With Halloween finally here, families have a whole weekend of fun festivities to plan. Every location is different, but there are plenty of great things that families can do to muster up a bit of spooky season spirit.
From apple bobbing to visiting a pumpkin patch, or even curling up in front of a scary movie, Newsweek gathers up some of the best ideas to try out as All Hallows' Eve approaches.
Trick or Treating
It may seem obvious, but knocking on neighbors' doors and asking for treats is one of those traditions we all love at Halloween. Plus, it's a great excuse to get dressed up and get moving before eating a whole load of candy.
Make Candy Apples
Another way to get as much sugar as possible (and a little bit of something healthy) is by making toffee apples. It's as simple as putting a stick in an apple, making caramel and dipping it in - you can even add food coloring for extra spooky points!
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
There are many pumpkin patches all over the country, many of which have visiting times for families. You can choose your perfect pumpkin to carve, roast or even have a go at a corn maze while you're there.
Watch a (Scary) Movie
Of course, with little ones around, the scary factor of a movie may have to be altered. However, streaming services like Amazon Prime Video have some films that will bring a bit of spookiness to your home, but without giving you all too many sleepless nights. Favorites for all the family include Hocus Pocus and Coraline.
Pumpkin Carving
Once you've chosen your pumpkin from the patch, it's time to carve! Shops like Walmart sell carving kits for pumpkins, and you can place a candle inside after to light up your Jack O'Lantern.
Apple Bobbing
If you have some leftover apples after smothering them in candy, you can use the rest to play a fun game. Place them in a bucket of water, put your hands behind your back and bob away - maybe the winner can get a bigger share of the Trick or Treat candy.
Make Witch Slime
For little ones, slime is a really fun toy to play with, and it's so easy to make at home. All you need is cornstarch, shampoo and water, mix it together and give it a knead until it is ready to use. You can add food coloring to make it even more festive.
Get Dressed Up
Nothing says Halloween like a fantastic costume, and there are so many to choose from.
From superheroes to TV characters, from animals to an old-fashioned scarecrow. To add some extra Halloween fun, you can even make it a competition, or make your costumes from scratch.
Tell Scary Stories
Once the movies have been watched and there is no more candy left to gorge, there is only one thing for it: scary stories. Grab a flashlight and switch off all the other lights to create the campfire atmosphere, before frightening your family with a ghostly tale.
