Halloween is one of those times of year that children absolutely love. The build-up, the costumes, the pumpkins, the sweets… it all feels so exciting. As parents though, it can sometimes feel like a bit of a juggle. Do we need to go all out with decorations? How do we keep things safe but still magical? And what if our little ones aren’t keen on being scared?
The good news is that Halloween activities for families don’t need to be overcomplicated. A few simple traditions and ideas can make the day really special for children of all ages. Here are five of my favourite Halloween ideas for kids.
Get creative with pumpkin carving (or painting)
Carving pumpkins is a Halloween classic, and little ones love scooping out the seeds and seeing the finished lantern glowing on the doorstep. If your child is too young to handle a carving knife, painting pumpkins can be just as fun. Poster paints, stickers or even some craft supplies like pipe cleaners and googly eyes can transform a pumpkin into something wonderful. Painted pumpkins also last longer outside than carved ones, which is always a bonus.
Tip for parents: keep the scooped-out pumpkin seeds, give them a wash and roast them in the oven for a healthy little snack.
2.
Choose cosy and
safe Halloween costumes
Halloween costumes for kids are always a big part of the fun, but it’s worth thinking about practicality too. Trick-or-treating in the UK often means chilly evenings, so go for costumes that can be layered up with jumpers and leggings underneath. A skeleton suit looks just as good with a hoodie hidden underneath, and you’ll be glad of the extra warmth when you’re out walking from door to door.
It’s also worth thinking about visibility. Adding a reflective band, a torch or even a glow stick makes sure children are seen in the dark. It’s one of those small details that makes Halloween fun but also reassuring for us parents.
Try a Halloween treasure hunt at home
Not everyone wants to head out trick-or-treating, and sometimes the weather makes the decision for us. A Halloween game for kids at home can be just as exciting. Hide sweets, little toys or Halloween stickers in envelopes and leave some simple clues. You can dim the lights, play some spooky music and give them a torch to make it extra fun.
This works brilliantly for toddlers or younger children who might not be ready for going door to door. It still feels like a treat, but in a safe and familiar setting.
Bake some easy
Halloween recipes for kids
Children love being part of the kitchen chaos, and baking is such a lovely way to spend time together. You don’t need anything complicated. Gingerbread men can become mummies with a drizzle of white icing, fairy cakes can be topped with orange buttercream and chocolate spider webs, and even rice krispie cakes can be made into pumpkins with a bit of food colouring. It’s not really about the end result, more about the fun of making them. Expect lots of licking the spoon, messy fingers and plenty of giggles.
5. Keep things light (not too frightening)
It’s worth remembering that not all children love the spooky side of Halloween. Masks, loud noises and scary costumes can be overwhelming. The best thing we can do as parents is to tailor it to our child’s age and personality. For some families, that might mean a full evening of trick-or-treating. For others, it could simply be an afternoon of baking and pumpkin decorating.
Halloween doesn’t have to be terrifying to be magical. Sometimes silly ghosts, smiley pumpkins and a bag of sweets are more than enough to make the night special.
Our Final Thoughts
Halloween can feel like a lot, especially if you see neighbours going big with decorations and parties. But honestly, children remember the little things most of all. A glowing pumpkin, a favourite costume, a homemade biscuit and a family walk around the neighbourhood can be just as magical as anything extravagant.
At the end of the day, it’s about making happy memories together and maybe sneaking a sweet or two for ourselves once the children are in bed.
