Let’s be honest, 2020 has been a bummer. So many things have changed, and so many canceled plans. If you are anything like me, you find yourself worrying about how Halloween will look this year. Maybe you are already googling or searching Pinterest for ways to make Halloween extra “spooktacular” this year. Today, I will try to answer the question…what to do when you are stuck at home for Halloween.
I know that some areas are going back to “normal,” however, if you just aren’t sure or if things are still canceled wherever you are, hopefully, these ideas will inspire you and give you a starting place for your creativity.
What To Do When You Are Stuck At Home For Halloween
Decorations!
Decorations (for all the different holidays) is always a big thing in my house. My kids get so excited watching me pull out my pumpkins every year! However, this year I plan on going a little overboard…just don’t tell my husband! HA!
Get your little ones in on the decorating! Maybe even do some DIY decorations. Here is a great list of simple ideas. Branch out and go all-in with outside decorations too. This year we plan to put out lights, decorate our front porch with jack-o-lanterns and spiderwebs even though we normally don’t decorate the front yard for Halloween. Why not spread a little joy in your neighborhood? It has been a rough year.
Pull Out Your Cauldron
Now is the time to add some hocus pocus to your kitchen. I always look forward to whipping up some fun Halloween cookies. However, this year I think we could take it up a notch. We love making mummified hot dogs and mini pizzas. Pinterest is FULL of fun food ideas for this time of year! Click here for a list of 30+ Halloween cookie recipes.
Trunk Or Treat
Be on the lookout for some Trunk or Treats in your area. A lot of churches in our area host Trunk or Treats every year. It is super-simple. The kids get to dress up, and go from car to car in a parking lot, and get LOTS of candy. This is a great idea if you are concerned with social distancing.
Halloween Pinata
Do something a little different and get you a Halloween pinata for your kids to knock around. The kids will definitely love this, especially when the candy starts to fall.
Glow In The Dark Pumpkin Hunt
Take a page from the Easter Bunny and set up a glow in the dark pumpkin hunt in your backyard! Get your kids involved and paint a bunch of pumpkins (all sizes) in glow in the dark paint. Then hide them in the backyard. Kids always love Easter egg hunts, so imagine their excitement when they get to run around in the dark and find hidden pumpkins that glow like magic.
Booing!!
Have you ever heard of booing? This is a great way to get your neighborhood involved. Everyone in the neighborhood leaves little treats and tricks at their neighbor’s doorstep. The fun is in trying to guess who it is from! Click here for details.
Movie “Boo” Fest
We always love to cuddle up on the couch, with candy or a big bowl of popcorn, and watch some of our favorite Halloween movies. I included a list of some of our favorites. Feel free to click on it, print it off, and use it for yourself.
Spooky Science (Perfect For Homeschooling)
Pinterest is full of fun science experiments for Halloween. These are perfect if you are homeschooling this year, but even if you aren’t they are still worth giving a go. Here are some that we have tried and love:
Halloween Ghost Pumpkin Volcano
Make Halloween Slime
Virtual Costume Party
I know that one of the best parts of Halloween for kids is getting to dress up. My kids plan their costumes months in advance. Just because you might be staying in this year doesn’t mean your kids can’t still dress up.
Buy Your Own Favorite Candy!
Not going trick or treating? Buy your own favorite candy and enjoy it! Pro Tip: hide the candy in a frozen broccoli bag and put it back in your freezer! HAHA!
If you are going to be home this year, I hope this has helped answer your question about what to do when you are stuck at home for Halloween. Just because this year might look a little different doesn’t mean it has to be a drag. Use this time to create new traditions for your family. Who knows? Maybe you will love it so much that you will want to stay in next year too!
Looking for more Halloween crafts and activities?
20+ Halloween Activities For Kids and Toddlers
Halloween Activities For Kids and Toddlers, Part II
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31
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