Halloween brings kids and families together every year in celebration of all things spooky. Unfortunately this year, it’s going to look a lot different. So much of what makes Halloween so fun, also makes it unsafe during a pandemic. Gathering in groups, not wearing a mask and touching lots of surfaces are all ways the virus can spread.

But don’t fear! Just because this Halloween is going to be different doesn’t mean it can’t still be fun. We’ve got some great suggestions for a COVID-friendly Halloween for the whole family.

Halloween Activities you may want to Avoid

Before we get to the fun stuff, there are some things that you may want to consider avoiding during the Halloween season:

  • Door-to-door trick-or-treating
  • In-person crowded Halloween parties
  • Haunted house tours
  • Fall festivals with large groups
  • Hayrides with people outside of your bubble
Fun Halloween Alternatives

Pumpkin Carving
This classic Halloween activity is something that doesn’t have to change. This year you can make it extra fun by adding more pumpkins than you’d usually carve or making a fun contest out of it. Invite your neighbours and friends to participate and take a walk around the neighbourhood to check out some of the competition! You can find lots of printable patterns and inspiration online.

Go All-Out with Decorating
Just because Halloween 2020 may be different this year, it doesn’t mean you can’t decorate your house! In fact, go even further than you normally would with your decorations. It doesn’t mean you have to break the bank with store-bought decorations. This year, why not try some DIY decorations as a family project for inside and outside of the house? It’s fun for the whole family and your house will look awesome, raising spirits (pun intended) for everyone!

Virtual Party or Costume Contest
Video calling apps like Zoom, Skype and FaceTime have kept us connected with friends and family during the pandemic, and they can do the same for Halloween. Instead of meeting in person, organize a Halloween video call party with friends and family. Create a Halloween playlist, have a costume contest and play some Halloween trivia. It gives you a chance to celebrate everything amazing about Halloween – just virtually!

Halloween Movie Marathon
A great way to spend Halloween night is with a movie marathon. You can even use the Netflix Watch Party extension to watch movies with your friends or family. Grab some snacks, get in your costumes and enjoy some frightening flicks. Of course, not all scary movies are good for all ages – you don’t want the little ones having nightmares. Here are some great options for the whole family:

Make Your Own Spooky Snacks
Half of what makes trick-or-treating fun for kids is the candy. Pouring out your loot bag after a big haul and sorting out your stash of chocolate bars, sweets and gummies is one of the best parts of the tradition. You could just pick up some candy from the store this year but making your own can be a great way to spend this Halloween. You don’t have to overdo it on the sugar either – check out some healthier options for homemade Halloween snacks.

We may not have some of the traditions that usually take place during Halloween, but that doesn’t mean the spirit of it can’t live on. With a little creativity, you can make this one of the most spooktacular Halloweens with your family yet.