Halloween is a favorite holiday for many. It’s an escape from the real world into a new atmosphere where costumes aren’t questioned, and being scared is something we yearn for. This holiday is sometimes a month-long celebration, and we look forward to it all year long. Whether it be the opportunity to finally dress up as someone other than yourself, the excuse to binge-watch all of your favorite scary movies, or the chance to change your classic room decorations for new spookier ones, October is certainly one of the most exciting months of the year. COVID-19 has placed many restrictions on this year’s events, but here are some ideas of how you can still enjoy October 2020!
- Binge-Watch Some Halloween Films
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This option is probably the most practical, given that it is perfect for social distancing and can take place from your own home. Some of you may be thinking, “Hey! Binge-watching is something I do every other day. I wanted something more creative…” Well, you can make this a special event for yourself, even if it’s at home. Buy some Halloween-themed cookies, bust out the spooky pajamas, turn off all the lights and switch to some fall-scented candles. Now you’ve set the Halloween mood. If you’re wondering where you can find the best Halloween films, Freeform is hosting their 31 Nights of Halloween starting – you guessed it – October 1st. However, any streaming platforms like Netflix or Hulu also have a variety of scary films for you to choose from, so the options for your movie night are unlimited!
- Carve Some Pumpkins
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Like the spooky movie night, this is an activity that can take place in your home – only it’s a lot messier. However, you will probably have to go out to buy your pumpkin(s). You can go down the quicker road and head to your nearest grocery store, but if you’re feeling the Halloween spirit, a swift trip to a pumpkin patch will also do the job and give you all the fall vibes. My favorite pumpkin patch in the South Florida area is the Miami Lakes United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch, but that’s because it’s the nearest to my location and a cute spot for pictures. As for carving ideas, there are a bunch of stencils with step-by-step instructions on Pinterest to choose from, even if you’re looking for something on the easier side. This activity does require a bit more effort, but seeing the finished product is always worth all the trouble. I’d add it to your Halloween activities bucket list.
- Make Your Own Halloween Cookie House
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This activity isn’t as common as you’d think, but for a socially distanced Halloween, I’d say it’s a perfect idea. You can head down to any store like Target or Walmart and begin your hunt for the perfect Halloween Cookie House Kit. There are simpler designs such as a Chocolate Cookie Crypt or a Twisted Tavern, but you can also go for larger architectures like Haunted Mansions or Manors. The best part of this activity is that you also get a snack out of it, which you can eat while partaking in the first activity on our list.
- Buy Some Halloween Decorations
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This is my favorite activity to do every single Halloween. There’s nothing like taking a friend or a significant other along to various stores and hunting for the perfect Halloween decorations. I’d recommend Target‘s Hyde & EEK! Boutique. If you’re on a budget, dollar stores also have a plethora of options. Going shopping for some spooky decorations always sets the mood for the rest of the month, and it is a great idea for when you and your friends aren’t up for plans that are too elaborate and just want to go around running errands. The excitement also continues as you return home and your house starts to reflect the Halloween spirit you’d been waiting so long to release. This activity might become a little pricey at times, but you get to recycle your decorations for the following year and save some money for your future self!
- Go to a Haunted Drive-Thru
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If it were any other year, I’d suggest going to a haunted house event. However, given the circumstances, we now have the option to go to a haunted drive-thru instead. The Haunted Road in Orlando is a must-see attraction for anyone who’s a fan of Halloween Horror Nights and lives in the Florida region. This newly created event offers the same concept as a haunted house, but from the safety of your car – meaning it’s fully contactless and a lot cheaper. This activity is more intricate than the others, but it is one of the newest events that offer a safe experience during the pandemic and still allows us to enjoy the thrill of Halloween, so I’d strongly recommend it.
These are just some of the many activities that you can still partake in during this October, but the possibilities are endless. The pandemic may have darkened the world, but we won’t let it dull our Halloween spirit!