Halloween is just around the corner, and whether you’re gearing up for trick-or-treating or staying cozy at home, there are countless ways to make the spooky season special for your little ones. This year, mix things up with some creative and family-friendly Halloween activities that will leave everyone in the Halloween spirit. Here are some fun ideas to do with your kids for Halloween:
1. Create a DIY Haunted House
Turn your home into a spooky haunted house! Gather some simple decorations—think fake spider webs, battery-operated candles, and cardboard cutouts of ghosts and bats. Each room can have a different theme. For example, one room could be “The Spider’s Lair,” while another could be a “Witch’s Potion Lab.” Your kids will love helping set up and playing host to friends or neighbors.
Pro Tip: Use glow-in-the-dark paint for extra eerie effects and play spooky soundtracks to set the mood!
2. Host a Halloween Movie Marathon
Nothing says Halloween like a cozy movie night. Choose age-appropriate spooky movies or Halloween-themed classics like Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, or Hotel Transylvania. Set up blankets and pillows in the living room, make some popcorn, and serve Halloween-themed snacks like ghost-shaped cookies or “monster mash” popcorn mixes.
Bonus: Let the kids dress up as their favorite characters from the movies for a full-on immersive experience!
3. Pumpkin Decorating Contest
Pumpkin carving is a classic, but why not try something a little different this year with a pumpkin decorating contest? Provide your kids with markers, paint, glitter, stickers, and other craft supplies. You can still carve out traditional jack-o’-lanterns, but adding some non-messy decorating options makes it more accessible to younger kids. Alternatively, you can also buy pumpkin carving kits.
Once everyone has finished, set up a display in your yard or on your porch and let friends and family vote on their favorite pumpkins.
4. Halloween-Themed Baking Party
Let your kids channel their inner bakers with a Halloween-themed baking session. Decorate cookies, cupcakes, or brownies with spooky designs like candy spiders, icing ghosts, and edible eyeballs. You can also make fun treats like “mummy hot dogs” or “witch’s brew punch.”
Not only will your kitchen be filled with delicious smells, but it’s also a great way to bond with your kids while getting creative in the kitchen.
5. Glow-in-the-Dark Scavenger Hunt
For a thrilling evening activity, host a glow-in-the-dark scavenger hunt. Use glow sticks, neon toys, and hidden Halloween trinkets to create a nighttime adventure in your backyard or inside the house. Equip the kids with flashlights or glow necklaces and give them clues to find hidden “treasures.” This is a fun and active way to keep the excitement going after the sun goes down.
Tip: Add a competitive twist by timing each round or creating teams to see who can find the most items.
6. Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze
For a memorable fall outing, visit a local pumpkin patch or corn maze. Many farms offer fun Halloween-themed activities like hayrides, petting zoos, and apple picking. Let your kids pick out their own pumpkins and enjoy some time outdoors soaking up the autumn vibes.
7. Halloween Craft Day
Get crafty with your kids by making Halloween decorations together. From paper plate skeletons to handprint witches, the possibilities are endless. Gather some basic craft supplies like paper, glue, scissors, and markers, and let the creative fun begin. These homemade decorations can be used to deck out your house or given as gifts to friends and family. There are also tons of Halloween coloring books for kids available online.
8. Costume Fashion Show
Why wait until Halloween night to show off those amazing costumes? Host a mini fashion show at home! Let your kids parade around in their Halloween costumes while you take pictures and give awards like “Best DIY Costume” or “Funniest Costume.” You can even record it and turn it into a fun Halloween memory to share with friends and family.
Halloween is a time for fun, creativity, and making lasting memories with your family. Whether you’re going all out with a haunted house or keeping things simple with a baking session or movie marathon, these activities will keep your kids entertained and excited all season long. Embrace the spooky fun, and have a blast with your little ones this Halloween!