As October 31st gets closer and closer, it’s likely you and your family are getting into the spooky spirit of Halloween. You might be just getting over the transition into the school year or daycare routines, and your child is likely excited to take part in the holiday festivities!

Here are a few ways to celebrate Halloween at home with your kids before trick-or-treating even starts:

Pumpkin Painting

Carving pumpkins is usually a Halloween must, but with small children it’s not always the safest activity. Using paint, sequins, glitter, or googly eyes is a fun and safe alternative that your kids are sure to love!

Scary Movie Marathon

There are plenty of Halloween movies to choose from (The Addams Family, Coco, etc.) that are family-friendly and spooky enough to get you and your kids in the holiday spirit. Pop some popcorn, grab a few blankets, and have a movie marathon!

Put on a Costume Fashion Show

Trick-or-treating just not a tradition in your family? No problem! Let your child(s) design their own costume and give you a fashion show in the living room – no walking around the neighborhood required!

Make Halloween Treats

There are hundreds of options for Halloween-inspired treats – pumpkin-shaped cookies, popcorn balls, pretzel ghosts dipped in white chocolate, marshmallows dipped in orange and yellow chocolate to look like candy corn. Pick a recipe off Pinterest and have a baking day with your kids!

Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Nothing gets you and your family more into the autumn spirit than a trip to the local pumpkin patch. Pick out a few mini pumpkins or gourds, snack on some cider donuts, and try out a kid-friendly corn maze! There are many options in the Tri-City area: Leaman’s Applebarn, Johnson’s Pumpkin Farm, Grandpa Tiny’s Farm, etc.

Halloween-Inspired Crafts

Decorating your home for Halloween is a staple in many households, and your kids will love to take part by making a few crafts! Use leaves from outside for an autumn garland, paint paper plates to look like pumpkins or spooky monsters or make recyclable spiders using empty toilet paper tubes and construction paper!

Heaven’s Elect Christian Learning Center is a Non-denominational Christian childcare center fully licensed by the state of Michigan. Our Midland childcare center has been serving the community since 2000. Please contact us at heavenselect.com.