Halloween is such a social holiday that you might assume it’s impossible to properly distance and still have fun. Think again! There are lots of ways to decorate, celebrate and make this spooky day memorable. Here are several ideas for a scary good time that’s also safe and smart.
front door fun
Use materials like foam board, paper plates, trash bags and felt to turn your door into a monster, ghost, jack-o’-lantern or any other spooky creature that strikes your fancy.
contact−free candy
Instead of handing out goodies in person, pre-package treat bags and hang them from your decorated front door using clothespins and a glue gun. If you have a two-story home, extend some PVC piping from an upper window to the sidewalk, decorate it in a scary theme and watch kids have fun catching their candy at the bottom.
at−home trick−or−treating
Put buckets of candy in different parts of the house and play Halloween music while kids go from room to room collecting treats. Or hide the candy just like you would Easter eggs, then stage a lively indoor or backyard hunt complete with music. Put glow-in-the-dark stickers on goodie bags so kids can find them after sundown.
thoughtful surprise
Scare up a bag of Halloween goodies for a special neighbor or friend who might need some cheering up, and leave it on the person’s doorstep with an uplifting note. Suggest paying the gesture forward, too!
game night
Add some active fun to your home-based Halloween by creating themed beanbag or ring toss games, trying your hand at a spooky trivia contest or acting out creepy charades.
monstrously good tunes
Don’t forget the spooky mood music! Create a home playlist of Halloween favorites like “Monster Mash,” “Ghostbusters,” “Thriller,” “I Put a Spell on You,” and theme songs from The Munsters and The Addams Family.
trick−or−treat alternatives
Communities are getting creative this fall. Find out if your neighborhood is hosting events like a socially distanced parade or drive-thru trunk-or-treat.
hauntingly delicious eats
Go online to discover a variety of sweet and savory snack ideas you can try at home. Decorate a themed cake, cookies or cupcakes, and let the kids help.
feeling crafty
Paint pumpkins and gourds, make yard decorations or assemble a Halloween-themed wreath to add to the ghostly atmosphere.
Sources: Parents and Good Housekeeping magazines