slippers!)
All I needed to get was the ruby slippers and basket with Toto.
This is a great option if you’re looking for a complete Dorothy costume.
DIY Scarecrow Costume
I found a great costume starter for my husband’s scarecrow costume so all he needed was an olive green shirt. He wore some tan pants he already owned and his work gloves!
His costume was probably the easiest to put together!
Tin Man Costume
For my son to be the Tin Man we did have to purchase an official Tin Man costume with an ax and silver face paint, but you can make your own with a cardboard box and some silver spray paint!
Cowardly Lion Costume
For my daughter’s Cowardly Lion costume I splurged a little and bought her entire outfit. She looked so cute in it, so it was totally worth it.
Glinda Costume
I actually found my daughter’s Glinda dress on eBay and just had to get her a pink crown and star wand. She wore pink boots that she already had to complete her costume.
Wicked Witch Costume
For my daughter’s Wicked Witch costume she already had a black skirt so I got her a black shirt, black tights, black shoes, a Wicked Witch hat and broom and some green face paint.
Trunk or Treat Ideas
If you’re looking for Wizard of Oz trunk or treat ideas, we also decorated a trunk that year.
I ordered an Emerald City backdrop and yellow brick road and taped yellow Laffy Taffys to each brick for kids to grab as they came up.
I was pretty happy with how it turned out!
Other Costume Ideas
As a family of 6 we couldn’t be every character from the Wizard of Oz, so here are some more options if you have a bigger family or someone wants to be a different character:
- The Munchkins
- Lullabye League
- Lollipop Guild
- Flying Monkeys
- Wizard of Oz
- People of Oz
How To Choose A Family Costume
When it comes to picking a family Halloween costume, here are some tips we’ve found that make it a memorable and smooth experience:
- Select a Theme: Start by picking a theme that everyone in the family can relate to and enjoy. It could be based on a favorite movie, TV show, book, or even a historical era. Common themes like superheroes, fairy tales, or famous pop culture references often work well.
- Consider Individual Preferences: While it’s important to choose a theme everyone can agree on, also consider individual preferences within that theme. Make sure each family member can pick a character or element they genuinely like.
- Age-Appropriate Choices: Keep the age and maturity level of each family member in mind. Ensure that the costumes are suitable for everyone’s age and comfort level.
- DIY vs. Store-Bought: Decide whether you want to create DIY costumes or buy pre-made ones. DIY costumes can be more personalized and budget-friendly, but they require time and effort. Store-bought costumes offer convenience but can be more expensive. You can get the best of both worlds by shopping at second-hand or thrift stores for costume pieces.
- Coordinate Colors and Styles: Even if each family member is dressing as a different character, try to coordinate the colors and styles of the costumes to create a cohesive look. This makes the family ensemble more visually appealing.
- Plan Ahead: Start planning your family costume well in advance to allow time for shopping, crafting, and any necessary alterations. Popular costumes may sell out quickly, so it’s best to start early. We purchase our costume pieces in August and September.
- Consider Comfort: Think about comfort and practicality. Ensure the costumes are appropriate for the weather conditions in your area and that they allow for easy movement, especially for kids.
- Accessories and Props: Don’t forget about accessories and props that can enhance your costumes. These can add authenticity and creativity to your family’s look. Try shopping for these items around the house before you purchase anything.
- Include Everyone: Try to include every family member, including pets if they’re willing participants. A coordinated pet costume can add an extra layer of fun!
- Test the Costumes: Before Halloween night, have a dress rehearsal to make sure the costumes fit properly, and everyone is comfortable. This will also give you a chance to work out any last-minute adjustments and take pictures so you’re not rushing on the big night!
Remember that the key to a successful family costume is ensuring that everyone feels excited and comfortable in their chosen character, while also creating a visually appealing and cohesive look.
Want More?
If you liked this post, there are several more ideas for DIY family costumes in these posts:
- Halloween 2020: Peter Pan Family Costume
- Halloween 2023: Star Wars Family Costume
- 160+ Ultimate DIY Family Halloween Costumes
- Blogger-Inspired DIY Family Costumes
Your Turn
If you’re doing a Wizard of Oz family costume this year, let us know how many people are in your family and who’s being what in the comments!