Halloween can be a magical time for kids – costumes, decorations, and all the candy! But it’s also a day that can sometimes become overwhelming or even a little spooky for little ones. At Play To Learn, even though I’m not a huge fan of celebrating Halloween i believe in making it lighthearted, fun, and healthier by focusing on the joy of play and creativity, rather than frights. Here are some of our favourite ways to celebrate Halloween in a way that brings joy and creativity to kids – and keeps the treats in check with a little help from the "Switch Witch”
1. Keep It Fun, Not Frightening
Young children can be sensitive to scary decorations or costumes. Instead of going for traditional spooky themes, create a whimsical Halloween environment with friendly ghosts, smiling pumpkins, and playful decorations. Try organizing activities like a Halloween treasure hunt, face painting, or a costume parade where kids can show off their costumes and enjoy each other's creativity.
For dress-up, check out our silk costumes that encourage play and imagination beyond just Halloween night – fairy wings, animal costumes, or superhero capes are fun options that can be used year-round for imaginative play.
2. Choosing Healthier Treats
With Halloween comes an overload of sweets, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Consider alternative treats that are still exciting for kids – think stickers, mini toys, or crayons that align with a creative, playful spirit. If you want to include edible treats, try going for healthier options like dried fruit snacks, small packs of pretzels, or dark chocolate, which tend to have less sugar than traditional Halloween candies.
If you’re hosting a party, you could also set up a DIY treat-making station with healthier ingredients, like a build-your-own popcorn bar with fun toppings or a spooky fruit platter with banana ghosts and tangerine pumpkins. These options still feel special and festive but can help you skip the sugar overload.
3. Try the "Switch Witch" Tradition
A popular way to make Halloween a little healthier is to introduce kids to the "Switch Witch." The idea is that after trick-or-treating, kids can choose to keep a few favorite candies, and then leave the rest out for the Switch Witch, who will "swap" the leftover candy for a small gift. It’s a fun, magical way to keep the candy intake down while still making Halloween night exciting.
The Switch Witch can leave small, sustainable toys or craft supplies, encouraging more imaginative play. This keeps the fun going while reducing the post-Halloween sugar overload and giving kids something to look forward to.
4. Keep Play at the Heart of Halloween
At Play To Learn, I believe that Halloween should be about more than candy – it's an opportunity for kids to explore, play, and create. Try incorporating open-ended, eco-friendly toys into your Halloween activities, like felting pumpkins or small animal figurines for a playful Halloween-themed sensory bin.
With a few thoughtful choices, Halloween can be both magical and manageable – a time of year that’s truly about play, imagination, and the joy of being a kid.