Fun Halloween activities the whole family can enjoy together this spooky season

If you look at the calendar, it says Halloween is a one-day event that falls on Oct. 31. 

But when you take into account all the fun Halloween activities and events that come with the spooky season, it’s easy to see why so many families treat it as a month-long celebration. 

It’s like taking a trip to Walt Disney World — where it’s impossible to do (and see) everything in one day. 

The good news is you don’t have to pack all your favorite Halloween activities into one day of fun. With a little bit of planning, you can turn this holiday into the week- or month-long adventure it deserves. 

The key is mixing and matching activities that fit your family's interests and schedule.

Start with a few must-dos on your list, then sprinkle in spontaneous fun as the season unfolds. Before you know it, you'll have created an October full of memories that go far beyond trick-or-treating.

READ MORE: A family-friendly Halloween movie checklist that will keep kids and adults entertained all night

And if you run out of ideas, then don’t worry — we’re here to help.

From pumpkin patches and corn mazes to movie marathons and DIY decorating projects, Halloween offers a little something for everyone — and the list below covers just about everything you’ll need. 

Outdoor Halloween Activities for Families

There’s something about fall weather that brings everyone together. 

Maybe it’s the crisp air, the crunch of the leaves or the way the sunset seems to glow a little more orange this time of year — either way, it’s the perfect excuse to get outside and soak up all the seasonal fun.

Plus, there’s a good chance your local area already has plenty of Halloween fun waiting to be discovered.

So, don’t forget to check Google or social media for “Halloween events near me.” You might be surprised by how many family-friendly events are right around the corner — some of which might be free. 

In the meantime, here are a few outdoor Halloween activities for kids to get the family in the spooky spirit.

10. Go trick-or-treating as a family

The classic Halloween tradition that never gets old. Let the kids show off their costumes, meet neighbors, and fill their candy buckets — all while soaking up the spooky excitement that only happens once a year.

9. Get lost (or not) in a corn maze

Put your family’s teamwork to the test as you navigate twists and turns in a cornfield. It’s part puzzle, part adventure — and the perfect way to enjoy fall weather before ending the day with a cup of hot cider.

8. Visit a pumpkin patch

Spend the afternoon searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve or paint. Most local pumpkin patches also have photo ops, fall activities for kids and snacks, making it a full day of fall fun for kids and adults alike.

7. Go on a hayride with the family

Hop on a hay-filled wagon and take in the sights and sounds of the season. Whether it’s a cozy daytime ride or a spooky after-dark version, it’s a simple way to make Halloween memories that last a lifetime.

6. Check out the neighborhood Halloween decor

Take a family walk (or drive) to check out the best-decorated houses in town. Some neighborhoods even turn it into a full-on light show — and it’s a fun, free way to get inspired for your own decorations at home.

5. Let the kids jump in a pile of leaves

Who says Halloween fun has to be complicated? Rake up the backyard, pile those leaves high, and let the kids go wild. It’s messy, nostalgic, guaranteed to make everyone laugh, and great for taking photos.

4. Host an outdoor Halloween movie night

Set up a projector, grab some blankets and stream a family-friendly Halloween movie under the stars (or moonlight). Add your family’s favorite snacks, hot chocolate and glow sticks for an extra magical touch.

3. Visit a haunted house

If your kids are a little older (and brave enough), a haunted house can be an unforgettable thrill. Look for family-friendly or “not-so-scary” versions so everyone can enjoy the fun without the nightmares.

2. Visit a local Halloween festival

From carnival games and costume contests to live music and food trucks, Halloween festivals pack all the seasonal fun into one place. It’s a great way to celebrate the spooky spirit with your whole community.

1. Build a DIY scarecrow

Gather some old clothes, a few hay bales, and a pumpkin head, then build your own backyard scarecrow. It’s a creative, hands-on project that takes teamwork and doubles as the perfect Halloween decoration.

Indoor Halloween Activities for Kids

The spooky season doesn’t have to end when the weather turns chilly or the rain starts to fall. 

That’s just your sign to move the seasonal fun indoors!

Indoor Halloween children’s activities are perfect for those cozy nights at home when you don’t want to bundle up in layers but still want to keep the spooky spirit alive.

READ MORE: You might think it’s too soon for Halloween decorations — but your neighbors clearly disagree

The best part? You don’t need much to make it memorable.

A few supplies, a dash of creativity and maybe a sprinkle of fake spiderwebs can turn your living room into a spooky haunted house — or your kitchen into a wicked witch’s lab.

Whether you’re looking for low-mess ideas for toddlers or interactive fun for older kids, these indoor Halloween activities will keep everyone entertained — no matter what the forecast looks like outside.

10. Carve a pumpkin

A Halloween classic that never goes out of style. Lay out some newspaper, grab your carving tools and see who can make the funniest (or spookiest) jack-o’-lantern. Bonus points for lighting them up afterward!

9. Paint a pumpkin

If carving feels too messy or you have a few extra pumpkins laying around, painting is the perfect no-cut alternative. Kids can go wild with colors, stickers and glitter — and the results will even last longer!

8. Host a Halloween movie night

If it’s too cold outside or the weather isn’t cooperating, bring your movie night indoors. Dim the lights, grab some blankets and add a few spooky decorations to make the home feel like your own private theater.

7. Make caramel apples

Sticky, sweet, and oh-so-fun to decorate. Let everyone dip their own apple and roll it in crushed cookies, sprinkles or candy bits for a treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Bonus points for going apple picking!

6. Costume party with friends

You don’t have to wait until Halloween night to show off your costume. Invite a few friends and family over for snacks, games and a mini costume contest for guaranteed laughter and memories in the making.

5. Make custom trick-or-treat bags

Let your kids’ creativity shine by letting them design their own treat bags to be used while trick-or-treating. Use fabric paint, stickers or iron-on patches so their bags stand out from the crowd on Halloween night.

4. Build gingerbread haunted houses

Who says gingerbread houses are just for Christmas? Swap candy canes for candy corn and frosting for fake spiderwebs to build a haunted house that’s almost too cool to eat. You can also find kits at the store!

3. Make DIY Halloween decorations or crafts

Get crafty with paper bats, ghost garlands, Halloween-themed wreaths and monster masks. It’s the perfect way to decorate your home as a family — and keep little hands busy on a rainy afternoon.

2. See who can come up with the spookiest haunted story

Turn down the lights, grab a flashlight, and take turns telling your best “scary” stories. The sillier and more dramatic, the better. After all, it’s all about letting your imagination run wild — without the nightmares.

1. Put up and decorate a candy corn tree

Think Christmas tree, but Halloween. Paint the leaves to resemble a candy corn and hang mini pumpkin ornaments (and spooky trinkets) for a festive centerpiece that brings Halloween cheer to any room.

Fun & Creative Halloween Games for Kids

When it comes to keeping kids entertained this Halloween, few things beat a good old-fashioned game.

Whether you’re hosting a classroom party, planning a neighborhood get-together, or just looking for something fun to do at home, Halloween games are a great way to get everyone laughing and moving. 

And since it’s Halloween, there’s no better prize than a piece (or handful) of candy!

READ MORE: From coast to coast — these are the most popular Halloween candies in every state

From scavenger hunts to mummy-wrapping relays, these Halloween games are perfect for parties, classrooms or family nights — and guaranteed to keep the fun going long after the treat bags are full.

So, get the competition brewing this Halloween and the games begin!

10. Apple bobbing

A classic fall favorite that never fails to bring laughter. Fill a bucket with water, toss in a few apples and see who can snag one first — no hands allowed! It’s a little messy, but that’s half the fun.

9. Halloween-themed scavenger hunt

Hide spooky treasures like mini pumpkins, toy spiders, or candy around the house or yard, then hand out clues or a checklist. It’s a fun way to get kids exploring while keeping the Halloween excitement going.

You can even find pre-made clues and hints online. 

8. Pumpkin egg hunt

Who says egg hunts are just for Easter? Fill small orange plastic eggs with candy or toys and hide them around the yard for kids to find. You can also find mini, fillable plastic pumpkins for a Halloween twist!

7. Jack-o'-lantern can toss

Stack decorated cans to look like jack-o’-lanterns and let kids take turns knocking them down with a beanbag or small ball. It’s simple to set up and just the right mix of skill and silliness.

6. Spider web toss

Create a giant spider web out of double-sided masking tape and hang it on the wall. Have kids toss fake spiders or cotton balls to see who can get them to “stick.” It’s easy, low-mess and great for all ages.

5. Creepy hand toss

Glue plastic cups to a few fake skeleton or monster hands and set them up at different heights. Have kids toss ping pong balls into the cups to score points — the higher (or creepier) the hand, the more it’s worth!

4. Pin the spider on the web (or smile on the jack-o’-lantern)

A Halloween spin on a birthday party classic. You can either go with a spider web theme or pumpkin theme — let the kids decide! Blindfold each player and see who can get closest to the right spot.

3. Halloween-themed pinata

Fill a bat, ghost, candy corn or pumpkin-shaped piñata with Halloween candy and small toys, then let the kids take turns breaking it open. It’s the perfect high-energy activity to end your Halloween party on a sweet note.

2. Pumpkin bowling

Set up empty water bottles as pins (or use plastic bowling pins) and use a small pumpkin as your bowling ball. The bumpier the pumpkin, the funnier the game gets — and the kids will love every chaotic roll.

1. Mummy wrap race

Split into teams and wrap one player in toilet paper from head to toe. The first “mummy” completely covered wins! For an added level of competition, have the mummy hop their way to a finish line! 

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No matter how you choose to celebrate, the best part of Halloween is spending time together and making memories that last long after the candy is gone.

Whether you’re crafting, playing games, or exploring your neighborhood in costume, these moments are what make the spooky season so special!