While we know that Halloween isn’t as big (yet) in South Africa as in America or that it’s everyone’s cup of tea, it is a great opportunity to rally your neighbours for some fun in your area. Even better is that it doesn’t need to be a total grisly fright night either – here are a few ideas of how to keep things light-hearted, yet suspenseful:
This one is actually less trick and more treat for you and your neighbours: by baking delicious Halloween inspired delights and sharing the loot with your neighbours. If no inspiring recipes come to mind, a simple Google search will provide you with thousands to try. Or if you run out of time, why not pop to your nearest store – nowadays you can easily and readily pick up Halloween treats from Woolworths, Pic ‘n Pay, Spar and Checkers. Now this isn’t that a sweet deal?
Organise a scavenger hunt
If your neighbourhood’s kids are already familiar with trick or treating, take it to a new level with a scavenger hunt. Organise with a few homes in you area to hide fun Halloween prizes in their front gardens – be it a huge bar of chocolate or an inexpensive toy. Give each of the children a list of what’s up for grabs and clues to where they can find it. The key is to make sure that each child – young or older – has the opportunity to find at least one prize. You’ll be surprised how much fun a scavenger hunt can be for parents too!
If your neighbourhood’s kids are already familiar with trick or treating, take it to a new level with a scavenger hunt. Organise with a few homes in you area to hide fun Halloween prizes in their front gardens – be it a huge bar of chocolate or an inexpensive toy. Give each of the children a list of what’s up for grabs and clues to where they can find it. The key is to make sure that each child – young or older – has the opportunity to find at least one prize. You’ll be surprised how much fun a scavenger hunt can be for parents too!
Host a movie marathon
Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie marathon, especially if it comes with a side order popcorn, sweets, slushies, and, of course, a little bit of suspense. And no, we’re not talking about scaring yourself or your neighbours senseless with a viewing of The Shining or The Blair Witch Project – rather choose family-friendly options like Ghostbusters (the old and new versions), Casper, Scary Movie and Hocus Pocus.
Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie marathon, especially if it comes with a side order popcorn, sweets, slushies, and, of course, a little bit of suspense. And no, we’re not talking about scaring yourself or your neighbours senseless with a viewing of The Shining or The Blair Witch Project – rather choose family-friendly options like Ghostbusters (the old and new versions), Casper, Scary Movie and Hocus Pocus.
Host a dress up party
There’s nothing more quintessentially Halloween than a dress up party. It also happens to be a pretty unusual and entertaining way to get to know your neighbours better! You can choose to refrain from the typically scary Frankenstein outfits and keep things light and fun by asking your guests to dress as their celebrity lookalike or their favourite movie character. Add some carved out pumpkins and other Halloween decorations to your home for a real Halloween party effect.
There’s nothing more quintessentially Halloween than a dress up party. It also happens to be a pretty unusual and entertaining way to get to know your neighbours better! You can choose to refrain from the typically scary Frankenstein outfits and keep things light and fun by asking your guests to dress as their celebrity lookalike or their favourite movie character. Add some carved out pumpkins and other Halloween decorations to your home for a real Halloween party effect.
Host a murder mystery party
If you love Cluedo, then a Murder Mystery Party will be right up your ally: it’s pretty much a real-life version of the game! Each guest is provided with a character and background story – one of these ‘characters’ is in fact a murderer, and whoever receives it must keep their identity a secret. Throughout the evening, partygoers must figure out who the criminal is (and the person who plays the murderer must avoid being caught out). You can plan your own event (do your homework on the internet to make sure yours is successful) or you can hire a professional company who will arrange it all (visit www.murdermystery.co.za or www.samurdermysteries.co.za for more info).
If you love Cluedo, then a Murder Mystery Party will be right up your ally: it’s pretty much a real-life version of the game! Each guest is provided with a character and background story – one of these ‘characters’ is in fact a murderer, and whoever receives it must keep their identity a secret. Throughout the evening, partygoers must figure out who the criminal is (and the person who plays the murderer must avoid being caught out). You can plan your own event (do your homework on the internet to make sure yours is successful) or you can hire a professional company who will arrange it all (visit www.murdermystery.co.za or www.samurdermysteries.co.za for more info).
Is there something fun your neighbourhood is doing this Halloween that’s not mentioned here? We’d love to hear from you – please share it with us in the comment box below!
