Halloween celebrations often involve drinking – so much so that it’s considered by many to be an “alcoholiday.” On this Halloween of 2020, alcohol consumption may reach frightening levels, considering that alcohol consumption has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.1 Unfortunately, alcohol consumption may contribute to mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression), which are independently worsening during the pandemic.1 If you’re looking for some last-minute ideas for this pandemic Halloween, look no further! Keep reading for 31 fun, healthy, and safe Halloween activities (no alcohol drinking or candy eating necessary!) – complete with resources to make these ideas come to life.
31 Alcohol-Free Halloween Activities
- Direct your own horror movie (with the help of a phone app)
- Paint a pumpkin
- Go on a virtual haunted house tour
- Make a healthier Halloween trail mix
- Go for a night hike (the full moon will be especially haunting!)
- Make pumpkin soup
- Read a thriller novel
- Participate in a virtual costume contest
- Try out gory special effects make up
- Learn the “Thriller” dance
- Make gourmet caramel apples
- Whip up a virgin witches’ brew (complete with dry ice)
- “Boo” friends and family by leaving a treat on their doorstep
- Have a backyard Halloween photoshoot
- Go apple-picking, with COVID-19 precautions
- Host a virtual murder mystery game
- Play horror movie trivia
- Play Halloween-themed charades
- Eyeball beer pong (just use water instead!)
- DIY Halloween décor (for this year and next!)
- Play Halloween bingo
- Put together a DIY Halloween costume (no shopping required)
- Visit a pumpkin patch, with COVID-19 precautions
- Enjoy a backyard bonfire
- Run a virtual Halloween race
- Tell ghost stories
- Roast pumpkin seeds
- Decorate your bike and take a festive ride
- Carve a pumpkin
- Go on a walking ghost tour, with COVID-19 precautions
- Watch a scary movie
Have a fun and safe Halloween! 🙂
References
- Pollard MS, Tucker JS, Green HD. Changes in Adult Alcohol Use and Consequences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(9):e2022942. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.22942