When your kids come home with all that loot and start sorting through it, the shear volume may make you freak out (more than the pint-sized grim reaper at your door did). Seriously, what are you going to do with all that candy? You could let the kids eat most of it in one sitting (and get sick), or you might be tempted to dump it in the trash. No need to take drastic measures. I recommend giving your kids the opportunity to pick out a few of their favorite pieces, then make the rest disappear like magic. Read on for a few neat tricks.
The days finally have a real fall crispness to them, the last of the leaves are turning, and windows and front steps are flickering with the glow of carved pumpkins at night. All month we have been reporting on special Halloween events for kids and families throughout the greater Boston area. And during this, the final week before Halloween, there’s plenty of spooky fun for Boston kids and families, from costume parades and pumpkin festivals to town-wide trick or treating events.
Read on for a roundup of 20 (mostly) free things for families to do for Halloween. And we’d love to hear how your family will celebrate - leave a comment below!
There are many reasons not to take your kids out for traditional, around the neighborhood, nighttime trick-or-treating: Your little pumpkin is just too young and is still afraid of the dark. You might have a child (like mine) with an autism spectrum disorder – the sensory input and the possibility of complete meltdown are just too great. Perhaps you’re trying to move toward a greener Halloween, or you just want your kids to think more about giving than getting.
Whatever the reason, there’s no need to feel left out for Halloween. There are plenty of alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating in the Greater Boston area, and dare I say, they may be even better than the real thing! Read on for some ideas to celebrate Halloween without pounding the pavement on Halloween night.
Halloween is a holiday that celebrates creativity. Decorations and costumes both provide opportunities to let your imagination go wild and to see old things in a new way. We have a policy in our house: Costumes must be created primarily from things we already have. Last year my son was Gutsy Smurf – his kilt and sash were made from an old flannel shirt we had stashed in a “get rid of” bag in the basement. In that vein, I've found a few DIY masks that could be the inspiration for – or cherry on top of – a great costume. And really, why buy decorations when you can make fabulously spooky ones like this group I’ve rounded up?
Salem Haunted Happenings is a month-long celebration of costume parades, haunted houses, ghost stories, candlelit tours, and live music. While many of the activities go for the big scare factor, there are plenty of kid-friendly events to choose from, too.
We’ve highlighted some of the ongoing events, special tours, and one-time events below. Visit the Salem Haunted Happenings website for the complete schedule of ongoing and special events or to download the Haunted Happenings brochure. And note, many events sell out early, so plan ahead and purchase tickets in advance whenever possible.
We're glad you're here at Mommy Poppins Boston, your free online resource for everything for families and kids in the greater Boston area. We'd love to hear from you with any questions or suggestions! — Tara and Audrey