Halloween has slowly crept into New Zealand’s cultural calendar, especially in the North Island, where families are getting into the spirit of costumes, spooky decorations, and treats. But for those who prefer a more child-friendly approach to the celebration, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going without making it too scary.

Here are some safe and exciting ways to enjoy Halloween with the kids this October.

1. DIY Halloween Costumes
Making costumes at home can be one of the most fun and engaging parts of Halloween! It’s a great way to let the kids' creativity run wild and create something unique. From cardboard wings for a bat costume to a simple fairy outfit made with an old dress and some glitter, you don’t need to spend a lot to get into the spooky spirit.

Challenge your kids to think of their favourite characters, animals, or Halloween creatures and help them put together their own DIY costumes. You can even host a mini fashion show at home, turning your living room into a runway for their spooky creations!

2. Halloween Treasure Hunt: A Fun Twist on Trick-or-Treating
If trick-or-treating in the neighbourhood isn’t your thing, why not host a Halloween treasure hunt right in your backyard or home? Hide sweets, small toys, or Halloween-themed treats around your space, and send your kids on a scavenger hunt with spooky clues and rhyming riddles to guide them.

You can add to the eerie atmosphere by decorating the hunt area with cobwebs, pumpkins, and even glow-in-the-dark decorations. A treasure hunt is not only fun but also a safe alternative to trick-or-treating, keeping the spooky fun contained in your home while still giving the kids the thrill of the hunt.

3. Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin carving is a popular Halloween activity, but it can be tricky for younger children. Try swapping the carving tools for paint and markers, and let the kids decorate their pumpkins with colourful designs, funny faces, or spooky patterns. They can even glue on decorations like googly eyes, glitter, and paper cut-outs to personalise their pumpkins.

Once the pumpkins are decorated, you can display them on your porch or windowsill for all to see. For an added Halloween glow, pop in some LED candles to light them up at night.

4. Family-Friendly Halloween Movie Night
Turn your home into a spooky cinema with a family Halloween movie night. Pick some fun, age-appropriate movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Casper, or Monsters, Inc. and create a cosy setup with blankets and cushions. Dim the lights, serve some popcorn and Halloween-themed snacks, and let the spooky fun begin!

To make the night even more exciting, let the kids watch the movie in their costumes. You can also organise mini “intermissions” where they can play games like Halloween charades or guess the spooky sound!

5. Safe Trick-or-Treating in Your Neighbourhood
Trick-or-treating is gaining popularity in some New Zealand neighbourhoods, but it’s important to make sure it’s done safely. If you’re taking your kids out for some trick-or-treating fun, choose well-lit streets and only visit homes that are decorated for Halloween, as they’re likely to be participating.

For added safety, make sure the kids wear costumes with reflective elements or carry glow sticks to stay visible at night. Parents should always accompany young children, and it’s a good idea to check the treats they collect before they dig in.

6. Halloween-Themed Crafts and Games
Keep the kids entertained with Halloween-themed crafts and games. Set up a craft station at home where they can create their own spooky masks, paper pumpkins, or bats. You can even make your own Halloween decorations, like hanging ghosts made from white cloth and string or creating a spider web with yarn.

For some spooky fun, host Halloween-themed games like bobbing for apples, “Pin the Hat on the Witch,” or a Halloween bingo night. These activities will keep the fun going all day long and give the kids something special to look forward to.

7. Spooky Baking Fun
Get into the Halloween spirit with some fun and delicious baking activities! From ghost-shaped cookies to pumpkin cupcakes, there are plenty of kid-friendly recipes that are both tasty and easy to make. You can use cookie cutters to create Halloween-themed biscuits or decorate cupcakes with edible eyes and spider designs.

For a quick treat idea, try making “mummy” hotdogs using pastry to wrap around sausages or create “monster” pizzas with toppings arranged to look like faces. Baking together is not only a great way to bond but also a fun way to enjoy the spooky season.

8. Family-Friendly Halloween Events in the North Island
If you're looking to get out and about this Halloween, there are several family-friendly events happening across the North Island. Check out the LetsGoKids NZ events section for exciting family-friendly Halloween activities. Make sure to visit the LetsGoKids NZ website to discover what’s happening in your area this October. Halloween in New Zealand’s North Island is a growing celebration, and with these spooky yet safe ideas, your family can make the most of the season. So, grab those costumes, stock up on treats, and prepare for a frightfully good time this Halloween!