Activities to Get in the Spooky Season Spirit

Spooky season (sometimes known as “fall”) marks the end of relentless heat while welcoming the invigorating chill in the air and the promise of holidays around the corner. This season was made for hibernating and indoor activities like baking, watching scary movies, and enjoying the soothing sound of rain. Here’s your starter kit to embracing the spirit of the season!

Host a Haunted Game Night

Gather ’round for a delightful, frightful night of board games.

1. Betrayal at House on the Hill: Explore a haunted house that changes every time it’s played. But beware: One player might just be a traitor in your midst.
2. The Haunted Mansion: Call of the Spirits: Adapted from the theme park ride, this game promises family fun (nightmare-free). Socialize with friendly ghosts to win!
3. Horrified: Battle all the baddies you’ve ever known and loved in this nostalgia-ridden game that’s full of fun and light on the tears — it’s a cooperative game, so there are no winners or losers.
4. Mysterium: This eerie, aesthetic game is famous for its beautiful artwork and mercurial nature. Guests visiting a Victorian mansion in Scotland attempt to solve a murder by interpreting clues left by the ghost of the victim. Because the clues are abstract, players must rely on their imagination — and their knowledge of the “ghost” player — to unravel the mystery.
5. One Night Ultimate Werewolf: If your party is high on energy but low on attention span, this is the perfect game. Everyone has a secret role, and one? One is the murderer.

10 Outdoor Weekend Activities

1. Pick pumpkins from your local pumpkin patch.
2. Go Halloween costume shopping.
3. Enjoy your favorite seasonal drink.
4. See a scary drive-in movie.

10 Indoor Evening Activities

1. Have a movie marathon.
2. Carve pumpkins.
3. Learn to make jellies, jams, and pickles.
4. Roast marshmallows over your cozy fire.
5. Brewapotion(like mulled apple cider) in your cauldron (or, you know, a pot).
6. Curate your haunting playlist, whether that sounds like “Monster Mash” or rain sounds.
7. Have a spa day and pamper yourself with a face mask, bubble bath, and essential oils.
8. Make pumpkin spice mix to have on hand (for emergencies).
9. Learn a new hobby, such as painting, knitting, or making paper.
10. Read a mystery novel.

Trader Joe’s Fall Haul

To those in the know, “pumpkin palooza” at trader joe’s signals the start of spooky season. Here are 20 can’t-miss items to pick up for your ultimate spooky season day.

Spooky Movie Marathon

31 of the best movies for 31 days in october, to scare—er, share— with your family.

Set the Scene

Whatever direction you take this, it’s sure to set the vibe for your seasonal celebration.

1. ‘Addams Family’ Goth-Chic: Hang cobwebs from corners, drape everything in black, and thrift some eerie candlesticks for mood lighting.
2. Harvest Home: Fill your house with decorative gourds, dried corncobs, and fresh flowers for a festive, natural look.
3. Haunted House: Pick a theme and run wild!
4. Hobbit Hole: Create the ideal space for hibernating with throw rugs, cozy lighting, a hodge- podge of dishware, stacks of books, and comfy earth-tone furniture.
5. ’90s Whimsigoth: Make your home cozy and alluring with this perfect mix of spooky and pretty. Think “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Practical Magic,” and other witchy icons of the time. Adorn your space in velvets, jewel tones, fairy lights, and sparkly accents.