Halloween alternatives.

Let’s talk for a minute.

I know this subject can be controversial: Is trick or treating okay or not okay? Are substitutes okay?

In Christian circles, this topic is touchy with lots of opinions and thoughts.

Today, though, we aren’t going to get into all of that. Instead, I want to share with you some Halloween Alternatives you can do with your kids.

If you do Halloween the traditional way and Trick or Treat, some of these might be a fun addition.

Halloween Alternatives:

Trunk or Treat

I guarantee that there are numerous churches in you area that put on a truck or treat or some sort of fall carnival. Check out their Facebook pages, community Facebook pages, or your local Christian radio station to find them.

Harvest Party

Again, this is something I’ve seen done by churches and individuals. Host a fall themed party. Have a bonfire or the grill going. Roast hot dogs, grill some burgers, have the ingredients for s’mores and invite your friends for an evening to just hang out. Have everyone help by bringing food.

Family Game Night

My kids love games and would jump at a chance to do this. Let everyone in your family pick a game and rotate through them. Of course, have plenty of yummy snacks instead of a regular supper and this idea will be a home run.

Movie and Popcorn

Another family favorite here. How can you go wrong with popcorn and a movie? Throw in some ice cream and I’d be even happier. 🙂 Growing up we always watched a movie as a family in my parent’s bedroom and indulged in once a year foods. We loved it.

Eat Out

If you never eat out, this can be a fun idea. I can remember one time we met up with friends at a local restaurant for Halloween. Because eating out was a rare occurrence, we thought it was super neat.

Pumpkin Carving Party

Knives, pumpkin guts, creativity. Have a pumpkin carving party with your family or invite some friends to join you. I could see this being something your family looked forward to year after year.

Pumpkin Themed Games

Do these alone or in addition to any of the other ideas. Surprise your kids with just how many fun pumpkin games you can come up with. Younger kids would especially like this idea, but there are some games that would work for older kids. Here are two posts to give you some ideas.

Escape Room

This idea would be perfect to do when you have teens in the house. As much fun for them as it would be for the parents. Full disclosure, I have yet to do one. I’m a little scared of failing the puzzle.

Fall Themed Potluck

Anything done with food and friends is better, right? Send out a bunch of texts, group email, or start a Facebook event. Host a fall themed potluck at your house and everyone brings their fall favorites.

Go Treating

Everyone goes trick or treating on Halloween. Do the opposite. Put together some treat bags and go to peoples’ homes and pass them out. Such a fun idea to do with people you know, neighbors, and strangers.

Fall Crafts

SO many cute ideas out there for kids. My kindergartner and 2nd grader love all things craft. Here are three posts to give you lots of ideas for children.

For teens and adults, check out this list. So much cuteness!

Chili Cook off

We come back to foods and friends once again. This time you get to throw a little competition into the mix. 🙂 Be sure to have slips of paper so everyone can vote. If you can find them locally for a good price, mini styrofoam tasting cups like these are a lot of fun!

Decorate for Thanksgiving

If you haven’t decorated yet, Halloween would be the perfect night to get out your decorations (maybe even make some new ones) and Thanksgiving-fy your house. Of course food should be involved here too. 🙂

So many fun ideas. Try a few out and pick some to be a new tradition for your family. If you don’t trick or treat, I have a feeling your kids won’t miss it much at all.

Do you have any unique and fun Halloween alternatives to share?