9 Non Trick-or-Treating Ideas for Kids & Teens this Halloween in Vancouver.

Halloween’s origins can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, which was held on November 1 in contemporary calendars. It was believed that on that day, the souls of the dead returned to their homes, so people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits.

Now a days, Halloween traditions have changed dramatically. The festivities still include dressing up, but costumes of Barbie and Ken are more likely to be seen amongst the ghosts and goblins. And rather than lighting bonfires, children will be travelling the streets trick-or-treating.

For some though trick-or-treating is no longer a viable option. Since the challenging Halloweens during COVID, there has been a decline in trick-or-treating. There are a few other reasons why it may not be the best way to celebrate Halloween this year.

1. It’s on a school night this year 🙁 If your children don’t have a, conveniently scheduled, PRO-D on November 1st, staying out late and walking this streets with little ones is not very viable.
2. Some children have “aged out” of going door to door asking for candy. There is definitely less of an appeal once you work and can buy your own candy.
3. Some children are too small – you may not want your young child 5 or under having access to all that candy. The Switch-Witch can be a great way to get some of it.
4. Dietary Restrictions – Not everyone can eat everything and although most treats are now Peanut Free there are many other allergens parents are aware of.

Not just the night of, but the weekend before Halloween is eagerly awaited by people of all ages!

As the air turns crisp and the leaves crunch beneath your feet, the spirit of Halloween beckons. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or night of family fun, a spooky gathering with friends, or a solo adventure into the eerie unknown, there’s a myriad of activities to ensure your Halloween is nothing short of spooktacular.

• Pumpkin Carving Extravaganza: The classic Halloween tradition of pumpkin carving is a must-do activity. Gather friends and family, stock up on pumpkins, and let your creativity flow. From intricate designs to classic jack-o’-lantern faces, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to save the pumpkin seeds for roasting—they make for a tasty treat!

• Haunted House Adventure: Seek out a local haunted house, map out your own haunted house tour with your family, or create your own spooky abode. Turn your home into a haunted mansion with eerie decorations, cobwebs, and dim lighting. Encourage guests to come in costume for an extra dose of frightful fun. For those feeling particularly brave, venture to a professionally organized haunted attraction in your area.
• Costume Contest and Masquerade Ball: Halloween is the time to unleash your creativity with costumes. Host a costume contest at your gathering or attend a local masquerade ball. Whether your style is creepy, funny, or downright magical, there’s no limit to the characters you can embody on Halloween night.
• Halloween Movie Marathon: Create a cozy movie night with a selection of Halloween classics like one of the Ghostbusters movies or The Goonies. From family-friendly animations to spine-chilling horror films, there’s something for every taste. Consider making it a marathon by watching a series of films back-to-back, complete with popcorn and themed snacks.

• Spooky Storytelling Session: Gather around a bonfire or dimly lit room and share spooky stories. Whether they are traditional ghost stories, urban legends, or tales of the supernatural, storytelling adds an element of suspense and excitement to the Halloween atmosphere.
• Outdoor Scavenger Hunt: Embrace the autumn weather with an outdoor scavenger hunt. Create a list of Halloween-themed items or clues and set the participants loose in the neighborhood or a local park. This activity is perfect for both kids and adults, fostering teamwork and a sense of adventure.
• Culinary Adventures with Halloween Treats: Channel your inner chef and whip up some Halloween-themed treats. From creepy cupcakes to mummy hot dogs, there are endless recipes to explore. Get creative with the presentation and let your culinary creations become part of the Halloween decor.

• Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Corn Maze: Take a trip to a local pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect pumpkins for carving. Many pumpkin patches also offer corn mazes, hayrides, and other festive activities that make for a delightful day out with family or friends.
• Virtual Halloween Gathering: For those who can’t be physically present, consider hosting a virtual Halloween gathering. Connect with friends and family over video calls, share your costumes, and play online games or trivia to keep the Halloween spirit alive.

SCARY STORIES & FRIGHT NIGHTS!

If you’re looking for more frightening events for your Big Kids (12 or 13+) why not consider bringing them to one of these two monsterlicious events!

EVERGREEN CULTURAL CENTRE

evergreenculturalcentre.ca/events/rhs-tales-of-horror

1205 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam, BC. V3B 7Y3 604-927-6545

On Saturday, October 28 at 8pm, join us at Evergreen for a night of scary stories! Come in costume, enjoy a free hot chocolate, and gather round the campfire as three incredible local storytellers (Emily Kelsall, Casey Por, and Tanaz Roudgar) share original tales that will give you goosebumps. 

Appropriate for ages 12+. Stories include themes of death, violence, and general horror. Parental discretion advised. 

PNE’S FRIGHT NIGHTS

frightnights.ca

Thrilling rides and chilling haunted houses? Every year, Playland transforms into Fright Nights. With 8 haunted houses, 19 rides, Halloween-themed food, and all the jump scares you could wish for, Fright Nights is the scare capital of Vancouver. Not recommended for people under 13 years old.

FESTIVE FAMILY FUN!

One family-friendly idea that many would not consider to frequent for some Halloween fun might be your local independent school – what a fun way to see them out of uniform and in character! You can check out their websites for festive events year-round with many being available to the public! Here’s one such choice this season – they can also been seen in our recent Independent School Guide!

St. Mary’s Spirit of the Season!

stmary.bc.ca

5239 Joyce St. Vancouver, BC 604-437-1312

At St. Mary’s, we believe in creating unforgettable memories for our students: the chance to flaunt your best costumes, take part in contests, and share smiles with friends – it’s all part of the St. Mary’s Halloween experience. St. Mary’s is where the magic of learning meets the enchantment of Halloween.

Don’t miss St. Mary’s School Spirit of the Season event on October 27th. Open from 5:30-7:30  (includes a walkthrough display, dance, face painting, concession)

Halloween is a time to embrace the magical and mysterious. Whether you choose to engage in classic traditions or explore new activities, the key is to enjoy the spirit of the season with those around you. From pumpkin carving to haunted house adventures, these activities are sure to make your Halloween a memorable and spooktacular affair. So, don your costume, grab your treats, and immerse yourself in the enchantment of Halloween night!