Halloween is more than just a day for trick-or-treating – it is a celebration filled with opportunities for family fun and creativity in the days leading up to it! Whether you want to stay in to carve pumpkins and bake spooky treats or head out to explore local Halloween events, there are plenty of options for everyone in the family.
From crafting your own costumes to organizing a scavenger hunt to gathering around a bonfire for some spooky storytelling, these activities will ensure that your family’s Halloween is filled with memorable moments, tasty treats, and tons of fun!
Create a Halloween Movie Marathon
A movie marathon is a perfect way to set the spooky mood without leaving the comfort of your home. Gather everyone in the living room, pile up some cozy blankets, and enjoy a lineup of Halloween classics. For younger kids, consider films like Hocus Pocus, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, or Halloweentown. Older kids and teens might enjoy something a bit scarier, like Ghostbusters or The Nightmare Before Christmas. Don’t forget the popcorn and some Halloween-themed treats like candy corn or caramel apples!
Plan a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Turn your home or backyard into a spooky adventure zone with a Halloween scavenger hunt. Hide Halloween-themed items like mini pumpkins, plastic spiders, or candy around the house or yard. Create clues or a simple map to guide the kids to each hidden treasure. You can even theme the scavenger hunt around a particular story or Halloween character to add an extra layer of fun.
Bake Spooky Treats Together
Spend some time in the kitchen whipping up Halloween-themed treats that everyone can enjoy. Younger kids can help with decorating cookies or cupcakes with orange and black icing, while older kids can assist with more complex recipes like ghost-shaped pizza pockets or monster brownies. Make it a family competition by seeing who can create the spookiest or most creative treat. These homemade goodies can also be shared with neighbors or friends, adding an extra element of joy to the baking process!
Host a Pumpkin Carving Party
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween staple that the whole family can get involved in. Set up a carving station in your kitchen or backyard with pumpkins, carving tools, and stencils. For little ones, provide markers or paint to decorate their pumpkins safely. Older kids and adults can get creative with intricate designs. Once all the pumpkins are carved and lit with candles or LED lights, place them on your porch or windowsill to create a glowing Halloween display.
DIY Halloween Costumes
There is something extra special about wearing a costume you’ve made yourself. Gather the family for a DIY costume-making session, where everyone can brainstorm ideas, gather materials, and get crafty. From simple and fun ideas like ghost or zombie costumes to more elaborate creations like characters from favorite movies or books, the possibilities are endless. Younger kids can help by painting or gluing, while older kids can take on more complex tasks like sewing or assembling. The best part is that each costume will be unique – and the process of making them together is half the fun!
Decorate Your House Together
Get the whole family involved in transforming your home into a haunted house or a festive fall wonderland. From hanging spooky decorations like cobwebs and ghosts to setting up inflatable pumpkins and skeletons in the yard, decorating can be a fun activity for all ages. Let each family member take charge of a different area of the house or yard to add their personal touch.
Visit a Local Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze
For families who love to get out and explore, a trip to a local pumpkin patch or corn maze is a must-do Halloween activity. Pumpkin patches often offer a variety of activities beyond just picking pumpkins, such as hayrides, petting zoos, and games. Corn mazes provide a fun challenge for older kids and teens, while younger children can enjoy exploring the twists and turns with a little help from their parents. These outings offer a great opportunity for fresh air, exercise, and some festive fall fun.
Explore Your Community’s Halloween Events
In addition to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, many towns and cities host family-friendly events such as fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, or Halloween-themed nights at local attractions like zoos, amusement parks, or museums. These events often feature a mix of activities like costume contests, live entertainment, and themed food stalls, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Participating in these community events can also be a wonderful way to connect with neighbors and support local businesses while making the most of the Halloween season.
Create a Spooky Storytime (with a Bonfire and S’mores!)
End your Halloween festivities with a spooky storytime session around a cozy bonfire. Gather the family in the backyard, light up a fire pit, and break out the marshmallows for some s’mores-making fun. As everyone enjoys their gooey treats, take turns sharing spooky (but not too scary) tales. Younger kids can enjoy Halloween-themed picture books, while older kids might like to hear classic ghost stories. You can even encourage each family member to come up with their own spooky story to share with the group. The combination of crackling fire, sweet treats, and eerie stories will make for a memorable Halloween night.
