Fright-Night Family Fun

Halloween is right around the corner – which means the spooky season has arrived! Are you ready? Of course, we are all counting down to the big night – dressing up as whoever or whatever we want.. But that’s just one night. And there are too many fun activities surrounding Halloween to contain it all into one night! I had a hard time containing my favorites into one list, haha! Call it a countdown, if you like, to a Halloween done right!

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At Home Ideas

Spooktacular Movie Marathon: Nothing says Halloween like a terrifying movie marathon. Grab the family or a hot date, and get ready to get in the Halloween spirit. Check out the best Halloween flicks on our Halloween Movies List, and you’re in for a night of laughs, screams, & everything in between! Netflix has already begun streaming their Halloween movie spread. And Most TV stations, especially the kid-friendly ones like ABC Family and Nick usually have Halloween marathons as well. Check your TV Guide for days/times.

Go ALL OUT and Decorate Your House: Regardless of your current situation, it’s never a bad idea to decorate your house from top to bottom. Remember, more is more. So, Tons of pumpkins, cobwebs, 12-foot-tall skeletons, bats, witches; the possibilities are endless. How can you not get in the Halloween spirit? Now, If you’re low on cash, check out your local Dollar Tree for budget-friendly decor. Also, there are quite a few Halloween decorations you can make using things around the house, like old sheets, garbage bags, and toilet paper. See, simple as pie!
Scavenger Hunt for Candy: Now, this one is a family-friendly activity, and fun for everyone! Hide candy in unexpected places all throughout your house or yard for your little ones to find. If you’re having an adult scavenger hunt, try mixing alcohol nips in with the candy to get the party started, or take it up a notch and hunt with flashlights in the dark.

Halloween Crafts & Cooking

Make Festive Foods: This can be done alone, with a hot date, or with some of your closest friends. Check out our list of Spooktacular Halloween Treats for some ideas!

Carve Pumpkins: This classic October event never goes out of style. You’re never too old to get your creative skills flowing through pumpkin carving; plus, it’s a fun way to pass the time. Set a theme and see if your friends can out-carve you! But, If you’re not big into messes – there is always the alternative of painting your pumpkins instead of carving them!

Halloween Pinata: Fill it with candy for your kids–or nips for adults! You can even use our instructions for paper mache pumpkins to use as the pinata for an extra activity ! Wooo! Twice the fun!
‘One Way’ Trick-or-Treating: This is a super safe way to collect candy. Try setting up a table at the end of your driveway with pre-packaged bags of candy for kids to grab. This is good for smaller kiddos who don’t quite understand the concept of trick or treating . Or if you’re still wanting to maintain minimal contact with the neighbors in the wake of COVID.

Out-And-About Activities

Drive-In Movie Theater: When you want to venture out into the chilly October night, but aren’t into sitting in a crowded theater, a drive-in movie date is a perfect alternative. Grab some blankets and your favorite snacks, and cuddle up in your car next to your boo or best girlfriends. No drive-in near you? Pick up a projector from Amazon, grab a sheet or a white wall – and create your own drive-in theatre!
Outdoor Haunted House: After 2020, many haunted houses have chosen to take their scares outdoors to create a safer space for thrill-seekers. No worries, They’re still just as scary . And they might send a chill down your spine… But that might just be from the cold weather (be sure to bring a cute coat). If you’re a real thrill seeker – there are a few places that are genuinely haunted! Then, if you really dare you can stay the night!
Pumpkin Picking: If you’re not one to venture out after the sun sets.. First, throw on your cutest weekend afternoon outfit. Then, down some brunch with your besties, and head out to your local pumpkin patch. Just don’t get lost in the corn maze! This is a yearly tradition for my family. Nothing gets you in the Halloween spirit like picking your own pumpkin and enjoying a nice hay ride!

What are some of the ways that you like to celebrate the season? Let me know in the comments! Also, be sure to check out our Halloween Crafts & Halloween Treats Post for more Spooktacular ideas!