Halloween is one of our favorite times of year because families can have so much fun together with—and without—media. From spooky movies, music, and games to fun crafts, snacks and parties, October offers a month packed with family pleasures.
We culled the web for inspiration to get kids and families learning, doing and having fun together.
Cool Pumpkin Ideas
- Motion-Controlled Silly-String-Shooting Pumpkin
Looking for a fun Halloween project? This is it. - Pumpkin Carving Ideas
Hundreds of designs and stencils, including geeky, pop culture, and traditional styles. - DIY Pumpkin Decorations
No carving needed! - Pumpkin Recipes
When the holiday’s over, don’t toss it — cook it!
Costume Inspiration
- Dirty-Laundry Group Costume
Keep it clean this Halloween. - Classic Literary Costumes
Bring these characters to life. - YA Book Cover Costumes
Dress up as your favorite heroine. - Last-Minute Costumes
What busy family doesn’t need these? - Incredible Pinterest Costume Page
If you can’t find an idea here, maybe you should just give up.
Food Fun
- Halloween Lunchbox Ideas
Keep the spirit going throughout the school day. - Healthy Halloween Snacks
Counteract all the sugar with these holiday treats. - Candy-Coated Caramel Apples
This classic fall treat doubles down on the candy.
Spooky Crafts and Activities
- Icky Science Experiments
Using anything from slime to potions, kids will delight in these weird educational projects. - Hot-Glue-Gun Necklaces
As part of a costume or just for Halloween fun, these are easy to make. - Bread-Clip Comic Strips
Create your own scary or not-so-scary ghost stories. - Easy Sewing Patterns and Projects
Some are creepy, some are cute, but they’re all fun. - Trick-or-Treat Bags and Buckets
Carry your candy in style. - Scary Witch Rhythm Song and Game
Preschoolers will love this fun Halloween-y song activity. - Candy-Toss Game
Even if they can’t eat it all, they can play with it. - Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
Fun to make and fun to play with, too. - Candy Activities for Fun and Learning
Think candy’s bad for the brain? Wrong! - Find Haunted Houses
Teens and adults might enjoy seeking out a scary spot nearby. - Halloween Hacks
Spirited activities and eats you can do at the last minute. - Start a Boo-Bag Tradition
Surprise your friends and neighbors with Halloween goodies.
Scary (and Not-So-Scary) Media
- Halloween Apps
Stock your device with seasonal games for the kiddos. - Classic Horror-Movie Posters
Get decor or costume inspiration from these great images. - Halloween Books for Young Kids
Wee ones will love these adorable and not-too-scary tales. - The Best Spooky Music Videos, Ever
From “Thriller” to “Monster Mash,” kids will adore these creepy songs and videos.
More Halloween Fun
- Party Planning
Throw the best kids’ Halloween party on the block. - History of Halloween
Teach curious kids why we do all this silly, spooky stuff each October. - Tips for Taking Good Halloween Photos
Want some great pics for your Instagram?
Written by Sierra Filucci and originally published on Common Sense Media.