Family Fun Ideas for a Spooky COVID-19 Halloween

While Halloween might look different this year, that doesn’t mean it should be boring.

Visit a Pumpkin Patch

Already a great autumnal outdoor activity, many pumpkin patches, apple orchards, and farms are implementing social distancing protocols for their visitors. Make sure to grab some apple cider while you’re there.

Find a local pumpkin farm using the Durham Farm Fresh website and also stay connected with Durham Fresh Farm facebook page.

Take a tour of Applewood Farm Winery – new location at 2055 Saintfield Road Scugog, Ontario Port Perry, ON, facebook page

Visit Willow Tree Farm – located at 975 Regional Rd. 21,Port Perry, facebook page

Watch a Halloween Fun Movie

There’s certainly no shortage of Halloween movies. From family friendly classics (Disney+ Hocus Pocus, Casper – Amazon Prime) to Netflix Hubie Halloween, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting, Goosebumps. A great series to follow is Just add Magic on Amazon Prime Video, it’s not a Halloween themed show, it’s about 3 young girls and a magic cookbook.

Get the popcorn ready and let the movie marathon begin.

Carve Jack-O’-Lanterns and Decorate The House

Choose either a cute or ~spooky~ aesthetic and then fashion your digs appropriately. Grab a scarecrow, decorative gourds, and maybe even some hay to elevate your porch.

Take a Drive or Hike

In many areas, October also brings stunning fall foliage. A perfect way to embrace the season is to drive and observe the changing leaves. Better yet, get outside and fully immerse yourself in autumn with a nature hike.

Get Your Halloween Playlist Ready

There are more Halloween-themed tunes than you’d expect. There’s the age-old classic “The Monster Mash,” along with more modern interpretations like “Thriller / Heads Will Roll” from Glee Cast and “She Wolf.” So, build a playlist, Use Amazon Music – part of Amazon Prime subscription. Do a search for Halloween music and let the costumed dance party begin.

Decorate Themed Face Masks

Get creative and decorate a face mask for Halloween 2020.

Giving Out the Treats on Halloween Night

If you’re the one at home giving out candy, keeping yourself (and your visitors) safe with these tips:

Thoroughly wash your hands before handling the treats.
Wear a cloth face mask.
Give out the treats outdoors.
Do not offer the candy from a big bowl or hand kids the treats. Instead, lay the treats out on a table for the kids to take. Alternatively, set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
Sanitize your hands in between visitors.

The Ontario Health Ministry has created printable posters for use to let kids know if you are handing out candy or not participating this year. No matter what you decide, the trick this Halloween is to please respect all the rules, be courteous and be kind.