Halloween Party Planning for Kids

Halloween really is a great holiday for kids. I mean, what child doesn't love dressing up as a favorite superhero, a scary monster, or a beloved story character? Even better, it's actually acceptable to go door-to-door and beg the neighbors for candy.

But did you know it's possible to have even more Halloween fun with a party? Plus, when you host a halloween party your kids can wear that awesome costume for more than just a few hours on October 31.

We've got some tips for planning a halloween party--whether you're inviting a few close friends or the entire neighborhood.

We're skipping the obvious advice to get the good candy, because that's a given.

Plan Age-Appropriate Activities

Your middle schooler and your kindergartner aren't going to want to play the same games, but there's no rule that says you can't set up separate activities for different ages. Spoonful.com has lots of great printables and games for Halloween if you're looking for inspiration.

Hold a Costume Contest

Reward kids for their creativity and dedication to dressing up! The costume contest can be fun for everyone, and you can award as many or as few prizes as you want. To make sure more kids go home with prizes, just add additional categories. You can have winners for the scariest costume, the cutest costume, the most original costume, and on and on. Prizes don't have to be huge or break the bank. We recommend coloring or activity books for the younger children or a even king size candy bar. Yum!

Hayrides

Hayrides aren't feasible at every party, but if you've got the opportunity to run one? Jump on it! Safety is always the priority though, so check the local weather and make sure younger children have adult supervision during the trip. If you're really into Halloween and want your hayride to be over-the-top, invite others to set up haunted stations along the route.

What do your kids love best about Halloween parties?

Halloween Party Planning for Grown Ups

When it comes to Halloween, kids don't get to have all the fun. We've got some tips to help you plan a fun and memorable Halloween party, whether you intend to invite friends, family, or coworkers.

Pick a Theme

You might think that Halloween is a party theme in and of itself, but you could really be missing out. Some of the best parties we've attended have been Halloween parties with and additional costume theme. All those invited to the party must show up in a costume that's related to the theme. Here are some theme ideas:

• Famous couples
• Fictional characters
• 70s TV shows
• Monsters
• Famous villains

Plan Games

When it comes to party games, a Halloween favorite is the costume contest, but there are lots of other games you can play. You could try pumpkin decorating, Halloween themed Pictionary, or a scary movie trivia contest to keep things festive. Games are also good icebreakers if your guests aren't already acquainted.

Go Big with Halloween Decorations

If ever there were a time to go a little over the top with your party decor, Halloween is it! For some really extravagant Halloween decorations, check out the extreme decor in this article from TrendHunter.

What do you do to celebrate Halloween?

Tips for Safe Trick-Or-Treating

As you and your children make your way through the neighborhood showing off costumes and pleading for treats, make sure you keep these tips in mind. Have a happy, safe, and fun Halloween from Pinwhirls! 


Tips for Safe Trick-Or-Treating

• If you can, get all of your trick-or-treating done before dark. This is especially important for the little ones out there.
• If you go out at night, carry a flashlight.
• Plan your trick-or-treating route in advance and stick to it.
• If you have older children and allow them to trick-or-treat as a group without an adult, make sure at least one child has a cell phone.
• Parents should wear something reflective, particularly if your children's costumes are dark or hard to see.
• If you can, choose a costume for your child that is reflective or made of bright colors that can easily be seen by any drivers in your neighborhood.
• Make sure any masks fit comfortably and don't prevent your child from seeing or breathing comfortably.
• Go only to houses you know.
• Consider going to a local mall or community event if you are worried about going door-to-door this year.
• Check your child's candy before you let them eat it.
• Only allow your child to have homemade treats if they were made by neighbors you know and trust.
• If it's particularly warm where you live, make sure that children don't become overheated in their costumes, and take plenty of water breaks.

 That's it! Remember to be safe and have lots of fun, and don't eat all of that candy all at once!

What are your children going to be for Halloween this year?