20 Halloween Activities for a Family Night at Home

Scatter paper pumpkins around the room and let kids decorate or name them before the night begins.

Choose something simple enough that everyone can help, such as banana ghosts or a spooky snack board.

Put old hats, scarves, boxes and dress-up pieces in a pile and give everyone ten minutes to invent a new costume.

Pick the scare level together so nobody gets surprised by a movie that is too intense.

Dim the lights, keep walking areas clear, and use flashlights to search for hidden paper ghosts.

Let each person choose a character voice or make sound effects during the story.

Use washable paint, stickers or markers instead of carving for an easy indoor activity.

Everyone chooses two songs, then vote on the best dance song and best spooky background song.

Use homemade picture cards and small snacks or paper circles as markers.

One person starts with one sentence, then everyone adds a sentence until the story becomes completely ridiculous.

Try pumpkin bread, roasted seeds, pumpkin butter or another seasonal food and rate each one.

Hang a sheet, gather props and take silly monster portraits with a phone timer.

A baking-soda cauldron or static-electricity ghost takes only a few minutes and feels like a special event.

Take a flashlight and look for favorite decorations, but stay on public paths and respect neighbors’ property.

Use silly Halloween choices during dinner or while waiting for dessert.

Make a fort, add battery lights and let kids guide adults through their “haunted attraction.”

Use a few small pieces, rate texture and flavor, and crown a family favorite.

Shine a flashlight at a wall and invent creatures with hands, paper cutouts or toys.

Create kind or funny mini messages to attach to candy or hand out with treats.

Give everyone a paper award: best monster walk, best joke, bravest taste tester, coziest costume or funniest photo.