Halloween Parties

Parties & Having Fun

Halloween is a holiday that screams for a big party and some real scary fun. The shorter days in October allow for more nighttime party hours and the cool weather is comfortable for dressing up in costumes.

If you're ready to plan the perfect Halloween party, we've got lots of ideas for  themes, activities, and games for both kids and adults. Just how scary it's going to be? That's for you to decide.

10 Things about Halloween

There's plenty of things to love about Halloween and the autumn season. This list wraps up our top 10 favorites and why they make us so happy.

Fun Activities for Adults

Grown-ups love Halloween too and here's some sure ways for them to regress and have some good, old-fashioned Halloween fun.

Get Organized for Halloween

Have a fun Halloween season with these 10 spooktacular tips for parties and entertainment.

Ghosting

Learn all you need to know about ghosting, instructions, and a cute little poem to spread the Halloween spirit.

Halloween Party Activities and Games

It's a mixed  bag on this page. Here, you'll find entertainment ideas for guests of every age for indoor and outdoor parties.

Halloween Party Planning

Not sure where to start? Don't miss this easy guide that's filled with tips for a safe and successful Halloween party.

Halloween Trivia and Fun Facts

You don't have to know it but it's fascinating, nonetheless. This page is packed with information about Halloween and lots of creepy tidbits you never knew.

Jack 'O Lanterns

Carving Jack 'O Lanterns not only adds to the decor, it's a great party activity that will keep guests busy and give them something to take home after the festivities.

Outdoor Entertaining this Autumn

Create an ideal autumn atmosphere with these tips for lighting, heating, color, and texture.

Party Themes

Besides a general "spooky" theme, you can narrow it down to a specific era or topic. We've got plenty of ideas for children, adults, and couples parties.

Scavenger Hunt

How about a little competitive fun? Get your game going with these simple rules for an outdoor scavenger hunt.

Scavenger Hunt List

A list is essential for a scavenger hunt. This list consists of Halloween and autumn related items that you can customize to fit your theme or party.

Get Organized for Halloween - Tips

Ghosts, witches, goblins and black cats... yes, it's Halloween once again. Here are 10 tips to ensure this holiday is a fun one for your and your family.

1) Make a List

Make a checklist of everything you'd like to do for Halloween--such as making/getting costumes, having a party, attending a festival, carving a pumpkin, getting some scary books or videos at the library and taking the kids trick-or-treating, safety precautions, and baking pumpkin pie.

2) Decorate for the Season

It's time to pull out your tried-and-true Halloween decorations from year's past. If they're not in one organized place this year, be sure you put them all in one organized place for next year when you're done with them.

3) Find the Festivities

Using the Web and your local newspapers, find out what Halloween festivities are happening in your area. Schedule some outings for your family and enjoy the season. Apple picking, pumpkin picking and hay rides are popular this time of the year.

4) Search Your TV Listings

Search through your TV listing and make a schedule of all Halloween programs and cartoons you wish to watch. If the family can't be together when a particular program is airing, video tape it and watch it together later on.

5) Buy Ahead of Time

Pick up Halloween treats at the supermarket now so you're ready for trick-or-treaters.

6) Organize Treats into Treat Bags

Spend time before Hallowing, placing an assortment of treats into each treat bag (or plastic baggie.) Every trick-or-treater will then get an equal amount of treats.

7) Organize a Halloween Party

If you plan to have a Halloween party at your house, plan for the party ahead of time. Make a list of everything you plan to do, and everyone you wish to invite. Be sure to get the invitations out early. Begin preparing meals and baking before October 31st.

8) Get Ready for Parties You're Attending

If you already have plans to go to a Halloween party elsewhere, determine what you'll need to bring to the party. Will you need to bring food? Find out what dish you'll be bringing, and determine if it can be prepared ahead of time. Need a costume? Begin making one now, or be sure to hit the costume shops early, while you still have time.

9) Send Out Halloween Greetings

Halloween is a great time of year to keep in touch with family and friends. Send Halloween greetings in the mail, or save money and send e-mail greetings.

10) Enjoy the Season

Go outdoors and enjoy the fall foliage. Take a walk in the brisk air. Enjoy your neighbors' Halloween decorations around town. Take some photos for your memory book. After all, this holiday doesn't linger after October 31st--you'll be heading right into the holiday season!

10 Things about Halloween

Yes! It's that time of the year again. For Halloween enthusiasts, it's time to begin decorating and planning parties. For others, it's really no big deal. Of course, there's plenty that separates Halloween from other holidays that can't be denied -- things that make this season fascinating and a whole lotta fun. Here's a list of our top ten, favorite things about Halloween.


1) Beautiful Scenery

The visuals of the season is what makes autumn and Halloween so popular. The phenomenon that makes the leaves turn to brilliant colors of red, yellow, and orange change the landscape as nature prepares for winter.

2) Cooler Temperatures

After a long, hot summer, autumn's cooler temperatures bring a welcome relief. Not everyone is enthusiastic about winter but it's nice to turn off the air conditioner and open the windows while you still can. Soon, you will hear the leaves blowing in the wind. For those in cooler climates, this signals that Halloween is just around the corner.

3) Decorations

Natural decorations such as pumpkins, gourds, and Indian corn have beautiful colors and help us appreciate earth and celebrate autumn. But, it's the Halloween decor and unique yard displays that add a mysterious atmosphere to the changing seasons. Spiders, spooks, and ghouls, oh my!

4) Spooky Movies

Halloween brings out the best in television if you want to be scared. Whether it's special programming or a movie marathon, there's plenty to watch in October that's suitable for children and adults. Of course, you can rent DVD's or buy boxed sets that have all of the good horror classics. Whatever your preference, October is the month where things really do go "bump in the night."

5) Haunted Houses

Haunted houses aren't for the squeamish but there's a fascination with them that's undeniable. Perhaps that's why local groups manage to get the extra funding every year to set one up. Great alternatives include haunted mazes, haunted barns, and haunted garages. Feeling jumpy yet?

6) Halloween Candy

Halloween is a favorite day for those with a sweet tooth. A guilt-free day, sort of like a "free pass" to load up on sugar. Stores have a large variety to choose from that's not available all year long. It's easy to mix and match your favorites, especially when they're on sale. Cross your fingers for leftovers after the last trick-or-treater has rang the bell.

7) Parties

Get ready for a final fall fling! It's parties galore! School parties, club parties, home parties, nightclub parties. There's always something for kids and grown-ups to do. Hosting a Halloween party is part of the fun but get your invitations out early because there's lots of competition. If you miss the opportunity, an Indian Summer Party is your next best bet.

8) Anonymity

What other holiday are disguises not only accepted but expected? Devious personalities embrace this custom and choose to hide their identity behind their costumes. This adds mystery and keeps everyone guessing. How long has it been since you assumed another persona?

9) Shopping

No, not Christmas shopping. We mean shopping for Halloween costumes, props, and decorations. Need costumes? Just hit the costume section and you'll find pre-made costumes and accessories. Then, look for decorations. Store displays are frightfully fun to look at and give you creative ideas for your own Halloween haunts. This will surely get you into the Halloween spirit.

10) Trick or Treating

It wouldn't be Halloween with out trick-or-treating. It's a favorite tradition amongst children that allows them to show off their costumes and collect candy. Nowadays, many parents are opting to take their kids to school parties or controlled trick-or-treating environments such as malls or church parking lots. Although the tradition is evolving due to safety concerns, there's still a chance that a little ghosts, goblins, or ghouls will show up on your doorstep if you leave the porch light on. Make sure you have candy and a smile ready to greet them.