9 Family-Friendly Halloween Activities To Do at Home
Halloween is the ideal time for family fun, and you can enjoy all of it right at home. From arts and crafts to outdoor games, there are countless ways to celebrate with your loved ones. There is no need to go anywhere when you have so many ideas at your fingertips. This season, make your home the center of Halloween excitement. Your family will appreciate the chance to spend quality time together while embracing the Halloween spirit.
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Pumpkin Carving or Decorating
Carving pumpkins is a classic Halloween activity that the whole family can enjoy. Gather a variety of pumpkins, get some carving tools, and let everyone’s creativity shine. If carving is too tricky for younger kids, consider decorating pumpkins with paint, markers, or stickers. It is a simple way to get everyone involved while making your home more festive.
After the pumpkins are finished, place them on the porch or windowsill for a fun display. Be sure to use a candle or LED light inside for that perfect spooky glow at night. This activity is a great way to bond while embracing the spirit of Halloween. It also adds a personal touch to your Halloween decorations.
Halloween-Themed Scavenger Hunt
A Halloween scavenger hunt is a fun way to get the family moving and exploring around the house. Create a list of Halloween-related items for kids to find, such as plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, or a skeleton. You can hide these items around the house or yard, making it as easy or challenging as you like. Set a time limit to add some excitement to the hunt.
To make it even more fun, you can add clues or riddles leading to each item. Consider adding small prizes for completing the hunt or a special treat at the end. This is a great activity for kids of all ages to enjoy, and it also keeps them engaged in a safe environment. It can be a fun way to explore your home while celebrating the season.
Spooky Storytime
Gather the family for a Halloween-themed storytime session that will ignite imaginations and set the mood. Select age-appropriate spooky books that have just the right balance of fun and fright. You can read by candlelight to create an eerie atmosphere or set up a cozy space with blankets and pillows. Let kids take turns acting out parts of the story to make it more interactive.
For an extra twist, consider making up your own Halloween stories based on family traditions or local legends. This activity helps foster creativity while giving everyone a chance to be part of the spooky fun. Whether you read from a book or make up tales as you go, this is a perfect way to wind down on Halloween night. Plus, it is a wonderful way to introduce children to the art of storytelling.
DIY Halloween Costumes
Creating DIY Halloween costumes as a family is a fantastic way to spend time together. Start by brainstorming costume ideas that everyone can contribute to, from spooky ghosts to silly monsters. Use old clothes, craft supplies, and your imagination to bring these ideas to life. Kids will enjoy the process of designing their costumes while learning how to reuse and repurpose materials.
Once the costumes are ready, you can have a mini family Halloween parade around the house or yard to show off the creations. This activity allows for creativity and teamwork, plus it can be done on a budget. It also provides an opportunity to teach kids about reusing materials and personalizing their costumes. It is a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit without having to spend a lot of money.
Halloween-Themed Baking
Baking Halloween treats with the family is a delicious way to enjoy the season. Choose easy recipes for cookies, cupcakes, or pies that the kids can help decorate with orange, black, and purple icing. You can make spooky designs, such as ghost cookies or monster cupcakes, using candy and sprinkles for decoration. Baking together not only fills the house with delicious smells but also brings the family closer.
Once the treats are ready, you can have a Halloween-themed snack time and enjoy your creations with a spooky movie. If baking with younger kids, opt for simple, no-bake recipes that require less time and supervision. This activity also teaches children basic cooking skills while adding a festive touch to the day. The whole family can take pride in their Halloween-themed treats.
Halloween Movie Marathon
A Halloween movie marathon is a perfect way to get cozy as a family and enjoy spooky classics. Choose a mix of kid-friendly films like Hocus Pocus or The Nightmare Before Christmas that everyone can enjoy. Set up a cozy viewing area with blankets, pillows, and Halloween-themed snacks like popcorn or candy. This simple activity creates a fun atmosphere that everyone can enjoy together.
If you have younger children, be mindful of the movie ratings to ensure they are age-appropriate. To add to the excitement, let the kids help choose the lineup or make themed crafts to go along with each movie. This activity offers a chance to relax while celebrating the season and making memories. It is the ideal way to wind down after a day of fun.
DIY Halloween Crafts
Halloween crafts are a wonderful way for the family to get creative and make decorations for the home. Try making paper bats, spiders, or even homemade wreaths to hang on the door. You can use basic craft supplies like construction paper, glue, and scissors, or get more elaborate with glitter, ribbons, and paint. It is a great opportunity for kids to express their creativity while making their own decorations.
Once the crafts are finished, hang them up around the house to create a personalized Halloween atmosphere. These homemade decorations add charm and personality to your home while keeping everyone entertained. Crafting also provides a quiet, focused activity that contrasts with the more energetic Halloween games. It is a perfect way to fill the afternoon with fun and productivity.
Spooky Dance Party
Throw a spooky dance party in your living room with family-friendly Halloween tunes. Put together a playlist of classic Halloween songs like “Thriller” and “Ghostbusters” or any fun songs that get everyone moving. Add some simple decorations like fake cobwebs or glowing lights to set the mood. Encourage everyone to show off their best spooky dance moves.
This is a great way to let off some steam, especially after spending time on crafts or baking. You can even make it into a fun family competition, judging who has the best monster dance moves. It is a simple yet energetic activity that gets everyone laughing and enjoying the music. Plus, it is a great way to create memories through movement and music.
DIY Halloween Masks
Making DIY Halloween masks is a fun and creative activity for the whole family. Start with basic materials like cardboard, paper plates, or fabric, and let everyone design their own spooky or silly mask. You can use markers, paint, and glitter to decorate the masks, or even add yarn for hair or feathers for a fun texture. Kids will enjoy the hands-on crafting while creating something unique to wear for Halloween.
Once everyone has finished, hold a mini costume contest to see who has the most creative mask. This activity sparks imagination and allows children to take part in the Halloween spirit through their own creations. Plus, it is a great way to reduce costume costs by making your own accessories at home. This fun craft can easily be adjusted for any age group and is perfect for a family crafting session.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.