I love this time of year, but I miss how into Halloween my three teens used to be. I legit tear up when they bring out the Halloween costumes in Target. We used to get lost down those aisles for hours deciding what they were going to be that year.
However, as our kids get older, we can still celebrate with them. That just might not mean eating their candy after they’ve gone to bed on Halloween, but there are some fun ways we can hang on to the magic just a bit longer with our teens.
Carve or paint pumpkins
My teens weren’t really into this at first, but I got all the supplies out and they went to town. We love roasting the seeds. I get them each their own pumpkin carving kit, and snacks, and tell them they can have friends over.
There have been years their carvings have been a bit obscene, but that’s besides the point. It’s about the experience. And I don’t care how old you are — pumpkins do look really cool lit up at night.
Have a party
This doesn’t have to be huge, and you don’t have to break your back throwing an epic party with seven different scary rooms. Tell your teens they are in charge. They can make their costumes, invite a few friends, and decide on the menu.
However, if you are really into Halloween, there are so many ideas out there to throw the best party ever, and you and your teens will get your scary fix without having to leave the house.
Host the trick-or-treating
I love looking at all the kids’ costumes. It’s fun to stay in, turn the outdoor light on, and present lots of candy to the kiddos. Get your teens involved and have them pass out the candy, or tell them that’s why they are doing the pumpkin carving.
Make it sound like they are doing a good deed for the younger kids and they will have even more fun.
Go out to their favorite restaurant
We love doing this (before we pass out the candy that is). It’s a way for me to get my kids to spend some time with me, and you will most definitely see some kids dressed up in their costumes and enjoy the Halloween decorations in your town.
Go on a haunted walk or hayride
Confession: I hate these because the anticipation is too much, but my kids love them. So each year I take them on a haunted walk with their friends, so long as they promise I get to walk in the middle and they will be on all sides of me.
Watch Halloween movies
A good movie marathon, whether you like scary movies or not, is always good for the soul. It’s the simplest way to get you in the mood for Halloween, even for the kids who say they aren’t a fan.
Let them have a sleepover
If they want to have friends over, make blanket forts, and dine on pizza and their favorite candy, let them have at it. It’s fun to listen to our kids having fun, and just because they’ve reached a certain age, it doesn’t mean they are too old to eat candy with their friends. I’m 46, and it’s still one of my favorite things to do.
Have a bonfire
I love the smell of a good fire going in the backyard. Throw on a flannel and tell scary stories, or just roast hot dogs and marshmallows.
Give them a pumpkin filled with their favorite candy
It’s kind of like Easter morning on Halloween, and it’s delivered in a plastic pumpkin instead of a basket. Throw in a small gift card to their favorite place to get a snack or drink, and you will make them smile. I promise.
Have them help younger siblings or recruit some youngins
If they are “too old” to go trick-or-treating, they might still want to go. Maybe they can take their younger siblings out, or maybe they know of some younger kids in the neighborhood whose parents could use some help. This way, they still get to go be a part of the action, and the parents get a much-needed extra set of hands.
