25 Halloween Activities for Families & Teens

Halloween doesn’t have to be just about costumes and sweets. It can be a whole season of little rituals, cosy traditions, and fun family moments — especially when your kids are teens and you’re looking for ways to keep the magic alive (without it feeling too babyish).

October offers so many opportunities for connection — from pumpkin carving and baking together to spooky stories and cosy nights in. Whether you’re planning something for the whole family or giving your teens more independence to create their own fun, here are 25 Halloween activities that are easy, affordable, and guaranteed to make memories.

pumpkin on brown wooden table — Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels.com

1. Carve (or paint) pumpkins

A timeless classic. Teens love putting their own spin on pumpkins — from creepy carved faces to quirky painted designs that show off their personality.

2. Make Halloween treats

Spend an afternoon baking spiderweb brownies, monster cupcakes, or caramel apples. It’s messy, delicious, and doubles as a cosy family activity.

3. Host a spooky movie marathon

Pile on the blankets, grab popcorn, and queue up Halloween classics — everything from Hocus Pocus to The Nightmare Before Christmas (and scarier options if they’re up for it).

4. Create DIY costumes

Give teens a small budget and challenge them to thrift or craft their own outfits. The creativity (and laughs) are priceless.

5. Visit a pumpkin patch

Perfect for photos, but also for choosing the best carving pumpkins. Add hot chocolates to make it extra special.

6. Go on a night-time walk

Take torches and listen for owls, notice the chill in the air, and enjoy the eerie atmosphere of October evenings.

7. Set up a backyard firepit

Gather under the stars, toast marshmallows, and share ghost stories for a simple but magical night.

8. Bake pumpkin bread

The smell of spiced pumpkin bread in the oven is pure autumn. Bonus: it makes the perfect Halloween snack.

9. Decorate the house together

Let the teens take the lead — fairy lights, paper bats, DIY spiderwebs. Their creativity will shine.

10. Do a spooky scavenger hunt

Hide Halloween-themed clues around the house or garden for a fun twist on trick-or-treating.

11. Try face painting

Dramatic skeletons, vampires, or witchy looks — this can be as fun for older kids as it is for little ones.

12. Read a ghost story aloud

Turn off the lights, light a candle, and read a spooky story together. The atmosphere is half the fun.

13. Make homemade toffee apples

Messy, sticky, fun — and they taste incredible. Add sprinkles for extra flair.

14. Host a Halloween dinner

Cook up “mummy sausages,” black pasta, or anything ghoulishly themed. It’s silly and memorable.

15. Play glow-in-the-dark games

Grab glow sticks or torches for spooky hide-and-seek or flashlight tag in the garden.

16. Craft DIY lanterns

Decorate jars with tissue paper and add LED candles. These make gorgeous Halloween decorations.

17. Make a Halloween playlist

From Thriller to Monster Mash, put together the ultimate soundtrack for the season.

18. Try pumpkin bowling

Use mini pumpkins as bowling balls and water bottles as pins. Silly fun for all ages!

19. Dress up the pets

Even a simple Halloween bandana makes for adorable photos. (Pets may or may not agree.)

20. DIY spooky photo shoot

Set up props and let the teens get creative — costumes, makeup, and creepy poses encouraged.

21. Experiment with Halloween makeup

Practice skulls, zombies, or vampire looks. It’s a fun way to get creative without needing a full costume.

22. Visit a haunted attraction

Check out local ghost tours or haunted houses (if age-appropriate). Perfect for teens who love a thrill.

23. Make spooky hot chocolate

Top with whipped cream, sprinkles, or orange marshmallows for the perfect Halloween night drink.

24. Do Halloween crafts

Paper bats, pom-pom spiders, or garlands — simple DIYs make decorating more fun (and less expensive).

25. End with gratitude

On Halloween night, gather together and share your favourite October memories. A gentle way to close the season with connection.

a person holding a bowl of halloween cookies — Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.com

👻 Final Thoughts

These Halloween activities don’t have to cost much or take huge effort. They’re about slowing down, making the most of October, and creating traditions your teens will actually enjoy. Whether it’s a night of spooky films, a homemade treat, or a firepit under the stars, these small moments add up to a Halloween season full of fun, laughter, and memories.

Chat soon,

Ciara x

25 Halloween Activities for Families & Teens