Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Friendswood, TX
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Halloween activities are perfect opportunities for independent living events and assisted living celebrations. Plan an eventful Halloween season full of memory care crafts and fall family traditions, like pumpkin carving and cornhole, that are fun for the entire family.
A study conducted by CultureMap Austin found that Texas is the third most Halloween-obsessed state. The study ranked states based on factors such as outdoor decor, commitment to costumes, and more.
For seniors in Friendswood, TX, it may feel like the glory days of Halloween have passed you by. You no longer have to sew Halloween costumes or hand out candy at your front door, waiting for straggling trick-or-treaters. However, you can still enjoy a fulfilling Halloween celebration.
Read on to learn all about Halloween activities that will bring joy to guests of all ages.
What Are the Most Popular Halloween Activities?
Creativity abounds during spooky season, and all families have their own unique traditions. However, some activities have stood the test of time, while others are more modern and gaining steady popularity.
Pumpkin Carving
Nothing says Halloween quite like a cluster of carved pumpkins on your porch or windowsill, cheerfully lit up from the inside. Pumpkin carving is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to express creativity with designs ranging from simple to artistic.
If you do not have a knack for freehand carving, consider printing out a design from the internet or purchasing a pumpkin carving kit. These kits often come with several designs that you can tape directly onto the pumpkins for easy reference.
For younger children who may not be adept with knives, provide alternative ways to decorate pumpkins, such as stickers or markers. They can also take on other tasks, like sorting pumpkin seeds for roasting.
Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating is still a popular Halloween activity, and for good reason. The best neighborhoods are heavily decorated, with enticing treats like full-sized candy bars.
Walking your grandchildren around while trick-or-treating is a great way to relive some of your own memories and alleviate feelings of depression. For younger children, earlier trick-or-treating may be better, so they can enjoy some of their candy haul before going to bed.
Halloween nights can get chilly when the sun sets, so prepare accordingly with a light jacket or additional layers. Wear comfortable shoes and bring mobility aids if you plan on walking longer distances.
Trunk-or-Treating
A relatively recent innovation, trunk-or-treating is a more streamlined and safe version of trick-or-treating. It is a great alternative for neighborhoods where properties are more spread out or children do not feel as safe going from house to house.
Usually, trunk-or-treats are planned by a group of parents or an organization, such as a church or school. Parents gather in a parking lot and decorate their trunks as a festive way to hand out candy.
If your grandchildren still enjoy trick-or-treating, the good news is that many trunk-or-treat events do not take place on October 31. They can enjoy candy from both events and double their Halloween celebrations.
What Are Some Good Halloween Games?
Halloween games foster competitive spirit and teamwork. For parties with varying ages, randomize the groups to encourage intergenerational Halloween fun.
Toilet Paper Mummies
There are two ways to play this iconic game. Split into teams and compete to either see which team does the best design, or which team wraps their designated "mummy" in toilet paper the quickest.
Cornhole
You can buy a cornhole set from almost any big box store, or create your own if you are on a budget. Decorate the set with festive Halloween colors such as orange, black, and purple.
Bobbing for Apples
This game may not be suitable for younger kids, but it is still an entertaining option for older children and adults. The premise is simple: The first person to successfully bite an apple wins a prize.
Halloween Bingo
Take a classic senior living activity and transform it for Halloween. Print out customized Halloween bingo cards or theme the prizes to coincide with the spooky holiday. Encourage participants to dress up in their Halloween costumes, rather than normal bingo night attire.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Celebrate Halloween in My Senior Living Community?
Yes! Planning holiday celebrations for your senior living community presents opportunities to cultivate new relationships and engage with fellow residents.
Check your community's activity calendar or event schedule to see if there are existing Halloween or autumn celebrations. You may be able to piggyback off of those, or create an event of your own.
For senior living events, you can plan a party for residents only or gear it toward families. If you provide food, consider making the event potluck-style, so all of the guests can contribute their own unique dishes.
Community trick-or-treating presents an opportunity for residents to hand out candy and interact with children dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The children can trick-or-treat in a safe and secure environment, while seniors can experience the joy of filling Halloween buckets with candy and other treats.
What Are the Benefits of Adult-Only Halloween Celebrations?
Although family-friendly Halloween celebrations can be entertaining, sometimes parents and grandparents need a break from children. Adult-only Halloween events provide mature entertainment for adults without worrying about the sensitivities of children.
Some of the benefits of adult-only Halloween parties and events include:
- Opportunities to consume alcohol
- Not looking after children
- More creativity with costumes
- Scarier Halloween decorations and experiences
- Watching horror or gore films with mature ratings
Intergenerational Halloween Fun at Morada Friendswood
Celebrating Halloween does not have to be dull when you reside in a senior living community. At Morada Friendswood, you can engage in all types of Halloween activities for all ages, from residents to small children.
Our beautiful community is focused on providing the best quality of life for our residents all year round. We offer a variety of amenities such as spacious bathrooms, housekeeping, and restaurant-style dining.
Plan your next holiday celebration as a resident of Morada Friendswood. Contact us today with any questions you may have, or visit our beautiful campus in Friendswood, TX, to see it in person. We can't wait to meet you!