5 Fun & COVID-Safe Halloween Traditions for Families

It’s a spooky season! Even with a pandemic in effect, it is still possible to carry on fun traditions central to this exciting time of year. With Halloween just around the corner, you can definitely still take out the decorations, plan costumes, and stock up on candy. People of all ages can enjoy this holiday, so it’s time to start some new, COVID-safe Halloween traditions with the family.

1. Visit a pumpkin patch. While it is possible to buy your Halloween pumpkin from the grocery store, choosing it from a pumpkin patch is a fun day out that the whole family can take part in. With COVID-19 still among us, it’s important to call ahead or visit the website of the pumpkin patch before visiting. Duffield’s Farm near UMC at Pitman has new rules and procedures in place to keep all visitors safe, while they enjoy timeless traditions like hayrides, apple picking and pumpkin picking. 
2. Have a classic Halloween movie marathon. In the week leading up to October 31st, pick one Halloween movie to watch each night at home. It’s a sure-fire way to get into the Halloween spirit, plus you’ll never get sick of watching the classics. We recommend starting with It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. If your kids are older they’ll enjoy movies like The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ghostbusters, and The Addams Family. Your preferred streaming service should have a wide selection of Halloween-themed movies for people of all ages, so check it out and start planning your movie marathon now!
3. Host a haunted backyard. Instead of decorating the inside of your home like a haunted house, move the decorations outdoors. Hosting a haunted backyard is more COVID-safe, and a great opportunity for long-lost friends and family that live elsewhere to come by for some Halloween fun. You can still go all out with decorations, fog machines, spooky soundtracks, and scary window projectors, or opt for a more kid-friendly version.
   Whichever option you choose is guaranteed to fright and delight all who enter! With masks and proper social distancing in place, there’s no reason why close friends and family can’t stop by for a quick spooky tour. Don’t forget to have each member of your immediate family pop-out to give visitors a scare! 
4. Tell scary stories by candlelight. Who doesn’t love a classic ghost story? Light some candles, gather your immediate family in the living room, turn off all the lights, and share your best spooky tale. As each person finishes, have them blow out a single candle. So when it’s time to tell the final story, only one light is left. Perhaps a special prize is in store for the person who tells the scariest story.
5. Bake delicious Halloween-themed treats. Cookies shaped like ghosts, pumpkins, and black cats; orange and black cupcakes; and even spooky cheesecake – check out this great list of 81 Halloween treats to bake at home. Baking delicious treats with family is a great way to bond, make unforgettable memories and get into the Halloween spirit. 

Halloween Fun Near UMC at Pitman 

As mentioned before, Duffield’s Farm is open and operating under new COVID-safe guidelines. This means Halloween fun is far from cancelled this year! The best part? This farm, that hosts hayrides, apple picking and pumpkin picking, is only ten minutes away from our Pitman location. 

For more information about UMC at Pitman, or if you have any questions about our other communities across New Jersey, please contact United Methodist Communities and book your visit today.