Create a Haunted House in Your Own Backyard

Haunted houses can be a fun part of Halloween, but many times they are too expensive or too scary for younger children. A simple haunted house in the backyard can provide all the thrills while still having that comfort zone of home. A few simple decorations and a bit of imagination can provide an evening of fun. By making it large enough that kids and grownups can go through it together you’ll also help the younger ones feel a bit braver.

Some cardboard boxes, sheets and clothesline can become a maze for the kids to go through. Bales of hay can also make a nice touch as tunnels to crawl through. If you live near a farm, you may be able to borrow a few bales and return them after the party. The maze doesn’t have to be intricate. Even a few twists and turns will allow for surprises around each corner.

Enlist the kids help to decorate the cardboard and sheets with glow-in-the-dark paint to help create the walls. Position a few black lights to make them visible to your guests. The kids will love painting designs and pictures with the bright colors. Have them come up with scary phrases, like “Beware All Who Enter Here” or “Ghosts and Goblins Only” to decorate the walls of the backyard haunted house.

Lighting is an important part of a haunted house. You want enough light that people can see where to walk safely, but not so much that they see what’s awaiting them ahead. There are many theme lights such as ghosts and pumpkins available, but Christmas tree lights work just as well. Strobe lights can also add to the spooky atmosphere as can a fog machine. Jack-o-lanterns are also a nice touch, but use battery-operated lights in them for safety.

Hanging rubber bats, ghosts and other creepy crawlers around on different length strings, long enough that people will bump into, may make a few people jump. Have a few volunteers dress up in spooky costumes and hide behind trees and around corners of the maze to add to the scare factor. If you think a younger child might be too scared by them, let them see the people getting in their costumes before hiding. This way, they’ll know it’s really people they know in costumes and not real monsters.

Invite the neighborhood trick-or-treaters to venture through your haunted house, having the treats passed out by the various monsters hiding through the maze. It makes it a little more exciting for the kids. It’s sure to make your home a favorite stop of all the little ghosts and goblins.

As you plan your haunted house layout, keep safety in mind. Remove any sticks that may cause someone to trip. Avoid tree roots that may be sticking up out of the ground. Look for rocks, too. As long as you are creative, have fun, and keep safety in mind, it’s sure to be the hit of the neighborhood.

Kid Halloween Fun Recipe & Party Games no 3

No. 3 in the Hallowe'en recipe series

3. Easy Halloween Party Mix  

Ingredients: 

10 cups prepared popcorn
1 package peanut butter chips
1 cup candy corn
1 cup chocolate chips 

Directions: 

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.




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Kid Halloween Fun Recipe & Party Games no 2

Halloween Recipes

What kid doesn't love Halloween? Some of us grownups seem to get a kick out of it as well... Here are some really easy, kid-friendly recipes you can use for Halloween parties or special Halloween treats!


2. Monster Party Mix

Ingredients: 

* Be warned this mixture is very rich and contains quite a bit of sugar… serve in small amounts!
 
1(11 ounce) package of small pretzels
1 (10 ounce) package miniature peanut butter filled crackers 
1 cup sugar
½ cup butter or margarine
½ cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 (10 ounce) package M&M's
1 (18 ounce) package candy corn 

Directions: 

In a large bowl combiner pretzels and peanut butter crackers and set aside.  In a large saucepan combine sugar, butter and corn syrup.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and baking soda.  Pour over pretzel mixture and stir until coated.  Transfer mixture to a greased baking pan. 

Bake at 250F for 45 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.  Remove from oven and break apart while warm then allow to cool completely.  Transfer to large bowl and toss with candy corn and M&M's.  Store in an airtight container.

Please support us by visiting http://TheMagickalEwe.etsy.com for all your spinning, needle felting, felting, crocheting, and knitting needs. SOAK is appearing on the Dragon's Den Wed. Oct.14th. We have SOAK. Trial Kits are only $3.00

Kid Halloween Fun Recipe & Party Games 1

Halloween Recipes

What kid doesn't love Halloween? Some of us grownups seem to get a kick out of it as well... Here are some really easy, kid-friendly recipes you can use for Halloween parties or special Halloween treats!


1. Caramel Apples

Ingredients:

6 apples
1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels
2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

Lightly butter a baking sheet and set aside. Remove the stem from each apple and stick a craft (popsicle) stick into the top of each apple. Unwrap caramels and place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave approximately 2 minutes, stirring half way through. Carefully remove caramel from microwave and let cool for about 1 minute. Quickly roll each apple in caramel until well coated. Place on prepared baking tray and allow to set.


Please support us by visiting http://TheMagickalEwe.etsy.com for all your spinning, needle felting, felting, crocheting, and knitting needs. SOAK is appearing on the Dragon's Den Wed. Oct.14th. We have SOAK. Trial Kits are only $3.00

Free Holiday Guide Books

1. This twelve page Christmas Holiday Guide e-Book is chock full of ideas to make your winter break more fun for you and your family. There are menu and party planning ideas. Games for children and suggestions to keep them busier and happier over the holidays.

2. This twelve page Hannukah Holiday Guide e-book is also full of ideas to make your holiday season fun. You'll get recipes and party planning ideas. Activities for children to make their winter break more fun.

3. The third in the holiday guide series is about Kwanza. Again, you'll find plenty of holiday fun inside.

These holiday guide books are free for the asking. To get your copy please leave a comment on this post telling me about your favourite holiday memory.
May this holiday season be bright and full of wonderful blessings for You and Your family.