Halloween is a fun and exciting time for kids and adults alike. But for teens, it can be a particularly easy time to get carried away with the mischievous spirit of the holiday. With their rapidly increasing independence and desire to fit in with their peers, teens may be more likely to take risks or engage in risky behavior on Halloween night. For parents, the challenge of planning Halloween activities for teens lies in finding safe ways to explore their autonomy while savoring all Halloween has to offer. Parents aren’t just charged with ensuring teens’ safety but also making lower-risk activities seem cool and exciting to young thrill-seekers.
Hosting Safely Spooky Halloween Activities for Teens
If you’re planning to entertain a group of teens on your turf, there are plenty of activities you can plan that embrace the creepy fun of the season.
- Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza: Carving pumpkins is a time-honored Halloween tradition, and it’s one teens can particularly enjoy. Provide a variety of carving tools, stencils, templates, and other art supplies to really spark their creativity. Encourage them to transform ordinary pumpkins into spooky –or silly– masterpieces.
- Halloween Baking Bonanza: If you have a budding chef in the family, a Halloween baking party can be delightfully and frightfully entertaining. Look for themed recipes that really embrace the season but be prepared to lean into teens’ penchant for gross-out humor!
- Spooky Movie Marathon: Whether you set up a cozy and creepy home theater indoors or go big with an outdoor projector, it’s hard to go wrong with a Halloween movie marathon. Streaming services are awash with creepy classics, making it easy to find age-appropriate films for the evening.
- Epic Costume Contest: Costumes are the best part of the holiday for many Halloween enthusiasts, regardless of age. Hosting a party centered around a costume contest is a great way to encourage teens to flex their creativity and imagination. Offer prizes for a variety of categories, like “Most Original,” “Funniest,” and “Spookiest.” Don’t forget to capture the memorable moments with plenty of photos!
Out and About on Halloween
Hosting a party isn’t always feasible, and some teens would much rather go out than spend the evening at home. If you’re looking for ways to keep teenagers entertained and safe while out on the town, researching community activities is always a good call.
- Haunted House Adventure: Many communities host haunted houses that are open to the public in the weeks leading up to Halloween. These attractions offer safe but thrilling scares and can be an exciting way for older adolescents to celebrate the holiday.
- Local Festivals: Halloween and harvest festivals are common in even the smallest communities and can be counted on to provide a lively atmosphere for teenagers. Gathering at a local festival allows friends to socialize and enjoy the attractions.
- Trick-or-Treating: Who says teens are too old for trick-or-treating? For many, the tradition of collecting candy and wandering the neighborhood after dark is still the highlight of Halloween. If you’re sending your teens and their friends out for trick-or-treating, be sure they’re all aware of their curfew and will stay in groups with friends. Remind them to be respectful of others’ property and to bring a bag to collect their haul of sweet treats!
Safety Tips for Teens on Halloween
Scares, thrills, and mild mischief are the best part of Halloween, but all of them can be experienced safely. Before your teens set out on their spooky adventure, be sure to communicate curfew expectations clearly. Encourage everyone in the group to keep their phones charged and remind your teens to check in throughout the night. Stress the importance of staying in groups and avoiding walking alone after dark. It’s also vital to remind teenagers to respect other people and the law.
It’s never too early to get in the Halloween spirit, join us at the YMCA of Central Texas at our Twin Lakes Family Location on October 14th at 4:00 pm for Halloween at the Y! There will be trick-or-treating, games, bounce houses, boo’s & beats dance party, carnival rides, giveaways, and more for a whole day of family-filled fun, plus its’s FREE and open to the public!
With engaging activities on deck and an eye toward safety measures, you can ensure your teenager has a Halloween filled with fun and excitement while staying safe and responsible.
