13 Fun Things to Do on Halloween (Besides Trick-or-Treating)

1. Host a Halloween Movie Marathon

Settle in with a selection of Halloween movies. For families, choose kid-friendly classics like Hocus Pocus or Coco. Horror lovers can dive into the classics, from Halloween to Scream. Don’t forget the themed snacks – popcorn with candy corn, caramel apples, and pumpkin spice everything!

2. Decorate Haunted Gingerbread Houses

Gingerbread houses aren’t just for Christmas! Assemble a spooky version with black frosting, candy “cobwebs,” gummy eyeballs, and ghostly candy characters. You can find Halloween-themed kits or make your own for an activity that’s fun for both kids and adults.

3. Halloween Bake-Off

Channel your inner baker with a Halloween twist. Try pumpkin cupcakes, black cat cookies, or “bloody” cherry tarts. Host a bake-off with friends or family, and judge each other’s creations for flavor, creativity, and spookiness.

4. Organize a Candy Taste Test

Have a candy sampling night! Gather a variety of classic and unique Halloween candies, and rate them. You might even discover a new favorite. This is a fun activity for families, or for a low-key evening with friends, complete with blindfolds for mystery tasting.

5. DIY Costume and Makeup Contest

Turn your home into a mini Halloween fashion show! Give everyone some basic craft supplies and set a timer for a DIY costume creation. Pair this with face painting or makeup challenges. Winners get to keep the biggest candy stash!

6. Plan a Spooky Treasure Hunt

Set up a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt around your home or backyard, where participants search for hidden treats and spooky surprises. This is a great option for kids and families but can also be a fun challenge for adults with a few clever clues and hidden candy stashes.

7. Create Halloween-Themed Mocktails and Cocktails

Mix up some spooky drinks to sip on! Try a "vampire blood" punch, “witch’s brew” bubbling with dry ice, or candy corn mocktails. Use red, purple, and green drinks for creepy color combos, and garnish with gummy worms or eyeball candies. Perfect for parties or a cozy night in.

8. Hold a Pumpkin Carving Party

Bring out the pumpkins and get carving! Set up a carving station with templates, candles, and treats to keep energy levels up. Once everyone’s done, line up the pumpkins for a candlelit display. Family-friendly and couples alike will love creating spooky jack-o'-lanterns together.

9. Have a Spooky Campfire Night with S’mores

Set up a fire pit or gather around a fireplace and make s’mores with a Halloween twist. Use orange marshmallows or add Reese’s peanut butter cups in place of chocolate. Ghost stories are optional but encouraged for an extra eerie experience.

10. Visit a Local Haunted House or Corn Maze

For a truly spine-tingling experience, head to a local haunted house or a spooky corn maze. Many towns have family-friendly options during the day and scarier versions at night. If you're with friends or a partner, you can add some playful dares for an extra thrill.

11. Craft Halloween Decorations

A Halloween crafting session can be fun for all ages. Make DIY decorations like paper bats, ghosts from cheesecloth, and creepy candle holders. Decorate your space with your creations for a festive touch that can last all season.

12. Have a Spooky Game Night

Host a game night featuring Halloween-themed board games or classic favorites with a spooky twist. Games like Clue or Murder Mystery Party add to the intrigue. Don’t forget the treats – candy prizes for winners and spooky drink shots for extra fun.

13. Go on a Ghost Tour or Do a Spooky Storytelling Session

Check out ghost tours in your area, or organize a night of storytelling around creepy legends and ghost stories. If you’re staying in, grab a flashlight and dim the lights to set the scene for an eerie tale – with candy treats at arm’s reach to sweeten the chills.

Halloween is all about indulging in the eerie and the delicious. From treats to tricks and a dash of creativity, you can make this Halloween unforgettable – no door-to-door required! So gather your friends, family, or just your sweet tooth, and get ready for a Halloween to remember. 🎃👻