Get free illustrated craft instructions by CLICKING HERE

Do Ahead of Time:

Day of the Party:

Game Time:

Be creative! Instead of Pin the Hat on the Witch, you could play "Paste the Face on the Pumpkin" or "Put the Skull on the Skeleton" by adapting those characters to the traditional Pin the Tail on the Donkey game.

Spooky Musical Chairs

What You'll Need:

Game Time:

Instead of using chairs, and if you are playing the game on an enclosed patio or in the backyard, you can use the garbage bags that look like pumpkins filled with leaves to create "chairs" for the game. The kids will have fun flopping down on the bags!

Competition games that leave one person as "the winner" are healthy and teach kids how to play fair and how to "lose." However, to avoid tears and tantrums, you can play the games several times in order to have several winners. Also, be sure to have enough party favors and little treat bags so that all the children get a prize and a bag of candy after each game.

Jan K., The Proofer is a freelance copyeditor and proofreader. Visit Jan’s Portal for more information about Jan's free crafts, recipes, tutorials, other resource sites, and free content articles, as well as Jan’s freelance proofreading business services. Be sure to visit Mom's Break for free printable crafts and projects.

Another Idea: Tell Scary Ghost Stories to add some ‘fright’ to your Halloween party.

CLICK HERE for more Halloween Party Ideas for Kids!

Kid Friendly Recipes and Treats:
Recipes, tips, and photos courtesy of Britta’s Halloween Recipes

Creepy Cheese and Crackers

1.) For the version with a white background, cut the slices of cheese into cracker-sized squares.
2.) Cut the orange cheese into jack-o-lantern shapes by hand, or use a miniature cookie cutter.
3.) Lay the contrasting layer on the cracker, then top with the jack-o-lantern slice.

Tip from Britta: For 1999, I used a cookie stamp on melted American cheese while it was cooling in a flat cookie sheet. After it cooled thoroughly, I trimmed away the edges and had what you see above with the purple background. For 2006 I finally had time to use my mini Halloween cookie cutters to cut the cheese shapes into white ghosts, orange pumpkins and white skulls.

Creepy Crispy Crunchies

1.) Melt margarine in a large saucepan over low heat.
2.) Add marshmallows and stir until completely melted.
3.) Remove from heat.
4.) Add cereal and stir until well coated.
5.) Add the candy and mix until candy is evenly mixed.
6.) Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray or line with waxed paper. 7.) Using a buttered spatula or waxed paper, press the mixture evenly into a 9x13" pan. Cut into squares when cool.

More Recipes:

Pumpkin Carving Ideas and Tips

Want to carve a pumpkin for your Halloween party? You’ll need just a few things to get started, but be creative! Make a happy face, a zombie face, or carve something unique to you!

A few things you’ll need:

Swan’s Pumpkin Farm has some carving tips for you and your parents. CLICK HERE to learn how to pick out the best pumpkin and for design ideas! Be sure to let your parents do the carving, but be creative with your design, and have fun!

Want some more ideas for your pumpkin masterpiece? CLICK HERE to learn how you can make your very own Pumpkin Head, Pumpkin Spider, Pumpkin Totem Pole, and Lollipop Pumpkin.

Trick or Treating Dos and Don’ts

When Trick or Treating, the Los Angeles Fire Department has some helpful tips to remember:

*By using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
*Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going.
*Only trick-or-treat in well known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
*Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk.
*If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
*Never cut across yards or use alleys.
*Never enter a stranger's home or car for a treat.
*Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
*Always walk. Never run across a street.
*Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks (as recognized by local custom).
*Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley.
*Don't assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn't mean others will.
*Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
*No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an Adult at home.
*Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

For more safety tips, CLICK HERE!

Trick or Treating Alternatives

The Los Angeles Fire Department has some fun alternatives to trick or treating:

Costume Ideas

Halloween is the one time of year that you can dress up as your favorite superhero, role model, baseball player, or favorite cartoon. This year, try something new and dress up as your favorite comic book character or favorite Disney princess.

Need some ideas? Here are a few options to tell your parents about:

Still unsure? Visit the links below for more costume ideas!

Online Halloween Games for Kids

Sources:

CLICK HERE to return to Halloween Guide Main Page