This Halloween season may be a little different from years pre 2020. But with a little imagination and a whole lot of fun you can make it one to remember!
Today I’m sharing ways to keep the magic of childhood alive with alternative holiday treat ideas that the entire family can enjoy. If you’re looking for alternatives to candy and the unknown, check out these 6 Non-Candy Family Halloween Activities.
The activities below encourage time together and FUN! So are you in?
Pancake breakfast or "dinner for breakfast"
Its always fun to switch up meals and have breakfast for dinner! Why not add a little Halloween flair by including some fun toppings to your pancake boards!
There are a few ways to make your pancake [breakfast or dinner ] party a hit!
Sheet Pan Pancakes- these are easy to make! Bake your favorite pancake batter at 425 for 10 minutes on a greased cookie sheet. You can add food coloring and sprinkles if you would like to jazz it up! Bananas, blueberries, chocolate chips ( or cinnamon chips) are good additions too! Use cookie cutters to make festive shapes or cut into squares! Add small bowls with your favorite toppings so everyone can help themselves. Enjoy!
Using your Dash pancake maker, mix your favorite pancake batter and scoop 3 tablespoons onto the greased, hot metal plate. Let the machine do its magic! These pancakes are super fun and festive, however because you can only make one at a time, it is a little time consuming. Be sure to serve fun and delicious toppings and have a great time enjoying your pancakes!
If you are looking to cut some time, be sure to hit up Trader Joes for their Silver Dollar Pancakes , at just under $2.00 they are a great option when you want to cut some time off your meal prep! Be sure to grab lots of fall goodies, pumpkin butter, apple butter, maple syrup and almond milk whipped cream!
Fire-pit and S’mores
Gathering safely with friends and family is easy when you have a warm fire, a light snack and beautiful scenery all around! With just a few items you have the makings of a cozy and fun way to be together on a brisk autumn evening or afternoon.
If you don't have a fire-pit in your backyard, try googling your area to see if any places have fire-pit rentals.
But locals to Massachusetts, check out The Trustees, Appleton Farm in Ipswich, for a small cost you can reserve a fire-pit for two hours! Bring items to make your own smores, simple light snacks, drinks and more to bring out all the cozy vibes!
Adventure Together;
There is nothing better than a little adventure! Find a free weekend, rent an airbnb that is located within 1.5-2 hours from your home. Taking time away with your most favorite people in a cozy cabin will have you feeling your best! Be sure to pack items like binoculars, hiking boots, a telescope, a bucket hat, sunglasses, notebook and pen, a good backpack, a camera , extra clothes and more. If you can't plan an overnight trip, find a great hiking spot and a adventure together , just be sure to pack the snacks!
Pumpkin carving
Get into the Halloween spirit with carving your best pumpkins!
Homemade pizza making + Movie Night
Many local pizza joints will sell you a pizza making kit. It comes with dough, cheese, and sauce-making it super easy for busy families!
It's so much fun to whip up individual or one HUGE family style pizzas with all of your favorite toppings!
Be sure to pick your favorite Halloween movie or perhaps a family favorite and kick back and enjoy dinner and a movie!
Family Game Night + Stove Top Popcorn
If you haven’t made your popcorn onthe stove top, you’ve been missing out! I am going to share with you some tips and of course treats on how to make the perfect Stove Top Popcorn!
Ready? Let's get poppin' ...
How to Make Stovetop Popcorn
Ingredients
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil or coconut oil
½ cup popcorn kernels, divided
Salt, to taste
Instructions and Notes
Use a good, heavy-bottomed pot. Cheap pots don’t distribute heat evenly, and you can end up with hot spots that burn the popcorn.
Don’t crank the heat up too high.
Start with two popcorn kernels to gauge the temperature. Once those pop, your oil is hot enough. Add the remaining kernels and remove the pot from the heat for 1 minute. This primes the popcorn to pop without burning the oil. Return back to heat.
Carefully shimmy the pot occasionally to cook the kernels evenly.
Tip the lid ever-so-slightly while the popcorn is popping. That way, the popcorn doesn’t steam itself in the pot and lose crispness.
If the popcorn starts overflowing the pot: Simply remove the lid and tip the excess popcorn into a bowl. Return the lid and return the popcorn to the heat until popping slows.
Season with salt carefully. You can always add more, but you can’t take away too much.
Enjoy your delicious bowl of popcorn while playing your favorite board game!
Remember, pick out a day, choose the activity, have everything you need for your day, and enjoy your quality time together.