How to Make Halloween Fun for Tweens (Without It Being Lame)

Halloween can be tricky once your kids hit the tween years. They’re too old for kiddie stuff but not quite into the full-on teen scene. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to make Halloween fun, festive, and just the right amount of spooky for that in-between age group.

1. Plan a Costume Party with a Twist

Let your tween host a mini Halloween party with their close friends. Think costume contests, spooky music, and themed snacks—but let them help with the planning to make it feel more grown-up and less “little kid.”

2. Host a Halloween Movie Night

Set up a cozy space with popcorn, candy, and spooky (but age-appropriate) movies. Favorites like Goosebumps, Hocus Pocus, Coraline, or The Addams Family are tween-friendly without being too scary.

3. Glow-in-the-Dark Games

Toss glow sticks into the mix with games like flashlight tag, glow ring toss, or ghostly scavenger hunts around the yard. Tweens love anything that lights up in the dark.

4. Pumpkin Decorating—No Carving Required

Skip the mess and use paint, googly eyes, stickers, or markers to decorate pumpkins. It’s creative, fun, and a safer option if you’re not quite ready for knives.

5. Create a Candy Bar 

Set up a DIY “candy bar” with clear jars of assorted sweets and let tweens build their own treat bags. Bonus points for Halloween-themed scoops and bags!

6. Let Them Trick-or-Treat with Friends

If it’s safe and you’re nearby, let them go in a group. The freedom to roam with friends is a big deal at this age—but always set boundaries and a curfew.

7. Spooky Crafting or Baking

Try making edible eyeballs, serial killer cupcakes, ghost cookies, or slime. Not only is it fun, but it gives them something creative (and slightly gross!) to do.

8. Decorate Their Room or a “Tween Halloween Corner”

Give them some independence to decorate a space how they want—whether it’s creepy, cool, or cozy.

Final Thought:

The secret to a great tween Halloween is mixing a little freedom with a lot of fun. Let them lead the way (with a bit of guidance), and you might just make this their favorite Halloween yet.