Halloween falls on Saturday 31st October in 2026, and there is plenty to enjoy before the big night. From castle trails and pumpkin patches to after-dark scares and homemade games, here are 100 ways to make the season your own.
Our list includes 50 outings and seasonal experiences, followed by 50 activities at home. Some venues appear more than once because their daytime, twilight and adult programmes are different experiences. Six of the outings are ordinary autumn visits rather than advertised Halloween events.
To keep the kids occupied here’s the South Wales Life ‘Fun Books’ to download and use, free of charge – HERE.
Before you book: Prices and availability can change. “From†prices are starting prices, not a guarantee for every date. Fees and extras are identified where published. Where an organiser has not supplied a detail we could verify, we say so rather than carry forward a 2025 figure. Follow the linked organiser’s calendar for your chosen slot. All times are local.
For the Cadw daytime entries below, junior tickets are for ages 5–17, under-fives are free, and the quoted family ticket is for two adults and up to three children. Cadw members usually receive free standard admission; separately ticketed evening events have their own terms. National Trust child tickets are for ages 5–17; under-fives are free.
Out and about
1. Scream Time at Margam Country Park
An evening scare experience for readers who prefer Halloween with a serious fright factor. Marketed for ages 15+; read the organiser’s full age rules before booking.
When: Selected dates, 15th October to 1st November; timed evening arrivals after 7pm. Follow the time on your ticket.
Cost: Seller lists tickets from £22.95. An official standard ticket sampled for 24th October at 8.30pm was £28, plus £2.75 per booking; prices vary.
Details and booking: HERE
2. Spooky Time: Margam’s family experience
Choose the gentler family version instead. The organiser recommends ages 5+.
When: Selected dates, 15th October to 1st November; daytime/early evening slots before 7pm.
Cost: From £21.95 through the linked ticket seller; check checkout fees. Under-threes are free according to the organiser.
Details and booking: HERE
Check out our feature HERE.
3. Fonmon Castle by day
Halloween characters and an actor-free daytime scare run make this a different experience from the night event.
When: Selected October dates through to 1st November, 10am–3pm; last entry 2pm. The booking page contains conflicting start dates: use its live calendar.
Cost: Advertised early-bird adult £11, child £10, plus £1 per ticket; under-threes free. Pumpkins and selected activities cost extra.
Details and booking: HERE
4. Fonmon Castle by night
A separate, stronger scare experience. Under-16s must attend with an adult aged 18+.
When: Selected October nights, 6–10pm; last entry 8pm. Choose a date in the booking calendar.
Cost: £15, or £14 concession, plus £1 per ticket. Check ticket eligibility.
Details and booking: HERE
5. Monsters of the Mine at Zip World Tower
Head to Hirwaun for Halloween after dark. Choose your package carefully: activities and ticket inclusions differ. Ages 9+.
When: Selected dates, 9th October to 1st November, 7–10.30pm.
Cost: Adventure passes advertised from £22, plus £5 per order; parking included.
Details and booking: HERE
6. Halloween Nights at St Fagans
See the open-air museum after dark, with seasonal entertainment and plenty of atmosphere. Recommended for ages 5+.
When: 29th to 31st October, 5.30–9pm; advance booking essential.
Cost: £16; under-twos free but need an infant ticket. Parking included after 4.30pm; food and fairground rides extra.
Details and booking: HERE
7. St Fagans Castle ghost tour
Hear reported ghost stories on an evening castle tour. This is storytelling rather than a promise of paranormal activity. Ages 12+.
When: 1st, 2nd, 8th and 22nd October, 8pm.
Cost: £20.
Details and booking: HERE
8. Chepstow Castle ghost tour
An adult evening tour through the castle’s spooky stories.
When: 22nd October, 7–8.30pm.
Cost: £15, including a hot drink; book ahead.
Details and booking: HERE
9. Chepstow Castle’s evening ghost stories
Prefer a seated storytelling session? Choose one of these indoor evening performances. Adults only.
When: 29th October, 6.30–7.30pm or 8.30–9.30pm.
Cost: £15, including a hot drink; book ahead.
Details and booking: HERE
10. Decorate a mini pumpkin at Chepstow Castle
Combine a castle visit with a small seasonal craft.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 10am–4pm.
Cost: £2 for the activity, plus admission: adult £10.40, junior £7.20, family £33.30.
Details and booking: HERE
11. Castell Coch’s Creepy Quest
Take the family on a Halloween quest in the woodland castle.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 11am–3pm.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £10.40, junior £7.20, family £33.30. Booking recommended.
Details and booking: HERE
12. Castell Coch after dark
An adult evening tour with stairs and uneven ground. Bring the torch requested by the organiser.
When: 31st October, 6.30–8pm, and 2 November, 8–9.30pm. A later Halloween-night session was sold out when checked.
Cost: £20; advance booking.
Details and booking: HERE
13. Family Halloween at Caerphilly Castle
A daytime visit with seasonal activities. The programme varies by date.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 11am–3pm.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £12.90, junior £9, family £41.30.
Details and booking: HERE
14. Caerphilly Castle’s Halloween evenings
Explore castle stories after dark on an adult tour. Bring a torch.
When: 30th October, 6.30–8pm or 8.30–10pm; 1st November, 8–9.30pm.
Cost: £20; book ahead.
Details and booking: HERE
15. Monstrous Myths at Caerleon Roman Baths
Add Roman monsters and mythology to a visit to the baths.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 10am–4pm.
Cost: Normal admission: adult £5.80, junior £4, family £18.60. No separate activity charge was shown.
Details and booking: HERE
16. Spooky stories and crafts at Blaenavon Ironworks
A family outing combining the industrial setting with Halloween storytelling and creative activities.
When: 29th to 31st October, 11am–3.30pm.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £8, junior £5.60, family £25.60.
Details and booking: HERE
17. Tretower Court’s spooky trail
Follow a seasonal trail around this historic site near Crickhowell.
When: 30th and 31st October, 10am–4pm.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £10.40, junior £7.20, family £33.30.
Details and booking: HERE
18. Laugharne Castle’s Halloween trail
Make a castle visit part of an autumn day in Laugharne.
When: 31st October, 11am–4pm.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £6.50, junior £4.50, family £20.80.
Details and booking: HERE
19. Kidwelly Castle’s Halloween trail
A half-term castle trail for families in Carmarthenshire.
When: 26th October to 1st November, 9.30am–5pm, as listed for the event.
Cost: Included with admission: adult £8.90, junior £6.20, family £28.50.
Details and booking: HERE
20. Rhondda Heritage Park’s daytime Spooktacular
The family programme includes a pumpkin, crafts, entertainment and a seasonal underground experience. Check the ticket’s child and adult allocation.
When: 28th to 30th October: 10am–noon, 12.30–2.30pm or 3–5pm.
Cost: Advertised from £17.50 for one adult and one child, including booking fee; check your chosen slot.
Details and booking: HERE
21. Rhondda Heritage Park at twilight
Choose the separate twilight session if an evening visit fits your family better.
When: 28the to 30th October, 6–8pm.
Cost: Twilight tariff not independently verified; select the evening session in the organiser’s booking system. The advertised £17.50 starting price should not be assumed to apply to every session.
Details and booking: HERE
22. Stranger Folk at Tredegar House
Follow a folklore-themed experience at the Newport estate. Recommended for ages 7+.
When: 1st October to 1st November. Listed event hours: 10.30am–4.30pm on 1–4 October, then 10.30am–4pm. Check which buildings are open.
Cost: Activity free with admission: adult £14, child £7, family £35 without Gift Aid; National Trust members free. Parking extra.
Details and booking: HERE
23. Calan Gaeaf at Tredegar House
Discover Welsh seasonal traditions during half-term.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 11am–3pm.
Cost: Activity free with normal admission: adult £14, child £7, family £35 without Gift Aid; members free. Parking extra.
Details and booking: HERE
24. Tredegar House: folklore and the unexplained
Book the adult-oriented evening tour for a more atmospheric visit. Expect steps and limited opportunities to sit.
When: 23rd and 24th October, 6–8pm.
Cost: £15; book ahead.
Details and booking: HERE
25. Happy Halloween at Plantasia, Swansea
Spend Halloween among the tropical plants and animals, with seasonal activities on the day.
When: 31st October, 10am–5pm; last entry 4pm.
Cost: Adult or child £9.95, concession £7.95; toddlers free. Family of four £35.50, family of five £41.75. Check booking fees.
Details and booking: HERE
26. Pembrey’s pumpkin trail
Follow the clues and collect a seasonal prize.
When: 24th to 31st October, 11am–4pm.
Cost: £7 per child; park parking charges additional.
Details and booking: HERE
27. Spooky golf at Pembrey
Make your family round of golf part of Halloween week.
When: October operating dates and session hours need confirmation: the official page’s heading says 26th to 31st October but its text says 24th to 31st October.
Cost: Child £5.50, adult £6.50, family of two adults and three children £22; parking extra.
Details and booking: HERE
28. Pembrey’s zombie trail
Choose your session with care: the first two are described as gentler, with stronger scares later.
When: 30th October, timed sessions between 5pm and 8pm.
Cost: £9.50; parking extra.
Details and booking: HERE
29. Spooky Colour Run at Pembrey
Walk, jog or run the lap-based course in fancy dress. It is a separate ticketed event.
When: 24th October. Registration 10.30–11.45am; briefing 11.50am; start noon.
Cost: Entry price was not visible in the retrieved event page: check “Enter Now†before making plans. Parking may be additional.
Details and booking: HERE
30. Daytime pumpkin picking at Forage
Take a daytime trip to the Vale of Glamorgan pumpkin patch.
When: Selected dates, 3rd to 31st October. Daytime entry slots are shown in the booking calendar.
Cost: £12 off-peak or £15 peak per car for up to five people, plus booking fee. Pumpkins, food and selected extras additional.
Details and booking: HERE
31. Forage’s twilight pumpkin evenings
Try pumpkin picking after dark. Recommended for ages 8+; under-16s must attend with an adult.
When: 16th and 17th October and 23rd to 31st October, 7–10.30pm.
Cost: £10 per person; check booking fee. Pumpkins and food additional.
Details and booking: HERE
32. Vale Pick Your Own by day
A daytime pumpkin-picking outing at Bonvilston. Select an October date from the current calendar.
When: Day entry 10am–3pm; site closes 5pm.
Cost: £10 per car plus 94p booking fee. The day ticket covers up to six people; pumpkins £2–£15 extra.
Details and booking: HERE
33. Vale Pick Your Own at twilight
Swap the daytime patch for an evening visit. This uses a per-person ticket.
When: Selected October dates; entry 6–8pm, site closes 10pm. Confirm dates in the live calendar.
Cost: £7 per person plus 25p fee; tickets required for adults and children over two. Pumpkins extra.
Details and booking: HERE
34. Halloween on Gower: the pumpkin patch
At Gower Fresh Christmas Trees, the daytime car pass combines the patch with a haunted trail and reindeer viewing.
When: 2026 festival confirmed; full operating dates and arrival slots are in the live booking system.
Cost: Car pass covers up to six people; current tariff not visible in retrieved text. Pumpkins extra.
Details and booking: HERE
35. Witches of Gower Farm
An actor-led story experience for ages 3–12, lasting about an hour.
When: Sessions listed at 11.30am, 1pm, 2.30pm and 4pm on selected operating dates.
Cost: Separate add-on ticket plus required car pass. Current add-on price needs confirmation in checkout.
Details and booking: HERE
36. The Harvest Calling on Gower
Choose the stronger evening experience, recommended for ages 12+.
When: 29th to 31st October; timed arrivals between 5.20pm and 7.20pm.
Cost: Separate add-on ticket plus required car pass. Current tariff needs confirmation in checkout.
Details and booking: HERE
37. Cantref’s daytime pumpkin festival
Make a day of the farm near Brecon. The festival advertises a pumpkin for each child with the relevant ticket.
When: 3rd and 4th, 10the and 11th, 17th and 18th and 24th to 31st October. Day sessions advertised at 10.30am–5pm; confirm the hours for your selected date.
Cost: 2026 festival price not visible in retrieved booking text; select ticket type in the live calendar.
Details and booking: HERE
38. Cantref’s twilight pumpkin evenings
Visit the farm for an evening of pumpkins, music and seasonal food.
When: 9th, 16th, 23rd,28th and 30th October, from 5.30pm; closing time not verified.
Cost: Current ticket price needs checking in checkout. The current event listing advertises a pumpkin per child.
Details and booking: HERE
39. Cantref’s adults-only Halloween night
An evening option for adults who want the farm atmosphere without a children’s session. Ages 18+.
When: 31st October, from 5.30pm; closing time not verified.
Cost: Current admission price not visible in retrieved text; check booking page.
Details and booking: HERE
40. Lower House Farm’s pumpkin patch
Head to Llanvair Discoed, near Chepstow, for a rural pumpkin-picking trip.
When: Weekends from 3rd to 31st October, according to the tourism listing. Exact arrival hours need confirmation.
Cost: Visit Monmouthshire lists £10 per car, pumpkins extra. Confirm the live tariff: another indexed promotion quotes tickets “from £3â€.
Details and booking: HERE
41. Little Shop of Horrors at Cardiff Castle
Watch the musical in the castle’s underground cinema.
When: 31st October, 2pm.
Cost: £15 adult, £9 child aged 2–15; check film suitability and booking terms.
Details and booking: HERE
42. The Descent at Cardiff Castle
A claustrophobic horror choice for an adult Halloween afternoon. The film is rated 18.
When: 31st October, 4pm.
Cost: £15. Treat this as an 18+ screening; the generic ticket label on the page says 16+ and needs organiser clarification.
Details and booking: HERE
43. Treetop Golf’s Spooktacular in Cardiff
Add the seasonal spider hunt to an indoor mini-golf visit.
When: 2nd October to 1st November; daily opening hours vary, so check the venue before travelling.
Cost: One course: adult £12.50, child aged 5–15 £9.50, under-five £6, family of four £40. Confirm any activity inclusions.
Details and booking: HERE
44. A creature-spotting visit to National Museum Cardiff
Make your own autumn visit a hunt for animals and unusual shapes in the collections. This is a DIY idea, not an advertised Halloween event.
When: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm; galleries close 4.45pm.
Cost: General admission free; ticketed exhibitions may cost extra.
Details and booking: HERE
45. A rainy-day visit to the National Waterfront Museum
Explore Swansea’s museum, then challenge everyone to draw a Halloween invention inspired by what they saw. DIY activity.
When: Daily, 10am–5pm.
Cost: General admission free; special paid events separate.
Details and booking: HERE
46. Roman inspiration at Caerleon’s museum
Visit the National Roman Legion Museum and invent a mythological creature afterwards. This museum is separate from the paid Roman Baths.
When: Daily, 10am–5pm.
Cost: General admission free.
Details and booking: HERE
47. An autumn leaf hunt in Bute Park
Spot colours, seed heads and interesting tree shapes on a daylight walk. Leave natural materials where you find them. DIY outing.
When: Daily from 7.30am until 30 minutes before sunset. Published locking time for the week ending 1 November is 4.15pm; check daily notices.
Cost: Free park entry.
Details and booking: HERE
48. A Halloween photo walk in Belle Vue Park
Use Newport’s autumn scenery as a backdrop for a family costume photograph. This is your own outing.
When: Visit in daylight. Published gate closing for 27th October to 2nd November is 5.30pm, with locking starting 30 minutes earlier.
Cost: Free park entry.
Details and booking: HERE
49. An autumn stroll around Roath Park
Take a daylight walk and look for reflections, colourful leaves and seasonal wildlife. DIY outing.
When: Daylight visit recommended; check local gate notices. Exact October gate hours were not verified.
Cost: Free park entry; refreshments extra.
Details and booking: HERE
50. South Wales Makers Market at St Fagans
Browse locally made gifts and crafts during half-term. This is an autumn market rather than a horror event.
When: 24th October to 1st November, 10am–5pm.
Cost: Free entry; parking £7 per car, free for Blue Badge holders. Purchases extra.
Details and booking: HERE
Halloween at home
These are our own activity suggestions, available whenever suits you. The times are suggested activity lengths, not venue opening hours. “Free†means using things you already own; new materials, food, printing, rentals and subscriptions can add to the cost. Adapt each idea to the people taking part.
51. Paint a pumpkin
Give a pumpkin a face, a pattern or a favourite character. Painting is a good alternative to cutting it.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Pumpkin and paint if not already available.
52. Carve a jack-o’-lantern
Sketch the face first, then let an adult handle the cutting. Use an LED light inside.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Pumpkin and LED light if needed.
53. Make a cardboard haunted house
Build a miniature house from packaging and draw windows, cobwebs and residents.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused packaging.
54. Turn a jar into a ghost lantern
Decorate a clean jar with a paper face and pop an LED light inside.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; LED light extra if needed.
55. Create paper bats
Fold or cut a flock of bats and attach them to a removable display.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and supplies you own.
56. Make a Halloween window gallery
Give everyone a window-sized drawing to contribute to the display.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with drawing supplies you own.
57. Build a sock monster
Use an odd sock, paper features and fabric scraps to create a character.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused materials.
58. Design a Welsh dragon disguise
Make a dragon mask or headpiece from card and wear it for Halloween photographs.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused card and craft supplies.
59. Make a doorstep scarecrow
Stuff an old outfit with reused material and give your creation a name.
Suggested time: 60 minutes.
Cost: Free with old clothes and materials you own.
60. Create a recycled costume
Challenge the household to make an outfit from existing clothes and packaging.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused materials.
61. Organise a living-room treasure hunt
Hide written clues leading to a small prize or a final spooky message.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free; optional prize extra.
62. Play Halloween bingo
Draw your own cards with pumpkins, cats, hats and ghosts.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
63. Try monster charades
Act out a monster or Halloween activity without speaking.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free.
64. Play freeze-dance in costume
Make a playlist, dance and freeze whenever the music stops.
Suggested time: 20 minutes.
Cost: Free using music you already have access to.
65. Have a mummy-wrap challenge
Use reusable fabric strips to transform willing players into mummies.
Suggested time: 20 minutes.
Cost: Free with suitable fabric you own.
66. Make a mystery-feel box
Put familiar objects in a box and ask players to identify them by touch.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with household objects.
67. Invent a tabletop escape room
Write three simple puzzles that lead to the final message or combination.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and household objects.
68. Play spooky “would you rather?â€
Make a set of silly choices: live in a castle, or share a house with a friendly dragon?
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Free.
69. Hold a Halloween drawing relay
Each player adds a section to a folded drawing before passing it on.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
70. Run a monster bowling tournament
Decorate empty containers as monsters and knock them over with a soft ball.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused containers and a ball.
71. Bake monster cupcakes
Decorate your favourite cupcake recipe with faces and unusual colours.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Ingredients and decorations extra.
72. Make ghost-shaped sandwiches
Cut and decorate sandwiches for a seasonal lunch.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
73. Cook a pumpkin soup
Use an edible cooking pumpkin and make dinner part of the celebration.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
74. Try monster-face pizzas
Arrange toppings into faces on homemade or ready-made pizza bases.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
75. Set up a hot-chocolate station
Offer a few toppings and let everyone invent a drink name.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
76. Decorate Halloween biscuits
Bake or buy plain biscuits, then add icing faces and patterns.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
77. Create a spooky grazing board
Arrange your usual snacks into a face, pumpkin or haunted-house shape.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
78. Make a Halloween mocktail
Mix a favourite alcohol-free drink and give it a theatrical name.
Suggested time: 15–20 minutes.
Cost: Drink ingredients extra.
79. Have an indoor autumn picnic
Lay out a blanket, bring your usual food and add homemade decorations.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Food ingredients extra; decorations free if reused.
80. Hold a themed dinner party
Give each course a seasonal name and ask guests to wear one homemade accessory.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Food ingredients extra.
81. Watch a family Halloween film
Let the group choose a film suited to its youngest viewer and make tickets at home.
Suggested time: Film length plus 15 minutes.
Cost: Free with a film you own; rental or subscription may cost extra.
82. Host a grown-up horror double bill
Choose two films, agree on everyone’s comfort level and add an interval.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Free with films you own; rentals or subscriptions may cost extra.
83. Read spooky stories aloud
Choose a suitably gentle or scary story for the audience and take turns reading.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with books you own or can borrow.
84. Write a six-sentence ghost story
Give every sentence a job: setting, character, clue, surprise, choice and ending.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
85. Record a Halloween radio play
Use a phone to record a short script and homemade sound effects.
Suggested time: 60 minutes.
Cost: Free with a device you own.
86. Perform a shadow-puppet story
Use paper shapes, a torch and a plain wall for a miniature theatre.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own.
87. Write a friendly monster poem
Invent a monster that has an ordinary problem, such as losing its slippers.
Suggested time: 20–30 minutes.
Cost: Free.
88. Make a stop-motion monster film
Photograph a small model moving across a table and turn the images into a sequence.
Suggested time: 60–90 minutes.
Cost: Free with a suitable device and materials you own; optional app purchases extra.
89. Create a household Halloween quiz
Write rounds on seasonal words, favourite films and family memories.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free.
90. Draw a Halloween comic
Make a four-panel story with a beginning, a fright, a discovery and a joke.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with drawing supplies you own.
91. Stage a costume fashion show
Give every outfit a name and let each person introduce their character.
Suggested time: 30 minutes.
Cost: Free with outfits you own.
92. Take a home photo-booth portrait
Make a paper backdrop and props, then photograph everyone in character.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies and a camera you own.
93. Invent a haunted-house floor plan
Design rooms, secret doors and a resident for each part of an imaginary house.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
94. Make a Halloween music playlist
Choose songs for dancing, storytelling or a quieter seasonal evening.
Suggested time: 30 minutes to make; play whenever you like.
Cost: Free with music you already have access to; subscription may cost extra.
95. Paint a seasonal still life
Arrange an apple, a mug and autumn colours for a drawing or painting session.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with art materials and objects you own.
96. Have a Halloween board-game night
Play games you own and invent one seasonal house rule everyone agrees to.
Suggested time: An evening.
Cost: Free with games you own.
97. Make a memory scrapbook page
Print or draw favourite Halloween moments and add a few lines about each one.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; printing extra if needed.
98. Run a one-room decoration challenge
Give everyone the same small space and reuse materials to change its atmosphere.
Suggested time: 30–45 minutes.
Cost: Free with reused decorations and materials.
99. Make a kindness pumpkin
Add a paper leaf for every kind act you notice during the week.
Suggested time: 15 minutes to set up; add to it through the week.
Cost: Free with paper and pens.
100. Plan a gentle Halloween wind-down
Choose a comforting story, a warm drink and a favourite quiet activity to finish the evening.
Suggested time: 30–60 minutes.
Cost: Free with supplies you own; refreshments extra.
A FEW FOR THE GROWN-UPS
HORROR MOVIE MARATHON
There’s nothing better than settling down, lights off and lots of junk food, to enjoy scary movies on the most horrifying night of the year. If you get Trick or Treaters you may be interrupted but if not, be brave and settle down. If you are feeling really brave, perhaps you could work through the 50 BEST HORROR MOVIES YOU’VE NEVER SEEN.
Here’s a few of our favourites for young and old to enjoy……
This film is an absolute classic, from a brilliant director (Robert Wise). THE HAUNTING was released in 1963 and ranked by The Guardian as the ranked it as the 13th-best horror film of all time. 13 is a great position to be placed for horror we reckon. Have a look at the trailer HERE and you’ll see what we mean. It’s so creepy.
HOCUS POCUS: It’s Halloween in Salem, Massachusetts. A teenager accidentally summons three evil witches from the 17th Century, and it’s not long before they’re terrifying the entire town. Disney’s spellbinding classic stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy.
SCREAM: “Do you like scary movies?†This is one of the defining films of the 90s, another classic from horror legend Wes Craven. The ‘Ghostface’ killer is stalking the residents of Woodsboro, and knowing the rules of the genre may not be enough to save them.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY: They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re all together …… you get the idea. Anjelica Houston, RaulJulia and Christina Ricci star in the titular tribe’s first freaky feature, this screening is by popular demand!
E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL: Elliott, a lonely suburban kid, discovers a lost alien in his shed. They soon become unlikely friends, and Elliott introduces ‘E.T.’ to trick-or-treating, Reese’s Pieces and the joys of BMX biking. But danger is coming, and E.T. needs to phone home. Steven Spielberg’s amazing adventure is one of the most beloved and successful films of all time and to see it at the Castle will bring a whole new life to the movie.
THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS: Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of HalloweenTown, discovers a portal to Christmas Town and decides to celebrate its traditions his own way. A dazzling animated feature from the crazy mind of Tim Burton.
GHOSTBUSTERS: The year is 1984. There’s something strange in your neighbourhood. Who you gonna call? Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver star in the original spooky blockbuster. For us, the original is without doubt the best.
HALLOWEEN: This is the latest in the HALLOWEEN series and they took a pretty good swipe at it we reckon. It’s October 31st. Exactly 40 years after their first bloody encounter in Haddonfield, Laurie Strode and Michael Myers must face each other again. Jamie Lee Curtis returns to her most iconic role.
THE LOST BOYS: Sleep all day. Party all night. Never grow old. Never die. It’s fun to be a vampire. Starring Jason Patric, a young Keifer Sutherland and both Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, this cult 80s horror comedy is a big audience favourite.
FRIDAY THE 13th: Again, original is the best scenario here. Welcome to Camp Crystal Lake! A group of young people arrive to start their new summer jobs, unaware of the site’s deadly history and the terrible danger they’re now in. One of horror’s most unkillable series begins, featuring a fresh-faced and imperilled Kevin Bacon.
THE CRAFT: Sarah is a troubled teenager. After moving with her family to a new city and enrolling at an intimidating new school, she falls in with a group of fellow outcasts. Rumours spread that they might be witches. This 90s cult classic stars Fairuza Balk and Scream’s Neve Campbell – her from Scream.
ELSA DRINKING GAME
This is a new one to us but we kinda like it. It’s been going around on Facebook and Instagram and I’m totally doing it. It’s not a tricky one, every time you see Elsa, have a drink. We’re not advocating large amounts of alcohol here. It could be a soft drink, alcohol free or something else. Your game, your choice.
HAVE A SPOOKY DINNER PARTY
If you’re staying home then why not do something other than a party. Have friends over for dinner. Now we dont mean eat them, like Hannibel Lecter would, have friends over to eat your food. We just want to clarify that.
There is so much you could do. Halloween Hummus. Pumpkin and Lentil Soup. Spiced Roasted Apples. You get the idea. Just have a look at Pinterest and you’ll find a ton of suitable recipes.
PLAY A SCARY VIDEO GAME
There are so many creepy video games out there these days. Our favourite is probably, RESIDENT EVIL. Same rules as the movies. Lights out, sound up and away you go.
TAKE A BLOOD BATH
We don’t mean real blood, of course. Draw a nice warm bath and throw in a red bath bomb or maybe even an eyeball bath bomb and BOOM! Perhaps a red bulb in your light or some suitable candles would add to the mood.
FOR COUPLES ONLY
Halloween is so good for cuddling up together and enjoying a spooky evening. It can though be so much more. So, here are the SOUTH WALES LIFE ideas for couples – once the kids are tucked up in bed.
Thing to do together…….
- Carve a pumpkin – together
- Bake a scary Halloween cake – together
- Make a Bloody Mary cocktail, then drink it – together
- Decorate your room – together
- Get dressed up in matching costumes
Let’s make it romantic…….
- Share scary stories with a sexy spin
- We hear there’s a good range of Glow-In-The-Dark body paint
- Try a Halloween-inspired romantic meal
- Surprise your partner with a sexy costume
- Experiment with edible clothing (you know what we mean)
I HATE HALLOWEEN
So, you are at the point in life where you are either all done with the Halloween thing or you are the proverbial Halloween Grinch. If that’s the case, here’s a a few alternatives to help you on your way.
SUPERMARKET SWEEP FOR REDUCED PRICE SWEETS Chances are Halloween candy will already be on sale. So you can stock your sweetie stash for the year at a fraction of the price. It happens at Easter so we’re certain Halloween will be the same.
GO ON A DATE WITH ANOTHER HALLOWEEN HATER Trust us when we say you won’t be the only Halloween Hater out there. This is a perfect ice-breaker and who knows where it might lead. It’s the ultimate anecdote to awkwardness.
GO SEE A MOVIE It doesn’t have to be a scary movie of course but going to the cinema gives you a chance to splash out on all the treats, sit in the dark, munching and watching. Perfect.
HIT THE GYM The older you get, the more likely you are to store all those sugary candy calories as fat. I know, I’m an expert. After you dig into whatever Halloween sweets you crave, put your sugar high to good use at the gym. It’s one place you don’t have to feel like a spoilsport for showing up undisguised.
TAKE YOUR NEPHEWS/NIECES TRICK-OR-TREATING Just because you don’t enjoy it doesn’t mean your loved one’s won’t. Bite the bullet, grab your phone for some spooky snaps and get out and become your nephews (or nieces) unofficial hero for the night.
STAY AT HOME AND EAT SWEETS Be like the Halloween Scrooge, stay at home and eat all the sweets yourself. I’ve done it. Not because I don’t like Halloween, I love it. I just love sweets even more. Trick or Treaters won’t be happy but you will.
GO SHOPPING If you’re not indulging in the Halloween thing just think of the money you’ve saved. Go out, get away from the knocking on the door, and buy yourself a little treat.
HAVE A CHRISTMAS PARTY You don’t like halloween so you must enjoy Christmas. Why not throw the first festive party of the season. Not as mad as you think. Just ask Mr Christmas. Yes, he really exists, we know him. His name is Andy Park and he celebrates Christmas every single day of the year. MR CHRISTMAS and we mean EVERY DAY without fail.
CLEAR THE SKELETONS OUT OF YOUR WARDROBE If you don’t enjoy wearing costumes anymore, why not use the night to clear out your wardrobe. If they’re anything like ours, most of the clothes are far scarier than anything you’d buy anyway.
WEAR AN UNSUITABLE HALLOWEEN COSTUME Or don’t is our advice. There are some unbelievably ridiculous, inappropriate costumes for sale on pretty reputable sites. No explanation, we’re sure you get what they’re supposed to be. Please don’t wear them.
CARVE A LANTERN – OUT OF SOMETHING DIFFERENT Nothing says ‘up yours Halloween’ than a lantern carved out of something strange. Pineapple is particularly good.
FREE PUMPKIN TEMPLATES
Our team have put together a bunch of pumpkin templates for you to download, print and use as you feel. Just click on the link below and they’ll download to your device.
And if you want a bit of help with the carving, this video is easy to follow and fun – HERE.
