31 Halloween Ideas for Kids to Play, Make, Eat, and Watch

Halloween is one of our favorite times of year because families can have so much fun together with -- and without -- media. From spooky movies, music, and games to fun crafts, snacks, and parties, October offers a month packed with family pleasures. We culled the Web for inspiration to get kids and families learning, doing, and having fun.

Pretty Cool Pumpkins

• Motion-Controlled Silly-String-Shooting Pumpkin
  
  Looking for a fun Halloween project? This is it.
• Pumpkin Carving Ideas
  
  Hundreds of designs and stencils, including geeky, pop culture, and traditional styles.
• DIY Pumpkin Decorations
  
  No carving needed!
• Pumpkin Recipes
  
  When the holiday's over, don't toss it -- cook it!

Costume Inspiration

• Dirty-Laundry Group Costume
  
  Keep it clean this Halloween.
• Classic Literary Costumes
  
  Bring these characters to life.
• YA Book Cover Costumes
  
  Dress up as your favorite heroine.
• Last-Minute Costumes
  
  What busy family doesn't need these?
• Incredible Pinterest Costume Page
  
  If you can't find an idea here, maybe you should just give up.

Food Fun

• Halloween Lunchbox Ideas
  
  Keep the spirit going throughout the school day.
• Healthy Halloween Snacks
  
  Counteract all the sugar with these holiday treats.
• Candy-Coated Caramel Apples
  
  This classic fall treat doubles down on the candy.

Spooky Crafts and Activities

• Icky Science Experiments
  
  Using anything from slime to potions, kids will delight in these weird educational projects.
• Hot-Glue-Gun Necklaces
  
  As part of a costume or just for Halloween fun, these are easy to make.
• Bread-Clip Comic Strips
  
  Create your own scary or not-so-scary ghost stories.
• Easy Sewing Patterns and Projects
  
  Some are creepy, some are cute, but they're all fun.
• Trick-or-Treat Bags and Buckets
  
  Carry your candy in style.
• Scary Witch Rhythm Song and Game
  
  Preschoolers will love this fun Halloween-y song activity.
• Candy-Toss Game
  
  Even if they can't eat it all, they can play with it.
• Pumpkin Pie Play Dough
  
  Fun to make and fun to play with, too.
• Candy Activities for Fun and Learning
  
  Think candy's bad for the brain? Wrong!
• Find Haunted Houses
  
  Teens and adults might enjoy seeking out a scary spot nearby.
• Halloween Hacks
  
  Spirited activities and eats you can do at the last minute.
• Start a Boo-Bag Tradition
  
  Surprise your friends and neighbors with Halloween goodies.

Scary (and Not-So-Scary) Media

• Halloween Apps
  
  Stock your device with seasonal games for the kiddos.
• Classic Horror-Movie Posters
  
  Get decor or costume inspiration from these great images.
• Halloween Books for Young Kids
  
  Wee ones will love these adorable and not-too-scary tales.
• The Best Spooky Music Videos, Ever
  
  From "Thriller" to "Monster Mash," kids will adore these creepy songs and videos.

More Halloween Fun

• Party Planning
  
  Throw the best kids' Halloween party on the block.
• History of Halloween
  
  Teach curious kids why we do all this silly, spooky stuff each October.
• Tips for Taking Good Halloween Photos
  
  Want some great pics for your Instagram?