10 Alternatives to Trick or Treating

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Inside:Alternatives to Trick or Treat: 10 Halloween Activities for Teens

There is a lot of controversy about whether or not teenagers should still be trick or treating.

On one hand, you have those that want to let kids be kids and as long as they dress-up and are truly acting in the spirit of the holiday, then why not. Many argue that it’s also a way to keep teens from getting into trouble, like underage drinking. (But really, then how are we keeping them out of trouble the other 364 nights of the year…)

On the other hand, others truly feel that trick or treating is meant for younger children. They worry that older kids can scare or bully the younger ones. And unfortunately, there is also the perception that teenagers who trick or treat tend to do so for the wrong reasons. They may harass those handing out treats and act rudely or even destroy property.

Whatever stance you take, it really may not matter. By late middle school and high school, there are lots of teens who decide on their own that they’ve outgrown trick or treating.

However, kids can still be kids, even if they aren’t going door to door. There are plenty Halloween activities for teens and tweens that your kids can still do to enjoy and celebrate Halloween.

Trick or Treat Alternatives – 10 Halloween Activities for Teens and Tweens

Costume Party

This seems like an obvious alternative to trick or treating but it is still one of many great halloween activities for teens. Plan a fun filled evening with games, fun Fall themed food definitely whip up a batch of our famous Scarecrow Snack Mix for starters and make an awesome Halloween themed playlist!

Don’t forget to include some oldies like Monster Mash, Thriller and Ghostbusters. And most importantly, load up on the candy with a candy bar! Let the guests create their own goodie bags before heading home for the night.

Movie Themed Party

Pick a flick and tell the guests to come dressed according to theme! All ages love the Star Wars brand, we’re partial to Rogue One, and there are tons of amazing Star Wars costumes out there! Whip up a batch of our delicious Star Wars Snack Mix and check out our round up of Star Wars printables for more ways to add to the theme! Another option: plan to show The Avengers movie and invite everyone to sport their favorite super hero gear. Whether it’s a Captain America shirt or a full out Iron Man suit your guests are in for an adventure as you load them with fun themed snacks!

Game Night

Simple fun, we’ve rounded up the Best Board Games For Teens; Ideas from Teens

and you’re in position to host a fun & memorable night. Take the fun to a whole new level by letting everyone create their own pizzas with this delicious and easy dough mix and a variety of yummy toppings!

Movie Theater

Take your favorite group of teens to see the latest blockbuster at your local theater. Make a stop for Froyo afterwards and the evening is a hit!

Bowling

Load the minivan with teens and get ready for a night of spares and strikes! A basket of mozzarella sticks and chicken wings will buy you a spot in anyone’s heart!

Volunteer

Offer to lend a hand at a shelter, soup kitchen, local Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, Boys & Girls Club or Children’s Hospital. Put your thinking cap on and contact your favorite non profit to see if they have a way for you and your teens to help.

We’ve got tons of great ideas about Raising Kids Who Serve Others.

Pumpkin Carving

Halloween Day is a fab time to pick up highly discounted pumpkins from your local retailer and set your favorite teens imaginations free! Throw in some stencils and specialized carving tools and you’ve got a fun evening of friendly competition underway.

Pass Out Candy

This happens to be a favorite of my teen daughter and many of her friends. They enjoy dressing up and manning the driveway, passing out candy and chatting up the neighborhood. They’ve also taken over candy duty at some neighborhood houses so parents could walk their kiddos on the candy collection quest.

Bonfire

I must admit, my Florida heart is slightly jealous over this possibility. Spoiler Alert: Florida is an amazing place to live but it’s usually still in the high 80s with lots of humidity when October 31 rolls around, trick or treating is a bit of a sweat fest….so a bonfire is pretty much out of the question. However, apple cider, s’mores, cozy flannel shirts and jeans seem like the perfect way to spend a Fall night!

Photo Scavenger Hunt

This is serious fun! We even have a special Halloween edition hunt all ready for you as a free printable and the grand prize? A monster bag of candy, of course!

Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt for Teens and Tweens

Whatever your family chooses for the teens in your life this Halloween
we hope you have lots of frightful F-U-N!

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