Halloween Bucket List
Can you believe it’s that time of year again? The pumpkins are popping up on doorsteps, the stores are overflowing with candy (which, let’s be honest, we might already be sneaking), and the kids are starting to talk non-stop about their costume ideas. It’s the season of all things spooky and fun, and if you’re like me, you’re ready to dive in headfirst.
But here’s the thing: Halloween is more than just one night of trick-or-treating. It’s a whole season of magic waiting to be tapped into, and what better way to make the most of it than with a Halloween bucket list?
I’ve put together a list of must-do activities that will make this Halloween season one to remember, for you and your little (or not-so-little) ones. So grab your calendar, a cup of something warm, and let’s plan some festive fun!
The Ultimate Halloween Bucket List: A Guide to Spooky Fun with the Kids
1. Pumpkin Picking and Carving
Let’s start with the classic. There’s something almost magical about wandering through a pumpkin patch, trying to find the perfect pumpkin. Sure, you might end up with three different “perfect” ones because your kids can’t decide, but hey, that’s part of the fun!
Once you get home, it’s time to get creative with carving. Whether you’re going for spooky, silly, or downright weird, the important thing is to let the kids take the lead. Yes, even if that means your kitchen floor ends up looking like a pumpkin massacre. (Pro tip: Spread out some old newspapers for easy cleanup!)
And for those little ones who aren’t quite ready to wield a carving knife, how about some painting instead? Just grab some non-toxic paint, and let them go to town. The best part? No slimy pumpkin guts to clean up!
2. Make a Halloween Playlist
Halloween isn’t just about what you see, it’s about what you hear, too! Take some time to create a spooky soundtrack for the season. Mix in some creepy classics like “Monster Mash” and “Thriller” with fun, kid-friendly tunes. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll love dancing around the living room like little ghosts and goblins.
Bonus points if you make this the background music for your pumpkin carving session. Just watch out for those sudden jump scares in the music, they can lead to some pretty wobbly jack-o’-lantern faces!
3. Create a Spooky Movie Marathon
There’s nothing quite like curling up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a bowl of popcorn, and a lineup of Halloween movies. Depending on your kids’ ages, you can tailor the movies to their scare tolerance. For the younger ones, think Hocus Pocus, The Addams Family, or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. For the older kids (and brave parents), maybe Goosebumps or Coraline.
Pro tip: Pair the movie marathon with some themed snacks. How about some ghost-shaped cookies, or “witches’ brew” hot chocolate? And don’t forget to dim the lights for maximum spookiness!
4. Bake Some Halloween Treats
Speaking of snacks, baking is a must-do on any Halloween bucket list. There’s something so satisfying about whipping up some spooky treats with your kiddos. Whether it’s spider cupcakes, mummy hot dogs, or classic sugar cookies with orange and black sprinkles, the kitchen is bound to become a mess of flour and frosting, and that’s half the fun!
One year, we made “witches’ fingers” out of sugar cookie dough and almonds for nails. The kids were equal parts horrified and delighted. And the best part? They were actually pretty tasty!
5. Decorate the House, Inside and Out
If your house isn’t covered in cobwebs, skeletons, and pumpkins, is it even Halloween? Get the whole family involved in transforming your home into a haunted house. This can be as simple or as elaborate as you want.
Indoors, let the kids make paper bats or ghosts to hang around. For the outside, maybe go all out with inflatable decorations, a graveyard scene, or just some well-placed pumpkins and spooky lights. And don’t forget the windows, stick-on silhouettes of witches or black cats can add a perfect spooky touch.
The best part? Watching the kids’ faces light up every time they come home and see their handiwork.
6. Host a Halloween Craft Night
When it comes to crafts, Halloween is the gift that keeps on giving. From DIY costumes to homemade decorations, there are so many opportunities to get creative.
One of our favorite traditions is making our own Halloween garlands. We cut out shapes like pumpkins, bats, and ghosts, and string them together to hang across doorways. It’s simple, fun, and adds a personal touch to our decorations.
And let’s not forget about those adorable toilet paper roll monsters. Just paint, add some googly eyes, and let your kids’ imaginations run wild. Trust me, the weirder they are, the better!
7. Go on a Spooky Scavenger Hunt
Why not take the excitement of Halloween night and spread it out a bit? Organize a spooky scavenger hunt in your neighborhood or even in your own backyard. Make a list of Halloween-themed items for the kids to find, think black cats, witches’ hats, skeletons, and more.
You can up the ante by doing it at dusk or using flashlights for a little extra spook factor. And don’t forget a small prize for whoever finds the most items, it could be as simple as first dibs on the candy stash or a special Halloween-themed treat.
8. Visit a Haunted House or Corn Maze
If your kids are up for a little more adventure (and a bit of a scare), take them to a local haunted house or corn maze. There’s nothing like the thrill of trying to find your way through a dark, twisty maze while dodging spooky surprises around every corner.
Of course, gauge this one based on your kids’ comfort levels. Some haunted houses can be a bit much for younger kids, so maybe start with something more kid-friendly and work your way up as they get older. We went to a “not-so-scary” haunted house last year, and my youngest clung to my leg the whole time, but afterward, they couldn’t stop talking about how “cool” it was!
9. Make Your Own Costumes
Store-bought costumes are great and all, but there’s something extra special about creating your own. Whether you’re sewing something from scratch or just piecing together bits and bobs from around the house, DIY costumes let your kids’ personalities shine.
A few years back, my daughter wanted to be a “rainbow unicorn fairy,” and let me tell you, we made it happen with a bit of tulle, some glitter, and a lot of hot glue. It wasn’t perfect, but she was thrilled, and that’s what counts.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the creative process. Let them help design, cut, and glue, it’s all part of the fun.
10. Attend a Halloween Parade or Festival
Check out what’s happening in your local area, there’s often a Halloween parade or festival that’s just perfect for getting into the spooky spirit. These events are a great way to show off those costumes, enjoy some festive food, and maybe even pick up a few treats along the way.
If your town doesn’t have a Halloween parade, consider organizing a mini one in your neighborhood. Gather the kids, invite some friends, and let them march around showing off their costumes. It’s a fun way to build community spirit and get everyone in the Halloween mood.
11. Tell Ghost Stories Around a Campfire
For a Halloween experience that’s both spooky and cozy, you can’t beat telling ghost stories around a campfire. If you don’t have a fire pit, a few candles or a flashlight in a dark room can create just the right atmosphere.
Let the kids come up with their own ghost stories, or share some classics that are just the right amount of scary. Add in some s’mores, and you’ve got an evening that’s sure to become a family favorite.
12. Visit a Pumpkin Festival or Fair
If you’re lucky enough to live near a pumpkin festival or fall fair, make it a point to visit this year. These events are often packed with activities like hayrides, pumpkin painting, and even petting zoos.
Not to mention, it’s a great opportunity to pick up some fresh cider, donuts, and other fall treats. Plus, the kids will love running around in the crisp fall air, and you’ll love the chance to snap some super cute pictures.
13. Create a Halloween Countdown Calendar
Why limit the fun to just one night? A Halloween countdown calendar is a great way to build anticipation and make each day of October feel a little special. You can make your own by filling small envelopes with Halloween-themed activities or treats for each day.
Some ideas for what to include? A piece of candy, a Halloween joke, a small toy, or a note with a fun activity for the day. By the time Halloween rolls around, the kids will be in full spooky mode!
So there you have it, a bucket list that’s packed with everything you need to make this Halloween one to remember. Whether your kids are little and just discovering the joys of spooky season, or they’re teens who are all about the thrill and chill, there’s something here for everyone.
At the end of the day, what matters most is the time spent together, making memories that will last long after the candy is gone and the pumpkins have been packed away. So grab your witches’ hat, don your vampire fangs, and let’s make this Halloween the best one yet!
