Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating — it’s also a chance for families to spend time together, laugh, and make memories. From crafts and games to spooky stories and sweet treats, there are plenty of fun and safe ways to celebrate October 31st with kids of all ages.
Here are 15 fun and easy Halloween activities for families to enjoy this spooky season.
1. Carve or Paint Pumpkins
Pumpkin carving is a Halloween classic. For younger kids, swap sharp tools for paints, stickers, or markers to create silly faces and colorful designs.
2. Host a Family Costume Parade
Have everyone in the family dress up and walk the “runway.” Take photos, give out silly awards, and vote for the funniest, scariest, and most creative costumes.
3. Make Halloween Treats Together
Bake cookies shaped like bats and pumpkins, or decorate cupcakes with candy eyeballs. Kids will love mixing, decorating, and of course, taste-testing.
4. Watch a Family-Friendly Halloween Movie
From Hocus Pocus to Casper, there are plenty of movies that bring Halloween magic without being too scary. Make popcorn and turn off the lights for a cozy night in.
5. Create a Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Hide Halloween-themed items around the house or yard (plastic spiders, mini pumpkins, candy). Give kids clues or riddles to help them find each one.
6. Tell Spooky (But Not Too Scary) Stories
Turn down the lights, grab a flashlight, and share family-friendly ghost stories. Encourage kids to make up their own tales to keep things silly and fun.
7. Decorate the House Together
Hang paper bats, cut out construction paper pumpkins, and string up orange and purple lights. Let the kids help create a festive atmosphere.
8. Play “Pin the Hat on the Witch”
This Halloween twist on “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” is easy to set up. Draw or print a large witch, then blindfold players and see who can pin the hat closest to the right spot.
9. Do a Candy Taste Test
Buy a mix of Halloween candy and have everyone rate them from best to worst. You might be surprised by the family favorite!
10. Make DIY Trick-or-Treat Bags
Give each child a plain tote bag and let them decorate it with fabric paint, markers, or Halloween stickers. It’s a fun craft and a useful accessory for the big night.
11. Try a Halloween Dance Party
Create a playlist with songs like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller,” then turn up the music and dance. Add glow sticks for extra fun.
12. Host a Pumpkin Bowling Game
Line up empty plastic bottles decorated as ghosts or monsters and use a small pumpkin as the bowling ball. Simple and silly fun for all ages.
13. Make Halloween Crafts
Try making paper plate masks, ghost garlands, or pipe-cleaner spiders. Craft time is a great way to let kids’ imaginations run wild.
14. Go on a Neighborhood Decoration Walk
Take an evening stroll to admire spooky decorations around the neighborhood. Kids can vote for the “scariest,” “funniest,” or “most creative” house.
15. Roast Marshmallows by the Fire
If you have a safe fire pit, gather together for s’mores under the autumn sky. Share stories, laugh, and enjoy a cozy family moment.
Final Thoughts
Halloween is about more than costumes and candy — it’s about making memories together. With these 15 fun and easy Halloween activities, your family can enjoy a safe and festive holiday filled with laughter, creativity, and just the right amount of spooky fun.