Halloween is once again upon us, meaning all kinds of fun activities for the whole family! While Halloween is definitely associated with costumes and candy, this beloved night also sparks our imaginations while reminding us of all the wonder and mystery that exist in the world.

Besides, having a fun Halloween does not require much preparation. Some would even say that it can be accomplished with little effort! Afraid of planning in advance? Fear not. Just check these list of last-minute Halloween ideas to honor the spirit of the holiday in the nick of time!

Swap Scary Stories

Exchanging scary stories is a long-established tradition, perfect for grim and scary nights! It not only allows people to gather together, but also explore their — sometimes twisted — creativity. Vampires, ghosts, mummies, zombies…a good horror story will definitely raise the hairs on the back of the necks of even the most cynical people.

No time to come up with your own scary story? Try a dramatic retelling of a classic horror tale, such as Washington Irving’s The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. Whenever possible, add some costumes and a spooky setting– nothing can beat a good ol’ campfire —  to heighten the experience. Hey, here’s a thought. Why not travel to the actual Sleepy Hollow in New York and take part in the town’s annual Halloween festivities! Nothing like making the magic of the written word come to life!

Dress Up Your Pet

If dressing up your pet for Halloween does not put you in the mood for good Halloween fun, nothing will! Pet costumes are becoming increasingly elaborate, with animals able to dress up as everything from a cute Ewok from Star Wars to a spooky mummy from Universal’s classic horror flicks. Most major retailers are filled with hilarious options, making it all the easier for those with a packed schedule. Want to go all the way? Pair your own costume with Fido’s Halloween attire. Hosting a party as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz with your beloved pooch as Toto will forever go down in history for friends and trick-or-treaters alike!

If you’re feeling really chuffed about your dog’s Halloween outfit, maybe consider travelling to a pet Halloween costume contest, like this one in the Twin Cities. Why keep all that hard work — and your adorable pet — to yourself?

Cook Spooky Treats

Halloween is the perfect time of the year to get creative and, yes, even play with your food! Need some inspiration? Stream some episodes of TV shows like Halloween Wars and you’ll be concocting a delectable — and scary — menu in no time. Prepare colorful cakes and other sweet treats to resemble everything from a haunted house to a traditional jack o lantern. While eating these treats is the most enjoyable part of a Halloween celebration, taking photos of these spooky desserts to impress your friends is part of the fun, too!

Plan a Halloween Movies Spook-A-Thon!

For some, nothing beats booking flights to faraway destinations as part of an epic Halloween plan. To others, the essence of Halloween relies on watching a boatload of scary movies. And they very well might be onto something! Today, the likes of Freddy Krueger, Michael Myers, and Jason Voorhees are so synonymous with the holiday that it’s nearly impossible to imagine Halloween without a healthy dose of predictable Hollywood horror flicks. You could even travel to the Halloween house itself in Pasadena to add some extra verisimilitude to your viewing experience.

Not a fan of scares? All good. There are literally countless of family-friendly films that will get anyone ready for some Halloween fun. Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, and The Addams Family are just a few films that offer spooky entertainment for the whole family. And, of course, there the animated Peanuts classic, It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown! A movie marathon paired with a bowl of popcorn and some spooky décor…what else do you need for an exceptional Halloween experience?

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Craft DIY Halloween Costumes

While it might be easy to grab the first costume in sight at your local pop-up Halloween store, designing your own costume allows you much more freedom when it comes to dress to impress! Sure, you can go with classics like ghosts or vampires…or go completely nuts by dressing as a a block of cheese or even a pack of gum. Why not? It’s Halloween, after all!

Here’s a good tip if you don’t want to spend a lot of money: Just check what you already have at home. That worn-out pair of gloves or the ridiculous hat that you never thought you would wear could provide the biggest inspiration for your Halloween costume design!

Carve a Pumpkin

Of course! Pumpkin carving has been a Halloween tradition for centuries and has its basis in the roots of the holiday as a ward against evil spirits. Today, some people have turned pumpkin carving into a way of life. Although you can’t go wrong with the traditional jack-o-lantern design, another popular option is to pay spooky homages to all-favorite pop culture icons. Some artistic designs even involve painting pumpkins in vivid colors. Once you’re done the carving, you can enjoy a healthy and tasty snack in pepitas, roasted pumpkin seeds that make for a great and unexpected Halloween treat!

Thinking of taking your Halloween celebration on the road? It’s never too late to find some fun last-minute destinations for a quick Halloween getaway!