Halloween Activities for Tweens

There is an awkward stage in every young ghost and goblins life when they are too old to trick-or-treat and too young to stay out past ten o'clock (which is a good thing, parents, because who knows what kind of trouble they would get in otherwise). This is usually the time when even the coolest of parents become un-cool, and the dear sweet 'tween'. Don't be scared! Here are a few ideas to make Halloween happy for these misguided ghouls.

Let them answer the door and give out candy (with parental supervision of course). They can even dress up if they want. They will feel grown up and get to be part of the festivities, too.

Buddy them up with the younger kids to go out trick-or-treating. Everyone can dress up, but just let the little ones collect the candy. Make sure the little ones know they will have to share with their big buddies when you get home. And to avoid tantrums scarier than any haunted house every could be, make sure that the spoils are divided up fairly.

Let them host their own Halloween sleepover. Lay out the ground rules, but let them plan it. Be extra aware that there may be some 'sneaking out' ideas, and stop them quickly. Think back to when you were their age (yes we were all their age once), and try to counteract any escape plots. Let them cook gross food, watch scary (but age appropriate), movies, and load up on sweets. Look on the bright side, your home will be a mess, but you'll have happy kids that aren't out causing trouble.

Take them to a local harvest party, corn maze, Halloween movie, or other planned activity. Make sure that you will be out late enough to avoid getting home early and hearing the 'now what?' and 'I'm bored' complaints.

Have a family night with scary movies, candy, and a campout on the living room floor. Make s'mores (outside or in the microwave), tell spooky stories, and huddle together during the scary parts of the movie. You will be tired the next morning, but the family time will be worth it.

Whatever you decide to do, make it fun and commemorative. It is hard to grow up all at once, and maybe a little light-hearted fun will make these awkward years a little less awkward. Who knows? You may have a little fun, too.