Seasons are changing, and the holiday season is approaching. Next on the calendar: Halloween. Trick-or-treating seemingly goes hand in hand with Halloween, but some parents may hesitate to take part in this traditional activity. With Halloween just days away, parents may struggle to come up with Halloween ideas that keep their children’s safety in mind while still allowing them to have fun.
For many children, Halloween is a day they can dress up and pretend to be their favorite superhero, magical character, or a spooky zombie and collect a ton of candy! However, there are still lots of fun Halloween activities that don’t involve trick-or-treating.
Halloween Ideas for a Spooky Night at Home
Halloween is the perfect time to let our imaginations run wild and come up with a creative approach to keep kids safe and happy. Consider the following low-risk Halloween ideas for an enjoyable night of spooks and fright.
1. Trick-or-Treat with a Twist
It’s not Halloween if you don’t get to shout trick-or-treat! Decorate the inside of your home and have your children go from room to room to collect candy. If you want to go all out, each room can have a theme or spook-tacular decorations. Additionally, if you do go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, keep these tips in mind.
2. Watch Movies in Costume
Since getting dressed in a costume is what makes Halloween exciting, let your child watch the movie in their costume. It would be extra fun if you can find a movie that goes with their costume.
3. Pumpkin Party
Have a pumpkin decorating party with your household. Pumpkin decorating can be fun for all ages. You can either paint pumpkins, carve pumpkins, or get a decorating kit. Make sure to snap photos and ask friends on social media to vote for their favorite!
4. Make Halloween Treats
Many little ones enjoy being involved in the kitchen. Invite your children to help you make some goodies! Check out these fun Halloween themed goodies for some inspiration!
Monster teeth
You will need:
• Red apples
• A bag of mini marshmallows
• A jar of peanut butter
• A knife
Slice the apples into wedges. Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple slice. Put the marshmallows on top of the peanut butter. Place the other slice with peanut butter on top of the marshmallows and gently press down for it to stick.
Mummy juice box
You will need:
• Juice boxes or water bottles
• A roll of gauze
• A bag of Googly eyes
• Glue
This is a quick and easy one! Wrap the juice box or water bottle with gauze. Glue the googly eyes on the gauze.
Creepy crawly Oreo spiders
You will need:
• A box of Oreos
• Pretzel sticks
• Candy corn
• Mini marshmallows
• Black icing
Stick the pretzel sticks into the icing of the Oreo. Put the icing on one side of the marshmallows and stick onto the top of the Oreo for the eyes. Dab a dot of black icing on top of the marshmallow. Cut the white section of the candy corn off and stick in between the Oreo for the fangs.
Halloween shaped snacks
You will need:
• Spooky Halloween cookie cutters
• Cucumbers
• Apples
• Cheese blocks
You can make Halloween shapes with the snack of your choice!
5. Spooky Scavenger Hunt
You can do this in daylight, or if your children are older and braver, wait until the sun goes down for added fright! Hide treats in your backyard, hand over the flashlights, and let the spooky search begin! In addition, you could also make your yard glow by attaching glow sticks to the treats for the younger ones to be able to find them.
6. Bob for Apples
Bobbing for apples is a fun Halloween tradition that traces back to the 14th century. This fun game is sure to bring lots of laughs and make memories you’ll cherish forever. Here’s how to play:
- Fill a large container like a tub or pool with water.
- Add apples!
- Taking turns, tie each player’s hands behind their back and have them try to get an apple out of the water using their mouth.
- Whoever gets an apple out of the water the fastest wins!
7. Tell Some Scary Stories!
It wouldn’t be Halloween without a spooky story! You can elevate the experience by turning off the lights and gathering around a small fire or lantern. Of course, keeping the stories age-appropriate is a good idea. Here’s a good resource for some not-too-scary stories to tell your kids this Halloween!
Carlson Cares
We care about your safety and the safety of your loved ones. One last fun Halloween idea is to come visit us at our Trunk or Treat events. This year we are hosting a Trunk or Treat in Temple, TX featuring games, prizes, giveaways, and much more! For more information, check our Facebook page under the Events tab. We hope you have a scary fun Halloween!
