It seems all the Halloween activities are either childish or horror. Seriously, everywhere I turn it seems to be a “Scooby-Doo” film or an IT poster. I love Halloween but….what if you are an adult who isn’t into horror? Don’t drop the Halloween spirit! Just join in with these easy Halloween activities for adults that aren’t Horror-fying!

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*New ideas added for October 2023!

Halloween Activities for Adults

1. Trick-or-Treating Alternatives

Too old for trick or treating? Invite friends over and do a candy potluck! This would be great for an office party too. Have everyone bring their favorite candies, or assign each person a letter or country to bring a treat that matches their letter/country. This delicious Kit Kat and Oreo Cake would be super fun and festive at a candy party. 

2. Make Fancy Caramel Apples

This yummy treat is so Halloween! You can make several for the price of one from a candy or grocery store. Cover Granny Smith apples in caramel. (Go extra gourmet with our homemade caramel dip!) Add nuts or bits of your Halloween candy and drizzle with chocolate. Check out our Halloween Pinterest board for caramel apple inspiration and other treat ideas!

3. Have a Bonfire!

Use your favorite candy bar on your s’mores for a candy-licious bonfire! What could be better than a Reese’s on a s’more? Maybe a Crunch bar? Try out different chocolate candies to see which one is best!

Have you ever tried roasting Starbursts over a fire? It’s so fun! Or make pie crust Wolf’em’s for a unique bonfire experience (if you haven’t tried these, you haven’t lived!)

4. Visit a Local Corn Maze

While everyone is hitting up the haunted house the night of Halloween, try finding a corn maze! Going at night is spooky but not scary! Form a few teams and race to the finish. The losers can treat the winners to hot cocoa!

5. Have a Harry Potter or a “Magical” Movie Marathon

These movies are eerie, but not scary. You can keep it lowkey or here are some ideas for hosting a very magical Harry Potter party! With all the witches and wizards, pumpkins and spells, this is a perfect theme for adults. Lord of the Rings would make another fun movie marathon that has some Halloween feels.

6. Play “Clue” and other mysterious board games

There are so many fun “Who Dun’it” mystery games! Here is a list of our favorite games, including Deception: Murder in Hong Kong which is our all-time favorite murder mystery game for big groups.

7. Dress up in your Halloween Costume and See Where You Can Get Yummy Deals!

These places usually have free/discounted food on Halloween if you wear a costume! Dress up with your friends and go “restaurant hopping” to these different deals for a delicious Halloween activity.

• Chipotle
• Krispy Kreme
• Del Taco
• Q’doba
• Baskin Robbins
• Noodles and Company
• Wendy’s
• Outback Steakhouse
• IHOP
• Sonic

There might be even more deals local to you!

8. Pumpkin-Carving 

Take this artsy project to the next level. Host a fun contest with great prizes. Amazon has some fun and inexpensive pumpkin prize options. Create a beautiful design! “Woo! Jr” has some beautiful stencil designs and tutorials. Don’t forget a pumpkin carving set for adults– the little details will make your pumpkin stand out. (You can also get inspiration from our Facebook Page!)

9. Try Pumpkin Painting

Not as messy as pumpkin carving but can be just as fun! Mariah’s family is doing the Teal Pumpkin Project which would be an awesome group activity for your apartment or dorm! Try using these acrylic paint pens to create an awesome look. Plus, painted pumpkins last SO much longer than carved pumpkins, and are less messy when it’s time to throw them out!

10. Go on a Pumpkin Spice Scavenger Hunt

Try to find as many items with pumpkin spice in them. Eat them if they sound good (anyone up for trying these pumpkin spice marshmallows?)

11. Find a Local Festival

October is a great time to get outside and find local festivals! This month, our city hosts an annual Renaissance fair, Apple Cider Days, food truck round-ups with pumpkin foods, and more. It’s usually easy to find a fun fall or Halloween festival, especially if you’re willing to travel a bit!

12. Volunteer

Local events, like trunk-or-treats, are often looking for people to dress up and volunteer for the kids! One year, my friends and I visited a nursing home to play Halloween games with the residents. They loved seeing our costumes and painting pumpkins together. Encourage your friends to give back by finding a place to volunteer.

13. Host a Fall Craft Night

Try a new fall craft like making needlefelt pumpkins or make fun fall decor that you can all enjoy the next year!

14. Halloween Karaoke Party

Dress up like your favorite musicians and spend the night enjoying your favorite tunes with friends!

15. Go to an Escape Room

If Haunted Houses, aren’t your thing, going to a non-horror-themed escape room can still add some suspense to your Halloween celebrations! For a budget-friendly version, make your own with plans online or play an escape room board game. This one was a hit at our last party and is a perfect Halloween theme!

Halloween can be fun without giving yourself nightmares for the rest of your life. Skip the horror part of the holiday and engage in these fun and group-friendly activities!

How are you going to celebrate Halloween?

-Madison

Looking for even more Halloween ideas? Check out Mariah’s list of fun things to get you in the spirit of Halloween! Plus, see our list of over 1000 non-horror Halloween costume ideas!