Host A Children's Halloween Party Without Breaking The Bank

By Rebecca Lanham

In recent years, parents have found taking their children to organized Halloween get-togethers alleviates a lot of the worry that currently surrounds this festive holiday. Stories of tampered with candy and goodies may make some adults pause and reconsider allowing their kids to participate in traditional trick-or-treating. However, events like “Trunk-or-Treats” at schools, libraries and churches allow both parents and children to have the fun this holiday was intended for.

If your area does not have anything through the schools, libraries or churches, though, it leaves parents with very few options. What can parents do for their kids so they can enjoy Halloween? Hosting your own Halloween festivities is one way to ensure safety and give a whole lot of kids the opportunity to experience the excitement and joy of October 31st.

A huge expense does not have to go along with an organized Halloween party, either! Parents can actually host a party at a minimal cost. Here are some ideas for a Halloween get-together when only a shoestring budget is available:

Location of the party – If a private residence is not available for the Halloween party, why not look at free meeting rooms or outdoor venues? Churches, libraries and recreation centers often have meeting rooms available, while county parks may have gazebos or pavilions which can be reserved.

Decorations for the party – Simple black and orange streamers and balloons are plenty to give the party a festive look and feel. Optional decorations can include spider webs, hanging ghosts, witches and bats, and other items that are often available at dollar and party stores. A Jack-O-Lantern sets the mood for the party. Place it on the dinner table or at the entrance.

Refreshments for the party –

Since candy is always the focus of a Halloween get-together, have those attending bring in one sealed bag of candy to distribute. This candy can be given away at all the craft and game stations you provide.
Drinks can be easy! Cans of soda can be made available for the adults and drink boxes can be supplied for all the kids. These options allow whoever is organizing the party to skip cups and ice and are easy to clean up.
If you hold your get-together during the dinner hour, ask invitees to chip in a little for a “Pizza Fund”. Pizza delivery is quick, easy and rather inexpensive.

Crafts for the party –

Make your own ghost – provide lollipops, tissues and black or orange yarn. Have the attendees cover their lollipop with a tissue and tie closed under the globe area with the colored yarn. Decorations made with markers or gluing on googly eyes are optional.
Make your own Jack-O-Lantern – provide oranges (or mini pumpkins) and multi-colored permanent markers or face stickers. Party guests can create their own Jack-O-Lantern to take home by drawing or sticking a face on the orange.

Games for the party –

Guess the number of candy corns/candy pumpkins – fill a large jar with candy corns or candy pumpkins, counting each time a candy is placed in the jar. Under the lid, write the number of candies inside before screwing it on. Have party participants guess the number of candies inside. The prize for the closest guess is the jar full of candy!
Pin the nose on the Jack-O-Lantern – using a large piece of orange poster board, cut out the shape of a pumpkin. Draw a face on it, leaving off the triangle nose, creating most of a Jack-O-Lantern. Cut out numerous triangles of black construction paper for the “noses” to be pinned/taped on. Draw each child’s name on one “nose”, have them close their eyes tightly (or use a blindfold or mask), turn them around three times, and have them stick the “nose” as close to its intended location as possible. Have a mini pumpkin or a special “King Size” candy bar as a prize for the child who gets their nose closest to where it belongs.
Make a zombie – provide several rolls of toilet paper or solid white paper towels. Have each child wrap their parent or guardian at the party and make them into a zombie. Have a Polaroid camera handy and the instant picture can be a keepsake.
Bobbing for apples – in a large tub of water, float apples of all types. Party guests have to get their apple by biting into it and are not allowed to use their hands! A healthy, tasty treat that is a prize all on its own.

There are so many quick and inexpensive ideas for a children’s Halloween party! Any parent or parent group can organize it and everyone involved can have a great time without any added worry.