Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it doesn’t always have to revolve around candy. As a new mom, I’ve become more health-conscious in wanting to limit sugar, a trend more families are starting to adopt as well. However, opting out of Halloween means they can’t experience the fun and community building that comes with it. So this year we’ve decided to #SkipTheCandy and do Halloween with a twist – below are some creative alternatives that can make Halloween just as exciting for everyone—from toddlers to grandma! Here are some fun candy alternatives and family games that can make your Halloween celebration inclusive, fun, and memorable without any sugar spikes.
Candy Alternatives for Trick-or-Treaters
Stickers and Temporary Tattoos:
Kids love showing off their Halloween spirit with spooky stickers or glow-in-the-dark temporary tattoos. They’re inexpensive, fun, and last longer than candy!
Glow Sticks:
Bright, glowing necklaces or bracelets are a big hit with trick-or-treaters, and they’re also great for safety while walking around at night.
Mini Puzzles or Games:
Hand out small Halloween-themed puzzles, yo-yos, or mini board games for a treat that encourages creativity and fun.
Play-Doh or Slime:
Give out mini tubs of Play-Doh or slime for some tactile fun! It’s a great alternative that will keep little hands busy long after Halloween is over.
Flashlights or Whistles:
Both are great resources that are fun, durable, and can help keep kids safe as the sun sets.
Books or Coloring Pages:
Consider giving out small Halloween-themed books or coloring sheets with crayons. These encourage creativity and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Small Water Bottles:
Staying hydrated is important for kids and caregivers walking around for miles. Especially for those who live in warmer places like us – Texas heat is no joke.
In line with doing Halloween with a twist, we’re also having outdoor games so our little one can play while we give out our tricks and other kids can play too. We’re thinking about introducing a bit of humility back to Halloween – instead of it being a grab for all since the objects we’ve ordered are more expensive – we’ll give each kid one object of their choice and they can play a game for a chance to pick two more objects if they win. That way we’re not running out of supplies too quickly and we’re modeling conscientious behavior. I’m sure we’ll get some backlash for this idea but the kids will enjoy it once they participate or see others having a good time.
Family Games for All Ages
- Pumpkin Bowling
Supplies: Mini pumpkins and a set of plastic pins (or make your own with bottles).
This game is simple and fun for all ages. Set up a “bowling alley” using a towel or wide scarf and use mini pumpkins as bowling balls. Toddlers can use lightweight pumpkins while the older family members take on a challenge with heavier ones. - Pumpkin Ring Toss
Supplies: Large circle rings and pumpkins.
Create a fun twist on Carnival Ring Toss by using pumpkins of differing sizes and placing them at varying heights. You can also use Wizard/Witches hats instead of pumpkins. This game is perfect for all ages! - Pin the Hat on the Witch
Supplies: Large poster of a witch and cut-out hats.
This is a Halloween version of the classic “Pin the Tail on the Donkey.” Blindfold each player, spin them around, and let them try to pin the hat on the witch. Toddlers love it, and it always gets a laugh from older family members. - Halloween Corn Hole
Supplies: Two rectangular cardboard boxes with a hole on the top.
Pair off into teams, and toss balls, spiders, bean bags, or pumpkins – the team to get three in first wins. - Tic-Toc-Toe
Supplies: Create a giant grid on a bedsheet using a wide electrical type and secure the edges to the floor. Also, cut out 5 Xs and 5 Os.
An easy fun visual way to play. Pro tip: Paint the Xs and Os in different colors.
Celebrate Halloween without the sugar rush by thinking outside the box and incorporating some of these candy alternatives and games, you can create a Halloween celebration that’s healthier, more creative, and engaging for the entire family.
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