As soon as October starts, it’s the official Halloween month. And while for many people it means it’s open season to get the scare of a lifetime, others, especially families with small children, might prefer to celebrate in a tamer way that’s both kid- and adult-friendly. While you’re likely to find more events where the spook factor is high, here’s how to celebrate Halloween in a not-so-scary way:
1. Visit a pumpkin patch
Kickstart the Halloween month with a visit to a pumpkin patch. Go before dusk to get some pictures in the daylight and also to enjoy some of the jack-o-lantern magic when the sun sets, as many pumpkin patches tend to up a show at night, displaying them creatively in an animal shape or as a seascape. If you’re bringing the children, they can already start wearing their costumes(opens in new tab) and parade around in them – maybe trick-and-treat early, too?
This is also a good opportunity to buy pumpkins for décor – both larger ones for your front porch and some for indoors. It’s a great way to invite fall into your home and create that cozy seasonal atmosphere.
2. Enjoy the simple delights of a corn maze
Fall wouldn’t be fall without a corn maze – going through it definitely spells Halloween, but with the spooky factor toned down. Bring your friends along and create a competition. However, make it a rule that whoever gets out of the maze last treats the rest of you to a cup of hot cocoa or the pumpkin-spiced caffeinated drink of your choice. Wink-wink!
3. Go on a non-haunted hayride
A simple non-scary hayride is an alternative Halloween idea that brings back the unadulterated joy of childhood. It’s an activity that the entire family can partake in. Check out the local farms and find one near you – it would make a great weekend activity. Get a caramel apple or drink a cup of apple cider to get into the spirit of fall.
4. Spend a family-friendly day at the zoo in costume
Many local zoos join in the Halloween fun as soon as October begins. Visitors are encouraged to wear a costume for a fun-filled family day as the zoo takes on a new face – don’t be surprised if lions and tigers now live in a pumpkin patch! Costumed children can often enjoy trick-or-treating before the designated day at the end of the month. Check to see if there’s a costume parade your child can participate in to make the day as fun as possible.
5. Find Halloween deals in costume
Some restaurants offer Halloween specials(opens in new tab), especially if you show up wearing a costume. Go restaurant hopping with your children or friends to some familiar places that usually host Halloween deals, such as Chipotle, Wendy’s, IHOP and others. Check out local businesses – you might discover even more deals.
6. Take a Halloween-themed art class
Check out the seasonal art classes in your city. A pumpkin carving class for adults can make for a fun evening; you could also go for a pumpkin painting class, or if you can’t find one in town, host your own workshop and have friends tag along. Use acrylic paints for a special effect and long-lasting pieces of décor you can always proudly display as your own.
Candle making could also be something you could try to get in the not-too-scary Halloween state of mind. Scented candles are always a big hit – whether for your home or as a gift – so why not learn how to make them and have some fun with it, too.
7. See a non-spooky movie or play
Weather permitting, screenings of movies in the park can go into fall too, in some parts of the country. Find a Halloween-themed one that the entire family can enjoy. Bring a warm blanket and let the magic of fall help you have a great evening with your family.
Many neighborhood theaters put on productions for the season as well. Check out their programs to see if you can find some fall- or less-spooky Halloween- themed ones that you can enjoy. Or, if your city does Broadway-style productions, be sure to see what theater options sound exciting this fall.
8. Put together a Halloween-themed block party
Take advantage of those sunny and warm days of Indian summer to have an outdoor Halloween party. Get the neighbors involved and have a fun block party on a weekend. Have Halloween-themed foods, do crafts, a pumpkin carving contest and anything else that might suit your fancy. This could probably be a good time to dust off those Halloween treats recipes to wow the entire block with your creativity.
9. Organize a candy potluck
If trick-or-treating is out of your age range, you could have your own candy party at home or at the office. Have guests bring their favorite candy or assign them to bring a candy unique to another country. A word of caution though – indulge with moderation, but still enjoy the occasion as it can be quite special. Make it compulsory for everyone to wear a Halloween costume to get in the right spirit for the party.
One more thing to remember amid all the fun is that you’ll need to keep your decorations and costumes in pristine condition until next season. If you’re short on space, you’re probably better off putting them in storage(opens in new tab). A climate-controlled unit(opens in new tab) is ideal for these types of items as it provides the right temperature and humidity level to protect the integrity of your costumes. A 5’x5’ unit(opens in new tab) could be the right size for costumes only, but if you need to store larger objects, you should upgrade to a 5’x10’(opens in new tab) or 10’x10’ unit(opens in new tab). However, if you’re not sure which unit size is right for you, you can always consult this storage unit size guide(opens in new tab).
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