As the long summer days give way to the cool autumn nights, it's clear that Halloween is fast approaching. There's no denying that things will be different in many neighborhoods across the country this year. Many family-favorite attractions are scaling back or canceling altogether, and the ways families decide to celebrate Halloween will undoubtedly be different.
The absence of the usual offerings doesn't mean that the spookiest day of the year is canceled, however. Kids need the fun, imagination, and social aspects of the holiday this year more than ever. Luckily, we can still make it happen for kids of all ages.
That said, you'll definitely need to get in touch with your creative side to celebrate Halloween 2020. The season lends itself to exploring your ideas, from creepy to zany and everything in between. Halloween also doesn't have to be a one-day event. You can find little ways to incorporate the holiday into the days and weeks before October 31.
Trick-or-Treating
Believe it or not, in many areas, trick-or-treating will still go on this year. The good news is that there's definitely a safe way to go about it. Many folks will likely leave candy bowls or treat bags out for trick-or-treaters. If you have space, sit out front so you can still enjoy everyone's costumes from afar.
Virtual Halloween Parties
Virtual Halloween parties are also likely to be a big thing this year. When you're thinking costumes, consider all the cool ways you can make it work within the frame of your video chat. Not only can you dress up with your family and friends, but you can create cool backgrounds to bring some ambiance into the mix.
Pod Parties
By now, most people have figured out a small group of people they're OK with hanging out with. Get together with those friends, in an outdoor space where possible, and have some fun. Wear costumes with masks, bring your own spooky treats, and maybe throw a family-friendly Halloween flick up on a projector.
Have a Family Costume Contest
If it's just you and your household, you might be struggling to get into the Halloween spirit. You can change that by adding a little friendly competition to the mix. If everyone works on their own costumes (with some extra help for little ones), you can compete to see who can DIY the coolest costume in the house. Video chat an impartial party or two as your judge!
Trunk-or-Treat
Trunk-or-treating has picked up steam in recent years as a safer way to get kids together. With some planning, this tradition can go on this year. Make sure you have an area where cars can get together but people can still stay socially distant. Many people organize these events with a school or church, so ask around and see who might be interested.
Throw a Bike Parade
Kids can't get too close to each other if they're all on bikes! Work with those in your neighborhood to organize a bike parade. It can go around a local street, down a big driveway, or anywhere that people have room to show off their costumes and have a nice ride.
Have a Scary Movie Marathon
If you've got older kids who aren't into the trick-or-treating aspect of the holiday, a scary movie marathon might be right up their alley. There are so many awesome flicks to choose from at various age levels. You can even start with something more family-friendly until the little ones go to sleep. Then it's lights out, movie on, and bowls of candy passed about for a spooky but enjoyable night in.
Visit a Drive-Thru Haunted House
Families aren't the only ones adjusting plans to make them safer this year. Many local haunted houses and mazes are working on creating experiences you can drive through this year. Find one in your area, load up the car with some themed treats, and have yourself a great scare, if you dare!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Some pumpkin patches around the country have announced that they will open this year. There will be restrictions, with groups likely needing to make reservations to control the number of people in any one place at a time. Still, it’s a fun day out for little ones who won’t make it to the later hours of Halloween night.
Pumpkin-Carving Contest
Here's another fun idea for the competitive family. Load up on pumpkins and carving equipment. Then get imaginative! There are carving stencils out there for kids of all ages to be able to make masterpieces they're proud of. May the artsiest family member win!
