I do this EVERY YEAR. I have all these grandiose plans for my Halloween decor/vibe, and I end up scrambling at the last minute to execute on it! This is peak crafty dysfunction folks – too much planning, not enough crafting.
In case you’re new here, DIY Halloween Home Decor is a big deal for me, and I tend to go ALL in on my themes.
Halloween is just around the corner (again!) and if you’re like me, you’re probably thinking about how to make the most of it without leaving the comfort of your home. I’m currently in rapid-fire mode to get decorations up, but then it’s time to sit back and enjoy. My kids don’t last all that long trick or treating, so to keep the day fun and festive between doorbells, its never a bad idea to incorporate some other fun at home ideas to Halloween.
Maybe you’re trying to avoid the crowds, keep things low-key, or just looking for some quality family time, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween at home that are just as fun as any big event. You don’t need to go all out with an extravagant party either—sometimes the best memories are made with simple, creative activities.
Wanna find out a few of those? Let’s go!
Host a Family Costume Party (On a Budget!)
I’m sure its not just the theatre major in me that goes straight to the dress-up portion, but nothing says Halloween like a good ol’ costume party. Despite how pricy they can be, you can ABSOLUTELY DIY costumes on the cheap!. Start by picking a theme that gets everyone excited—I tend to favor a movie inspiration of course, but you can go classic with monsters, zombies, vampires, etc. Then, instead of splurging on overpriced costumes, get creative. Think of it like a DIY challenge. Grab some cheap accessories, dig through your closet, or whip out the face paint to transform those store-bought costumes into something one-of-a-kind.
You can use just basic Halloween makeup for some looks too! Like I made up my friend Christine and her daughter into an adorable kitty combo!
And don’t forget the games! A costume contest where everyone votes for their favorite outfit adds an extra layer of fun. You could even throw in a Halloween trivia game to keep things interactive. Winner gets…well, bragging rights. Or maybe a few extra pieces of candy.
Halloween Movie Marathon (Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Movie Night?)
You KNOW this is my jam. I’m not a slasher or horror movie girl, but I have my own set of easy family fun Halloween movies! If you’re in the mood for something more laid-back, there’s nothing like a Halloween movie marathon to set the spooky vibe. Grab the fam, make a list of your favorite family-friendly Halloween flicks, and set up a cozy home theater. Blankets and pillows everywhere are a must. Popcorn, obviously. But let’s not stop there—how about some themed snacks? Candy corn, anyone?
You can even kick things up a notch by adding a few decorations to the room—spooky string lights, fake cobwebs, maybe even a jack-o’-lantern or two. Not only will this keep everyone entertained for hours, but it’s a perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy some quality time together. You can try my M&M pretzel brownies for a sweet and salty combo with your popcorn!
Plan a Spooky Scavenger Hunt (Bonus Points for Flashlights!)
Looking for something a little more active? Try planning a spooky scavenger hunt, and watch as your house (or backyard) turns into the perfect Halloween adventure. Hide Halloween-themed treats, small toys, or even DIY trinkets around the house, and create fun clues that guide your kids from one hiding spot to the next.
Want to really level up the excitement? Host the hunt at night and let everyone use flashlights to search for the hidden goodies. You’ll love watching them solve clues and work together—it’s a great way to keep everyone moving and engaged.
DIY Halloween Decorations (For That Personal Touch)
If your house needs a little Halloween flair, why not make your own decorations? I do this every year (in addition to the cute and creepy stuff I can’t pass up buying!) It’s an easy way to get the whole family involved and add a personal touch to your Halloween setup. Plus, DIY decorations are way more fun to make than store-bought ones.
One easy project? Create spooky Halloween pool noodle decorations (yes, pool noodles), like wreaths covered in faux cobwebs and plastic spiders. You could also make some classic paper ghosts using tissue paper, balloons, and string—super simple but totally adorable. These DIY projects not only make your home look festive, but they’re also a great opportunity to spend some time together crafting.
Perfect example? My DIY Mummy wreath! Check it out below!
Do you have any Halloween at home ideas to share?
