Halloween Alternatives for Kids

There's no doubt about it; kids love Halloween. They love dressing up in costumes and collecting loads of candy. However, some people do not participate in any Halloween festivities, so where does this leave the kids. Did you know that there are many alternatives to the traditional Halloween activities? In fact, kids enjoy participating in other fun, creative activities just as much. For instance, you could go to an event held at your neighborhood community center, shopping mall, local school or church instead. Most of these fun events are free to all, including food and games. The kids are not only safe but have a great time as well. In fact, I did this with mine just to try something different. After years of trick-or-treating, it tends to become old and boring. To my surprise, they not only loved it, but I did too.

Craft projects are a great way to get your child involved with Halloween traditions other than costumes and trick-or-treating. Children love the chance to show off their imagination. Rather than spend lots of money on scary Halloween decorations, allow the kids to make some friendly ones instead. Go with a theme, such a harvest. Decorations can include apples, pumpkins, autumn leaves, gourds, corn, and more. For example, add some charm to your porch or patio with pumpkin or apple pouches. These can be easily constructed from ordinary paper plates and used each year. They can easily be created to change as the seasons do. Hang them on the wall or door to hold candy, nuts, or other items. Take two plates and cut one in half. Secure the half plate onto the whole one using either staples or weaving ribbon through punched-out holes. Paint them orange for a pumpkin or red for an apple and allow to dry. Decorate them with funny faces or write inspiring phrases on them. There are literally tons of craft ideas that your kids can become involved in to keep them busy throughout the Halloween season. Best of all, they'll have fun while doing them.

While children are always fascinated with creative craft projects, they always love the opportunity to play. Games are another fun way for them to enjoy the Halloween festivities. While traditional games, such as bobbing for apples are always a hit, an interesting alternative to the more traditional Halloween games might include a good old-fashioned game of Pin the Nose on the Pumpkin. This game is played the same way as Pin the Tail on the Donkey. Create a pumpkin from a piece of orange poster board and draw a mouth and eyes onto it with black marker. Create the nose from a piece of black poster board or construction paper and attach some double-sided tape to the back of it. Blindfold the players, having them turn around a couple of times, then allow them to 'pin' the nose onto the pumpkin. Be sure to give the winner a small prize.

Halloween isn't just about the candy or the costumes; nor is it about ghosts, goblins, or other scary characters. Halloween may have come about through unwelcome traditions of the past, but celebrating the holiday doesn't have to reflect this darker side. Instead, use this time for spending and honoring your family, friends, and others. Find alternative solutions that fit into your individual beliefs, but don't judge others for continuing with more traditional celebrations, such as dressing up, trick-or-treating or visiting haunted houses. Remember, if Halloween is not for you that's fine. The Halloween season offers plenty of easy, safe alternatives for the kids as well as the parents. All you need is some imagination.