If trick-or-treating is not in your plans this year, or you are simply looking for new fun ideas, many fun and inventive ways to celebrate this festive season will keep kids entertained!
Decorate Your Door – It is time to grab some pumpkins and festive decorations to transform your door. Door decorating is easy, fun, and fantastic for bringing out creativity. One way to make it more interesting is by involving neighbors in a door decoration contest!
Virtual Halloween Party – Are you planning on staying in this year? Plan a virtual Halloween bash so kids can still dress up and show their friends! To make this party interactive add fun online games like trivia or bingo.
Costume Contest – Gather crafting items and have everyone create a Halloween costume. Give prizes for categories such as funniest, most creative, prettiest, spooky, etc.
Face Painting Party – A great way to become your character for Halloween is to have someone paint your face. A face painting kit is a great way to start this tradition. This can also be done in addition to a costume contest.
Pumpkin Party – Get artistic with family and friends and decorate your pumpkins together. Carving pumpkins is messy, so you can also have a no-carve option. Then, at the end of the party, take a vote; the most creative pumpkin wins a prize!
Family Activity Night – Set the kids loose with a craft activity station! Try coloring sheets, word searches, and whatever else your kids enjoy. Get your children excited about Halloween however you choose to celebrate.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt – Scavenger hunts are a great way to get your kids outside and moving. Once Halloween decorations have been put up, hop in the car and spot some spooky sights! Nothing says you cannot have your Halloween scavenger hunt at your house. All you need are some fun clues, some Halloween candy and/or trinkets, and kids ready for Halloween fun!
Boo Your Neighbor – Involve your neighbors in a fun activity by secretly “boo” ing them. Generally, you put together a goodie basket of Halloween items and treats for a neighbor, and then they do the same for another neighbor. You need to get started by the middle of October, so let the Halloween booing begin!
Scary Stories – For the ones who love a good scare, gather and read Halloween stories about ghosts, monsters, witches, and more! Enjoy, but most of all, try not to get spooked! Stories can range from slightly spooky for the younger kids to frightfully fearful for the older.
Halloween Recipes – From ghost pancakes and spiderweb-covered hot cocoa bombs to spaghetti with eyeballs, Caesar spider salad, and monster cupcakes, these Halloween foods scare up everyone’s appetite. Cook up some spooky creations, and make sure to share your recipe!
The Great Pumpkin Hunt – Pick up some plastic pumpkins, fill them with non-food items and hide them around your house. Tiny real pumpkins can be hidden in the yard if weather permits.
Halloween Movie Night – There are some cute or scary Halloween shows and movies you can watch on Halloween night. Invite neighbors or friends over, set up blankets and chairs, and watch your favorite Halloween movie.
Family Game Night – Enjoy a game night of Halloween spooktacular fun. Serve popcorn out of a witch’s cauldron and make some caramel apples! Some games tap into analytical thinking skills, and others can inspire some friendly competition or just silly ways to pass the time and make everyone smile.
Backyard Bonfire – Gather around a firepit in the backyard and make roast hot dogs, Halloween smores, and spiced cider. Set the mood by playing Halloween songs.
Try something new this Halloween with activities that keep the kids entertained all night long!
Written by Vicki Hayman, MS, University of Wyoming Extension Nutrition and Food Safety Educator
Sources:
- foodallergy.org
- www.playpartyplan.com
- www.purewow.com