There is a lot of controversy about whether or not teenagers should still be trick or treating.
On one hand, you have those that want to let kids be kids and as long as they dress-up and are truly acting in the spirit of the holiday, then why not? Many argue that it’s also a way to keep teens from getting into trouble or mischief. And seriously, what is the big deal?
Other people feel that trick or treating is meant for younger children. They worry that older kids can scare or bully the little ones and they don’t “deserve” candy for just throwing on a mask. And unfortunately, there is also the perception that teenagers who are running around on Halloween are more interested in tricks like destroying property or egging houses than getting candy.
From our perspective, we think you should take the lead from your kids. If they still want to participate, great! Set some guidelines and let them get all the candy.
But by late middle school and high school, there are lots of teens who decide on their own that they’ve outgrown the activity.
That being said, just because they aren’t going door-to-door, that doesn’t mean they still can’t celebrate and enjoy the holiday! There are plenty of Halloween activities for teens and tweens that your kids can still do to enjoy and celebrate Halloween.
Trick or Treat Alternatives – 10 Halloween Activities for Teens and Tweens
Costume Party
This seems like an obvious alternative to trick or treating, but it is still one of many great Halloween activities for teens. Plan a fun-filled evening with games, Fall-themed food (definitely whip up a batch of Scarecrow Snack Mix for starters) and make an awesome Halloween-themed playlist! Don’t forget to include some oldies like Monster Mash, Thriller, and Ghostbusters. And most importantly, load up on the candy with a candy bar that the guests can fill themselves.
You can also add to the fun by putting together a photo booth. Hang some black sheets, pull together some props (we love these cute signs on Amazon), and then get your camera or cell phone out!
Movie-Themed Party
Pick a flick and tell the guests to come dressed according to theme! It’s amazing to see how creative teens can be with their costumes. Pick something fun like Star Wars or the Avengers, or do something more horror-filled like Scream or Friday the 13th.
This is a fun event to do outside if possible. We love our outside movie screen that you can simply inflate when needed. Pair it with a good bluetooth speaker and you can have the movies running in the background or set up some chairs and blankets for a screening. Add some popcorn and snacks, and you’ll have a happy group!
Game Night
Never underestimate the simple fun of game night. We’ve rounded up the Best Board Games For Teens; Ideas from Teens , or you can do a tournament of Ping Pong, Air Hockey or some other fun game. Get some prizes and snacks, and have some old-school fun. We’ve found make your own pizza is a fun addition.
Movie Theater
Take your favorite group of teens to see the latest blockbuster at your local theater. If you can get a large enough group, some theaters let you rent the entire place out for the night. Bonus: a lot of theaters will run old-school horror movies during Halloween too, so look for what’s playing at multiple theaters.
Bowling
Load the minivan with teens and get ready for a night of spares and strikes! A basket of mozzarella sticks and chicken wings will buy you a spot in anyone’s heart!
Volunteer
Offer to lend a hand at a shelter, soup kitchen, local Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, Boys & Girls Club or Children’s Hospital. Encourage your teen to contact your favorite nonprofit to see if they have a way for your teens to help that evening.
You can also invite a group over to do a service project, such as writing letters to soldiers, making blankets for a children’s hospital, or Operation Shoebox.
Pumpkin Carving
Halloween Day is a fab time to pick up highly discounted pumpkins from your local retailer and set your favorite teens imaginations free! Throw in some stencils and specialized carving tools and you’ve got a fun evening of friendly competition underway.
Make Halloween Awesome for the Little Kids
This happens to be a favorite of my teen daughter and many of her friends. They enjoy dressing up and manning the driveway, passing out candy, and chatting up the neighborhood. They’ve also taken over candy duty at some neighborhood houses so parents could walk their kiddos on the candy collection quest.
If they want to take it a step farther, have them set up a maze for the little kids to explore, a craft, or a mini, kid-friendly haunted house. Sometimes the best way to let them have fun as big kids to to let them pay it forward to the little ones.
Bonfire
Nothing says fall like apple cider, s’mores, cozy flannel shirts, and jeans. If the weather is right, let your kids have some fun outside with all the Halloween fixins’. Pump up the music and let them tell some ghost stories.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
This is serious fun! We even have a special Halloween edition hunt all ready for you as a free printable. Just click here: Teens and Tweens Halloween Photo Scavenger Hunt (parentingteensandtweens.com).
And the grand prize? A monster bag of candy, of course!
Whatever your family chooses for the teens in your life this Halloween, we hope you have lots of frightful F-U-N!
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