Halloween Fun! 12 Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating

Feeling apprehensive about trick-or-treating this year? Have no fear—we’ve hunted down creative ways to delight your little (and big) pumpkins. These fun ideas will help you plan an epic (and safe) Halloween for the whole family!

Not-So-Spooky Parade

Why it works: A neighborhood Halloween parade is outdoors, builds community and offers natural distancing.

How to pull it off: Emily Dolton of Clairemont suggests inviting a small group to decorate themed bikes, wagons and scooters. Encourage costumes that match the theme. Invite neighbors without kids to wave, cheer and vote for favorites from their driveways.

Pumpkin Carving

Why it works: Pumpkin carving is best when done outdoors with a small group.

You’ll need: A few tables spaced apart, large trash bags, pumpkin carving templates, Sharpie markers, and no-cut options such as stickers and paint for little ones. Have each family bring their own pumpkins and carving tools.

Mask Decorating

Why it works: A mask is sure to be the costume accessory of 2020.

You’ll need: Reusable plain cotton face masks (available in bulk). Sequins, pom-poms, fabric markers and other decorations. Books or pictures (of animals, mythical creatures and favorite characters) for inspiration.

Zombie Walk

Why it works: It’s the equivalent of a parade (see above), but for tweens and teens. How to pull it off: Invite your group to dress as zombies, vampires, mummies or in other creepy attire. This parade could take place at sundown, but make sure there are street lights so everyone can see the characters.

You’ll need: Teen-appropriate treat bags or gift cards to a favorite local spot.

For each of the above, add a simple photo booth with props and post pictures online. Award prizes for various categories: cutest, scariest, funniest, most creative. Support neighborhood businesses by awarding prizes like a pizza delivery to the winning child or family.

Backyard Movie

Why it works: An outdoor Halloween movie for a few friends or neighbors provides a festive atmosphere and social distancing.

You’ll need: Projector, blank wall or screen, chairs, blankets, pre-made bags of popcorn and wrapped candy.

Themed Scavenger Hunt

“A scavenger hunt with a small group of families works well as a creative Halloween alternative,” says Darla Pieters, who hosted a “Night at the Museum” birthday scavenger hunt for her daughter. Party hosts dressed in historic costumes from the movie. The event began with a Kona Ice truck bringing shaved ice to party guests. To keep kids occupied and distanced while in line, kids created chalk art on the sidewalk with a local artist, then took off in shifts to search for clues.

To pull it off: Coordinate with several neighbors whose driveways or backyards will be on the scavenger hunt map. You’ll need: A theme, clue sheets, baskets of themed treats, and adults or teens to escort kids or provide supervision between homes.

Door Decorating Contest

Local mom Darla Pieters is inviting neighbors to decorate their front doors (or garage doors) this Halloween— perfect for creative families who enjoy decorating for holidays. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. You’ll need: Rolls of butcher paper, wrapping paper or large pieces of construction paper. Get ideas and directions at www.sandiegofamily.com/ for-the-kids/crafts-for-kids/besthalloween-door-decoration-ideasfamily (there’s even a door for Día de los Muertos!).

Drive-By Candy Distribution

It’s been done for birthdays and graduations, so why not decorate the car with a Halloween theme and drive to several houses to gather treats. Go all out with lights, glow sticks and streamers.

How to pull it off: Establish participants and kick-off time. Email a map of participating addresses. Make sure one family member stays home to distribute treats from the sidewalk to each passing car.

Drive-in Movies

Share a bit of childhood nostalgia with the kids and support local venues like the Santee and South Bay Drive-Ins (check that movies are kid-friendly). Or, support the arts at the drive-in hosted by California Center for the Arts, Escondido which now has a lower ticket price and new location at Cal State San Marcos. Buy presale tickets online at www.artcenter.org. Don’t forget popcorn, candy, blankets and cocoa.

Virtual Bake-Off

“One of the most fun things my family has done during quarantine is create our own version of Netflix’s ‘Nailed It’,” says Lisa of Kearny Mesa. “We hold a bake-off and then attempt to decorate a super fancy cake in a short amount of time. The results are hilarious and it keeps us connected.”

How to pull it off: Invite family and friends online with a Zoom link and list of supplies: cake ingredients, a variety of frostings and colorful sprinkles. Browse Pinterest to find a challenging Halloween-themed cake as inspiration. At your virtual gathering, share the cake image. Each team tries to recreate the same cake in a short time period. The idea is not perfection, but laughs and creativity.

Ultimate Night In

Carve a stellar jack-o-lantern with your family and put on a favorite movie. Construct a pillow fort with twinkle lights. Make Halloween themed snacks or support a local restaurant or bakery by ordering takeout or splurging on amazingly decorated treats.

Share Some Love

This year is extremely difficult for many. Consider giving back by inviting families to donate to a cause that is important to you. Decorate a box for donation drop-offs.

Health & Safety Tips

Distribute toys rather than candy to prevent eating before hand-washing. Have a daytime celebration since Halloween falls on a Saturday this year. Agree on safe handling of items ahead of time. Keep your celebratory group small with families of similar risk level. Wear masks and practice social distancing. Keep the celebration outdoors. Know up-to-date San Diego County health guidelines.

Cherie Gough is a local writer whose family loves creating unique Halloween costumes and decorations.

Discover more Halloween crafts, recipes, games and fun at www.sandiegofamily.com/thingsto-do/seasonal-happenings/ halloween-round-up