12 Days of Halloween Fun

Not to sound (candy)corny, but there’s just something about Halloween that makes us feel like kids again. And if you’re the same breed of responsible adult that turns candy crazed and spooky obsessed once a year like us, we’re definitely not here to dissuade you. 

With less than two weeks left ‘til the big day, we’ve got fun activities to see you through October. Choose a few or tackle them all for 12 days of Halloween fun. 

1. Compile a Halloween playlist: from Michael Jackson’s Thriller to the time-honored Monster Mash, everyone needs a soundtrack for scare season. But don’t worry, Cosmopolitan has already done the grunt work. This list of 81 Halloween songs won’t get any boos from us.
2. Create an “Occasions Bin”: We wish we could take credit for this one, but it’s all Occasions by Shakira. An Occasions Bin holds seasonal items (paper cups and plates, treats, straws, etc.) for use (and cute décor) all season long. 
3. Visit a pumpkin patch: If you have littles (or littles at heart), there’s just no avoiding the patch in October, so we say lean into it! And if you want Instagram-worthy photos, we suggest donning your best costume or festive jammies for the occasion.
4. Start a neighborhood Boo!: Spread the Halloween cheer around the block (or town!) by starting a Boo! Make some fun treats or gift something from our Halloween collection to delight your neighbors and friends. Get instructions and cute printables on Pinterest.
5. Check out the town’s spookiest spots: Think Christmas lights but make it scary. Ask friends for recommendations on the most haunted décor in town and make an evening of it!
6. Make homemade candy corn: It’s the season most polarizing candy, but even if you’re a hater (which we don’t understand), you might love the homemade variety. And even if you don’t, the fun is in the making – especially with littles around to help. Check out The Kitchn for a full tutorial.
7. Serve up apple cider: By next month, hot cocoa season will be in full force, so take advantage of those brimming orchards while you can. And if apple cider sounds boring to you, it’s time to mix it up! Taste of Home has a variety of recipes and ideas that are fun and tasty to the core (see what we did there?). 
8. Host a murder mystery night: Miss Scarlet, in the library, with the candlestick. Combine the dinner and the entertainment into one night of spooky fun with a murder mystery dinner party. If you thought Clue was the only blueprint for great fun, head over to The Spruce for some amazing outside-the-box ideas.
9. Make the Halloween costumes: Hear us out. A quick Amazon click might be the easiest way to get you and your family into full spook mode, but there’s nothing as fun and creative as making them yourself. And if you’ve got little ones to entertain, bringing them in on the fun makes the process a festive activity.
10. Take an autumn drive: Those rich reds and fiery yellows won’t last forever. See fall in all its splendor by enjoying some foliage. Not sure where to go? Travel & Leisure has the best spots in the United States for autumn leaves, so find something near you and make it happen.
11. Host a cookie exchange: You might be saving your holiday treat swapping for December, but Halloween cookies (and a party!) can be just as fun. Country Living has 37 ideas for festive cookies, so you’re sure to find something as spooky as it is tasty!
12. Throw a pumpkin party: Traditional Halloween activity but make it social. Turn your annual pumpkin carving tradition into an all-out bash by inviting friends and family over to join the fun. Sip on cider and eat spooky treats while you carve your hearts out. Sugar and Charm has great ideas for hosting a festive, low-stress get-together centered on the gourds. Worried about the mess? Enlist our Not Paper Towels for easy (and sustainable!) cleanup.

October won’t be here for long, so make the most of the next two weeks with fun and festive activities to see you through the 12 Days of Halloween!