Starting this month, family holidays are in full swing. Like everything else this year, we have to make some changes, especially when it comes to the health and safety of our families. 

Local Halloween traditions are pretty basic. Parade and costume contest on Canal Street, and then trick-or-treating with family and friends. This year, that may not be possible. What do we do to still give our kids a fun holiday experience?

How to Give Your Kids a Fun Halloween Experience at Home

I have given this great thought and I think I may have some fun alternatives without losing the spirit of Halloween. 

Easter egg hunts can be inside or out and just with your family. Why not Halloween? As a mother of two and a grandmother of four, I’ve been through lots of holidays with all ages of kids and find they are pretty much up for anything. 

Let’s start with costumes. If you don’t want to drop a bunch of money on a costume, or if you’re like me and can’t sew to save your life, then get creative with what you already have. If your kids are young, put a pile of clothes and old costumes in the middle of the floor, set a timer and turn them loose to create their own Halloween look for 2020. If your kids are older, blindfold them first. 

Time for the trick-or-treating. Like an Easter egg hunt, the treats and the tricks have been hidden through the house or yard. 

Word of advice: Count the treats to know if anything is missing and keep your pets in a safe zone away from anything harmful.

Since many parents are with their kids 24/7 these days, the thought of your little ones on a constant “sugar high” could be unbearable. Who says the treats have to be all candy? There could be granola bars, popcorn balls, etc. You get the picture. Now for the “tricks.”

No one, especially children, need to do mean things to others or be scared. How about if they find “magic” tricks? During their hunt, you can announce that they may find tricks or treats… or a certificate that states a parent must perform a magic trick.

When all tricks and treats have been found, you move on to a Halloween magic show. The tricks should be simple and easy to learn. Disappearing coin, bamboo finger trap and card tricks are always fun. If they get a certificate for you to perform – be prepared! We all know one magic trick and if not, the internet is loaded with them. 

The key to success is the element of surprise. All ages love the suspense of a special event. Even teenagers!

Enjoy a true family Halloween this year. It might even become a new tradition!