5 ideas for Halloween family fun

Halloween’s not all about the candy. Well, yes, the candy-lovers in your life might disagree. But it’s also about spending time with family. Get the most out of the holiday with these ideas from Nat Geo Family.

ByLisa Bosley

Have a "howl-oween"

Your two-legged family members love Halloween—and your four-legged ones might too. If your kids do want to dress up your pet like these guys, make sure your furry ones are comfortable in a costume. Check out other tips to keep pets safe on Halloween.

a dog in a Woody costume
Dressed as Sheriff Woody from the Toy Story movies, this dog's prepared to take on any bad guy.
Photograph by Doxieone Photography, Getty Images
a cat in a Puss in Boots costume
This real-life Puss in Boots is ready to pounce on a new adventure.
Photograph by Masatoshi Okauchi, Rex, REX USA

Dance like ghosts are watching

You don’t need a blowout bash to celebrate Halloween. Gather the family to dance to some not-so-terrifying music videos and play ghoulish games. Kids can even build their own personal jack-o’-lantern pizza.

Halloween Videos

Spooky SpiderGet set to shiver with this video featuring music from Parry Gripp!

Halloween Videos

  • Now Playing

    Spooky Spider

  • 01:00

    Bats Eating Snacks

  • 00:57

    Birds, Bats, and Butterflies

Suit up!

Avoid store-bought costumes wrapped in plastic by encouraging kids to raid the closet and break out the craft supplies. Check out this make-it-yourself bat costume plus other DIY Halloween outfits. You can even coordinate your costumes as a family. #SquadGhouls

Photograph by Rebecca Hale, NG Staff

Create gourd goodness

Older kids might be ready to carve their own pumpkins, but younger children can decorate too with paint and other craft supplies. Provide them inspiration with these creative pumpkin characters. For a plastic-package-free snack, roast up the seeds after your carving is complete.

a pumpkin decorated as an owl

Using sunflower seeds and a tree branch, a pumpkin is transformed into an owl.

Photograph by Marla Brose, ZUMA Press, Newscom

Go plastic-free for Halloween

It’s easy for your family to cut back on single-use plastics for Halloween. Hand out candy wrapped in paper or foil. Collect treats in a reusable cloth bag or pillowcase. Or check out Kids vs. Plastic for more plastic-free Halloween tips.