Other than Christmas, I can’t think of a holiday that children look forward to more than Halloween. If your kids are like mine, they’re probably more than eager to dress up as vampires, witches, or their favorite character so they can go door-to-door begging for candy and cavities. But, what do you do when the weather doesn’t permit trick-or-treating? Luckily, you can still give your child a great Halloween without having to brave the elements. Here are a few simple (and inexpensive) suggestions on how to execute a successful, last minute Halloween party for your children and their friends:
1. Give friends a heads up that you’ll host a party in the event the weather doesn’t permit trick-or-treating, and tell them to bring their children in costume.
2. Choose a time that isn’t too late- 6:30-7:00pm is ideal. That way everyone is able to eat dinner prior to the party, and the party will be over at a reasonable time for a school night.
3. Tell the adults to bring at least one bag of candy.
4. Have a FEW snacks on hand. We’re talking bare minimum here- juice and pretzels/chips or Halloween cookies. Here’s an easy recipe for a Halloween punch that's sure to be a hit and frighten the kids at http://allrecipes.com/recipe/black-halloween-punch/.
5. Have Halloween themed crafts. Decorate miniature pumpkins with markers or paint, color Halloween themed coloring sheets (you can print these off of the internet), or have the children make their own candied apples (you can buy kits at any local grocery store).
6. Tell a ghost story. (Gather everyone in the room and have them sit in a circle. Grab a flashlight and turn the lights off for a spooky good time.)
7. Bob for apples- This will never go out of style. Fill a large bowl or bucket with water and apples. Tie the children’s hands behind their backs and have them try to lift an apple out of the water using only their mouth. (If you want to make things interesting, you could blindfold the kids as well.)
8. At the end of the party, make sure the adults have their candy out so the children can still go around and “Trick or Treat”.
Halloween parties are always fun and memorable, but if a party isn’t feasible there’s always trick-or-treating at the mall. Times for the local malls are listed below as follows:
Jefferson Mall (Louisville, KY) - (6pm – 9pm) Children 12 and under. Bring a canned good or non-perishable food item for the Centers of Hope Kitchen at the Salvation Army. Drop-off items will be collected in the center court near Macy’s.
Green Tree Mall (Clarksville, IN) - (6pm - 8pm) Mall-O-Ween! Open to children of all ages.
However you choose to spend your Halloween, I hope you have a great one!
Photo: Courtesy of T. Beeler
