12 Trick or Treat Alternatives for Celebrating Halloween

As much as it breaks my heart, there will come a day when my girls don’t want to trick or treat. There may also be years when trick or treat just won’t work, like when bad weather blows in. Fortunately, just because you can’t trick or treat it doesn’t mean the fun has to end!

Check out these 12 trick or treat alternatives for celebrating Halloween.

1. Host a Halloween Party

No matter your kid’s age, a Halloween party is always a fun idea. Invite your friends or neighbors to come dressed in costumes. Put out bowls of candy and punch. Turn on some Halloween hits and let everyone enjoy the spooky evening indoors.

2. Have a Scary Movie Marathon

With all the streaming services available, it is super easy to plan the ultimate scary movie marathon according to your kid’s age. Head to Disney Plus for more family-friendly scares and HBO Max for more adult features.

3. Boo Your Neighbors

A new fad is to boo your neighbors. This means packing a bag or basket of Halloween goodies and leaving it on your neighbor’s doorstep. One idea is to “boo” the neighbors with the best decorated homes.

4. Get Spooked at a Haunted House

If trick or treating isn’t your kid’s thing and they want bigger frights, take them to a haunted house. Many of the haunted houses offer “do not scare” medallions that you can wear to alert the actors that you (or your kids) don’t want to be scared. This works well for families of kids of different ages.

5. Visit an Amusement Park

Many amusement parks offer special Halloween-themed events, such as Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, which are good for kids of all ages. You can enjoy the rides, as well as characters in themed holiday costumes and themed treats.

6. Carve Pumpkins

Spend Halloween decorating or carving pumpkins. Then, post pics to social media and ask your followers to vote for a winner.

7. Tell Scary Stories by the Campfire

If the weather cooperates, head outside to tell scary stories by the campfire and make s’mores. If you struggle with telling stories, ask your Amazon Alexa to tell you a few. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, cuddle up by the fireplace.

8. Find Your Way Out of a Corn Maze

See if you can find a corn maze nearby for your family to get lost in. Even better if you can find one that is open in the evenings. Some of these double as haunted corn mazes.

9. Take a Ghost Tour

Bigger kids may enjoy going on a ghost tour. There are many ghost tours in New York City, including Haunted Broadway and Candlelight Walking Tours.

10. Play Some Horror-Themed Games

Keep the spooky feeling going by playing a horror-themed board game. You can take Clue to the next level with games like Escape the Room in a Box: The Werewolf Experiment and Betrayal at House on the Hill.

11. Volunteer at a Halloween Event

With all the different Halloween events happening, there is a great need for volunteers. For example, if your kids are too old for Boo at the Zoo, sign up to volunteer at the event to make it enjoyable for the next generation.

12. Pass Out Candy to the Littles

When the day comes that your kids don’t want to go trick or treating, see if they will join you in passing out candy to the trick or treaters that show up at your door.

What trick or treat alternatives did I miss? Let me know in the comments!

10 Ways to Get the Leftover Halloween Candy Out of Your House

Halloween 2020 was a bit different, but one thing stayed the same. The kids scored a whole lot of candy. I don’t want to rain on anyone’s parade, but your kids probably shouldn’t binge eat their entire Halloween loot in a week. If you are as ready as I am to get the leftover Halloween candy out of your house, here are 10 ways to say goodbye to it.

1. Take It to Work

A quick and easy way to get rid of leftover Halloween candy is to take it to work. Better yet, split it between you and your spouse. Your co-workers will love you and your kids won’t remain on a sugar high.

2. Give It to Teachers

Our teachers are doing all sorts of amazing things this year – in the classroom and virtually. No matter how your child is learning, you can be sure her teacher is going above and beyond. Say thank you with a gift bag full of sweets.

3. Donate It

You can donate your leftover Halloween candy to Soldiers' Angels and Operation Gratitude. Both organizations give these sweet treats to military veterans and active members. You can also check your local dentist’s office to see if they are participating in a Candy Buyback program that allows kids to exchange candy for a reward. The candy is then donated to U.S. troops.

4. Pay Your Kids in Candy

Hold your kid’s candy hostage and give it back to them as rewards for good behavior or completing work around the house.                                                                                                           

5. Bake with It

There are countless recipes online for ways to use Halloween candy to make baked goods, such as the Brown Eyed Baker’s Leftover Halloween Candy Bark. You should also check out this list of 24 Insane Things To Do With Leftover Halloween Candy from Delish.

6. Do Candy Experiments

Have some educational fun with the leftover Halloween candy. Do some kid-friendly science experiments, such as putting gummy worms in water to watch them expand. A simple google search for candy experiments will bring up a ton of other options.

7. Put It in an Advent Calendar

If your family does an advent calendar for the days leading up to Christmas, use leftover Halloween candy to fill it.

8. Use It for Decorating

Speaking of Christmas, save your Halloween candy to make the sweetest gingerbread house ever. All those little candies will make for excellent gingerbread house décor.

9. Save It for Stockings

One of my favorite things to do with my kids’ leftover Halloween candy is to save it to stuff in their Christmas stockings. A Christmas stocking isn’t complete without candy, but why spend more money when you’ve already got a stash? Just make sure you don’t save any candy with Halloween-themed wrapping paper.

10. Hide It for Yourself

Last but not least, treat yourself! Pick out your favorite candy from your kid’s Halloween stash and put it aside for you. Be sure to hide it away so mama can get her sugar fix whenever she wants.

What do you do with your kid’s leftover Halloween candy? Let me know in the comments!

13 Safe Halloween Ideas for 2020

We’ve hit another coronavirus holiday – Halloween. For parents, Halloween is a tricky one because it tends to be one of the holidays kids look forward to the most. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, we have to play it safe. Fortunately, playing it safe doesn’t mean missing out on the Halloween fun. I’ve put together this list of 13 safe Halloween ideas for 2020.

1. Stay Home and Be Festive

If your city or neighborhood has asked you not to trick or treat, you can still enjoy Halloween at home. Make it a night to remember. Bake Halloween-themed treats and have a Halloween movie marathon. Streaming channels, like Netflix and Disney Plus, both have Halloween collections.

2. Set Up a Trick or Treat Table

If you do want to have some traditional trick or treat fun, consider setting up a trick or treat table on your driveway. On the table, spread treats apart so children can grab them without touching other treats, digging in a candy bowl, or sharing germs with you. Just make sure you stand on the other side of the table 6 feet away.

3. Go on a Costume Parade

For many kids, the best part of Halloween is dressing up. If you are worried about trick or treating, take your kids on a costume parade through your neighborhood in the afternoon where they can wave at neighbors from a safe distance without getting treats.

4. Do Reverse Trick or Treating

Instead of going house to house to get treats, go reverse trick or treating. For example, “boo your neighborhoods” by taking them treats instead. Fill up goody bags and drop them off on doorsteps the morning of Halloween for a fun surprise.

5. Hunt for Candy

If you don’t want your kids to get candy from strangers, buy a big bag of candy for your family and set up a backyard scavenger hunt or play candy hide and seek.

6. Host a Small Outdoor Halloween Party

If you feel comfortable or have a pod you interact with, host a small outdoor Halloween party. Just skip bobbing for apples this year.

7. Participate in a Virtual Halloween Gathering

If someone in your family is high-risk or has been exposed, stay home and participate in a virtual Halloween gathering. Ask friends and family to join you for a Zoom Thriller Dance Party.

8. Carve a Pumpkin

A totally safe COVID-19 Halloween thing to do is carve or decorate a pumpkin. No matter your kid’s ages, they will enjoy this fun activity.

9. Enjoy Drive-Thru Events

Many local venues are hosting drive-thru trick or treat events, where families drive through to see people dressed up and receive candy.

10. Ride Along in a Halloween Car Parade

Remember at the start of quarantine how we celebrated birthdays with car parades? Ask your family and friends to do a Halloween car parade for your kids. Have your kids stand in the yard in their costumes while family and friends throw candy from their cars.

11. Hide Some Eggs

Use leftover plastic Easter eggs for a glow in the dark candy hunt. All you need are plastic eggs, finger lights, and candy.

12. Visit a Drive-Thru Haunted House

If you are feeling brave, visit a drive-thru haunted house or car wash. I think this would terrify my girls though!

13. Celebrate with Chuck E Cheese

Pick up a Chuck E Cheese Boo-tacular Family Party Package to celebrate all over again at home. The package includes:

Two large one-topping pizzas, a Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, two treat bags each including $5 in games to use on your next visit, as well as a free KIDZ BOP® Halloween activity sheet and glow in the dark temporary tattoos to enjoy at home for just $39.99.

Have Some Safe Halloween Fun at Chuck E. Cheese

Halloween 2020 is looking like it is going to be a little bit different than Halloweens of the past. But if you are anything like me, you are doing everything you can to make the 2020 holiday seem as normal as you can. While many events have been canceled and trick or treating is up in the air, there is one event that has saved Halloween for my family – the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular.

I am happy to tell Halloween-loving families that you can safely celebrate all things spooky and fun at Chuck E. Cheese this year! They have made it possible for families to dress up in costume, play, dance, trick or treat, and eat without being afraid. The scariest thing about it is that the fun ends after October.

Read on to see why this is a must-do for families this October!

All the Chuck E. Cheese Fun You Love, Plus Spooky Entertainment

The reason Chuck E. Cheese is still just as popular as when you were a kid is because it is still just as fun! Chuck E. Cheese has everything kids love – arcade games, pizza, characters, and music. And, they have amped up the fun for Halloween! For example, there is un-spooky Halloween décor, photo spots, and free treat bags filled with candy, stickers, and other fun surprises for every kid in a costume.

My family had a blast! I already know it will be the most memorable thing we do this Halloween and an event we will never forget. Here’s why.

At the Boo-Tacular, all of your kid’s favorite characters join in a new show: Mr. Munch's Monster Mash-Up featuring Chuck E.'s Boo-tastic Dance. In addition to being Halloween-themed, they have also included special social distancing content for this year. Your kids will be able to safely dance along while spaced six feet apart (or more).

The fun doesn’t stop there! For Boo-Tacular, evening weekend guests get to enjoy DJ Munch’s Glow Party. Starting at 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays in October, the lights are dimmed, and the glow party begins! The $14.99 entrance fee includes special glow gear in their treat bag – glow bracelets and glow tattoos. Guests attending the Glow Party also get to visit three touchless trick or treat stations.

Pumpkin Pizzas and More on a Special Halloween Menu

Kids love pizza, but you know what they love even more? Pumpkin-shaped pepperoni pizza with a Jack-O-Lantern smile! While we thought the pumpkin pizza was super fun, my family really loved the Halloween-themed desserts on the menu, like the Dippin' Dots® Eye Scream, Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, and the candy corn cotton candy. The special menu made it feel like a festive party.

Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular: Safe Not Scary

2020 has been scary, but I am happy to say the Chuck E. Cheese Halloween Boo-Tacular is safe and not at all scary. During our visit, I was so impressed with how they are managing the safety of their guests. We really felt they went above and beyond. Here is a list of the ways they are keeping guests safe during this strange time:

• Temperature checks taken upon entrance

• All guests asked to wear their masks

• Hand sanitizing stations throughout

• All games are spaced out

• Team members sanitize all play and dining areas as well as restrooms continuously

• In-store contactless payments

Plus, Chuck E. Cheese has also installed upgraded hospital-grade air-filters at each of their open locations and is limiting capacity.

Safety is a top priority when it comes to deciding which Halloween events my family will attend, and Chuck E. Cheese did a fantastic job of making this mom feel safe and worry less.

Staying In? Party at Home with Chuck E. Cheese and KIDZ BOP

We had so much fun that my girls are already asking to go back. I think it is time to let some other families enjoy the in-store fun, but I have big plans to get a Boo-tacular Family Party Package to celebrate all over again at home. The package includes:

• Two large one-topping pizzas, a Boo-tacular Oreo® Brownie, two treat bags each including $5 in games to use on your next visit, as well as a free KIDZ BOP® Halloween activity sheet and glow in the dark temporary tattoos to enjoy at home for just $39.99.

Chuck E. Cheese is going out of their way to make sure families can enjoy the same level of fun while at home, even offering interactive activities, videos, crafts, and more through their website. Plus, they are pairing up with another favorite for my kids – KIDZ BOP! With this combo, you get all the pizza party fun + Halloween + KIDZ BOP entertainment.

Like I said, Chuck E. Cheese saved Halloween!

Fall is Not Canceled. Here’s Some Fall Fun for Families.

Fall officially begins next week, but it feels a little weird. The coronavirus has made distinguishing between seasons a little more difficult. And, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bummed by the traditional fall activities the pandemic has canceled.

But, I’m trying to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. After spending time thinking about it, I realized that Fall is not canceled. Sure, there are some things that will be paused in 2020, but most of the things I love about fall are still happening. For instance, no one and nothing will get in the way of my fall fashion. Bring on all the cute boots and cozy cardigans!

So, fellow fall-loving moms, here’s some fall fun for families during the pandemic.

Decorate for Fall

Take time this weekend to pull out all your fall décor and get busy decorating. Let fall explode all over your mantle and front porch. This year, the more, the merrier!

Apples Galore

A great social distancing activity for families is apple picking. Apple orchards plenty of space for families to spread out and not get close to others. Not only is apple picking a fun traditional fall activity, but you reap the rewards of your hard work. Bring home your bushel of apples and make apple pies and caramel apples.

Go Outside

The reason why fall is a favorite season for so many people is because of the weather. It is not too hot or too cold, which makes it the best time of year to spend time outside. In addition to apple picking, take the family hiking for some social distancing fun. Take a road trip to see the leaves change color. Check to see if any nearby farms are offering social distanced corn mazes.

Drink It Up

Another reason we love fall is for all the seasonal beverages. Go ahead and drink your fill of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Oktoberfest fest, and apple ciders.

Cheer on Your Favorite Team

Yes, it is disappointing that you can’t go to a stadium and tailgate before your favorite team plays. But, you can still watch at home from the comfort of your living room! Wear your jersey, paint your face, and yell like you are there with them. (Don’t forget to make your favorite tailgate foods.)

Pumpkin Fun

Fall isn’t fall without pumpkins. Guess what? Pumpkins are still available even during a pandemic! Head to the pumpkin patch and pick out your favorites. Then, have a pumpkin carving party with your family.

Get Spooked

Halloween festivities are still up in the air, but even if your city cancels trick-or-treating, Halloween can’t be canceled! You just may have to celebrate it differently this year. You can still get dressed up in costumes, give your kids way too much candy, and watch scary movies on TV. Plus, many places are getting creative and offering social distanced activities like drive-thru haunted houses and drive-in movie showings of classic horror films.

10 Pro Mom Tips for Halloween (to make your evening more enjoyable)

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but I know many moms find it stressful. That’s why I am taking time today to share my tips for making Halloween enjoyable for everyone. That means you too, Mom! If done the right way, you will have just as much fun as your kids – and maybe even more fun!

Expect Your Kids to Be Hyper

If your kids are anything like mine, they are already super excited for Halloween and counting done the days until they get to trick or treat. So, when October 31st arrives, expect your kids to be out of control. If you expect them to be wild, then you’ll be pleasantly surprised when they aren’t.

Decide Who Stays Home and Who Goes with the Kids

If you want to get treats, it’s a good idea to give out treats. But, how do you do that when you are expected to take your kids trick or treating? Decide ahead of time who is going with the kids and who is staying home or ask your neighbor to hand out your treats.

Buy Candy You Like

It’s wise to buy candy you like just in case there is any leftover. You’ll find ways to reward yourself and your kids with it in the days after. Or you can use the leftover candy for Halloween Candy Cookie Bars.

Dress Up

Dressing up is fun, but as adults, we can’t get away with it very often. Except on Halloween. So have fun with it and show your kids your playful side.

Keep Dinner Simple

Whatever you do, do not plan a fancy dinner before trick or treating. Keep it simple. Make sandwiches, soup in a crockpot, or order pizza.

Stock Up on Glow Sticks

Make sure your trick or treaters can be easily seen by stocking up on glowsticks. Glowsticks won’t take away from their costumes, and kids love them.

Charge Your Phone

You're going to want your phone to be fully charged before you head out for many reasons. It acts as a flashlight. It acts as a map. It acts as a phone. And, it acts as a camera.

Take Hand Sanitizer with You

It’s a shame that Halloween falls during flu season. But, since you know it does, go ahead and carry hand sanitizer with you and use it liberally.

Do a Wine and Candy Pairing

After you get back home and put your little monsters to bed, it’s time to have some grown-up fun. Use The Ultimate Guide To Pairing Halloween Candy With Wine and enjoy!

My #1 Tip – Save Some of the Candy for Christmas

I saved the best tip for last. Your kids are going to come home with way more candy than they should eat. So as soon as they go to bed, sneak out a handful (or two) of non-Halloween themed candy and put it away for their Christmas stockings.

What tips do you have to make Halloween fun for moms?

Family-Friendly Things to Do in This Season of Spooky Fun

With October’s arrival, the spooky fun can begin! If your family loves Halloween, you will be happy to find there are tons of Halloween events that are not-too-scary for even the youngest kiddos happening all around New York City all month long. Today, I am highlighting the many different ways New York City families can celebrate Halloween during October.

Trick or Treat

The first (and most obvious) way NYC families can celebrate Halloween is to get dressed up in costumes and go trick or treating. If your neighborhood or apartment building isn’t Halloween-friendly, take your kids to a trick or treat event such as Trick or Treat at the Terminal at Grand Central Station.

Halloween Parties

Throughout the month of October, there are several Halloween parties for kids, including the Hip Hop Halloween Celebration (October 12th, Rockaway Queens) and the Halloween Boo Bash (October 31st, Randall’s Island).

Halloween Parades

New Yorkers love parades, so we take any excuse to throw one – including Halloween! There are numerous Halloween-themed parades beginning this weekend and continuing until October 31st. Families can enjoy the 34th Annual Bronx Halloween Parade or the Coney Island Children’s Halloween Parade.

Harvest Festivals

With the cooler temperatures, the autumnal colors, and the pumpkins, the month of October is the ideal time to celebrate fall. And what better way than a traditional fall festival? NYC families will have their pick of harvest festivals in their communities. Typically, these festivals include food, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.

Pet-Friendly Halloween Events

If you have a dog, then you definitely should take advantage of the dog-friendly Halloween events happening around NYC, such as the Halloween Howl & Healthy Hound Fair and the 21st Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest. Even if you do not have a dog, these events are fun to attend because you get to see all these adorable dogs in costumes.

Events All About Pumpkins

If your favorite thing about Halloween is all the jack o’ lanterns, then take your kids to check out the intricately carved and decorated pumpkins at the Spooky Pumpkin Garden at the New York Botanic Gardens taking place all month long. PS. This is the perfect place for Insta-worthy pics! If you are a pumpkin carving pro, then consider entering your carved pumpkin in the 5th Annual Carved Pumpkin Contest in Tribeca.

Boo at the Zoo

An annual family favorite is Boo at the Zoo happening at Bronx Zoo weekends all month long through November 3rd. This fun event includes a little of everything – trick or treating, pumpkin carving, entertainment, storytime, and more.

Host Your Own Kid-Friendly Halloween Party

Last but not least, consider hosting your own kid-friendly Halloween party. I think these are one of the easiest parties to host because the kids are happy just to be dressed up in costumes, so you don’t have to do too much entertaining! Plus, the rules about healthy eating are forgotten for one night only.

For more specific NYC events for families, check out Mommy Poppins Halloween Event and Activities Guide.

Things to Do in New York for Halloween with Your Family and Kids

Now that the Halloween season is upon us, I love to find family-friendly Halloween events in New York. This means I look for events that are not too spooky and are mostly geared at encouraging costumes, fun, and treats without too many tricks.

Part of the fun of having kids is that you get to celebrate Halloween all over again as an adult! My girls love any opportunity to dress up, and I love any excuse to celebrate festively. Honestly, there are so many fun, family-friendly Halloween events in New York that the hardest decision I have to make each year is deciding which ones to put on my family’s calendar.

Well, I have done my research and I am happy to share the Halloween events in New York my family is most looking forward to in 2018.

Boo at the Zoo

Photograph - Julie Larsen Maher

We absolutely love Boo at the Zoo held each weekend through October at the Bronx Zoo. The combination of zoo animals, Halloween decorations, trick-or-treat, and costumes make this event that cannot be missed by families! Add in a spooky hayride, pumpkin carving, and a costume parade and this event will have everyone in my family cheering “Happy Halloween!”

Annual Halloween Festival and Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest

Photograph: Jasmin Chang

Mark your calendars for October 27, 2018, for the super fun and silly Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest at the annual Halloween Festival at Fort Greene Park Conservatory. In addition to giggling at all the adorably costumed pups, your kids will have a blast since the festival also includes live music and other Halloween festivities.

Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Flotilla

Photograph: Filip Wolak

You know what is even better than a family-friendly Halloween event? A FREE family-friendly Halloween event! On October 28, 2018, from 4 PM – 7 PM, families can celebrate Halloween in Central Park (near the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center). In addition to the main event (the charming pumpkin flotilla), families can also listen to spooky stories, do some Halloween crafting, carve pumpkins, and march in a costume parade.

The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze

Photograph: Jennifer Mitchell

Families must plan a trip to Hudson Valley, New York this fall season to experience The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze running select dates from September 28th – November 24th. A quick explanation – this is the Halloween version of going to look at exquisite Christmas light displays. The long explanation – see over 7000 glowing, intricately carved pumpkins as well as seeing flying ghosts, Sleepy Hollow’s Headless Horseman, and stargazing in the pumpkin planetarium. It will be the highlight of the fall season for your family.

The Village Halloween Parade

Photograph: Filip Wolak

An event that both kids and families will enjoy on Halloween night (beginning around 7 PM) is the Annual Village Halloween Parade through Greenwich Village. Costumed families can march in the parade or view it as spectators. Want to look your best? 2018’s theme is I AM a Robot! Expect to see elaborate costumes and have some delightfully spooky fun with the family!

Which family-friendly Halloween events in New York are your favorites? Let me know in the comments!