There are plenty of Halloween activities that seniors can enjoy, ranging from creative craft projects to a fun party for friends and family. What matters is making these activities accessible to seniors of all mobility levels and states of health.
According to Firework, about 69% of Americans celebrate Halloween. While many of them are on the younger side, seniors can benefit from participating in some events. The Sheboygan area features events like The Vampire Circus and themed festivals for participants of all ages.
Here are some fun activities seniors will enjoy this season.
One of the best festive fall ideas for seniors is throwing a Halloween party. These allow for plenty of socialization and fun.
However, a senior party won't always have the same features that you'd see at other ones. You should make sure that a senior Halloween party takes into account individual health concerns, mobility challenges, and the community's desires.
Rather than gory decor, focus on nostalgic seasonal touches. Pumpkins, cornstalks, and handmade crafts provide an autumnal ambiance.
Local craft shops or senior centers can host pre-party Halloween craft sessions where seniors create their own table centerpieces, wreaths, or paper lanterns. These activities build anticipation and ownership of the celebration.
Food should lean toward comfort and seasonal flavors. Think warm apple cider, pumpkin bread, or caramel-dipped apple slices. Offering both sweet treats and healthy, easy-to-chew snacks ensures everyone can partake.
You can find various recipes online for Halloween-themed foods and snacks. Make sure to take into account any food allergies or religious restrictions.
Try to arrange for seasonal games that are easy to play, spark conversation, and allow everyone to participate. Some examples include:
Inviting family members can transform a Halloween party into a multi-generational celebration. Costume parades where kids and seniors both dress up add charm, laughter, and connection. Each generation can share stories, such as ghost stories and memories of the past.
Crafting is a great way to incorporate senior hobbies with the seasonal events. The activity brings therapeutic value and encourages self-expression. Some accessible Halloween crafts include:
These projects produce decorations for the season and help to create lasting memories.
Costumes don't need to be elaborate to look great. For seniors, comfort and ease of movement come first. Draw inspiration from recognizable themes that spark conversation, such as:
Seniors can pair costumes with themed accessories such as hats, scarves, or jewelry without needing full ensembles.
Games are a cornerstone of any seasonal gathering. When adapted for accessibility, they become fun, inclusive, and laughter-filled. Here are a few Halloween activities perfect for seniors in Sheboygan:
Anything can be converted into a Halloween theme. For example, play spooky Pictionary by drawing things like witch hats or zombies. Or try to tell the scariest campfire story.
When October 31st rolls around, seniors can enjoy the night in a variety of ways.
Those who enjoy community events can find plenty of socials or "trunk-or-treat" gatherings to join. Some seniors prefer throwing parties with friends and family.
For a cozy indoor option, seniors can gather for a Halloween-themed movie marathon. Choose between something scary or find a family-friendly flick like Hocus Pocus.
Seniors should have no trouble finding something to do on Halloween night that is both accessible and fun.
Even with little preparation, seniors can still have fun this holiday season. Watching a Halloween film, hosting a small cider-and-snack gathering, or making simple paper crafts are easy, last-minute ideas. There's nothing wrong with reaching out to family and seeing what they're up to.
Adapt activities for accessibility. For example, pumpkin carving requires strength and dexterity to avoid getting hurt. Instead, try pumpkin painting, which allows for creativity without any of the risk.
For games, choose seated options like Halloween bingo or trivia. Even decorating a wheelchair or walker with festive items can bring a sense of inclusion.
Try to tailor events to the people you expect to join in.
Shared activities like baking pumpkin cookies, carving pumpkins, or hosting a joint costume parade allow both young and old family members to bond. Children can handle the pumpkin carving while seniors paint. Seniors can judge costume contests while kids show off their outfits.
You can also try family-oriented storytelling circles. These are great for the older adults to share memories of previous holidays and share life advice.
Seniors can still celebrate fall without the fright connected to Halloween. Seasonal harvest themes with pumpkins, apples, and autumn leaves provide festive fall ideas. Harvest festivals, hayrides, and apple tastings are perfect seasonal substitutes.
Many of these events are safe and accessible for the entire family to attend. Seniors can take grandchildren to festivals before they send them off to trick-or-treat.
Halloween is a holiday rich in opportunities for joy, creativity, and togetherness. No matter your age, you can enjoy Halloween activities like crafting and seasonal games with friends and family. Whether it's attending a community event or hosting a cozy movie night, the season offers something special for everyone.
LakeHouse Sheboygan is a senior assisted living community in Sheboygan, WI. Our residents enjoy amenities and events such as morning exercise classes, an art workshop, and musical performances. Contact us with any questions and to schedule a tour of our community.