News
16 October, 2025
A haunting good time
AS Halloween continues to grow in popularity across Australia, many families are seeking creative and fun ways to mark the night beyond the usual candy run.
Whether you’re going out or staying in, here’s a fresh roundup of ideas to make October 31 memorable — for kids, adults, and even pets.
Costume Inspiration: Simple, Recycled, or DIY
Costumes are the heart of Halloween — but you don’t need to spend big to make an impact. Try repurposing everyday attire: a black dress can become a classic witch, or an old jacket plus face paint can turn you into a vampire. Upcycling and DIY elements make costumes more personal and budget-friendly.
For kids, timeless options like ghosts, witches, skeletons, or superheroes never go out of style. The fun lies in the twist you add. For adults, explore everything from vintage ghouls and zombie looks to celebrity impersonations or meme-inspired themes. Consider coordinating with family or friends: group themes (storybook characters, horror ensembles, cult films) often make for memorable photos and extra fun.
From Doors to Neighbourhood: Trick-or-Treat and Beyond
The classic door-to-door ritual still delights many. Local houses may signal participation with balloons, lights or “treat” signs — a quick walk through your street can become a festive circuit. For safety, go in groups and always have a flashlight or glow stick handy.
If traditional trick-or-treating isn’t feasible (late hour, fewer neighbours), “Boo Bags” offer a fun twist: fill small bags with treats, toys or glow items, leave them at neighbour’s doorsteps and ring the bell (or send a message) to surprise them. It’s a reverse of the usual — you become the treat bringer.
Decking the Halls (and Home) Without Fear
Transform your home into an eerie spectacle with simple décor ideas, such as candles, string lights and orange accents to craft a spooky atmosphere. Paper ghosts, bat silhouettes in windows, creeping vines of crepe paper, or black-and-white cutouts can be highly effective and low-cost.
Outdoor spaces can become mini haunted trails — a flickering lantern, shadowy figures, or cobwebbed shrubs all help set the mood. Indoors, consider a thematic corner or hallway you turn into a ghostly walkthrough for guests or family. Servingware and themed bowls can add small but festive touches to your spread.
Spooky Eats, Treats & Tasty Twists
Food is part of the fun. Think beyond candy: carve or decorate pumpkins, or for younger children, use stickers or googly eyes instead of sharp tools. If pumpkins feel large, smaller gourds or oranges can be fun to carve and then eat.
Get creative in the kitchen — ghost-shaped pizzas, monster cookies, spider-web chocolate barks, “eyeball” melon balls, or fizzy “witch’s brew” drinks are playful and shareable. Balance the sweets with some healthier bites so the night doesn’t turn into a sugar overload.
Games, Hunts & Festive Activities
Treasure / Treat Hunt: Hide glow items, trinkets or candy around the yard or inside the home, then send guests off with clues.
Glow Hunt: Use glow sticks, necklaces or paint to make searches more magical after dusk.
Costume Parade or Contest: During a gathering, walk or present your outfits — with prizes for creativity, funniest or scariest.
Classic Games — Halloween Style: Adapt apple bobbing, donut-eating contests, Halloween bingo, or even spooky charades.
Movie / Ghost Story Night: Host a screening of age-appropriate spooky films or tell ghost stories by candlelight.
Capture the Moment: Photos, Video & Keepsakes
Costume shots are a must. Stage fun backdrops, grab props (witch hat, broom, masks), and get the pets involved — often the cutest parts of the shoot. Try creating a mini video or reel: a dance, a spooky walk, or a reimagined scene (maybe a mini “Thriller” moment?). Ask guests to record a one-line “scariest moment” or “favourite Halloween memory” to compile into a keepsake video later.
Planning for Staying In
Even if you aren’t venturing out, you can make Halloween feel special at home. Decorate a corner, set up themed lighting, and invite the family into a cozy “spooky festival.” Plan a movie night, carve or decorate pumpkins, bake together, or hold an indoor costume party.
Instead of handing out candy, you might offer fun alternatives: stickers, glow sticks, small figurines, pencils or Halloween trinkets. These non-lolly treats still bring joy and help you stand out.
