You Don’t Have to Sacrifice Halloween Fun for COVID Safety

October is here, a time eagerly anticipated by many. With the arrival of pumpkin spice lattes, cozy jeans, and boots, we also have to contend with COVID. Unfortunately, the virus has continued to mutate, casting a shadow over our fall festivities. If your family is like mine, this Halloween may look a bit different. But before you resign yourself to a lackluster celebration, check out these fun ideas to keep your family entertained and safe.

Host a Spooky-but-Not-Too-Scary Movie Night

With kids ranging from five to almost thirteen, movie nights must cater to everyone’s tastes. If your little ones shy away from anything too scary, consider light-hearted options. Instead of traditional trick-or-treating or fall festivals, create a movie list. Try animated classics like The Addams Family or nostalgic choices like Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. Avoid Spookley the Square Pumpkin, though! Don’t forget to stock up on snacks in a cute plastic pumpkin to enjoy while watching classics like Hocus Pocus or It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. If your family prefers scarier films, go for it—but don’t come crying to me when the nightmares start!

Organize a Halloween Egg Hunt

Whether you have outdoor space or just a cozy indoor area, dig out those Easter eggs. Fill them with your family’s favorite candies, or even quarters for a fun twist! To add an extra thrill, turn off the lights and embark on a flashlight egg hunt. This ensures your kids only get the treats they actually want, sidestepping the usual not-so-great neighborhood candies.

Create Your Own Costume Parade

Remember the joy of parading in costumes at school? Let your kids dress up in whatever they desire, using their creativity with materials you already have. Walk around the neighborhood and bring that childhood thrill back to life!

Snuggle Up with a Good Book

If your kids are avid readers, find them some Halloween-themed books to dive into. Pair their reading time with a bag of Halloween chocolates, and perhaps play a spooky playlist in the background. For kids who aren’t keen on reading, consider activity books that allow them to draw or create.

Gaming Night for Older Kids

For the older kids, grab a new video game and join them in their gaming adventures. It’s a great way to bond—just don’t forget the snacks! Gourmet popcorn in quirky flavors can make the experience even more enjoyable.

Pumpkin Decorating Without Carving

Carving pumpkins isn’t for everyone. Instead, grab some rhinestones and googly eyes to decorate pumpkins creatively! This mess-free activity has quickly become a family favorite, and the pumpkins tend to last longer than traditional jack-o-lanterns.

Host an Apple-Themed Buffet

If your kids enjoy cooking, create an apple-themed buffet with treats like apple muffins, caramel apples, and apple cider. Consider combining this with other activities, like after your costume parade.

Visit an Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch

Choosing apples or pumpkins can be a fun and safe outing. Locate a local orchard or patch, preferably one that’s less commercialized to avoid crowds. Don’t forget to snap plenty of pictures!

Spread Halloween Cheer

Consider “booing” a friend or family member by leaving Halloween goodies on their porch. Or, create goody baskets for those who might not get trick-or-treaters. It’s a delightful way to share the Halloween spirit!

Engage in a Service Project

Think of ways to give back, like collecting leftover candy for donation, raking a neighbor’s yard, or hosting a costume drive for kids in need. Making homemade Halloween cards for residents in nursing homes can also spread joy.

Adapting Halloween traditions during the pandemic can still be fun with a little creativity and planning. Enjoy this spooky holiday without sacrificing the joy of the season. For more ideas on home insemination and parenting, check out our blog. For those considering starting a family, Make A Mom is a great resource to explore. Also, NHS provides excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.

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In summary, Halloween can still be a delightful celebration even in the midst of COVID. By being creative and planning fun activities, families can keep the spirit of the season alive without compromising safety.