Fun Alternatives (or Additions) to Traditional Trick-or-Treating
Ideas & Tips for a Uniquely Spook-tacular Halloween
Looking for a fun way to shake things up this Halloween? Take the witch-tastic holiday to a whole new level by starting some new traditions – check out these fun alternatives (or additions!) to traditional trick-or-treating to make the highly-anticipated celebration one that is remembered for years to come.
Go “Ghosting” – Let a friend, family member or neighbor know that you’re thinking about them with a bag of Halloween-themed goodies. Decorate brown or white paper bags (pumpkins and ghosts, maybe?) and fill them with homemade crafts, candy, non-food Halloween treats, and a special note that reads: “Thinking about BOO!” Leave it at the door or on the porch for a special surprise.
Costume Contest – Host a neighborhood costume contest. Rope off a ‘judging area’ in your yard or on your porch for participants to show off their costumes and have your selected judges sit nearby to take notes so they can choose a winner after seeing all entries. Use SignUp’s free tool to have participants sign up for a time slot to keep things moving (and to supply you with their email address, in the case that they win). Make the prize a gift card to a local restaurant or store.
Costume Parade – Organize a walking costume parade with folks in your neighborhood. Designate a time and path so viewers can set up on their porches or lawns to watch. Dress up your pups and bring them along, too!
Block Party – Weather permitting, set up game “stations” in your yard (designate a corner of the yard for a game of cornhole, set up a hula hooping station for a head-to-head competition, set up an area of tables for pumpkin carving, etc.). Use SignUp to help coordinate volunteers to run the stations. (Pro Tip: Use this block party checklist to prepare!)
Halloween Scavenger Hunt – For a more independent option that still lets the kids run around the neighborhood in their costumes, give them a list of Halloween-themed things to search for, then head out for a walk around the neighborhood to admire the seasonal decorations. Reward them for their efforts with Halloween candy when you get home.
Halloween Movie Night – Set up a projector or big screen TV in your backyard and invite a few friends to join you for a viewing of your favorite Halloween film.
Trick-or-Treating with a Twist – This could be organized a few different ways:
Host a Trunk or Treat event in the parking lot at the school, football field, park, or local grocery store.
Organize a Plaza or Mall Trick or Treat event where shops and parents set up treat (or trick!) stations.
Gather a group to visit the local nursing home(s) decked out in their costumes – participants get to show off their Halloween getups while providing entertainment to the home's residents. (Pro Tip: Ask local businesses to donate candy or funds for candy to provide the nursing home residents with goodies to hand out.)
Hang lollipops from tree limbs or attach individually-wrapped pieces of candy to a tree in your front yard, and create a little sign that reads something like: “Take one if you dare!” Then enjoy the costumes from your porch. (This is a perfect solution for introverts who love to see all the costumes, but may not be up to interacting with visitors.)
Get more ideas & tips in our Halloween Planning Center!
