Safe Halloween activities for families: how to celebrate and still have fun
Discover safe Halloween activities for families. From pumpkin hunts to DIY décor, here’s how to enjoy spooky fun at home this year.
Halloween is the perfect opportunity to embrace the spooky spirit, whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a lively virtual celebration. With the ongoing challenges posed by Covid-19, traditional Halloween parties might not be possible this year. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t have a spooktacular time! Here’s your guide to creating a memorable Halloween celebration that’s both fun and safe for everyone involved.
How to safely celebrate Halloween this year
While the pandemic has changed the way we celebrate, it also encourages us to get creative. Here’s how you can make this Halloween unforgettable while maintaining safety.
- Pumpkin Hunt: Transform the classic Easter egg hunt into a Halloween pumpkin hunt. You can use small toy pumpkins, Halloween-themed pictures, or even sweets as hidden treasures. If it rains, equip the little ones with waterproof raincoats. This outdoor activity can be adapted to any weather, making it a versatile choice for safe Halloween activities.
- HedBanz Game: Give the traditional “feel-box” challenge a Halloween twist with HedBanz. Create your own spooky cards featuring objects or characters. Players guess what they are based on clues from others. It’s perfect for both in-person and virtual gatherings.
- Virtual Halloween Party: Host a virtual celebration via FaceTime or Zoom. Engage children with quizzes, challenges, and creative competitions like pumpkin carving or decorating. It might not be the traditional party you envisioned, but it can be just as engaging.
- Halloween Piñata: Add excitement with a Halloween-themed piñata shaped like a pumpkin or ghost, filled with sweets. This can work in-person or online for shared fun.
- Apple Bobbing: Reimagine the classic game safely. Instead of a communal bowl, give each participant their own. For virtual parties, parents can set up stations at home.
Delicious Halloween eats
No Halloween party is complete without themed snacks and treats. Here are some creative food ideas to keep your guests delighted.
- Hotdog Fingers: Add a spooky twist to a classic with hotdog fingers. Cut the tips to resemble fingers, make slits for knuckles, and use ketchup for a “bloody” effect. Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Halloween Sweets: Fill a Halloween bucket with gummy worms, chocolate pumpkins, and other goodies. For a healthier option, create a “pumpkin” with orange slices and black grapes.
Decorate for the occasion
Set the scene with stylish and budget-friendly Halloween decorations.
- Balloons: Choose balloons in orange, black, purple, and green for a cohesive look. Tie them to corners, curtain rails, or bannisters for instant festivity.
- DIY Bat Decorations: Make your own bats with black paper. Fold, cut, unfold, and stick them to the wall for a simple but effective touch.
The history of Halloween: from ancient traditions to modern celebrations
Halloween is one of the most beloved holidays, celebrated by millions worldwide. Its origins, though, are steeped in ancient customs and traditions that evolved over centuries. Let’s explore how it transformed from a Celtic festival to today’s night of costumes and candy.
Celtic origins: the festival of Samhain
Over 2,000 years ago, the Celts marked October 31st as the end of harvest and the start of winter, a time often associated with death. On Samhain night, they believed the boundary between the living and the dead blurred. Bonfires were lit, and costumes made from animal skins were worn to ward off spirits — a tradition that evolved into modern-day dressing up.
Roman influence and Christianisation
As the Roman Empire expanded, it merged Celtic and Roman festivals. Pomona’s festival, honouring the goddess of fruit, inspired apple bobbing. Later, Christianity rebranded Samhain as All Hallows’ Eve — now Halloween.
Halloween comes to America
Halloween arrived in America with Irish immigrants in the 19th century. Initially about storytelling and community gatherings, by the 1920s it evolved into the costume-and-candy celebration we know today.
Modern-day Halloween
Today, Halloween blends ancient superstitions with modern festivities. From trick-or-treating to haunted houses, it’s a billion-dollar celebration that brings people together in creativity, laughter, and just the right amount of fright.
“From its Celtic roots to costume parties and candy, Halloween continues to evolve — but its magic endures.”
How are you making this Halloween special? Share your safe Halloween activities, tips, and spooky stories in the comments below!
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Saffron and Cyrus is a Newcastle-based family lifestyle blog, covering health, wellness, days out, travel, reviews, recipes and more from our family life.
The blog is written by new mum over 40, Saffron, with input from hubby H and son, Little C.
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