If you’re anything like me, it probably feels like you just chose (and failed) a New Year’s resolution. That’s how quickly it feels like this year has gone by. And just when I was getting in the swing of summer, back to school season reared its head once again. Not to mention how fast the little ones in our lives are growing. If it seems like one minute you’re bringing home a little bundle of joy and in the blink of an eye you’re sending them off to kindergarten, you’re not alone.
When it feels like time is moving far too fast, I like to remind myself to slow down and really appreciate activities, milestones, and time spent with loved ones. It’s also a reminder that when I get the chance to celebrate something, to really celebrate it and do my best to be present in the moment.
One thing I look forward to each and every year is Halloween. Seeing what the kiddos are going to choose as their costumes is a yearly highlight as I’m constantly in awe of their creativity. Plus, who doesn’t love a good excuse to eat Halloween candy? In the name of embracing the celebratory time, I’ve been racking my brain for the best ways to commemorate the impending holiday. If you too are looking for fun ways to celebrate, look no further. From classic fall activities to more creative ways to celebrate, we’re sharing 30 fun Halloween family activities. All treats—and no tricks—ahead!
1. Hunt for Halloween candy
It’s like an Easter egg hunt but for Halloween candy. No judgment if you use those plastic Easter eggs sitting in storage to hide the candy, but if you really want to get in the Halloween spirit, grab some pre-filled Halloween treats or baskets for added fun.
2. Paint pumpkins
If you like pumpkin carving, then you’re going to love pumpkin painting. While carving pumpkins is better suited for older kids, little ones of all ages can join in on the pumpkin painting fun. If it’s still nice enough, do the activity outdoors to give the little one free range to make a mess. Otherwise, newspaper on the table or floor inside will be your best friend.
3. Watch spooky movies
Who doesn’t love a good movie marathon? This time of year is the perfect time to hop in some Halloween PJs and snuggle up with your little one(s) for some spooky movie fun—age-appropriate, of course. A few of our editors’ favorite Halloween movies to watch with little ones include Ghostbusters (the new ones and the originals), Coco, Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Addams Family (the new one and the original), Hotel Transylvania, and It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
4. Organize a costume parade
A great way to get the community together and see all the kiddos dressed up in their costumes is by putting together a neighborhood costume parade. It doesn’t need to be overly orchestrated—print out flyers and put them on neighbors’ doors, post to your neighborhood Facebook group or chat, or just send out a text with a day and time for whoever can join.
5. Make Halloween treats
You don’t have to be an expert baker to get creative with making some of our favorite kid-friendly Halloween treats with your kiddo(s). In fact, the easier the better for little hands helping out when it comes to cooking. When all else fails, toss in some orange and purple food coloring to your favorite classic treats.
6. Head to a pumpkin patch
Picking out a pumpkin at a picturesque pumpkin patch is a tradition I can get behind year after year. Not only do kiddos get so excited to pick out the perfect pumpkin, the patches have really stepped their game up in recent years by adding things like hay rides and corn mazes for hours of fun.
7. Go on a spooky scavenger hunt
This is another perfect option for getting outdoors and into the Halloween spirit. Make your own or get started with a fun printable from Etsy. Include things like a black cat, a carved pumpkin, a witch’s broom, and other things they may spot during a walk around the neighborhood.
8. Go to an apple orchard
Like a pumpkin patch, apple orchards offer hours of family fun. Gather a bushel of apples to take home to eat on their own, bake with, or play a classic game of bobbing for apples.
9. Write or read spooky stories
If one thing’s for sure, Halloween family activities should be creative. This is a great idea for older kiddos who can handle a good, fun scare. Get the creative juices flowing and spend a night writing spooky stories. Everyone can write their own and then come back together for story time. Take it a step farther by having some spooky stories on hand, like the classic Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.
10. Throw a Halloween party
Want to go all out this year? Invite some friends and family over for a good ol’ fashioned Halloween party. Everyone should, of course, dress up in costume. On top of that you can have festive treats, a fun playlist in the background, and plenty of group games for a time that’s fun for everyone.
11. ‘Boo’ your neighbors
This is similar to doing a “Boo Basket” for your kids, but for your neighbors instead. Plus, this tradition is more about community building than gifting. Whether it’s candy, a baked treat, or another little something, it really doesn’t matter. Your neighbors will appreciate it and, hopefully, get in on the fun. Check out free “You’ve been Boo-ed” printables from Happiness is Homemade here.
12. Create a haunted house
It doesn’t have to be super spooky or crazy complicated to set up. The great thing about kids is that with a little inspiration, their imaginations run wild. A “spooky” basement storage room or a dark hallway in your home are perfect spots. Keep it simple with things like glow in the dark tape, a black light, and some Halloween string lights, or go as wild as you want.
13. Go trick-or-treating
We couldn’t have a list of halloween family activities without including the classic act of trick-or-treating. Whether you stick to visiting family and friends, or venture out through the neighborhood, the kids will love showing off their costumes and collecting treats along the way.
14. Make your Halloween costumes
Speaking of trick-or-treating, you and your kiddos are going to need the perfect costume to wear this year. If you’re used to picking one out at the store, why not try something new this year by making it a DIY project? You’ll be surprised how simple some costumes can be, and have a fun activity to do together in the process.
15. Go to a corn maze
When you’re a kid, nothing beats the thrill of a challenging corn maze. Find one near you and spend an afternoon avoiding wrong turns and working your way out. The best part is many corn maze attractions will offer other fun activities like petting zoos and food trucks. Make a day out of it!
16. Have a Halloween craft night
The best part about Halloween crafts is that there is something for kids of all ages. My 1-year-old may not be able to do much artistically, but she can stick a cotton ball with some glue onto a ghost cutout. No matter what you choose, have fun getting creative and in the spooky spirit together.
17. Play candy corn bingo
Bingo is one of the most underrated games, and one that everyone can get into. Set up a tournament with your little ones, or even the extended family or friends. Find Halloween-themed Bingo boards online and use candy corn as markers. Maybe your winner gets some extra Halloween candy!
18. Make toilet paper mummies
Put a big smile on your little ones’ faces by letting them turn each other into mummies using toilet paper. They’ll have a blast wrapping each other (or you!) up and it will quickly be fun laugh-filled memory. They can even show off their perfect mummy walk when they’re all done up (and you can save it after you’re done so none of it goes to waste!).
19. Make host handprints
This fun activity is as easy as it sounds. Your little ones will trace their hands, paint the paper white (if it isn’t already), and then put googly eyes on them to make them look like little ghosts. From there, let them place their cute new creations throughout the house.
20. Learn magic tricks
The appeal to Halloween is in the magic, so why not dive into it even more? Head to YouTube or TikTok for some kid friendly magic trick ideas. They’ll be so excited to show everyone they know their new tricks.
21. Dress up your pet
Halloween isn’t just for you and your kiddos—get everyone in the family involved and dress your pet up in a costume of your choice! Then, pose them for as many photos as you can get before they get too squirmy.
22. Host a fall bonfire (spooky edition)
Despite the cooling weather, fall is arguably the best time to have a cozy backyard bonfire. You can invite your neighbors, and everyone can cozy up in their warmest sweaters and blankets. To celebrate Halloween, this can include scary stories, spooky treats, and s’mores!
23. Try a haunted hay ride
Haunted hay rides are offered at most local apple orchards and cider mills, and are the perfect Halloween family activity—especially for older elementary or middle school kids who are ready for a little bit more scare with their Halloween festivities. These usually happen at night and include outdoor scare zones, decorations, and special effects.
24. Listen to a spooky Halloween soundtrack
One of the best things about fall is how much spooky media comes with it—scary movies, haunted television shows, and some seriously iconic songs that are best played when the leaves are changing. Whether it’s The Hocus Pocus soundtrack, or another one of your favorites, these songs are perfect for a pre-bedtime dance party with your kiddos.
25. Go trunk-or-treating
A safer and more community focused alternative to trick-or-treating, “trunk-or-treating” usually takes place in a parking lot and allows kids to walk from car to car, collecting candy and hanging out their friends. They still get the social piece of Halloween, while staying within sight of their friends and neighbors.
26. Decorate your windows
Halloween decorations are a core part of spooky season, but outside of lining your porch with pumpkins and ghosts, decorating your windows can be a great way to greet oncoming trick-or-treaters. Pick out some Halloween window stickers, or put a pumpkin on your window sill and light it up from the inside with a candle.
27. Build a Halloween gingerbread house
Gingerbread houses may have started out as a Christmas thing, but nowadays, are available for every holiday out there. Halloween is no exception—so get your kiddos involved and make the haunted gingerbread house of your dreams. Shop some options here!
28. Bob for apples
Another classic fall activity, bobbing for apples can be easily incorporated into your Halloween party or dinner. Kiddos will be anxious to get involved, as will the adults!
29. Visit your local “Boo at the Zoo”
On top of typical fall festivals like apple orchards and flea markets, many zoos in major cities host different Halloween festivities. Kiddos can come dressed up in their costumes and enjoy trick-or-treating, haunted houses, scare zones, and of course, visiting the animals.
30. Have a fall family picnic (with spooky treats!)
For many of us, fall is the last bit of comfortable weather before the freezing winter temperatures set in. Soak in some of the remaining sweater weather and get your entire family outside for a Halloween picnic—order a pumpkin shaped pizza, or pack some adorable spooky treats, like monster Oreos or mummy hot dogs, to share with your little ones.
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Jaclyn Voran, Contributing Writer
Jaclyn joined The Everymom team as a Contributing Writer in 2020. She brings a strong editorial background as a freelance writer, including being published in The Atlantic. She holds a Master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Kansas.
Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern
As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.
