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Family Halloween Fun

Halloween is usually a time for kids to be scared, but what about the parents? For some, it can turn into a stressful season that costs a lot of money. We like to keep Halloween simple and frugal, but still a lot of fun! You’ll find all the family Halloween posts here to be budget-conscious.

mini pumpkins and black spider on blue background

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What is the history of Halloween?

Halloween is an annual holiday observed on October 31, which celebrates saints and other mythological figures. It has evolved over time into a celebration of all things spooky or scary. The day before Halloween is sometimes called “Mischief Night.”

From its European beginnings, Halloween was brought to America in the mid-1800s and celebrated on October 31 as a commemoration of the ancient Celtic New Year. The observance of Halloween spread across America in the 1920s and 1930s. Local merchants, newspapers and civic groups encouraged a celebration that would enrich community life and involve parents, children and youth in all types of creative activities. It also became a time for remembering the dead.

Family Halloween Fun Activities

Halloween scavenger hunt

15 Halloween movies on Disney Plus (updated for 2022)

The Best Animated Halloween Movies for Kids

Favorite Resources for Halloween

HalloweenCostumes.com always runs coupons and specials

Dollar Tree Halloween decorations

Ugly Halloween sweaters from Fun.com

October 31 on purple background with orange leaves

Halloween Costume Ideas

Some families prefer to buy costumes, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot! These posts share inexpensive Halloween costumes:

25 Halloween costumes under $15 for the whole family

20 Fabulous tutu Halloween costumes

Best Halloween baby costumes under $30

Halloween costumes for teens

5 Ways to save on costumes

Other families like to make their own Halloween costumes. Whether you use materials from around the house, items from the dollar store, or get a little more elaborate, you can have fun creating costumes together and stay on a budget:

30 Easy DIY Halloween costumes for kids

Pirate Costume using regular clothes

DIY stick figure costume

DIY owl costume

How to make a no-sew tulle skirt

DIY tutu costumes to make at home

Funny Jack o Lantern carved from pumpkin - family halloween fun

Halloween Decorating Ideas

While it may be easy to just buy decorations at a store, there are many different reasons why you should make your own. For starters, you get the opportunity to have creative freedom in what you create. You can go with something simple or try something more complicated for that extra wow factor.

Secondly, crafting provides an excellent outlet for kids’ energy during this time of year. Whether they’re making costumes or carving pumpkins, they’ll stay busy and not get too antsy waiting for Halloween to arrive!

Lastly, starting from scratch gives parents an opportunity to connect with their children by teaching them how these Halloween decorations are made so they can carry on traditions when they grow up.

Free printable Halloween bunting

50+ Frugal Halloween decorations to make

Halloween felt flower frame

Candy corn burlap banner

DIY Halloween door decorations (coming soon!)

Paper Halloween decorations (coming soon!)

Metal bucket spillout out candy corn with plastic Jack o Lantern - family Halloween

Halloween Food Ideas

Another fun activity to do with your family is make yummy treats to enjoy on this spooky holiday. You can enjoy thtem at home or share at a Halloween party.

Super easy Halloween pretzel bites

Spooky Brownies for Halloween

Spiderweb cupcakes with cream cheese frosting

Halloween popcorn