Halloween is becoming a favourite celebration in Australia, with families embracing the fun of costumes, candy, and spooky thrills. But for those who prefer to keep the scares light and the fun high, there are plenty of ways to celebrate a safe and enjoyable Halloween.
Here are some spooktacular ideas to make Halloween a hit with the kids this October.
Halloween is the perfect time for kids to get creative with their costumes, and you don’t need to break the bank. Instead of purchasing store-bought outfits, why not turn it into a fun DIY project? Whether it’s making a ghost out of an old sheet or crafting a superhero cape from a towel, kids will love putting together their own looks.
Provide them with cardboard, paints, fabric, and other materials to customise their costume ideas. Let their imaginations run wild—from witches to mummies and even cute animals or cartoon characters. Be sure to host a mini costume parade at home, giving everyone a chance to show off their spooky (or silly!) attire.
For those who prefer to avoid trick-or-treating but still want to give kids the thrill of hunting for treats, an at-home scavenger hunt is the way to go! Hide Halloween-themed goodies, such as chocolates and toys, around the house or garden. Create fun clues or spooky rhymes to guide your little monsters on their hunt.
Turn your home into a haunted space with glowing decorations, fake cobwebs, and pumpkin lights to add to the eerie excitement. You can even theme each room, like transforming your living room into a “witch’s lair” or the backyard into a “spooky graveyard.”
Carving pumpkins can be fun, but it can also be tricky for younger kids. Instead of using sharp tools, why not let them get creative by painting and decorating their pumpkins? With some colourful paints, stickers, googly eyes, and glitter, kids can still enjoy the process without the risk of cuts or mess.
If your kids are old enough to handle carving, make it a family activity. Let them design the face or pattern, and with adult supervision, they can carve out their spooky masterpieces. Display your pumpkins outside for the neighbours to enjoy, or use LED candles to light them up for a ghostly glow.
When the evening rolls around, nothing beats a Halloween movie marathon! Choose some family-friendly classics like Hotel Transylvania, The Addams Family, or Hocus Pocus. Create a cosy setup with pillows, blankets, and dim lighting for the perfect spooky atmosphere.
Popcorn, candy, and hot chocolate will make it a special night for the whole family. For an added touch, you can create themed snacks like ghost-shaped cookies or “monster” cupcakes. Make sure to let the kids dress up in their costumes to fully immerse them in the Halloween spirit!
If your family enjoys the traditional trick-or-treat experience, there are ways to make it safe and fun. More Australian suburbs are joining in on Halloween festivities, but it’s always a good idea to check which areas are participating. Look for local trick-or-treat events held at shopping centres or community hubs, which often offer a safer and more controlled environment.
If you’re trick-or-treating in your neighbourhood, stick to well-lit streets and only visit houses with visible Halloween decorations, signalling they’re participating. Always accompany your children and ensure they have reflective gear or glow sticks to stay visible at night. For added fun, you can create your own treat bags at home, allowing the kids to trick-or-treat within the house.
Another fantastic way to celebrate Halloween is through spooky crafts and games. Set up a craft station at home where kids can make their own Halloween masks, paper bats, or even witches’ hats. These creations can be used to decorate your home or for a Halloween-themed dress-up party.
For games, you can organise activities like “Pin the Hat on the Witch,” Halloween bingo, or a spooky treasure hunt. A fun addition is a Halloween dance-off, where kids can groove to classic spooky songs like “Thriller” or “Monster Mash.”
Halloween is the perfect excuse to bake some creepy (yet delicious) treats with the kids! From ghost-shaped cupcakes to “mummy” hotdogs, there are plenty of simple recipes that are both fun to make and yummy to eat. You can use cookie cutters to create Halloween-themed shapes or decorate biscuits with icing spiders and pumpkins.
For quick ideas, try making witches’ brooms using pretzel sticks and string cheese, or create “eyeball” meatballs with mozzarella for a spooky dinner option. Baking together will not only keep the Halloween fun going, but it’ll also be a tasty way to spend the evening.
Looking for Halloween events happening near you? Check out the LetsGoKids events section for exciting family-friendly Halloween activities. Make sure to visit the LetsGoKids website to discover what’s happening in your area this October.
Halloween in Australia is a growing celebration, and with these spooky yet safe ideas, you can make it a memorable one for your kids. So grab those costumes, stock up on treats, and get ready for a fun-filled, frightfully fantastic Halloween!
