Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Jacksonville
-1.jpg)
Fun Halloween activities are an important element of maintaining a relationship with your grandchildren. From carving pumpkins to trick-or-treating, you can pass on Halloween traditions and engage in intergenerational fun during the spooky season.
Halloween is depressingly unpopular with seniors. According to YouGov, a mere 11% of seniors aged 65 or older cite Halloween as one of their favorite holidays. If you are a Halloween enthusiast, it may be difficult to find other seniors in Jacksonville, FL, who are interested in Halloween.
Luckily, children love Halloween, so it can be the perfect time to bond with your grandchildren and assist with childcare while still having a good time. Read on to learn more about intergenerational Halloween ideas that are fun for the whole family.
Visit a Pumpkin Patch
Why pick up your Halloween pumpkins at the grocery store when you can experience the magic of a pumpkin patch during autumn? Many pumpkin patches have a plethora of other entertainments besides pumpkin picking, such as:
- Carnival games
- Petting zoos
- Fair rides
- Pony rides
- Live entertainment
Once you've picked out your pumpkins, spend the day walking around the pumpkin patch and grab a bite to eat while you are there, or return to your senior living community to dine.
Try a Trunk-or-Treat
A relatively new innovation, trunk-or-treats involve parents and other adults gathering in a designated space, like a church or school parking lot, to do a pseudo trick-or-treating event. Kids can attend in their Halloween costumes and go from car to car to receive candy.
Although less traditional than trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating is safer. Many trunk-or-treats also happen before Halloween, leaving Halloween evening free for traditional trick-or-treating.
Trunk-or-treats are also ideal for seniors with mobility issues. Rather than traipsing from house to house, navigating around a parking lot or another flat, open space can be easier.
Carve Pumpkins Together
There is nothing better than sitting on the ground with pumpkin all over your hands, creating a masterpiece that you can light up on Halloween night. Pumpkin carving is still a popular activity, and children of all ages can find ways to participate in the process.
Older kids may be able to draw and carve designs on their own pumpkins. For younger children, painting or using stickers may be a better solution, so they can still have a festive pumpkin with less risk.
You can also ask younger children to sort out pumpkin seeds, so you can clean and roast them later for a tasty Halloween snack. Season them with salty or sweet toppings for a unique twist.
For the best results, carve pumpkins a couple of days before Halloween. If you carve them too soon, the pumpkin may start to wilt before Halloween night, which can impact its appearance. Use electric tea light candles inside the pumpkins for added safety.
Host a Halloween Party
A party on the spookiest night of the year can be the perfect combination of fright, festivity, and fun. From an intimate group gathering to an event with dozens of people, any celebration of Halloween is guaranteed to be entertaining for children and adults alike.
How to Make a Halloween Party Not Boring?
Rather than watching guests mill around, supply entertainment options such as games and activities. Create dishes that are Halloween-themed, such as pumpkin cake pops or dirt cake.
If you are hosting the Halloween party in your retirement community, ask residents which entertainment options they would prefer. Put together a playlist of music and movies that will cater to all age levels.
What Are Some Fun Halloween Games for Adults?
Although Halloween heavily revolves around children, there are still entertainment options more suitable for adults. If you host an adults-only Halloween party or the children have gone to bed, bring out some games such as:
- Beer pong
- Charades
- Scavenger hunt
- Trick-or-Drink
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is the Best Time to Go Trick-or-Treating?
It depends on where you live and the age of the children in the group. For younger children, it may be better to trick-or-treat earlier in the evening. You are less likely to encounter crowds, and the daylight makes it a safer activity for youngsters.
Older children may want to eat dinner first or meet up with their friends before going trick-or-treating. Older children also do not require as much supervision, so they may be able to trick-or-treat later in the evening without as much worry about safety.
No matter the time you choose to trick-or-treat, remember to leave the children time to sort and trade their candy, a time-honored Halloween tradition.
What Gifts Can I Give My Grandkids for Halloween?
You do not just have to give candy to your grandchildren for Halloween. The spooky holiday is the perfect opportunity to be creative and design customized gifts that they will love for years to come.
Rather than shopping for expensive, low-quality Halloween costumes, consider making your own. Ask your grandchildren if they have any costume ideas, then take a trip to the fabric store and find the appropriate patterns and supplies.
To take it to the next level, consider doing a family costume surrounding a common theme. Movies, television shows, and musical groups are common inspirations for family costumes.
Homemade Halloween decorations are one of the best holiday bonding activities. You can proudly display items created by your grandchildren for trick-or-treaters or fellow senior residents.
Try These Fun Halloween Activities
Retirement living in Jacksonville, FL, does not have to be dull, especially around the holidays. With this guide to fun Halloween activities, you can make the most out of Halloween with your grandchildren.
At Discovery Village at Deerwood, we make every holiday special for our residents. From SHINE memory care crafts and senior-friendly fall fun to exclusive amenities and programs geared toward senior wellness, our residents engage in a fulfilling lifestyle that enhances their quality of life.
Spend your next holiday season at Discovery Village at Deerwood. Reach out to us today if you have any questions, or visit our beautiful location in Jacksonville, FL, to see it for yourself. We can't wait to meet you!