Ways to have fun at home this Halloween

For those who like Halloween but don’t want to participate in the haunted houses, horror movies and crazy festivities, you’ve come to the right place. 

As sad as it is, college students are too old to go trick-or-treating for some free candy. However, there are still plenty of fun things to do from the comfort of your dorm.

Plan a movie night

There are several movies to watch during the Halloween season that aren’t spooky or gory. One of my all time favorites is “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” There’s nothing better than popping some popcorn and tuning in to Charlie Brown and Snoopy mixed with pumpkins. Regardless of what movie you choose, you can host a fun movie night.

Invite some friends over. You could make the event more decorative by creating a themed digital invite to send to your friends. Pick up some apple cider, donuts, apples, caramel, candy and popcorn. If you happen to fall into the broke college student category like I do, ask your guests to bring one of those snacks for the event. Go to Dollar General and pick up some cheap Halloween decorations and decorative bowls.

Decorate your room of choice and set out the items that will be used for the food. Once your guests have arrived, fill the bowls with food, warm up the cider, and there you have it.

If your guests have not met before, you could play an icebreaker game, such as Would You Rather. Pinterest will help you find ideas, especially if you want a Halloween-themed game. Dim the lights, grab the snacks, and start the movie.

Carve pumpkins

Grab a flannel and some friends, and head down to Smith’s Pumpkin Patch in Lynchburg to snag the best pumpkin to carve or paint. Conveniently, Smith’s Pumpkin Patch is open everyday until 8:00 p.m. at 6204 Fort Ave. for all of your pumpkin needs. Grab a cheap pumpkin carving kit or purchase paint brushes from a nearby store, and get your friends together before it’s dark. My ideal pumpkin design is the classic jack-o’-lantern. You could even have a pumpkin carving competition, which will make the night even better. Warm cider would be a great addition to this event as well.

Pass out candy

Although we’re too old to trick-or-treat, it can’t stop us from being a part of the festivity. Candy can be expensive, so this event might require a few friends to help with the cost. If you live in a dorm, try attending you church’s trunk or treat event or asking a friend off campus if you can put this event together. Passing out candy gives you the opportunity to be a part of the community.

Host a Halloween cookie decorating night  

While there is Christmas cookie decorating, have you ever heard of Halloween cookie decorating? I’ve done it, and it’s fun! Grab some fall or Halloween-shaped cookie cutters from the store. If you’re planning ahead, Amazon may have what you need. To keep costs low, I recommend making the cookie dough and frosting if you already have the ingredients on hand. You could also purchase cookie decorating kits from Target or Walmart. Buy some Halloween sprinkles to throw on top, and invite some friends over.

Book an escape room 

Nothing quite screams “spooky” like being locked in a Halloween-themed escape room with your closest friends. If you enjoy mystery and adventure, spend an evening at one of the various escape room locations around Lynchburg. Don’t forget to grab a sweet treat and something hot to calm your nerves at the end.

There’s more to Halloween than partaking in the worldly aspects of it. Instead, you can create new memories with friends and start a new tradition for the future fall seasons to come. Whatever you do, don’t forget the apple cider.

Denny is an opinion writer for the Liberty Champion.