Halloween is just around the corner and that means excited children (and adults!) can get dressed up as their favourite scary characters, eat a mountain of sweets, see fireworks and have fun. Halloween is quite a traditional holiday and we tend to follow the same routine, but what if you want to do something a little different? Check out these alternatives to the traditional "trick-or-treat".
Organise a pumpkin hunt
A fun alternative to trick-or-treating is creating your own mini pumpkin designs and then setting the kids off to search for them. You can start by buying some mini pumpkins, paint and dress up products such as funny eyes, glitter, glue, and any other artsy supplies you may need. This is a great activity to get the whole family involved; try and dress your mini pumpkins like members of the family for an extra laugh.
Once you've finished painting, hide the pumpkins in your home and the garden. Dress up in your scariest costume and search for your pumpkins. The person who finds the most pumpkins can win a prize – perhaps some sweets or even pumpkin pie!
Halloween piñata
Piñatas are reserved for celebrations, so why not include Halloween in that? Look out for a ghost-shaped piñata or similar Halloween shape and let the kids use up all their energy trying to get the sweets out!
Fill it with sweets or other little treats, tie it up and let each person takes a turn to release the sweets, blindfolded of course. If you wanted, you could even have the children help make the piñata beforehand.
Go trampolining
With an increased intake of sugar and sweets over the Halloween period, children have lots more excess energy that needs burning off. There's no better alternative than an afternoon trip to an indoor trampolining park; even better to keep them busy during the half term week too. Not only is it super fun, but it's also very safe too and suitable for all ages, meaning it's not just an activity for kids, but for parents too. It's the perfect Halloween alternative to trick-or-treating that will have you laughing and jumping through the air.
You could even paint your faces into scary ghosts and witches to make those perfect Halloween trampoline events. What's also great about a trampoline park is there is no need to depend on the British weather. Come rain or snow, you can trampoline to your heart's content.
Head to a 'haunted' theme park
Theme parks throughout the UK engage in "fright nights" which help bring Halloween to life while being surrounded by fun and exhilarating rides. Haunted houses are created, cobwebs are spun and the screams you hear from roller coasters take on a new meaning when goblins and ghosts are added to the fun. Most parks separate their children and adult activities so you know which ones are appropriate for you. There is something to suit the whole family!
Halloween movie night
Some cinemas offer a screening of Halloween-style movies, but what's better than showcasing your favourite Halloween movies in the comfort of your own home? You can choose movies based on the age range of your children, but some great Halloween movies include Mickey’s House of Villains, Coraline, Spooky House or even the Harry Potter movies! Turn down the lights and indulge in homemade popcorn and sweet treats.
Now you've got lots of inspiration for alternatives to the classic trick-or-treat!
