Fun Halloween Activities: From Scary Costumes to Party Games

Anna Naumovychreviewed byIryna Andrus / more about Editorial Process16 min
Created: Oct 10, 2023Last updated: Dec 10, 2024

Halloween is just around the corner, and it's time to embrace the spooky spirit of the season. There are plenty of thrilling and entertaining activities to make this holiday memorable. In this article, we'll explore a wide range of fun Halloween activities. From pumpkin carving to trick-or-treating, creative crafts to spooky stories, find fresh ways to celebrate this occasion that will leave your friends spellbound.

Design Costumes

One of the most exciting aspects of Halloween is the opportunity to transform into your favorite characters, creatures, or ghouls. Designing costumes allows you to unleash your creativity and craft a unique look that sets you apart from the rest of the Halloween crowd. Whether you're into DIY projects or prefer store-bought costumes, the process of selecting, creating, and putting on your outfit is a thrilling Halloween activity in itself. Plus, it's a chance to express your personality and imagination.

If you're looking for costume inspiration, consider brainstorming ideas based on your favorite movies, books, or TV shows. Remember, the key to a successful Halloween ensemble is attention to detail and a dash of creativity.

How to Dress for Halloween For Men

  • Gomez Addams: Embrace your inner eccentric and channel Gomez Addams from "The Addams Family" with a dapper suit, pencil mustache, and a passion for all things dark and mysterious.
  • Zorro: Transform into the legendary swashbuckling hero, Zorro, with a black mask, hat, cape, and a trusty rapier.
  • Superman: Become the Man of Steel himself with a classic Superman costume, complete with the iconic "S" emblem and a red cape.
  • James Bond: Exude sophistication and charisma as James Bond with a sharp tuxedo, a sleek suit, and a toy Walther PPK.
  • T-Rex Dinosaur: For a playful twist, go prehistoric by dressing up as a T-Rex dinosaur with an inflatable costume that's sure to turn heads.
  • Dracula: Sink your fangs into Halloween as the iconic Dracula, the infamous vampire from Bram Stoker's classic novel. Transform with a cape, a high-collared shirt, fake blood, and a suave demeanor.
  • Pirate: Set sail for adventure by becoming a pirate of the high seas. Equip yourself with an eye patch, bandana, pirate hat, and a parrot (okay, maybe not a real one!).
  • Frankenstein's Monster: Pay homage to the classic horror character with a Frankenstein's Monster costume. Apply green face paint, add some neck bolts, and lumber around with outstretched arms.
  • Mad Scientist: Embrace the quirky world of mad science by wearing a lab coat, tousled hair, safety goggles, and beakers filled with colorful concoctions.
  • The Joker: Bring chaos and unpredictability to your Halloween as The Joker, Batman's infamous arch-nemesis. Create a sinister look with creepy clown makeup, a purple suit, and a wicked grin.
  • Zombie: Join the undead with a zombie costume. Tear up old clothes, add gruesome makeup, and perfect the zombie shuffle for a truly chilling effect.
  • Werewolf: Transform under the full moon into a fearsome werewolf with furry accessories, clawed gloves, and menacing growls.
  • Ghostbuster: Become a paranormal investigator with a Ghostbuster costume, complete with a proton pack and ghost-catching gear.
  • Mummy: Wrap yourself in mystery by dressing up as a mummy. Use bandages or torn strips of fabric to create an authentic ancient Egyptian look.
  • Indiana Jones: Channel your inner archaeologist-adventurer with an Indiana Jones costume. Wear a fedora, a leather jacket, and a whip for an action-packed Halloween.

How to Dress for Halloween For Women

  • Witch: Embrace the classic Halloween vibe with a witch costume featuring a pointed hat, broomstick, and a bewitching ensemble.
  • Disney Princess: Transform into your favorite Disney princess, whether it's Cinderella, Belle, Elsa, Moana, Ariel, Snow White, or Jasmine, and bring a touch of magic to the Halloween night.
  • Catwoman: Exude feline grace and mystery with a Catwoman costume, complete with a sleek bodysuit, mask, and cat ears.
  • Vampire: Embrace your inner vampire with a Gothic gown, fangs, and dramatic makeup for a look that's both elegant and eerie.
  • Fairy: Add a sprinkle of fairy dust with a whimsical fairy costume, complete with wings and a sparkling ensemble.
  • Zombie Bride: Unleash your inner undead bride with a tattered wedding gown, pale makeup, and eerie bridal accessories.
  • Harley Quinn: Embrace the chaotic spirit of Harley Quinn from the DC universe with red and blue pigtails, a baseball bat, and mismatched, colorful attire.
  • Mermaid: Dive into the mystical world of the sea with a mermaid costume, featuring a shimmering tail, seashell accessories, and ethereal makeup.
  • Black Widow: Channel the spy and superhero Black Widow with a sleek black jumpsuit, red wig, and tactical gear.
  • Cruella de Vil: Transform into the infamous fur-loving villain from "101 Dalmatians" with a black and white ensemble, faux fur coat, and a toy Dalmatian.
  • Greek Goddess: Greek Goddess: Ascend to the heights of Mount Olympus as a Greek goddess, channeling the divine presence of Athena, Aphrodite, Artemis, or Hera. Drape yourself in flowing robes, adorn yourself with laurel leaves, and wield a prop golden staff.
  • Fortune Teller: Embrace the mystique of a fortune teller with a flowing dress, scarves, and plenty of mystical accessories like crystal balls and tarot cards.
  • Steampunk Explorer: Combine Victorian fashion with sci-fi elements as a steampunk explorer, complete with a corset, goggles, gears, and a sense of adventure.
  • Alice in Wonderland: Step through the looking glass as Alice from "Alice in Wonderland" with a blue dress, a white apron, and a curious disposition.
  • Day of the Dead Catrina: Pay tribute to Mexican culture with a vibrant Day of the Dead Catrina costume, featuring intricate sugar skull makeup and a colorful, ruffled dress.

Once you've got your costume sorted, it's time to explore all the fun things to do on Halloween!

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is a beloved Halloween tradition. It's a time when adults can dress up in their spooky or adorable costumes and go door-to-door in search of delicious treats. The excitement of ringing doorbells, yelling "trick or treat," and collecting a bag full of candies and sweets is a Halloween activity that brings joy to people of all ages.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable trick-or-treating experience, make sure to accompany one another, carry flashlights or glow sticks for visibility, and stick to well-lit neighborhoods. Additionally, be mindful of dietary restrictions and allergies when distributing candies.

Carving Pumpkins for the Perfect Jack-o-Lanterns

Carving pumpkins has evolved from being a task primarily for kids to a cherished hands-on activity for people of all ages. Halloween fans eagerly carve faces or creative shapes into pumpkins, experiencing a sense of accomplishment and skill development. These intricately carved creations are more than just Halloween decorations; they are a source of pride for artists. 

Once the carving is complete, the real magic happens at night when their jack-o-lanterns are illuminated, casting an eerie glow on the porch or serving as captivating centerpieces at Halloween gatherings. Though the process may be messy, the rewards of this cherished tradition are beautifully radiant and provide lasting memories during the spooky season.

Get Your Fright On at a Haunted House

Halloween enthusiasts seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure can't miss the chance to step into a haunted house. These spine-tingling attractions come in a variety of intensities, catering to everyone's scare threshold. From locally-run haunted houses to those hosted by amusement parks, these immersive experiences transport visitors to a world of chilling horrors and Halloween party activities. 

As you navigate the eerie corridors and rooms, be prepared to encounter lurking monsters, spine-chilling surprises, and scenes of pure terror that will have you screaming with excitement. It's not just about the scares; it's about the thrill and the heart-pounding moments that make haunted houses a quintessential part of Halloween festivities. So, sign those liability waivers and embrace the spine-tingling adventure that awaits you.

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Fun Halloween Party Games

Elevate your All Saints' Eve party to spooktacular heights with a range of entertaining games that are sure to keep your guests thoroughly entertained. Discover the best things to do on Halloween night with these exciting activities:

  • Halloween Costume Contest: Host a costume contest with categories like "Most Creative," "Funniest Costume", "Scariest," and "Best Group Costume." Let your guests showcase their Halloween spirit.
  • Bobbing for Apples: Fill a large tub with water and float apples in it. Players must use their teeth to grab apples without using their hands.
  • Halloween Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of Halloween-themed items or clues and send guests on a spooky scavenger hunt around your home or yard.
  • Pin the Spider on the Web: Similar to Pin the Tail on the Donkey, blindfolded players attempt to pin a spider on a web while spun around.
  • Mummy Wrap: Divide guests into pairs and give them a roll of toilet paper. One person becomes the mummy, and the other must wrap them up like a mummy as quickly as possible.
  • Pumpkin Decorating Contest: Provide pumpkins and decorating supplies, and let guests unleash their creativity in a pumpkin decorating competition.
  • Halloween Bingo: Create bingo cards with Halloween-themed images or words and play a spooky round of bingo.
  • Murder Mystery Game: Host a murder mystery dinner party where guests assume roles and work together to solve a Halloween-themed mystery.
  • Witch's Hat Ring Toss: Set up witch's hats at varying distances and challenge guests to toss rings onto the hats' pointy tips.
  • Candy Corn Guessing Game: Fill a jar with candy corn and have guests guess how many candies are inside. The closest guess wins the jar.
  • Spider Races: Create a racetrack and have guests race toy spiders by blowing on them with straws.
  • Halloween Charades: Play a Halloween-themed version of charades with spooky words or phrases related to the holiday.
  • Ghostly Bowling: Transform empty plastic bottles into ghostly pins and use a pumpkin as a bowling ball for a ghostly bowling game.
  • Halloween Trivia: Challenge your guests with Halloween-themed trivia questions, covering everything from horror movies to spooky history.
  • Guess the Villain: Write the names of famous horror movie villains on cards and tape them to guests' foreheads as they arrive. The catch? They can't see what's written! Guests must rely on clues and hints from others to guess their assigned villain. 
  • Halloween Feel Box Game: Fill boxes with eerie items like cold, slimy, or unsettling textures—think cooked spaghetti or peeled grapes. Challenge your guests to reach into these mysterious boxes and guess the spooky surprises hidden inside.
  • Halloween Film Festival Game: Divide your guests into groups and assign each group a popular scene from a Halloween or horror movie to act out. Watch as your guests channel their favorite movie characters for a spirited performance. After the mini film festival, you can cap off the evening with a screening of your beloved Halloween movie to continue the spooky celebration.

These Halloween party games are a surefire way to keep the festivities lively and entertaining, ensuring that your guests have a blast while celebrating the spookiest night of the year.

Swap Scary Stories After Dark

When the moon is high and the shadows grow long, it's the perfect time to revive the time-honored Halloween tradition of sharing ghost stories in the dark. Gather around, light some candles, and plunge into the eerie ambiance as you take turns spinning tales that are sure to send shivers down spines. 

You can draw inspiration from classics like Edgar Allan Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart" or H.P. Lovecraft's cosmic horrors. Dive into local legends, like the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow or the haunted tales of Salem's Witch Trials. Unearth mythical creatures, such as the eerie Banshee from Irish folklore or the skinwalker from Navajo legend. Explore unsolved mysteries like the enigmatic disappearance of the Roanoke Colony or the chilling story of the dark vanishing of the crew of the USS Cyclops in the Bermuda Triangle. 

The frightening possibilities are endless when you let your imagination run wild. Just remember, after this spine-tingling activity, you might want to keep the lights on for a while, as you can't be held responsible for any lingering nightmares that may haunt your fellow storytellers.

Tour Real-Life Haunted Sites

For those seeking a spine-tingling adventure this Halloween, many cities offer guided tours of locations steeped in eerie legends and rumored to be haunted. From abandoned hospitals to old jails and historic cemeteries, these tours provide a unique opportunity to delve into the dark histories and alleged paranormal activity that surrounds these places. 

But it's not all about storytelling; you'll have the chance to investigate for yourself. Armed with cameras, EMF meters, and your own senses, see if you capture orbs or apparitions on film or experience unexplainable chills that send shivers down your spine. These tours offer an unforgettable adventure for those looking for scary things to do on Halloween.

Decorate Halloween Treats

One of the most delightful aspects of Halloween is the opportunity to get creative in the kitchen by baking Halloween-themed cookies or decorating cake pops. This enjoyable activity transcends age boundaries, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. Those who may not enjoy cooking or baking can still unleash their creativity by helping to measure ingredients and letting their imaginations run wild with spooky decorating ideas. 

Frost cookies to resemble mummies, zombies, and spiders, and use candy corn and sprinkles to conjure up creepy faces on cake pops. The joy of working together with your family and friends in the kitchen not only results in delicious treats but also creates lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Embrace Your Dark Side with Makeup

This Halloween, unleash your inner artist by transforming into vampires, monsters, and ghouls through the transformative power of makeup. It's a chance to get creative and experiment with spooky looks that can be both terrifying and awe-inspiring. To kickstart your creativity, watch online tutorials for inspiration on how to achieve these creepy looks.

To bring your Halloween makeup visions to life, stock up on essential makeup items and accessories. You'll need face paint in various colors, fake blood, body glitter for extra eerie sparkle, makeup remover for easy cleanup, and a variety of brushes and sponges for precise application. Costume accessories like wigs, fangs, colored contact lenses, spooky hats, creepy masks, fake tattoos, and other gruesome props can add the perfect finishing touch to your sinister transformation.

In addition to these specialized items and accessories, don't forget some general makeup staples to complete your spooky look. These may include lipstick for bold, dramatic lips, mascara for luscious lashes, eyeliners for intricate details, and setting powder or spray to ensure your look stays in place throughout the festivities.

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Enjoy a Halloween Movie Marathon

If you're wondering what to do for Halloween, why not snuggle up and indulge in a spooky movie marathon? It's the perfect way to immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit, complete with lighthearted scares that are fun for all ages. To enhance the experience, add some candy, creepy snacks, and costumes to truly immerse yourself in the world of the characters on-screen.

These Halloween movie classics are sure to set the spooky mood while providing plenty of laughter:

Unique Halloween Gift Ideas 

Finding the perfect gift for those who live for the spooky season can be a delightfully eerie endeavor. If you're searching for unique Halloween presents to thrill your friends or family members who never tire of the macabre and fantastical, consider these ghoulishly delightful ideas:

  • Customized Jack-o'-Lantern Decor: Personalized pumpkin decorations add a touch of uniqueness to any Halloween display.
  • Haunted House Candle Holders: Creepy candle holders that cast eerie shadows are perfect for setting a chilling atmosphere.
  • Elaborate Halloween Costumes: Surprise them with a high-quality costume that goes above and beyond the ordinary.
  • Spooky Literature: Gift a collection of eerie tales or a beautifully illustrated horror novel for some chilling bedtime reading.
  • Gothic Home Decor: Gothic-themed home decorations, like ornate mirrors or dark tapestries, can transform any space into a haunted mansion.
  • Vintage Horror Movie Posters: Frame classic horror movie posters for a touch of cinematic nostalgia.
  • Witchcraft Supplies: For those interested in the mystical, provide them with essential witchcraft tools like crystals, herbs, or ritual candles.
  • Skull and Skeleton-themed Items: From skull-shaped drinkware to skeleton-themed pillows, these items are both spooky and stylish.
  • Cryptic Board Games: Engage their love for the mysterious with board games that involve solving mysteries or puzzles.
  • Halloween Baking Kits: Help them create spooky treats with Halloween-themed baking kits complete with cookie cutters, sprinkles, and recipes.
  • Gothic Jewelry: Elegantly designed jewelry featuring bats, spiders, or other spooky motifs can be both stylish and on-theme.
  • Horror Movie Streaming Service Subscription: Give them access to a library of classic and contemporary horror films with a streaming service subscription.
  • Tarot Cards: For those interested in the occult, a set of witchcraft tools or tarot cards can be a fascinating gift.
  • Creepy Planters: Macabre gardening can be enhanced with planters in a variety of eerie shapes, including coffins, tombstones, pumpkins, skulls, and cauldrons. These distinctive planters add a spooky and stylish touch to your garden or home decor during the Halloween season.
  • Potion Bottles: Decorative potion bottles can be used for both display and storage.
  • Escape Room Experience: Treat them to an escape room adventure with a Halloween twist for a fun and challenging experience.
  • Halloween Candles: Scented candles with aromas like pumpkin spice, apple cider, or bonfire add a cozy, seasonal touch.
  • Halloween Music Playlist: Create a customized Halloween music playlist featuring their favorite spooky tunes.
  • Customized Ouija Board: A personalized Ouija board for those with a fascination for the supernatural.
  • Halloween Books: A collection of classic horror literature or chilling anthologies to keep their love for the genre alive.

Embrace English Learning with Promova this Halloween:

At Promova, we're here to make learning English easy and enjoyable, just like celebrating Halloween. Whether you want to join group lessonsfree English-speaking club sessionsone-on-one tutoring, or prefer self-study, we've got you covered. 

Plus, we've created a user-friendly app for iOS and Android, and it's available on our website, so you can learn grammarvocabularypronunciation, and writing at your own pace. 

Want to connect your English learning to Halloween fun? Try our English for Travel course, and confidently explore countries where Halloween is a big deal, such as the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Mexico. Or, dive into English literature courses to read spooky tales by authors like Edgar Allan Poe, H.P. Lovecraft, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker, and Shirley Jackson. 

Join us at Promova, where you can unlock your English language skills while enjoying the spirit of Halloween!

Keep the Halloween Spirit Going

As you can see, the possibilities for celebrating Halloween in style are endless! Dive into these activities - old favorites and new ideas - for a holiday packed with costumes, candy, and playful scares.

Let your imagination guide trick-or-treating, crafts, and decorating. Raise the fright factor with haunted houses, ghost tours, or parties. And bring everyone together for family-friendly fun like movies, baking, and makeup transformations.

However you choose to embrace the Halloween spirit, make it a holiday filled with laughter, memories, and good-natured goosebumps.

FAQ

Is Halloween only for kids?

Absolutely not! Halloween is a holiday for all ages. While it's a favorite for children who enjoy trick-or-treating and costume parties, adults can also have a blast by dressing up, attending Halloween parties, crafting spooky decorations, and embracing their inner child.

When is Halloween?

Halloween falls on October 31st every year. In 2023, Halloween will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 31, 2023.

What are popular Halloween colors?

Traditional Halloween colors include orange, black, and purple. However, don't be afraid to incorporate other colors like red, yellow, and brown to represent the vibrant foliage of fall. Mixing and matching colors can add a unique twist to your Halloween decorations and costumes.

What are popular Halloween foods?

Beyond the heaps of candy, Halloween is a wonderful time to enjoy fall harvest foods like apples and pumpkins. You can whip up delicious treats such as caramel apples or simmer a pot of spiced apple cider. Carving pumpkins into Jack-o'-lanterns is a time-honored Halloween tradition.

What are traditional Halloween characters?

Halloween introduces a captivating array of characters. From spooky vampires, wrapped-up mummies, wicked witches, and playful ghosts to iconic black cats, creepy spiders, formidable monsters, and eerie skeletons, there's a wide spectrum of Halloween personas to encounter. While some of these characters can be a tad intimidating for the little ones, focusing on the more fun and lighthearted aspects of the holiday can make it an enjoyable and memorable experience for everyone.

Comments

Toby ReesNov 2nd, 2023
These Halloween activities sound like so much fun! 🎃