What can kids do at home for Halloween ?
We spent my baby’s first Halloween at home, carving pumpkins and making phone calls to family (dressed in a mouse costume).
Since I was still breastfeeding and shut in due to covid, we made the best of a crazy situation.
So, if you happen to be in the same boat – maybe your little one is too new to take out or you’re tied to the couch breastfeeding or you just can’t manage to get anywhere on time these days (believe me, it’s ok) – I’ve come up with a list of fun things to do on Halloween at home.
All you need is a little planning ahead to make the best of your time at home as a family.
And if your baby has already reached the toddler stage, there are some great ideas to get them up and moving too.
There are enough things to do on Halloween at home to fill an entire day or pick just a few things if Halloween happens to fall on a pesky weeknight.
Whatever you decide to do, take a lot of pictures because it’s sure to be a good time!
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Creative Things to do on Halloween at Home
1. Decorate pumpkins
Halloween is the best time to put your creative brain to work and decorate some pumpkins. Whether you decide to carve pumpkins or paint pumpkins, this is fun for the whole family.
For kids that are too young to decorate on their own, get some washable paint and put baby hand and footprints on the pumpkin. Bonus points if you can turn them into something Halloween themed, maybe bats.
And if you’re carving pumpkins, save those seeds for a roasted treat.
2. Give Halloween gifts
So, I mostly mean give Halloween gifts to your kiddos. I’ve even rounded up some of the best Halloween gifts for babies and gifts for toddlers to make your life even easier.
However, you could also create some boo baskets for your neighbors. Small things like some cookies, candy, a candle, or soaps make a nice treat for someone.
Then spend the evening delivering your treats. It’s a simple way to show your kids how to be kind to others.
Spooky Things to do on Halloween at Home
3. Watch a scary movie
If you have a newborn, then you and the hubs can choose a movie as scary as you can handle.
But if your little ones will be watching along, you’ll want something more kid-friendly: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, Monsters, Inc. or Nightmare Before Christmas.
4. Tell spooky stories
Spooky stories are best in a dark room or around a campfire but can be just as creepy with the lights on.
Whatever you choose, let your kiddo lead the way in terms of scare-level. Even get them involved by letting them fill in parts of the story. It’s sure to end up more funny than scary that way.
If you aren’t good at making up your own stories, check out fun Halloween books for toddlers.
5. Play spooky board games
I love board games! And while my little guy is still too young to join in on the fun, my husband and I enjoy playing them together.
But if your little ones are old enough for the fun, be sure to include some spooky board games in your things to do on Halloween at home.
Some of my favorites to enjoy with your kiddos:
- My First Dragon Adventure (ages 5+) – Similar to Candyland, it’s a race to save s’mores.
- Clue Junior (ages 5+) – The kids’ version of the classic game.
- Clue (ages 8+) – The classic detective game.
- 13 Dead End Drive (8+) – Be the last character alive to win the inheritance.
- The Haunted Mansion (8+) – Round up ghosts for points, while avoiding becoming one of the happy haunts.
- Hocus Pocus (8+) – A co-op card game, where you need to protect the children of Salem.
- Scooby Doo: Betrayal at Mystery Mansion (8+) – Based on Betrayal at House on the Hill, find clues to learn what’s going on, but beware, there is a traitor in your group.
- The Villainous series (10+) – Become a Disney villain and stop the heroes from completing their goals.
- Betrayal at the House on the Hill (12+) – Explore a haunted house and make it out alive, before the traitor in your group succeeds.
- Scooby Doo: Escape from the Haunted Mansion (12+) – Work together to solve puzzles and escape. It’s an escape room, in your own home.
Active Things to do on Halloween at Home
6. Play in leaves
Fall is a great time to get outside for some sensory fun.
Older kids love jumping in piles of leaves. But even your littles can enjoy the crinkle of the leaves and the fresh air.
For babies who aren’t yet walking, put a blanket down, and let them crawl around listening to the leaves below or even put some leaves on the blanket to teach colors and textures.
Being outside is a great tummy time distraction.
7. Create a scavenger hunt
This is best for older kids (obviously the only thing your newborn is scavenging for is some milk). But you can cater a scavenger hunt to any age group.
For younger kids, use pictures of the item and have them bring it to you for the next clue.
For older kids, use fun rhyming clues to find items throughout the house and attach the next clue to that item.
For even more fun, take the hunt outside and include the leaves, your mailbox, or your outdoor decorations. Even teens and adults can have fun with more difficult clues.
Related: Fun Printable Activities for Halloween Night
8. Play flashlight tag
This is definitely a game for older kiddos, but it’s great fun indoors or outside (as long as it’s dark and there is no traffic).
It can also be fun for toddlers as well. I suggest only playing inside, getting a flashlight for smaller hands, and leave it turned on.
They can either look for each other, you, or you can hide stuffed animals around the room for them to find.
Entertaining Things to do on Halloween at Home
9. Don your Halloween costumes
It’s the last night this season you’ll be able to wear that Halloween costume (at least without getting a few odd looks).
So, live it up! Dress up the kiddos. Go all out with face paint and accessories.
But don’t forget to jump in on the fun.
How often do kids see their parents enjoying Halloween as much as them?
You could have your own little parade through your yard. Even wear them during that game of flashlight tag.
10. Build a bonfire
A bonfire is a great way to get your family outside and stay warm on a chilly Halloween evening.
It makes the perfect setting for telling those spooky stories or making s’mores.
Yummy Things to do on Halloween at Home
11. Make s’mores
S’mores are the go-to food for that bonfire that you created, but they are just as easy (and just as yummy) if you make them in the microwave.
Let your kiddos create their own, then toast them to messy perfection.
12. Eat Halloween candy
Now is the time to indulge in all those sweets you raked in during trick-or-treat. You have heard of the mom tax, right?
If your little one is too small for trick-or-treating, just pick up your own bag at the store (no judgement here).
13. Sip apple cider or hot chocolate
The days are getting colder, so Halloween is the best time to make a round of apple cider, hot chocolate, or pumpkin spice (insert your favorite drink here).
The best part is you can enjoy those beverages while watching a scary movie. Just be sure to put the drinks down before the super scary part.
Conclusion
There you have it: the best things to do on Halloween at home with your family. They might not be all that creepy, they’re sure to be loads of fun this Halloween.
What things will you be doing at home this Halloween? Let us know in the comments.
Related Articles for Things to do on Halloween at Home:
- Best Family Bucket List Ideas for Fall
- Unforgettable Ideas for Your Baby’s First Halloween
- Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Books for Toddlers
13 Super Creepy Things to do on Halloween at Home
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