Fun ways to celebrate Halloween…that don’t involve trick-or-treating

From scary movies to family art workshops, there’s some spooky fun to be had courtesy of these Halloween-themed treats and activities.

There are mixed feelings in the Inner West Mums community about how to celebrate Halloween this year. Some are staying in or hosting a small gathering at home; others are dressing up and going decoration spotting only; while others have the lollies ordered and the trick-or-treating route planned out. However you’re approaching it, we hope these ideas help make your kids’ night extra special.

Have a spooky movie night

The IWM team are big fans of Commonsense Media in the US, and their detailed reviews of films, video games and television shows for children. They’ve put together a handy list of ‘Scary (but not too scary)’ movies, grouped into different age categories, from preschoolers to teens.

Get crafty

Craft Train Egg Carton Monsters

There’s some fantastic Halloween craft ideas online, and this round-up by The Spruce Crafts is a good place to start. We love the idea of making The Craft Train’s egg carton monsters (pictured above) with the kids and then hiding lollies in them.

Spooky cupcakes

Cupcake Room Halloween

The wares of Leichhardt’s The Cupcake Room have been the highlight of many an inner west birthday party, and they’re bringing the goods this Halloween too. They have decorated their vanilla cupcakes with spookily adorable decorations from black cats to bats, atop bright buttercream icing. Order 12 for $36 or 24 for $72. There’s Halloween-themed biscuits for sale too.

131 Balmain Road, Leichhardt, https://thecupcakeroom.com.au/collections/halloween

Family art classes

Leichhardt’s Art Est is running virtual Halloween-themed art classes for the whole family. Create a spooky night scene, learn how to draw a scull or make a paper lantern (pictured at top). There’s even one on Halloween night itself! Classes are suitable for children of different ages, so check the website for details. The cost is $50 per household and a NSW Discovery Voucher can be used.

October 29 to 31, artest.com.au

DIY spooky treats

Spiderberries by Foodbites