Halloween is a favorite holiday for many, and there is no age limit to the fun. When our kids get to be tweens and teens, they may not be as into trick-or-treating or carving pumpkins as they once were. A Halloween party for tweens and teens full of scary games is a great way for your older kids to still celebrate this fun time in a safe way. For us moms, it can be a hard pill to swallow, but there are many ways that older kids and teens can still enjoy Halloween. It's truly a holiday for all ages.
Dressing up in a costume is never not fun, and most tweens and teens will still want to dress up and have something to do with their friends. If your teen or tween is asking to host a Halloween party for their friends or doesn't know what to do, a party can be a great option for older kids.
With a party like this, you will know where they will be. Halloween is a night for mischief so create the mischief at your home with these scary party games.
The Scarier, The Better
When kids get to be tweens and teens, they aren't going to be scared as easily as younger children, and they may even like being scared. Planning party games that are meant to freak them out and that are really fun is the way to go. Of course, don't make it as scary as an R-rated Blumhouse movie, but up the ante compared to elementary school-age level games.
The sun starts setting early around Halloween, but there is still plenty of time for some spooky games. The early darkness is also a fun thing to work with for tweens and teens. Games for this level can be long or short but a mix of both, along with some free time, can be great.
Flashlight Treasure Hunt
Either inside or outside, it just needs to be dark, provide each kid with a flashlight and bags of candy to find. Older kids and teens still love candy, so bag up an assortment of candy in small plastic bags, tie them up, and hide them in your house or around your yard. Make sure you have enough for every kid to have at least 3-5 bags. Whoever finds the most can get a special additional prize.
Murder Mystery
This is perfect for teenagers who understand how to play and will be a great theme for your party. Murder mystery game kits are sold everywhere, and your teen can invite the right number of friends to complete a game. There are main characters as well as side guests for any extra people. There is a set story to follow and mom will need to lead, but teens will have a scary fun time.
The Deadly Wink
This game needs to be played with a larger group and will be solved by one of the last players standing. As the host, you will designate a guest who you know can keep a secret and assign then to be the winker. They must wink at other guests, and when they do that guest needs ro fall to the floor dramatically as if they have died. That keeps happening until other players discover who the real winker is.
Not So Scary
Even if the kids are older, your Halloween party doesn't need to be really creepy and give them all nightmares. Not all tweens and teens like that, and it's also a personal choice to make as the host. There are many Halloween themed games that won't leave a long-term impression.
Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Yours will be a party to remember with an epic scavenger hunt. This one does take more work and preparation, but it will all be worth it. Depending on where you live, or where the party is, if it's possible, head outside to expand the hunt. If not, your home is just fine. A creepy background story is a must and if you need ideas of what to hunt, there are many that can be found on Etsy for just $5...it's worth it to have it all done for you.
Egg Toss
This is exactly as it sounds. Have party guests team up into pairs and toss (mostly) hard-boiled eggs to each other facing each other. They will take a step back for each catch they make. The last team standing without a dropped egg wins. You can leave a few eggs raw to make it interesting and as a Halloween trick.
Bobbing for Donuts
This a much more post-pandemic friendly food game, compared to bobbing for apples. Contestants will eat donuts attached to dating tied above their heads. The first one to eat their whole donut wins.
Source: Mom Junction, Childhood 101, Etsy