Question on Halloween/Birthday Party

Hi A..

My son is turning 9 this year. We have had a Halloween/Birthday party for him every year since he started school. We learned very quickly not to have it on Halloween, but close to it. Many parents want to take their kids trick or treating in their neighborhood or do their own thing. I would suggest having it the day after. They still get to wear their costumes, get candy, and have spooky fun. Kinda makes Halloween last even longer! You can have the party maybe 6-8 so you don't have to worry about it being too late.

We usually play games like pass the pumpkin (like hot potato with a mini pumpkin). Last year we found a game like pin the tail on the donkey, except it was something like pin something on the goblin, I can't remember exactly. Also we had a cd of spooky sounds playing in the background. We had small prizes for the winners. Also, last year I made green punch that had candy eyeballs floating in it. TOTALLY COOL!

Have fun!

Sounds great! Just survey the parents before you plan. I would let my daughter keep my kids out. But I know not all parents will. Ask and you will be surprised. They might all really enjoy the trick-or-treating.

Hi A.,
I think that sounds like a great idea, BUT I know that there a lot of parents that do not allow/want their children to participate in the traditional "trick or treating", going house to house, etc...
Just my two cents,
R. B.

I think it's a good idea, but maybe do a costume party on Saturday night, instead of Friday.

Personally, we have family traditions that we do on holidays and I get annoyed when people schedule events on those days(Valentine's, Halloween, St. Patrick's etc) for things other than a celebration related to the day like birthday parties or weddings.

So I would ask people if they'd prefer Friday or Saturday. The costume and theme idea are great. Kids that age won't care if it's the next day and honestly, it's better not to cram too much into one night. Trick-o-treating alone is tiring.

Hi A.,

I took my daughter to Willow Bend Mall last year and we had a great time! The stores gave the little ones candy and it wasn't too crowded. They had a scavenger hunt at the mall as well and many people seemed to enjoy that, but my little one was a little young for that activity. It was great to see the kids all dressed up. We plan on doing Willow Bend again this year.

I'm sure many malls offer the same type of activity...and it's safe!