Halloween falls on Saturday 31st October this year, but Birmingham’s celebrations stretch across October and into the first days of November. There are pumpkin patches for little explorers, spooky cinema trips, ghost stories in historic buildings and late-night parties for grown-ups.
We have put together 50 organised events and seasonal experiences, followed by 50 things to do at home. Start with Birmingham itself, then explore the Black Country and nearby Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Staffordshire. The farther options are labelled as day or evening trips so you can plan the journey.
Prices are the published amounts available when checked. “From” prices depend on the date, ticket type and remaining allocation. Booking fees, parking, refreshments and optional activities can add to the total. Where a live booking system did not expose a reliable price or session time, we have said so rather than guessed. Follow the link and check the exact date before making plans.
50 Halloween events and experiences
1. Bam-BOO! at Birmingham Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston
Let the children experiment with giant bamboo play and a marble run, with a giant puppet adding to the half-term atmosphere. A gentle alternative to the scarier Halloween attractions.
When: 28th to 30th October, 10am–5pm.
Cost: Included with Gardens admission; members included. Current day-ticket tariff needs checking in the booking system.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
2. Brick or Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre, Brindleyplace
Build your way into Halloween with seasonal LEGO activities alongside the indoor attraction. A useful wet-weather choice for families. Adults visiting during ordinary family sessions must be accompanied by a child.
When: Through to 1st November. Book an arrival slot; daily opening and last-admission times vary.
Cost: Standard admission advertised from £19 per person online, or from £26 walk-up; the selected Halloween date may cost more. Seasonal activities included.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
3. Ascarium at National SEA LIFE Centre, Brindleyplace
Follow the Halloween potion trail through the aquarium, looking for ingredients as you explore the underwater exhibits. This is a seasonal programme within the attraction, rather than a separate evening scare event.
When: 10th October to 1st November. Timed entry; check your date’s opening hours.
Cost: Included with aquarium admission. Current date-specific ticket price not verified; see live booking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
4. The Boo-tique Hotel at Selly Manor, Bournville
Visit a Tudor house transformed for Halloween, with a family trail and activities. The historic setting supplies plenty of atmosphere without needing a big scare attraction. The museum recommends the event for ages three and over.
When: 26th to 30th October, 10am–5pm; last entry 3.30pm.
Cost: Adult £7; child aged four and over £5; concession £6; family of two adults and up to three children £25; under-threes free. Eventbrite booking fees may apply.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
5. CBSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular, Symphony Hall
Introduce younger listeners to a live orchestra through spooky music and familiar film themes. Arrive early for the free craft activities before the concert.
When: Sunday 25th October, concert 3pm; crafts from 2pm.
Cost: £12 per ticket.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
6. CBSO Family Takeover at Herbert’s Yard, Longbridge
Combine an afternoon of orchestral Halloween music with the street-food setting at Herbert’s Yard. This daytime event is separate from the adults-only evening session.
When: Tuesday 27th October; doors 1pm, music 2.30pm.
Cost: Adult £15; child £7.50. Each booking can include up to two free child tickets under the published offer. Food and drink extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
7. Surreal Collage Monsters at MAC, Cannon Hill Park
Make a wonderfully strange monster from collage materials at this free drop-in session. It is an easy addition to a park visit and a chance to enjoy Halloween without buying an attraction ticket.
When: Saturday 31st October, 10am–noon and 1pm–3pm, Terrace Gallery.
Cost: Free; drop-in. Ages three and over.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
8. Ghost Story Writing Juniors at MAC
Give a budding writer a day to invent characters, unsettling settings and a ghostly tale. This taught workshop is for children aged seven to eleven, with materials provided. Parents normally do not stay.
When: Tuesday 27th October, 10am–3pm.
Cost: From £31.95; materials included, with no additional course costs advertised.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
9. WiFi Wars: Halloween Special at MAC
Play along with a live comedy game show using your own phone or tablet. The Halloween edition turns the audience into competitors, so remember a charged smart device for every player.
When: Thursday 29th October, 3pm and 7pm; approximately 90 minutes. The show’s tour listings recommend ages six and over.
Cost: From £15.95.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
10. Ghost Spotters: a family ghost tour at Himley Hall, Dudley
Join a family tour of the hall’s ghostly stories. The advertised format avoids actors and jump scares, making it a gentler option than the late-night horror attractions.
When: Monday 26th October, tours at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
Cost: Ticketed; current ticket price not verified. Check the linked booking route.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
11. Halloween Craft and Gift Fair at Himley Hall
Browse seasonal stalls and pick up a decoration or handmade gift. Families can also book the separately charged Enchanted Acorn Tree pumpkin experience. This is a daytime fair rather than a scare night.
When: Sunday 18th October, 10am–4pm.
Cost: Fair entry £2.50; under-16s free, according to organiser Black Country Fairs. Optional pumpkin experience £8.95 per child; parking extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
12. Witch Trials in the West Midlands: exhibition at Himley Hall
Explore the region’s witch-trial history through the free exhibition. A separately ticketed afternoon talk is available for visitors who want to take the subject further.
When: Saturday 10th October, free exhibition 11am–1pm; optional talk 1.30pm.
Cost: Exhibition free. The optional talk requires a separate ticket; its price needs checking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
13. Halloween Nights at Black Country Living Museum, Dudley
Explore the museum’s streets after dark for characters, trick-or-treating and Halloween entertainment. Book the evening event specifically: an ordinary museum visit does not substitute for a Halloween Nights ticket.
When: 24th, 29th, 30th and 31st October, 6.30pm–10pm.
Cost: Adult £20.95; young person aged 3–15 £16.95; essential-carer ticket £10.45.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
14. Ghost Trains on the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster
Start at a decorated station, then take a reserved-seat return train ride to Arley. Children receive a goodie bag, while the station’s Halloween disco adds to the outing.
When: 29th to 31st October; book a timed departure. Return journey approximately 75 minutes. Station disco 4pm–9pm; these are not train-departure times.
Cost: From £53 for a table of two or £106 for a table of four. Prices are per reserved table, not per person.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
15. The Haunted Castle at Warwick Castle — Warwickshire day trip
Choose a full family day of Halloween shows, characters and seasonal attractions within the castle grounds. This daytime programme is distinct from Castle After Dark.
When: 24th October to 1st November. Daytime operating hours vary; check the castle calendar.
Cost: Included with date-specific castle admission; current Halloween day-ticket tariff needs checking. The Castle Dungeon is an extra purchase.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
16. The Great Pumpkin Party at Kenilworth Castle — Warwickshire day trip
Enjoy a family programme of pumpkin-themed games, storytelling and a trail among the castle ruins. It combines Halloween activities with an outdoor historic-site visit.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 10am–4pm.
Cost: Normal castle admission applies; English Heritage members enter free. Current non-member event-date tariff needs checking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
17. Halloween Spooktacular at Hatton Adventure World — Warwickshire day trip
Make a day of pumpkin picking and the attraction’s family Halloween programme. The advertised offer includes a pumpkin for children, so check the ticket package before adding extras.
When: Selected dates between 3rd October and 1st November. Use the calendar for operating days and arrival times.
Cost: Advertised from £19.95 per person; child pumpkin included in the event offer. Peak dates and packages may cost more.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
18. Pumpkins and Potions at Attwell Farm Park, near Redditch
Mix a farm visit with Halloween characters, a short pantomime, bubble disco and an undercover pumpkin area. The sheltered elements are useful if the October weather turns.
When: 23rd to 31st October, park 9am–8pm; 1 November, 9am–5pm. Individual show times vary.
Cost: Advertised from £14.95 per person. Check the chosen ticket’s pumpkin and activity inclusions.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
19. Churchfields’ daytime pumpkin patch, near Droitwich
Hunt for a pumpkin and autumn photo spots at this working farm. Entry buys access to the patch; pumpkins, refreshments and marshmallows are extra. Everyone entering needs a ticket, including dogs.
When: 3rd and 4th, 10th and 11th, 17th and 18th and 23rd and 31st October. Check the booking calendar for arrival times.
Cost: Patch admission price needs checking; pumpkins from £3 each. The maize maze is part of the separately ticketed Fun Farm.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
20. Fang-Tastic Fun Farm at Churchfields, near Droitwich
Visit Trick or Treat Street and the Witches’ Broomstick Academy, then enjoy the farm’s play attractions and maize maze. This is a separate ticket from the pumpkin patch.
When: 24th to 31st October; daily session/opening times need checking in the booking calendar.
Cost: Advance online adult £7.50; child aged 2–16 £10.50; under-two £7.50; baby in arms free. Door prices higher. Pumpkin patch extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
21. A Night in the Pumpkin Patch at Churchfields
Enjoy a relaxed evening beneath festoon lights, with live music and roaming circus entertainment. A good choice for couples or families who want an autumn evening without a horror maze.
When: 17th and 23rd October, 6pm–9pm; live music 6.30pm–8.30pm.
Cost: £8 per adult or child. Pumpkins, food, drinks and marshmallow toasting extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
22. Pumpkin Extravaganza at Becketts Farm, Wythall
Pick a pumpkin from the indoor patch, try the games and use the carving tables. The covered setting removes the muddy-field element. The farm specifically says there are no entertainers this year.
When: 24th to 31st October, 10am–3pm daily. Walk-in: no advance booking required.
Cost: £5 per child, including one pumpkin; adults free. Additional pumpkins £5 each.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
23. Lower Drayton Farm’s daytime pumpkin patch — Staffordshire day trip
Head to Penkridge for pumpkin picking and autumn activities. Choose an entry-only ticket or a package with produce; these are different offers and should not be confused with the farm’s usual play admission.
When: 3rd and 4th, 10th and 11th and 17th and 31st October. Book a daytime arrival slot.
Cost: Online entry-only £6, or entry plus pumpkin £10; corresponding gate prices £8 and £12. Under-twos free. Check package inclusions.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
24. Pumpkins in the Dark at Lower Drayton Farm
Try the Penkridge patch after dark for a different atmosphere from its daytime event. Wrap up and use the evening booking category rather than assuming a day ticket covers it.
When: 16th, 23rd and 30th October, from 5pm. Confirm your arrival slot and closing time.
Cost: Evening-specific price needs checking. The website advertises daytime entry packages from £6, which should not be assumed to be the evening price.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
25. Halloween Spooktacular at Ash End House Children’s Farm, near Tamworth
Combine animals and farm play with the seasonal trail and pumpkin activities. Check whether you want farm admission alone or a package including the play barn.
When: The current local event listing gives 21st to 31st October, 9am–4pm; confirm the chosen date and hours with the farm checkout.
Cost: Halloween ticket price and pumpkin inclusions need checking in the live booking system.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
26. Family Trick or Treat at Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove
Bring a torch and follow the museum’s evening trick-or-treat experience among its historic buildings. Paths can be dark and uneven, so practical shoes are a better choice than delicate costume footwear.
When: 30th and 31st October, 3.30pm–7pm. The museum says ordinary daytime visits are closed on these dates.
Cost: Adult £10; child aged 2–17 £10; under-twos and essential carers free, with proof required for carers.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
27. Spooky Spectacular at West Midlands Safari Park, Bewdley
Meet Halloween characters, follow the Movie Monsters trail and catch Patch’s Pumpkin Party. The seasonal programme forms part of a larger safari-park day out.
When: 10th October to 1st November. Patch shows: noon, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on 10–11, 17–18 October and 24 October–1 November; 1pm and 2pm on 12–16 and 19–23 October. Check park hours separately.
Cost: Park admission required; current date-specific tariff needs checking. Check ride and optional-experience charges before booking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
28. Halloween at Drayton Manor — Tamworth day trip
Add seasonal entertainment to a theme-park visit, with selected Halloween experiences charged separately. Book against the operating calendar rather than assuming the park opens every day of the advertised period.
When: Halloween programme 9th October to 1st November, on operating dates; opening hours vary.
Cost: Current admission price needs checking. Haunted Express is advertised at an additional £5 per person, ages four and over, with a ticket required for each rider.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
29. Hocus Pocus at Thinktank, Millennium Point
See the Sanderson sisters on the planetarium’s cinema screen. A family Halloween film outing with a clear start time, separate from normal daytime museum admission.
When: Friday 30th October; doors 4pm, film 4.30pm.
Cost: Adult £12; child £8. Member prices adult £9, child £6.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
30. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at Thinktank
Choose an affectionate alien adventure for a gentler Halloween cinema trip. The screening takes place in the planetarium but is a cinema presentation, rather than a bespoke 360-degree film.
When: Saturday 31st October; doors 4pm, film 4.30pm.
Cost: Adult £12; child £8. Member prices adult £9, child £6.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
31. Pay What You Choose: Hocus Pocus at MAC
Catch a second Birmingham option for this Halloween favourite, with flexible pricing. Book through MAC’s screening page rather than treating pay-what-you-choose as an automatic free-entry offer.
When: Saturday 31st October; screening time needs checking in the ticket calendar.
Cost: Pay What You Choose; available ticket options shown at booking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
32. Pay What You Choose: Shaun the Sheep — The Beast of Mossy Bottom at MAC
Pick a family animation from MAC’s Halloween half-term cinema programme. This is a separate screening programme from Hocus Pocus, with several dates to choose from.
When: 26th to 30th October; individual screening times need checking.
Cost: Pay What You Choose; select a screening and ticket option.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
33. The Void at Birmingham Rep
Spend an evening with a science-fiction horror story on stage in The Door. The age guidance makes this a possible outing for teenagers, rather than very young children.
When: 27th October, 7.45pm; 28 October, 2.45pm and 7.45pm. Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes including interval. Recommended 13+.
Cost: From £13, plus £3.50 transaction fee. Do not add the theatre’s restoration levy again where already included in the displayed ticket.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
34. Paranormal Activity at The Alexandra
Take a theatre seat for a stage horror experience based on the film franchise. Check the production’s age guidance and content information before booking for younger visitors.
When: 27th to 31st October. Select the performance in the Alexandra’s live calendar for the exact start time.
Cost: Current ticket price and booking fees not verified; use the official ATG booking page.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
35. Halloween — The Concert at Birmingham Town Hall
Swap a haunted attraction for a concert built around Halloween-friendly songs and stage energy. Dress for the occasion if you fancy making an evening of it.
When: Friday 30th October, 7.30pm. Under-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost: £34–£38; the advertised prices include commission.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
36. Folk Horror at MAC
Hear unsettling folk-horror tales performed by Don’t Go Into The Cellar. This is an intimate storytelling and theatre option for readers who prefer atmosphere to fairground rides.
When: Friday 30th October; approximately two hours. Exact performance start time needs checking in the booking calendar.
Cost: From £12.95.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
37. Autumn Leaves Halloween jewellery workshop, Jewellery Quarter
Make a seasonal jewellery set with Working Clasp at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter. Materials and a cocktail or mocktail are included, making this an alternative grown-up Halloween activity.
When: Saturday 17th October, 11am; two-hour workshop. Ages 18+.
Cost: £65, including materials and the advertised drink.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
38. Spooky vase painting, Museum of the Jewellery Quarter
Paint a ceramic vase with artist Amelia Fox, using a Halloween design or your own seasonal idea. You take the finished piece home; beginners are welcome.
When: Friday 30th October, 7pm; two hours. Ages 18+.
Cost: £25, including ceramic vase and painting materials.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
39. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre’s Halloween Adult Night
Enjoy LEGO building, challenges and attraction access during a dedicated adults-only session. This event allows grown-ups to visit without the child required for ordinary family admission.
When: Friday 16th October, 5.30pm–8pm. Ages 18+.
Cost: Adult-night ticket price needs checking; ordinary daytime prices do not establish this event’s tariff.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
40. Aston Hall’s candlelit ghost tour
Explore the hall on a guided evening tour filled with ghost stories and historic atmosphere. Treat the supernatural stories as part of the experience. The route involves stairs, so check access requirements before booking.
When: 28th to 30th October; timed evening tours of approximately 45 minutes. Exact slots shown at booking. Over-16s only.
Cost: Adult £15; concession £12; member £7.50.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
41. Tat Vision’s murder-mystery tour at Aston Hall
Follow an entertainingly unreliable guide through a fictional murder mystery. This is a performance experience, so its invented story should not be mistaken for an account of the hall’s history.
When: Saturday 31st October, 6pm and 8pm; approximately 90 minutes. Ages 18+.
Cost: £26.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
42. A ghost-story canal cruise with Brindley Cruises
Hear Birmingham’s ghostly tales and local legends from the water on an evening canal trip. Choose a specific sailing: the cruise calendar offers different October dates and times.
When: Verified example: Sunday 18th October, 8.30pm–9.30pm. Check the calendar for other sailings. Ages 15+; under-18s need an accompanying adult.
Cost: £15 for the linked sailing.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
43. Blade Runner: The Final Cut at Thinktank
Choose a darker science-fiction cinema evening in the planetarium. Check the film’s certificate before booking; this is a different audience and tone from the venue’s family afternoon screenings.
When: Friday 30th October; doors 7pm, film 7.30pm.
Cost: £12; member £9.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
44. Alien at Thinktank
Spend Halloween night with a classic space-horror film on the planetarium cinema screen. Read the film certificate and screening conditions before buying tickets for teenagers.
When: Saturday 31st October; doors 7pm, film 7.30pm.
Cost: £12; member £9.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
45. CBSO Symphonic Sessions: Halloween evening at Herbert’s Yard
Hear spooky orchestral music in the street-food venue’s evening setting. This is the adults-only session, separately ticketed from the earlier family takeover.
When: Tuesday 27th October; doors 5.30pm, music 7.30pm, last food orders 7.15pm. Ages 18+.
Cost: £15; food and drink extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
46. Halloween Silent Disco at Birmingham Botanical Gardens
Choose between three DJ channels and dance into Halloween night in the Gardens’ event setting. Bring friends with different music tastes and let the headphones do the negotiating.
When: Saturday 31st October, 7pm–midnight; last orders 11.30pm. Ages 18+.
Cost: Advertised early-bird £15 for the first 50 tickets only. Current general-release price and remaining availability need checking.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
47. The Monster Mash at The Night Owl, Digbeth
Make a night of Halloween with live music and DJs at this Digbeth venue. The late finish makes it a grown-up party option; check the venue’s entry rules and plan your journey home.
When: Saturday 31st October, 8pm–4am the following morning.
Cost: General ticket £16.20 including £1.20 booking fee when checked. The cheaper early-bird tier was sold out. Drinks extra.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
48. Stourbridge Scare Maze
Choose an intense indoor horror attraction with live actors and frightening environments. Read the attraction’s age, access and content restrictions carefully before booking: this is a stronger scare experience than the family trails.
When: Remaining advertised dates: 3rd, 9th, 10th, 16th to 18th, 22nd to 25th, 29th to 31st October, plus 1st November. Advance timed booking required.
Cost: A current regional roundup advertises from £20 per person; this starting price was not independently confirmed in checkout. Confirm the chosen slot’s total and fees.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
49. Scream Trains on the Severn Valley Railway
Take the railway’s deliberately stronger, adults-only Halloween ride. Book this specific experience rather than the family Ghost Train; both use reserved seating but have different prices and audiences.
When: 29th October, 7.45pm; 30th and 31st October, 8.40pm. Return journey approximately 75 minutes. Ages 18+.
Cost: From £68 for a table of two or £136 for a table of four; six-person compartment £204. These are table/compartment prices, not individual fares.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
50. Castle After Dark at Warwick Castle — Warwickshire evening trip
Finish the list with a bigger evening scare outing, featuring Halloween attractions in the castle setting. It is recommended for ages ten and over and needs its own ticket, separate from daytime admission.
When: 24th, 29th, 30th and 31st October, 6pm–10pm.
Cost: From £27 per person. Optional Castle Dungeon add-on £15, requiring an event admission ticket as well.
Details and tickets: Visit the event or booking page
50 things to do at home
No booking required: choose your own date and pace. The suggested costs below describe supplies you may already own, rather than promising specific shop prices.
These are our own activity suggestions, available whenever suits you. The times are suggested activity lengths, not venue opening hours. “Free” means using things you already own; new materials, food, printing, rentals and subscriptions can add to the cost. Adapt each idea to the people taking part.
51. Paint a pumpkin
Give a pumpkin a face, a pattern or a favourite character. Painting is a good alternative to cutting it.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Pumpkin and paint if not already available.
52. Carve a jack-o’-lantern
Sketch the face first, then let an adult handle the cutting. Use an LED light inside.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Pumpkin and LED light if needed.
53. Make a cardboard haunted house
Build a miniature house from packaging and draw windows, cobwebs and residents.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused packaging.
54. Turn a jar into a ghost lantern
Decorate a clean jar with a paper face and pop an LED light inside.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; LED light extra if needed.
55. Create paper bats
Fold or cut a flock of bats and attach them to a removable display.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and supplies you own.
56. Make a Halloween window gallery
Give everyone a window-sized drawing to contribute to the display.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with drawing supplies you own.
57. Build a sock monster
Use an odd sock, paper features and fabric scraps to create a character.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused materials.
58. Design a dragon disguise
Make a dragon mask or headpiece from card and wear it for Halloween photographs.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused card and craft supplies.
59. Make a doorstep scarecrow
Stuff an old outfit with reused material and give your creation a name.
Suggested time: 60 minutes.
Cost: Free with old clothes and materials you own.
60. Create a recycled costume
Challenge the household to make an outfit from existing clothes and packaging.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused materials.
61. Organise a living-room treasure hunt
Hide written clues leading to a small prize or a final spooky message.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free; optional prize extra.
62. Play Halloween bingo
Draw your own cards with pumpkins, cats, hats and ghosts.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
63. Try monster charades
Act out a monster or Halloween activity without speaking.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free.
64. Play freeze-dance in costume
Make a playlist, dance and freeze whenever the music stops.
Suggested time: 20 minutes.
Cost: Free using music you already have access to.
65. Have a mummy-wrap challenge
Use reusable fabric strips to transform willing players into mummies.
Suggested time: 20 minutes.
Cost: Free with suitable fabric you own.
66. Make a mystery-feel box
Put familiar objects in a box and ask players to identify them by touch.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with household objects.
67. Invent a tabletop escape room
Write three simple puzzles that lead to the final message or combination.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and household objects.
68. Play spooky “would you rather?”
Make a set of silly choices: live in a castle, or share a house with a friendly dragon?
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Free.
69. Hold a Halloween drawing relay
Each player adds a section to a folded drawing before passing it on.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
70. Run a monster bowling tournament
Decorate empty containers as monsters and knock them over with a soft ball.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused containers and a ball.
71. Bake monster cupcakes
Decorate your favourite cupcake recipe with faces and unusual colours.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Ingredients and decorations extra.
72. Make ghost-shaped sandwiches
Cut and decorate sandwiches for a seasonal lunch.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
73. Cook a pumpkin soup
Use an edible cooking pumpkin and make dinner part of the celebration.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
74. Try monster-face pizzas
Arrange toppings into faces on homemade or ready-made pizza bases.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
75. Set up a hot-chocolate station
Offer a few toppings and let everyone invent a drink name.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
76. Decorate Halloween biscuits
Bake or buy plain biscuits, then add icing faces and patterns.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
77. Create a spooky grazing board
Arrange your usual snacks into a face, pumpkin or haunted-house shape.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
78. Make a Halloween mocktail
Mix a favourite alcohol-free drink and give it a theatrical name.
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Drink ingredients extra.
79. Have an indoor autumn picnic
Lay out a blanket, bring your usual food and add homemade decorations.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra; decorations free if reused.
80. Hold a themed dinner party
Give each course a seasonal name and ask guests to wear one homemade accessory.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
81. Watch a family Halloween film
Let the group choose a film suited to its youngest viewer and make tickets at home.
Suggested time: Film length plus 15 minutes.
Cost: Free with a film you own; rental or subscription may cost extra.
82. Host a grown-up horror double bill
Choose two films, agree on everyone’s comfort level and add an interval.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Free with films you own; rentals or subscriptions may cost extra.
83. Read spooky stories aloud
Choose a suitably gentle or scary story for the audience and take turns reading.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with books you own or can borrow.
84. Write a six-sentence ghost story
Give every sentence a job: setting, character, clue, surprise, choice and ending.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
85. Record a Halloween radio play
Use a phone to record a short script and homemade sound effects.
Suggested time: 60 minutes.
Cost: Free with a device you own.
86. Perform a shadow-puppet story
Use paper shapes, a torch and a plain wall for a miniature theatre.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own.
87. Write a friendly monster poem
Invent a monster that has an ordinary problem, such as losing its slippers.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free.
88. Make a stop-motion monster film
Photograph a small model moving across a table and turn the images into a sequence.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with a suitable device and materials you own; optional app purchases extra.
89. Create a household Halloween quiz
Write rounds on seasonal words, favourite films and family memories.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free.
90. Draw a Halloween comic
Make a four-panel story with a beginning, a fright, a discovery and a joke.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with drawing supplies you own.
91. Stage a costume fashion show
Give every outfit a name and let each person introduce their character.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with outfits you own.
92. Take a home photo-booth portrait
Make a paper backdrop and props, then photograph everyone in character.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies and a camera you own.
93. Invent a haunted-house floor plan
Design rooms, secret doors and a resident for each part of an imaginary house.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
94. Make a Halloween music playlist
Choose songs for dancing, storytelling or a quieter seasonal evening.
Suggested time: 30 minutes to make; play whenever you like.
Cost: Free with music you already have access to; subscription may cost extra.
95. Paint a seasonal still life
Arrange an apple, a mug and autumn colours for a drawing or painting session.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with art materials and objects you own.
96. Have a Halloween board-game night
Play games you own and invent one seasonal house rule everyone agrees to.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Free with games you own.
97. Make a memory scrapbook page
Print or draw favourite Halloween moments and add a few lines about each one.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; printing extra if needed.
98. Run a one-room decoration challenge
Give everyone the same small space and reuse materials to change its atmosphere.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused decorations and materials.
99. Make a kindness pumpkin
Add a paper leaf for every kind act you notice during the week.
Suggested time: 15 minutes to set up; add to it through the week.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
100. Plan a gentle Halloween wind-down
Choose a comforting story, a warm drink and a favourite quiet activity to finish the evening.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; refreshments extra.
A FEW FOR THE GROWN-UPS
HORROR MOVIE MARATHON
There’s nothing better than settling down, lights off and lots of junk food, to enjoy scary movies on the most horrifying night of the year. If you get Trick or Treaters you may be interrupted but if not, be brave and settle down. If you are feeling really brave, perhaps you could work through the 50 BEST HORROR MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN.
Here’s a few of our favourites for young and old to enjoy……
This film is an absolute classic, from a brilliant director (Robert Wise). THE HAUNTING was released in 1963 and ranked by The Guardian as the ranked it as the 13th-best horror film of all time. 13 is a great position to be placed for horror we reckon. Have a look at the trailer HERE and you’ll see what we mean. It’s so creepy.
HOCUS POCUS: It’s Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. A teenager accidentally summons three evil witches from the 17th Century, and it’s not long before they’re terrifying the entire town. Disney’s spellbinding classic stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
SCREAM: “Do you like scary movies?” This is one of the defining films of the 90s, another classic from horror legend Wes Craven. The ‘Ghostface’ killer is stalking the residents of Woodsboro, and knowing the rules of the genre may not be enough to save them.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY: They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together …… you get the idea. Anjelica Houston, RaulJulia and Christina Ricci star in the titular tribe’s first freaky feature, this screening is by popular demand!
E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL: Elliott, a lonely suburban kid, discovers a lost alien in his shed. They soon become unlikely friends, and Elliott introduces ‘E.T.’ to trick-or-treating, Reese’s Pieces and the joys of BMX biking. But danger is coming, and E.T. needs to phone home. Steven Spielberg’s amazing adventure is one of the most beloved and successful films of all time and to see it at the Castle will bring a whole new life to the movie.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of HalloweenTown, discovers a portal to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate its traditions his own way. A dazzling animated feature from the crazy mind of Tim Burton.
GHOSTBUSTERS: The year is 1984. There’s something strange in your neighbourhood. Who you gonna call? Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver star in the original spooky blockbuster. For us, the original is without doubt the best.
HALLOWEEN: This is the latest in the HALLOWEEN series and they took a pretty good swipe at it we reckon. It’s October 31st. Exactly 40 years after their first bloody encounter in Haddonfield, Laurie Strode and Michael Myers must face each other again. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her most iconic role.
THE LOST BOYS: Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It’s fun to be a vampire. Starring Jason Patric, a young Keifer Sutherland and both Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, this cult 80s horror comedy is a big audience favourite.
FRIDAY THE 13th: Again, original is the best scenario here. Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake! A group of young people arrive to start their new summer jobs, unaware of the site’s deadly history and the terrible danger they’re now in. One of horror’s most unkillable series begins, featuring a fresh-faced and imperilled Kevin Bacon.
THE CRAFT: Sarah is a troubled teenager. After moving with her family to a new city and enrolling at an intimidating new school, she falls in with a group of fellow outcasts. Rumours spread that they might be witches. This 90s cult classic stars Fairuza Balk and Scream’s Neve Campbell – her from Scream.
ELSA DRINKING GAME
This is a new one to us but we kinda like it. It’s been going around on Facebook and Instagram and I’m totally doing it. It’s not a tricky one, every time you see Elsa, have a drink. We’re not advocating large amounts of alcohol here. It could be a soft drink, alcohol free or something else. Your game, your choice.
HAVE A SPOOKY DINNER PARTY
If you’re staying home then why not do something other than a party. Have friends over for dinner. Now we dont mean eat them, like Hannibel Lecter would, have friends over to eat your food. We just want to clarify that.
There is so much you could do. Halloween Hummus. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup. Spiced Roasted Apples. You get the idea. Just have a look at Pinterest and you’ll find a ton of suitable recipes.
PLAY A SCARY VIDEO GAME
There are so many creepy video games out there these days. Our favourite is probably, RESIDENT EVIL. Same rules as the movies. Lights out, sound up and away you go.
TAKE A BLOOD BATH
We don’t mean real blood, of course. Draw a nice warm bath and throw in a red bath bomb or maybe even an eyeball bath bomb and BOOM! Perhaps a red bulb in your light or some suitable candles would add to the mood.
FOR COUPLES ONLY
Halloween is so good for cuddling up together and enjoying a spooky evening. It can though be so much more. So, here are THE BIRMINGHAM EDIT ideas for couples – once the kids are tucked up in bed.
Thing to do together…….
- Carve a pumpkin – together
- Bake a scary Halloween cake – together
- Make a Bloody Mary cocktail, then drink it – together
- Decorate your room – together
- Get dressed up in matching costumes
Let’s make it romantic…….
- Share scary stories with a sexy spin
- We hear there’s a good range of Glow-In-The-Dark body paint
- Try a Halloween-inspired romantic meal
- Surprise your partner with a sexy costume
- Experiment with edible clothing (you know what we mean)
I HATE HALLOWEEN
So, you are at the point in life where you are either all done with the Halloween thing or you are the proverbial Halloween Grinch. If that’s the case, here’s a a few alternatives to help you on your way.
SUPERMARKET SWEEP FOR REDUCED PRICE SWEETS Chances are Halloween candy will already be on sale. So you can stock your sweetie stash for the year at a fraction of the price. It happens at Easter so we’re certain Halloween will be the same.
GO ON A DATE WITH ANOTHER HALLOWEEN HATER Trust us when we say you won’t be the only Halloween Hater out there. This is a perfect ice-breaker and who knows where it might lead. It’s the ultimate anecdote to awkwardness.
GO SEE A MOVIE It doesn’t have to be a scary movie of course but going to the cinema gives you a chance to splash out on all the treats, sit in the dark, munching and watching. Perfect.
HIT THE GYM The older you get, the more likely you are to store all those sugary candy calories as fat. I know, I’m an expert. After you dig into whatever Halloween sweets you crave, put your sugar high to good use at the gym. It’s one place you don’t have to feel like a spoilsport for showing up undisguised.
TAKE YOUR NEPHEWS/NIECES TRICK-OR-TREATING Just because you don’t enjoy it doesn’t mean your loved one’s won’t. Bite the bullet, grab your phone for some spooky snaps and get out and become your nephews (or nieces) unofficial hero for the night.
STAY AT HOME AND EAT SWEETS Be like the Halloween Scrooge, stay at home and eat all the sweets yourself. I’ve done it. Not because I don’t like Halloween, I love it. I just love sweets even more. Trick or Treaters won’t be happy but you will.
GO SHOPPING If you’re not indulging in the Halloween thing just think of the money you’ve saved. Go out, get away from the knocking on the door, and buy yourself a little treat.
HAVE A CHRISTMAS PARTY You don’t like halloween so you must enjoy Christmas. Why not throw the first festive party of the season. Not as mad as you think. Just ask Mr Christmas. Yes, he really exists, we know him. His name is Andy Park and he celebrates Christmas every single day of the year. MR CHRISTMAS and we mean EVERY DAY without fail.
CLEAR THE SKELETONS OUT OF YOUR WARDROBE If you don’t enjoy wearing costumes anymore, why not use the night to clear out your wardrobe. If they’re anything like ours, most of the clothes are far scarier than anything you’d buy anyway.
WEAR AN UNSUITABLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME Or don’t is our advice. There are some unbelievably ridiculous, inappropriate costumes for sale on pretty reputable sites. No explanation, we’re sure you get what they’re supposed to be. Please don’t wear them.
CARVE A LANTERN – OUT OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT Nothing says ‘up yours Halloween’ than a lantern carved out of something strange. Pineapple is particularly good.
FREE PUMPKIN TEMPLATES
Our team have put together a bunch of pumpkin templates for you to download, print and use as you feel. Just click on the link below and they’ll download to your device.
And if you want a bit of help with the carving, this video is easy to follow and fun – HERE.
