Hosting a Halloween party doesn't have to be all about the candy. Host a healthier kid's party that includes the classic Halloween decor but offers candy-free goodie bags and fun games designed to get kids physically active.
This spooky feast, courtesy of News Canada, will keep kids eating a balanced diet while still having a horrifically fun time.
A Creepy Feast
* Bat wings: Bake frozen chicken wings and serve with barbecue sauce (blood) for dipping.
* Witches Cauldron Dip (recipe available at www.homebasics.ca)
* Ghostly Potato Cakes (recipe available at www.homebasics.ca)
* Frozen eyeballs: Scoop vanilla frozen yogurt onto cookie sheets and refreeze. Garnish with a maraschino cherry iris and a raisin for a pupil. Serve two eyeballs per child.
Horror-ific fun
* Monster mash off
Have a dance competition where kids create their own dances based on classic Halloween characters.
* Spiderweb team challenge
For school-aged kids. Stand in a circle with a group of four or more people. Grab hands with two people who are not beside you. Untangle, as a group, moving under and over limbs, back into one open circle, without letting go of hands.
* Haunted obstacle course
Plan a spooky obstacle course indoors or out. For example, create a bat cave out of old sheets hung over chairs, a cotton batting-lined hula hoop spiderweb or a pile of pillows for sleeping ghosts.
Candy-free loot bag suggestions
* Dollar store treasures that could include Halloween stickers, spider rings, slime toys and glow sticks.
* Trick-or-treating survival kit, which includes a small flashlight, toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
* Make-your-own spider pet kit that includes a black balloon, pipe cleaners, garbage bags cut into legs and instructions for assembly.
Visit www.homebasics.ca for more suggestions.