Everyone’s excited about their upcoming Halloween plans. It’s a night of ghouls and sweets that kids look forward to all year long, but your family doesn’t have to wait to have fun. Plan a few of these Halloween activities that are enjoyable for the whole family. Whether you have toddlers or teens, your loved ones will have their best autumn yet. 

1. Fall Face Painting

It’s so much more fun to paint each other’s faces in the fall. You won’t sweat off your hand-drawn pumpkins and ghosts because there’s no summer heat to battle. Get a face paint kit at your local craft store and save pictures of designs to inspire your kids. 

They could recreate classic autumn imagery with face paints in cute fall colors like:

• Maroon
• Emerald green
• Burnt orange
• Dark yellow
• Deep purple

Young kids and toddlers without fine-tuned hand-eye coordination might just enjoy wearing the colors. You could also turn the event into a finger-painting day for them if they feel left out.

2. Haunted House Tours

Research your town and the surrounding areas to see if anyone’s operating a haunted house near your home. Your family could go to one that’s kid-friendly. Your children might enjoy seeing people dressed up when there’s still daylight out. Older kids and teens who are up for serious scares can always return for nighttime tours when their younger siblings are at a sleepover or staying home with their friends.

3. Corn Mazes

Farms often plant corn specifically to benefit from maze tickets. Visitors pay them to explore the corn maze before the farmers sell the harvest. It’s an opportunity for hands-on fun and a chance for your kids to practice their problem-solving skills.

Research shows physical activity improves a child’s psychophysical development if they get it continuously. Keep them moving outside their gym classes with fun events like corn mazes. Even if it only lasts for ten minutes, that’s ten more minutes of physical activity benefiting their health.

4. Autumn Costume Party

If your family anxiously awaits the one night they can wear their favorite costumes, plan a costume party. They’ll get to dress up early or wear a second costume for the month. It’s great for kids who love playing make-believe with Halloween costumes and teens who want to get together with friends.

You could even host the party at your local playground. People often rent them for birthday parties and other events. Invite your kids’ friends to the playground for a costume party and watch a projected movie on a pop-up screen. It’s an easy way to enjoy the cool weather before it turns too cold to spend much time outdoors.

5. Festive Snack Creations

Families often turn to their kitchens for group activities. Research Halloween or autumn-inspired treats your kids can help make. They might love making things like:

• Ghost-shaped sugar cookies
• Breadstick rattlesnakes
• Spider cake pops
• Magic pretzel wands
• Spiderweb s’mores

It all depends on your family’s sweet tooth preferences and what each child is old enough to do in the kitchen. Ask them what they’d like to make before saving recipes to try this fall.

6. Pumpkin Carving and Painting

Halloween wouldn’t be the same without pumpkin carving. They’re a classic outdoor decoration and group activity. Let your kids sketch faces or designs onto their selected pumpkins. Older teens could carve them with kits while the younger ones stand by for more age-appropriate responsibilities.

You can let young kids scoop pumpkin guts with big spoons before the adults use the carving tools. They could also help wash the seeds and prepare them for roasting if your family would enjoy that traditional autumn snack.

7. Haunted Decor Planning

Ask your kids where they envision the fake spider webbing and spooky yard decor for your home. It’s one of the Halloween activities that’s most enjoyable for the whole family because everyone puts their personal touch on the decorations. Although the adults will handle hanging rooftop lights and heavy decorations, your kids will love giving their input on making your home look its best for Halloween.

8. Backyard Camping

Anyone can set up a tent in their backyard and roast marshmallows over a fire pit. Your family could even tell scary stories around a bonfire stove if you don’t want an open flame in your yard. Fill the tent with air mattresses, stuffed animals and anything your kids need to feel at home so the activity is enjoyable and comfortable.

You can even indulge in other outdoor activities people do at campgrounds. Drive over to a local hike before setting up your family’s tent. They’ll love exploring the woods with high-energy snacks like popcorn and crackers. It’s a simple way to make the evening more fun and enjoy the autumn weather.

9. Fall Festivals

Small towns and big cities host annual fall festivals. They’re great opportunities to support local businesses while letting your kids experience festival fun like:

• Carnival rides
• Cakewalks
• Craft competitions
• Food trucks
• Live music

Check your town’s calendar to ensure you don’t miss upcoming events. Your family might even maximize their fun by inviting friends and extended family members to experience the festival together.

10. Hay Rides

Small farms often offer hay bale rides for just a few dollars per trip. Visit a nearby farm for a quick tractor ride and pickup fresh seasonal vegetables while you’re there. You could make seasonal recipes with budget-friendly produce, such as:

• Carrots
• Squash
• Pumpkins
• Broccoli
• Potatoes

Depending on the farm, your kids might even get to pet cows and sheep while you’re there. It’s always worth exploring when you’re looking for fall activities the whole family can enjoy.

Enjoy Halloween Activities as a Family

Consider planning these Halloween activities when you want to do something as a family. They’re enjoyable for kids of all ages. Ask your loved ones what they want to do this year if you’re unsure where to start. Their excited feedback will chart the way forward so everyone can do their favorite festivities before winter arrives.

Share your favorite Halloween plans with your family.