Herron Island, WA

• Median home value: $310,400 (5.0 times income)
• Median household income: $62,054
• Total population: 122

Puget Island, WA

• Median home value: $319,300 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $64,593
• Total population: 1,057

Crescent Beach, FL

• Median home value: $512,700 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $104,432
• Total population: 936

Sandwich, MA

• Median home value: $486,900 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $99,333
• Total population: 2,948

Newport East, RI

• Median home value: $444,300 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $90,659
• Total population: 11,644

Coinjock, NC

• Median home value: $200,600 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $40,938
• Total population: 301

Upper Grand Lagoon, FL

• Median home value: $316,400 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $64,935
• Total population: 17,062

Wabasso Beach, FL

• Median home value: $586,000 (4.9 times income)
• Median household income: $120,673
• Total population: 2,101

Anderson Island, WA

• Median home value: $449,000 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $92,933
• Total population: 1,621

Manteo, NC

• Median home value: $375,900 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $78,074
• Total population: 1,808

Panama City Beach, FL

• Median home value: $363,900 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $76,091
• Total population: 18,281

East Sandwich, MA

• Median home value: $590,000 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $123,571
• Total population: 3,787

Matlacha, FL

• Median home value: $370,100 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $77,841
• Total population: 837

Yarmouth Port, MA

• Median home value: $486,200 (4.8 times income)
• Median household income: $102,321
• Total population: 5,971

Littlejohn Island, ME

• Median home value: $446,600 (4.7 times income)
• Median household income: $94,943
• Total population: 58

Big Coppitt Key, FL

• Median home value: $481,200 (4.7 times income)
• Median household income: $102,943
• Total population: 3,188

Gwynn, VA

• Median home value: $413,600 (4.6 times income)
• Median household income: $89,009
• Total population: 639

Brigantine, NJ

• Median home value: $423,000 (4.6 times income)
• Median household income: $91,307
• Total population: 7,784

Tierra Verde, FL

• Median home value: $666,100 (4.6 times income)
• Median household income: $143,913
• Total population: 4,072

Pine Island Center, FL

• Median home value: $252,800 (4.5 times income)
• Median household income: $55,565
• Total population: 1,626

Galveston, TX

• Median home value: $258,300 (4.5 times income)
• Median household income: $57,453
• Total population: 53,265

St. Simons, GA

• Median home value: $445,500 (4.5 times income)
• Median household income: $99,432
• Total population: 15,983

Laguna Beach, FL

• Median home value: $329,500 (4.4 times income)
• Median household income: $74,911
• Total population: 4,194

Lower Grand Lagoon, FL

• Median home value: $314,200 (4.4 times income)
• Median household income: $72,083
• Total population: 4,733

Pineland, FL

• Median home value: $401,800 (4.3 times income)
• Median household income: $93,594
• Total population: 379

Port Royal, SC

• Median home value: $292,400 (4.2 times income)
• Median household income: $68,909
• Total population: 14,573

South Beach, FL

• Median home value: $813,500 (4.2 times income)
• Median household income: $193,281
• Total population: 3,120

Lido Beach, NY

• Median home value: $726,100 (4.2 times income)
• Median household income: $172,857
• Total population: 2,615

St. James City, FL

• Median home value: $251,600 (4.0 times income)
• Median household income: $62,415
• Total population: 3,494

Bokeelia, FL

• Median home value: $263,400 (3.9 times income)
• Median household income: $66,691
• Total population: 2,230

Shell Point, SC

• Median home value: $236,900 (3.9 times income)
• Median household income: $60,676
• Total population: 2,026

Harkers Island, NC

• Median home value: $264,300 (3.9 times income)
• Median household income: $67,888
• Total population: 1,104

Laurel Bay, SC

• Median home value: $215,600 (3.9 times income)
• Median household income: $55,658
• Total population: 5,513

Mashpee Neck, MA

• Median home value: $518,600 (3.8 times income)
• Median household income: $135,536
• Total population: 1,270

Buxton, NC

• Median home value: $328,600 (3.8 times income)
• Median household income: $87,344
• Total population: 1,477

Akutan, AK

• Median home value: $106,300 (3.7 times income)
• Median household income: $28,750
• Total population: 911

Grandy, NC

• Median home value: $260,500 (3.7 times income)
• Median household income: $70,610
• Total population: 2,438

Cousins Island, ME

• Median home value: $603,400 (3.6 times income)
• Median household income: $168,571
• Total population: 504

Wanchese, NC

• Median home value: $249,700 (3.5 times income)
• Median household income: $71,484
• Total population: 2,005

Jamaica Beach, TX

• Median home value: $300,500 (3.5 times income)
• Median household income: $86,923
• Total population: 1,103

Waves, NC

• Median home value: $547,800 (3.4 times income)
• Median household income: $158,860
• Total population: 139

Burton, SC

• Median home value: $189,200 (3.2 times income)
• Median household income: $58,390
• Total population: 7,603

Barataria, LA

• Median home value: $167,000 (3.0 times income)
• Median household income: $55,313
• Total population: 772

Harbor Island, SC

• Median home value: $295,000 (3.0 times income)
• Median household income: $97,825
• Total population: 277

Shishmaref, AK

• Median home value: $118,300 (2.1 times income)
• Median household income: $56,875
• Total population: 568

Daufuskie Island, SC

• Median home value: $290,400 (2.0 times income)
• Median household income: $146,349
• Total population: 569

Smith Island, MD

• Median home value: $109,300 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $82,878
• Total population: 357

Kaktovik, AK

• Median home value: $93,000 (1.1 times income)
• Median household income: $86,458
• Total population: 201

Edible Slime

Here’s an easy way to make slime time exciting! Try our easy-to-make edible slime for the Halloween season. Your kids will be fascinated by this airy, light slime that’s better than Play-Doh. It’s great for little fingers that can quickly make this slime using simple ingredients, plus it’s very delicious!

Pumpkin Bowling

Pumpkin bowling is an easy and classic fun game for kids to play. Rolling a small pumpkin to knock down toilet paper rolls is not only exciting and easy to do but, is a great idea for kids to incorporate fresh air and exercise for the night. You can have the kids decorate the toilet paper with their favorite scary monster.

Halloween Writing Trays

Writing trays are a great way for younger kids to practice handwriting skills. Add cake sprinkles or colorful sand instantly to make handwriting fun!

Educational Halloween Videos

Find a whole selection of spooky Halloween videos. Your kids will learn about Halloween across the globe, practice math problems, or try spooky yoga.

Pumpkin Treat Sensory Bin

If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, then create a sensory bin. It’s an inexpensive and simple way to keep the little ones busy for hours on end. Add pumpkin cake mix, Dunkin Donuts cups, measuring cups, spoons, and cups filled with cinnamon and whipped cream to the sensory board. You can purchase a Halloween sensory board on Etsy.

Pumpkin Witch Broom Race

Grab brooms and small pumpkins, break into teams, and watch your kids race to see who can push the pumpkin across the finish line before the timer is up!

Halloween Magnets

Make your spooky magnets by gluing small magnets to the back of plastic spiders, eyeballs, skeletons, and more from a craft store. Then, use them for educational activities such as math, arrange them to spell words and sentences, or use them to decorate around the house.

Bake Halloween Treats

Many people’s favorite things about Halloween are the delicious trick-or-treat goodies! Desserts, sandwiches, and even snacks get frighteningly creative and tasty. Try Moms Who Think collection of mouth-watering Halloween treats.

Cute Paper Witch Dolls

Create these adorable witch paper dolls. All you need is construction paper, scissors, glue, and toilet paper core rolls, and you’re done!

Decorate A Spooky Table

Have your kids help decorate your family table using DIY ghost leaves. Take maple leaves from your backyard, paint them white, and paint two dots for the eyes once fully dried. String them together around the edge of the table for a Halloween garland.

Halloween Word Search

Encourage your kids to learn new Halloween vocabulary. If you can’t find a great word search, create one! Use colors, items, and eye-catching shapes relating to Halloween.

Candy Wreath

An easy and delicious project to make with your kids is a candy wreath. Let your kids attach the wreath with tasty treats while you handle the glue gun. Make it colorful with some beautiful ribbons and bows.

Monster Pancakes

If you don’t want to or cannot go out on Halloween, you can stay home and have a great time with your kids. Monster pancakes are a nice way to bring out the artist in your children.

Halloween Handprint Painting

Halloween wouldn’t be the same or fun without handprint painting. Have your kids experience different colors of paint by having them dip their hands into it. Then, have them press their hands firmly onto construction paper in Halloween colors.

Hang Cotton Ball Ghosts

These hanging cotton ghosts add an adorable but spooky flare around the house. Use cardboard paper, cotton, and glue so they can get started. Your kids can make the entire project themselves; you can also be there to guide them.

Host A Halloween Party

Organize a Halloween outdoor party for your kids and invite their friends. They can bake and decorate cookies, design and pass out invitations, and come up with a party to play along with other fun activities.

Halloween Jokes

Halloween jokes are a great way to help your kids interact with their peers. Find some suitable jokes for your kids to explore before asking them to come up with their jokes.

Halloween Kid-Friendly Scary Stories

That one childhood scary story your sister used to share when you were younger will be perfect for this activity. If you don’t have any scary stories, you can make one up on the spot. Pull another one from your childhood or recite one of these tried-and-true kid-friendly Halloween spooky stories.

Halloween Bingo

Bingo is a great way to improve vocabulary, along with attention and listening skills. Start by designing a traditional bingo card with a Halloween theme and involve your kids in this fun and exciting Halloween activity.

Candy Bag Building Race

Have each kid pick their favorite candy to include in small goody bags (you can also use a Ziploc bag), then race to see who can assemble the most bags in the shortest amount of time. This race will have your kids entertained assembling bags for hours.

Ghost Hand Puppets

Get into the Halloween spirit with these adorable no-sew ghost puppets! All you need are white felt, permanent marker, scissors, and hot glue. Get ready to haunt your house by using them as decorations or perform a hand puppet show for your kid’s friends.

Make Halloween Costumes

Store-bought costumes are great for last-minute shopping, but if you want to make something unique and to be proud of when your kids tap into their creative side, then making your costume is the way to go. Challenge your family to find a few items at home and build a costume from there. Grab a sheet to make a classic ghost costume. Take a visit to the fabric supply store and make an Incredibles costume. Making costumes is a way for everyone to get a little more creative and potentially save a lot of money.

Host A ‘Glow In The Dark,’ Party

Spook up a room with as many glow-in-the-dark decorations as possible. Use Jack-o’-lanterns, glow sticks, balloons, stars, ghosts, and anything that glows in the dark. Turn out the lights and let the Spooktacular party begin.

Bobbing For Donuts

This social distance-friendly and germ-free Halloween activity only requires string and a donut. From there, all you have to do is hang donuts from free tree branches and invite your kid’s friends to eat their donuts hands-free, by keeping their hands behind their backs during the whole activity.

Apple-Picking

This is a classic and all-time favorite Halloween activity. Pick the apple you want to eat and take a break to enjoy some warm cider.

Visit Or Set Up A Haunted House

It wouldn’t be Halloween without visiting a haunted house or hosting a haunted house event. Get an adrenaline rush visiting a place rumored to be occupied by ghosts. To set up your haunted house event, rent out space to decorate the interior with spooky décor to make a spooky house that will make you the talk of the town.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Deck the Halls with spooky decorations, then walk around the neighborhood to scavenge as a family to track down all the Halloween-themed items they see.

Origami Jack-O-Lantern

This requires an expert at work, but the finished result is beautiful and something you will love to save for Halloween years to come.

Read Halloween Themed Books

It’s a perfect way to encourage excitement ahead of trick-or-treating. Choose a selection of titles, whether Harry Potter by JK Rowling or How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead, and read them aloud.

Halloween Movie Marathon

Open up a few cans of sodas and cook a bowl of popcorn to watch Halloween classics with your kids such as Casper, Coraline, Hotel Transylvania, and The Addams Family.

Design Halloween Masks

Instead of buying Halloween masks at your local craft store, challenge your children to make their own. There are a lot of free printable online masks you can choose for last-minute Halloween costume ideas.

Conclusion

Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating. While Halloween candy may be the top event, there’s bobbing for donuts, apple picking, pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts, and parties to attend as well. If you’re unable to go trick-or-treating, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. There are many activities your kids will enjoy to still make plenty of memories on Halloween!

50. Ridgecrest, California

• Median home value: $224,600 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $85,872
• Total population: 28,118

49. Steele Creek, Alaska

• Median home value: $309,900 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $118,934
• Total population: 6,542

48. Cumberland, Maryland

• Median home value: $119,500 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $45,915
• Total population: 19,041

47. White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia

• Median home value: $122,000 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $47,292
• Total population: 2,707

46. Scranton, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $125,700 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $48,776
• Total population: 76,119

45. Apple Mountain Lake, Virginia

• Median home value: $310,200 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $120,539
• Total population: 1,584

44. Cobleskill, New York

• Median home value: $168,800 (2.6 times income)
• Median household income: $65,610
• Total population: 4,152

43. Deltana, Alaska

• Median home value: $267,700 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $105,250
• Total population: 2,059

42. Lakemont, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $118,600 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $46,840
• Total population: 1,511

41. Pulaski, Virginia

• Median home value: $137,400 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $55,213
• Total population: 8,982

40. Keyser, West Virginia

• Median home value: $115,400 (2.5 times income)
• Median household income: $46,724
• Total population: 4,879

39. Nice, California

• Median home value: $170,600 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $69,653
• Total population: 2,389

38. Mount Union, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $93,600 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $38,382
• Total population: 2,130

37. Middlesborough, Kentucky

• Median home value: $87,000 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $35,798
• Total population: 9,383

36. Whitehall, New York

• Median home value: $96,400 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $40,294
• Total population: 2,166

35. Lewistown, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $86,500 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $36,166
• Total population: 8,522

34. Hinton, West Virginia

• Median home value: $85,400 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $35,735
• Total population: 2,167

33. Gorham, New Hampshire

• Median home value: $132,800 (2.4 times income)
• Median household income: $55,845
• Total population: 2,043

32. Jenkins, Kentucky

• Median home value: $61,300 (2.3 times income)
• Median household income: $26,500
• Total population: 1,862

31. La Vale, Maryland

• Median home value: $168,200 (2.3 times income)
• Median household income: $73,778
• Total population: 4,351

30. Powells Crossroads, Tennessee

• Median home value: $146,100 (2.3 times income)
• Median household income: $64,100
• Total population: 1,686

29. Ellenville, New York

• Median home value: $172,700 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $77,125
• Total population: 4,213

28. Berlin, New Hampshire

• Median home value: $93,200 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $41,638
• Total population: 9,485

27. Olyphant, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $132,200 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $60,120
• Total population: 5,372

26. Richwood, West Virginia

• Median home value: $68,000 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $30,962
• Total population: 2,567

25. Altoona, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $110,700 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $50,435
• Total population: 43,821

24. Warm Springs, Oregon

• Median home value: $129,200 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $59,167
• Total population: 2,453

23. Old Forge, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $156,300 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $71,615
• Total population: 8,506

22. Neah Bay, Washington

• Median home value: $137,500 (2.2 times income)
• Median household income: $63,750
• Total population: 1,081

21. Metlakatla, Alaska

• Median home value: $163,900 (2.1 times income)
• Median household income: $78,750
• Total population: 1,437

20. Marlinton, West Virginia

• Median home value: $82,000 (2.1 times income)
• Median household income: $39,643
• Total population: 1,139

19. Bluefield, West Virginia

• Median home value: $94,400 (2.1 times income)
• Median household income: $45,854
• Total population: 9,619

18. Saltville, Virginia

• Median home value: $84,900 (2.1 times income)
• Median household income: $41,339
• Total population: 2,085

17. Bowling Green, Maryland

• Median home value: $119,100 (2.0 times income)
• Median household income: $59,773
• Total population: 1,102

16. Parsons, West Virginia

• Median home value: $88,600 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $45,729
• Total population: 1,524

15. Dannemora, New York

• Median home value: $130,900 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $67,778
• Total population: 3,373

14. McClure, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $119,100 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $62,667
• Total population: 1,171

13. Patrick Springs, Virginia

• Median home value: $99,500 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $52,548
• Total population: 2,204

12. Renovo, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $54,400 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $28,750
• Total population: 1,081

11. Cumberland, Kentucky

• Median home value: $59,900 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $32,716
• Total population: 2,390

10. Covington, Virginia

• Median home value: $80,100 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $45,737
• Total population: 5,722

9. Westernport, Maryland

• Median home value: $83,500 (1.6 times income)
• Median household income: $50,938
• Total population: 1,993

8. Springville, Virginia

• Median home value: $65,700 (1.6 times income)
• Median household income: $41,250
• Total population: 1,017

7. East Carbon, Utah

• Median home value: $80,700 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $52,554
• Total population: 1,441

6. Atkins, Virginia

• Median home value: $66,300 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $43,318
• Total population: 1,028

5. King Cove, Alaska

• Median home value: $118,200 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $79,844
• Total population: 1,108

4. Searles Valley, California

• Median home value: $78,000 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $54,013
• Total population: 1,716

3. Desert Edge, California

• Median home value: $53,600 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $38,668
• Total population: 3,715

2. Hays, Montana

• Median home value: $63,600 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $49,423
• Total population: 1,095

1. Johnstown, Pennsylvania

• Median home value: $40,000 (1.2 times income)
• Median household income: $33,466
• Total population: 18,429

Jack-O-Lantern Balloons

What you will need:

Orange helium balloons
Black markers or paint

Directions:

Step 1: Draw or paint a jack-o-lantern face on the balloon with the markers or paint.

Step 2: Allow to dry.

Step 3: Group the painted balloons with other plain orange and black balloons.

Trick-or-Treat Bags

What you will need:

Large paper shopping bag, large orange gift bag, or large blank tote bag
Halloween stamps, stickers, or clip art
Transfer paper

Directions:

Step 1: Quick and easy: Decorate a large paper shopping bag or orange gift bag with Halloween stamps and/or stickers.

Step 2: Bright and colorful: Print a Halloween picture and use a copier to enlarge it if you wish. Follow the instructions that come with the transfer paper to transfer the design to the blank tote bag.

Haunted House Wall Hanging

What you will need:

Black poster board
Yellow construction paper
Halloween stickers
Craft knife
Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Draw a haunted house on the poster board and cut it out. Use the craft knife to cut out the windows,

Step 2: Glue a piece of yellow paper behind the windows.

Step 3: Put Halloween figures (stickers of ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, bats, etc.) in the windows.

Note: Glue white paper behind the haunted house windows, place the cutout in front of a picture window, (first cover the window with blue cellophane), and place a light behind the cutout. Turn all other lights off, and make the house glow.

Jack-O-Lantern Party Invitations

What you will need:

Stiff orange paper
Orange envelopes
Yellow and black construction paper
Stiff white paper
Black magic marker
Craft knife

Directions:

Step 1: Draw a pumpkin shape on a piece of paper and cut it out (make sure the cutout will fit in the envelope).

Step 2: Fold the stiff orange paper and cut to roughly the size of the cutout. Place the cutout over the folded orange paper with one side touching the fold.

Step 3: Trace the cutout onto the orange paper and cut out the pumpkin, leaving the card connected at the fold.

Step 4: Repeat with the white paper and set aside.

Step 5: Print out a jack-o-lantern template. Use a copier to adjust the size of the template. Cut out the face.

Step 6: Using the template, trace the face onto the front of the pumpkin.

Step 7: Cut it out with the craft knife. Open the card so you won’t cut through the back.

Step 8: Glue yellow paper behind the face cutout.

Step 9: Glue the white pumpkin cutout inside the orange pumpkin cutout.

Step 10: Use the marker to write the party details inside (To: From: Date: Time: etc.)

Spider Webs

What you will need:

Fiberfill
Clear thumbtacks

Directions:

Step 1: Pull the Fiberfill apart with your fingers.

Step 2: Attach to ceiling with thumbtacks.

Note: You can add rubber or tissue paper spiders on the webs.

Halloween Chain

What you will need:

Black construction paper
Orange construction paper
Glue
Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Cut 1-inch wide strips out of the construction paper.

Step 2: Fold one of the orange strips over until the ends touch, and glue in place, forming a circle.

Step 3: Take a black strip and place it through the orange circle. Bend the tips until the ends touch, and glue them in place, linking the circles together.

Step 4: Repeat this process until the strips are used up, and the chain is the desired length.

Pumpkin Patch Centerpiece

What you will need:

Tissue paper scraps, or inexpensive white tissue paper, for filling
2 sheets each of orange and dark green tissue paper
Scissors
2 rubber bands
1 green chenille stem
Black or yellow construction paper
Jack-o-lantern template, optional

Directions:

Step 1: Make tissue paper pumpkins in various sizes.

Step 2: Print the template, or create one of your own designs. A nice touch would be to create several different faces so no two pumpkins are alike.

Step 3: Cut out the template and trace it onto black or yellow construction paper.

Step 4: Glue the faces onto the pumpkins. Omit this step if you prefer plain pumpkins.

Step 5: Group the pumpkins together in the center of your table. You can put them in a basket with a bed of imitation leaves or in a fall floral bouquet.

Scary Balloon Spiders

What you will need:

Two black balloons
Black thread
Black construction paper
White paint

Directions:

Step 1: Blow up the balloons. Make one smaller than the other; this will be the spider’s head.

Step 2: Using the thread, tie the balloons together at the knots, leaving a long end to hang the spider.

Step 3: Cut eight 1-inch wide strips out of the construction paper.

Step 4: Fold the strips back and forth accordion style, and glue one end of each strip to the spider, four on each side.

Step 5: Use the paint to create the spider’s face.

Step 6: Allow to dry, and hang.

Note: Hang at the end of the spider’s web with the small tissue paper spiders around it to create a spider’s den. They also make great party favors for your guests.

Bountiful Mobile

What you will need:

Halloween candy molds
Instant paper mache or polymer clay
Acrylic paints
Small paintbrush
Small wire hooks
Embroidery hoop
White thread

Directions:

Step 1: Fill the candy mold with paper mache or clay and remove it just before drying.

Step 2: Insert a small hook in the top of each figure.

Step 3: Let them dry completely.

Step 4: Decorate the figures with the paints.

Step 5: Let them dry completely.

Step 6: Tie the figures to the embroidery hoop at different levels with the thread.

Furry Scaredy Cat

What you will need:

Scaredy cat template
Black construction paper
Black tissue paper
Yellow construction paper, optional
White paper, optional
Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Print the template. A copier can be used to enlarge the template if desired.

Step 2: Place the template over the construction paper and cut through both at the same time.

Step 3: Rip off small pieces of the tissue paper.

Step 4: Bunch up the tissue paper with your fingers and glue onto the cutout.

Step 5: The furry cat can be left as is or you can add eyes.

Step 6: Cut eye shapes out of the yellow paper cut the iris out of the black paper and place a small circle cut from the white paper in the black iris.

Helium Ghosts

What you will need:

Round helium balloons
White sheets
White string
Black markers

Directions:

Step 1: Place the balloon in the center of the sheet and tie it with string.

Step 2: Create a face on the ghost with the markers. Let the ghosts float through the house or party room.

Tissue Paper Spider

What you will need:

Tissue paper scraps, or inexpensive white tissue paper for filling
Black tissue paper
Strong sewing thread
Black chenille stems
White paper
Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Shape scraps of white tissue into a ball and place it in the center of the black tissue paper.

Step 2: Gather one sheet of tissue paper around the ball and secure it with the thread. Cut off the thread, leaving ends long to secure the spider if desired.

Step 3: Shape a second ball smaller than the first.

Step 4: Gather the ends of the black tissue paper tightly around the second ball pushing the two parts of the spider closely together.

Step 5: Twist the ends under the spider and secure tightly with the ends of the thread. Glue the loose ends in place.

Step 6: Gather the chenille stems and twist them together in the center.

Step 7: Place the center of the leg structure under the bottom of the spider between the head and abdomen. Glue in place and fold the legs up on both sides of the spider.

Step 8: Shape the spider’s legs by bending each leg into a downward arc and then bending the last ½” out for the spider’s foot. There should be four legs on each side of the spider.

Step 9: Cut two eyes out of white paper and glue them into place.

Stamped Decorations

What you will need:

One orange tablecloth
Orange napkins
Orange gift bags
Halloween stamps
Black stamp pad

Directions:

Step 1: Using stamps of Halloween figures (ghosts, witches, pumpkins, etc.) stamp the tablecloth napkins and gift bags.

Step 2: Allow ink to dry.

Screaming Streamers

What you will need:

Package of stiff black or white paper
Template of either a bat or a ghost
Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Print and cut out the template.

Step 2: Fold the paper back and forth accordion style. Make the folds the width of the template.

Step 3: Place the template on the top layer, and cut out the shape.

Step 4: Leave the folds attached at the outermost points of the paper figure so that when the paper is opened, you will have a string of bats or ghosts.

Step 5: Tape pieces together until the streamer is the desired length.

Note: You can draw on faces with a black marker or a white laundry marker.

Spider Web Door Decoration

What you will need:

Embroidery hoop
Black thread
A tissue paper spider

Directions:

Step 1: Attach thread to the hoop with a knot, pull it taut, and tie it to the opposite side of the hoop. Cut off excess.

Step 2: Tie the thread to the hoop diagonal to the original thread, pull it taut, and tie it to the opposite end. Cut off excess.

Step 3: Tie the thread to the right of the original thread (in between the original and second thread), pull it taut, and tie it to the opposite end of the hoop. Cut off excess.

Step 4: Tie the thread to the left of the original thread (in between the original and the end of the second thread), pull it taut, and tie it to the opposite side. Cut off excess.

Step 5: Tie another piece of thread to the original thread toward the center connecting threads, and weave it in and out of the other threads back to the starting point. Tie and cut off the excess.

Step 6: To finish the web, tie another piece of thread to the original thread, halfway between the first weaving and the hoop.

Step 7: Weave the thread in and out of the other threads back to the starting point. Tie and cut off the excess, completing the web.

Step 8: Add tissue paper spider.

Quick and Easy Gift Bags

What you will need:

Orange gift bags
Halloween stamps
Orange and black curling ribbon
Orange tissue paper
Scissors

Directions:

Step 1: Using black ink, stamp the Halloween shapes onto the gift bags in a random pattern.

Step 2: Allow to dry.

Step 3: Place several pieces of tissue paper in the bag, leaving the ends sticking out.

Step 4: Tie the curling ribbon to the front handle. Use the ribbon to tie a gift tag to the bag, and curl the ribbon with a pair of scissors. To create the tags: Cut a rectangle out of a stiff piece of paper. Use a small stamp to place a Halloween figure in the corner of the tag. Write the guests’ names on the tags using a black glitter glue pen.

Step 5: Fill the bag with goodies like candy, sticker books, movie tickets, Halloween pins, small toys, etc.

Quick and Easy Sweatshirts

What you will need:

Orange, black, or white sweatshirt
Halloween clipart
Transfer paper

Directions:

Step 1: Print out a Halloween picture, and use a copier to enlarge it.

Step 2: Follow the instructions that come with the transfer paper to place the design on the sweatshirt.

Note: You can use this same technique to decorate t-shirts, tote bags, aprons, etc.

Haunted House Party Invitations

What you will need:

Stiff black paper
Orange or yellow envelopes
Stiff white paper
Black magic marker
Craft knife

Directions:

Step 1: Draw a haunted house shape on a piece of paper and cut it out. (Make sure the cutout will fit inside the envelopes.)

Step 2: Fold the stiff black paper and cut to roughly the size of the cutout.

Step 3: Place the cutout over the folded black paper with one side touching the fold.

Step 4: Trace the cutout onto the black paper and cut out the house leaving the card connected at the fold. Repeat with the white paper and set aside.

Step 5: Cut the windows out with the craft knife. Open the card so you don’t cut through the back.

Step 6: Glue yellow paper behind the window cutouts.

Step 7: Glue the white haunted house cutout inside the black house cutout.

Step 8: Use the black magic marker to write the party details inside (To:, When:, Where:, etc.)

Halloween Wreath

What you will need:

Halloween candy molds
Instant paper Mache or polymer clay
Acrylic paints
Small paintbrush
Small wire hooks
Store-bought or home-made wreath in fall colors
Wire

Directions:

Step 1: Fill the candy mold with paper Mache or clay and remove it just before drying.

Step 2: Insert a small hook at the top of each figure.

Step 3: Let them dry completely.

Step 4: Decorate the figures with the acrylic paints.

Step 5: Allow the paint to dry completely.

Step 6: Cut small pieces of wire.

Step 7: Place a piece of wire through the hook of each figure, twist the wire around the hook, and use it to attach the figures to the wreath.

Step 8: Place the figures around the wreath, nestling them among the dried leaves and flowers.

Scary Balloon Bats

What you will need:

Black balloon
Black thread
Black construction paper
White paint

Directions:

Step 1: Have the balloons filled with helium on the day of the party so they will float well.

Step 2: Cut the ears with some hair in-between out of the construction paper.

Step 3: Fold the bottom edge of the ears back. Cut tabs in the fold. (This will help the earpiece fit better onto the balloon.)

Step 4: Holding the balloon upside down, glue the tabs of the earpiece in front of the knot.

Step 5: Cut wings out of the construction paper.

Step 6: The top of the wings should be the shape of the bottom of the balloon with the wings flaring out to the side.

Step 7: Cut tabs in the round edge of the wings, fold them back, and glue them to the bottom and sides of the balloon.

Step 8: Tie with string to the knot behind the ears, and hang.

Cool Halloween Pins

What you will need:

Halloween candy molds
Instant paper Mache or polymer clay
Safety pins
Small paintbrush
Acrylic paints

Directions:

Step 1: Fill candy molds with paper Mache or clay.

Step 2: Just before drying, insert a safety pin in the back of each figure (the closed side).

Step 3: Let them dry completely.

Step 4: Remove figures from the mold, and decorate with acrylic paints.

Step 5: Let them dry completely.

Spooky Placemats

What you will need:

Halloween drawing
Contact paper

Directions:

Step 1: Make a Halloween-themed drawing.

Step 2: Cover the drawing with contact paper.

Monster Man

What you will need:

White paper
Stiff green and black paper
Magic markers or construction paper
Black tissue paper
Scissors and glue
Needle and light-colored thread

Directions:

Step 1: Draw Frankenstein’s head on a piece of paper and cut it out.

Step 2: Use the head as a template. Trace the shape onto the stiff green paper twice and cut them out. Set aside.

Step 3: Draw Frankenstein’s torso on a piece of paper and cut it out.

Step 4: Use the torso as a template. Trace the shape onto the stiff black paper twice and cut them out. Set aside.

Step 5: Using the head template as a guide, make a cutout for the hair (the top of the hair should have the shape of the top of Frankenstein’s head, and the bottom should have jagged points). Make two hair cutouts from the stiff black paper. Set aside.

Step 6: Draw the hands and boots on a piece of paper and cut them out (you don’t have to use a lot of detail).

Step 7: Use the cutouts as templates. Trace the hand shape onto the stiff green paper four times and cut it out. Trace the boot shape onto the stiff black paper four times and cut it out. Set aside.

Step 8: Glue the bottom of the headpiece to the top of one torso piece. Repeat for the second cutouts.

Step 9: Glue the hair cutout to the top of the head cutout. Repeat for the second figure.

Step 10: Create Frankenstein’s face with magic markers or construction paper scraps. Don’t forget the scar!

Step 11: Cut four strips out of the tissue paper (1″ wide).

Step 12: Fold the strips back and forth accordion style.

Step 13: Glue one end of the strips to the torso of one of the Frankenstein figures for the arms and legs. Be sure to glue them behind the figure.

Step 14: Glue one handpiece on the end of one tissue paper arm and glue another handpiece to the back of the first with the tissue paper in between. Repeat for the other arm.

Step 15: Repeat the above step with the boots. Make sure the boots face the right way before gluing.

Step 16: Thread the needle. Cut off the thread (leave enough thread to hang the Frankenstein figure).

Step 17: Carefully poke the needle through the top of a headpiece (the knot should be at the back of the figure’s head) pulling the thread to the knot.

Step 18: Glue the second figure over the first with the tissue paper in between and cover the knot.

Step 19: Hang your creation!

Tissue Paper Ghost

What you will need:

Several sheets of white tissue paper
Strong white thread
Black construction paper
Craft wire
Scissors and glue

Directions:

Step 1: Shape some white tissue paper into a ball the size you want the ghost’s head to be.

Step 2: Place the tissue paper ball in the center of one layer of tissue paper.

Step 3: Gather the outer layer of paper around the tissue paper ball and secure it with thread.

Step 4: Print the ghost face template and cut it out, or cut eyes and mouth out of black construction paper. Glue in place.

Step 5: Cut 6″ of wire and wrap one end around the neck of the ghost figure. Use the other end to hang the ghost.

Halloween Tree

What you will need:

Silk or real indoor tree
White Christmas lights
Tissue paper bats
Strechable spider webs
Tissue paper ghosts

Directions:

Step 1: Create the ghosts and bats

Step 2: Drape the Christmas lights on the tree.

Step 3: Hang the ghosts and bats from the branches.

Step 4: Spread the spider webs around the branches and on the tissue paper figures.

Hanging Halloween Poster Cutouts

What you will need:

Halloween templates (bat, scaredy cat, and witch)
Poster board in various colors, orange, yellow, white, and black
Yellow, red, and black construction paper
Craft knife
Glue
Needle and thread

Directions:

Step 1: To create the witch poster cutout, glue one black witch figure to the center of a yellow circle (the moon) and glue the other figure to the center of the second moon cutout.

Step 2: Repeat for the bat and cat poster cutout (glue the cat toward the bottom of the moon so it appears as if it is standing).

Step 3: Thread the needle. Make the thread long enough to hang the poster cutout. Tie a knot in the end of the thread.

Step 4: Gently poke the needle through the top of a moon cutout (and pull up to the knot). Cut the thread leaving enough length to hang the cutout.

Step 5: Glue one moon and witch cutout to the other moon and witch cutout, covering the knot, and repeat for the bat and cat poster cutouts.

Note: Another option would be to make three bats (six total) in carrying sizes and glue them all over the moon to look like a group of bats flying in front of the moon.

Candy Filled Ghosts

What you will need:

White tissue paper
Plastic wrap
An assortment of small candy (candy corn, tootsie rolls, etc.)
Black construction paper
Heavy white thread
Black curling ribbon
Scissors and glue

Directions:

Step 1: Place a small amount of candy in the center of a sheet of plastic wrap, and close the wrap around the candy tightly.

Step 2: Make a ball with tissue paper around the candy.

Step 3: Place the ball in the center of another sheet of tissue paper and secure it with thread.

Step 4: Cut a face out of black construction paper and glue it to the face of the ghost.

Step 5: Tie a black curling ribbon around the neck of the ghost and curl it with the side of a pair of scissors.

Chilling Window Scene

What you will need:

Several sheets of white tissue paper
Strong white thread
Black construction paper
Blue cellophane
Scissors and glue

Directions:

Step 1: Shape 1-2 sheets of white tissue paper into a ball the size you wish the ghost’s head to be.

Step 2: Place the tissue paper ball in the center of one layer of white tissue paper. Gather the outer layer of paper around the tissue paper ball and secure it with thread.

Step 3: Cut eyes and mouth out of black construction paper, and glue in place.

Step 4: Cover the inside of a picture window with blue cellophane, then hang the ghosts from the ceiling and varying lengths.

Step 5: Dim the lights and the windows will glow with the eerie scene.

Tissue Paper Bats

What you will need:

Black construction paper
Bat template, optional
Scissors
Needle and strong black thread
Tissue paper scraps or inexpensive white tissue paper for filing
Black tissue paper
Craft wire
White paper
Glue

Directions:

Step 1: Print the bat template and cut it out. Trace around the template onto the black construction paper and cut it out.

Step 2: Shape one sheet of white tissue paper or scraps into a ball the size you want the bat’s head to be.

Step 3: Place the tissue paper ball in the center of one layer of the black tissue paper.

Step 4: Gather the black tissue paper around the ball and secure it with thread.

Step 5: Spread the two loose lower layers of the tissue paper figure out into a triangle shape and glue the figure to the bat cut out, making sure that the ears stick up over the head.

Step 6: Holding the two tissue layers together, cut triangles into the bat’s wings.

Step 7: Cut the eyes for the bat out of white paper (ovals or upside-down triangles) and glue them in place.

Step 8: Cut 6″ of craft wire, attach one end to the back of the bat figure with glue, and let dry.

Step 9: Find a place to hang your creation.

When was the Flag Created?

Here is the first of the simple questions about the American flag. It’s important to know when the flag was first introduced.

Answer

The U.S. flag was created and first presented on June 14, 1777. That occurred when the Continental Congress passed an act asking for an official flag.

How Many Stripes Are on the American Flag?

Americans should know how many stripes are on the flag.

Answer

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag. There are 13 stripes on the flag.

What Do the 13 stripes on the American Flag Represent?

Each stripe has a meaning.

Answer

The 13 stripes on the American flag represent the original 13 original colonies that made up the nation.

How Many Stars are on the American Flag?

The number of stars could always change.

Answer

At this point, there are 50 stars on the flag. They represent the 50 states that make up the United States of America.

What Does the Red on the Flag Represent?

The flag is red, white, and blue. What does the red on the flag represent?

Answer

According to the forefathers, the red on the flag symbolizes the valor and hardiness of the people in our country.

What Does the White on the Flag Represent?

The color white also has an important part on the flag.

Answer

The color white on the American Flag stands for the innocence and purity of the country.

What Does the Blue on the Flag Represent?

Finally, blue has a presence on the flag for a certain reason. Do you know it?

Answer

According to the creators, the color blue on the American flag stands for the justice, perseverance, and vigilance of the country.

What is Flag Day?

Many people hear about flag day and think that it’s just a random day that doesn’t hold a lot of importance, but it does. Do you know what this day represents?

Answer

Flag Day was created to support the Union side during the Civil War. In 1916, president Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that made it an annual holiday. It is still a day to celebrate our flag, our country, and our freedoms.

When is Flag Day?

Now that you know the true importance of Flag Day, it’s also good that you know when to celebrate it.

Answer

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that many people get wrong. Flag Day occurs every year on June 14.

What Happens if the American Flag Touches the Ground?

Many people will remember that as kids, they were told that the flag must be burned or retired if it ever touches the ground. Is that true?

Answer

The American flag is an amazing symbol of our country, and it should be treated with respect. Whenever possible, it should never touch the ground. However, according to the American Legion, if it does, and it remains suitable for display, it can and should still be used.

What are the Rules About Cleaning the Flag?

If you own an American flag, and it gets dirty, you are allowed to clean it, but how?

Answer

If necessary, here is the best way to clean your flag: Flags are made out of different materials, so check that first. Typically, you can wash it with soap and water or at the dry cleaner.

What Can You Do if Your Flag is Damaged Beyond Repair?

If something happens to your flag where you can’t hang it properly or it’s destroyed for some reason, there are things you can do to retire it.

Answer

If you want to retire your flag, you can burn it in a dignified way. Often, during Flag Day, there are burnings you can participate in that are done the right way and for the right reasons. Before it’s burned, the flag must be properly folded.

Why are American Flags Flown at Half-Staff?

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that everyone should know.

Answer

If you ever see the American flag flown at half-staff or halfway up the pole, it could typically mean a few things. It could be that there was the death of a notable figure, a national tragedy, or a national day of remembrance, like Memorial Day. 

Who Authorizes the Flag to Hang at Half-Staff?

If you ever see the flag hanging at half mast, it’s because one of a few people has authorized it. Who could that be?

Answer

There are only a few people with this authority. According to Flag Code section 7(m), only the President of the United States or a state governor can authorize this to happen.

Why Would the American Flag be Hanging Upside Down?

In recent years, you may have seen American flags hanging upside down. Why would this be?

Answer

If you see an American flag hanging upside down, it is typically because someone doesn’t believe that justice was served. Recently, it happened after President Trump was found guilty in court. With that said, many people may also hang the flag upside down if they’re having an emergency and they’re trying to signify that they need help.

How Many Different Versions of the Flag Have There Been?

As time has gone on and our country has changed, there have been numerous updates to the flag.

Answer

Since the flag was first introduced in 1777, there have been 27 versions. Every time a new state was added to our country, the flag was revised with more stars.

What is the Name of a Flag Expert?

This is one of the not-so-simple questions about the American flag. Do you know the profession’s name for someone who is an expert on flags and their history?

Answer

An expert on flags is known as a vexillologist.

Who Made the First American Flag?

This is one of the simple questions about the American flag that everyone should know. Who created the very first flag?

Answer

Betsy Ross is the first one to sew together the American Flag.

How Many Times Is a Flag Folded When It’s Put Away?

If you’ve ever seen a flag ceremony of some type, you’ve likely seen it folded into a triangle. Do you know how many times it’s folded?

Answer

The American flag is folded 13 times. Each fold represents something different, such as life, a tribute to womanhood, a tribute to the country, and more. You can see the meaning behind each fold at this link.

When Should the Flag Be Presented Outside of Your Home?

Although your flag can hang outside 24 hours a day, there is a certain time frame that is customary for when you should have it up. Do you know it?

Answer

It’s customary to only hang the flag from sunrise to sundown. At sundown, bring it down and fold it. The idea is that it’s up when people can see it. If you want to hang your flag at night, put a light on it so it can be seen.

Edible Slime

Here’s an easy way to make slime time exciting! Try our easy-to-make edible slime for the Halloween season. Your kids will be fascinated by this airy, light slime that’s better than Play-Doh. It’s great for little fingers that can quickly make this slime using simple ingredients, plus it’s very delicious!

Pumpkin Bowling

Pumpkin bowling is an easy and classic fun game for kids to play. Rolling a small pumpkin to knock down toilet paper rolls is not only exciting and easy to do but, is a great idea for kids to incorporate fresh air and exercise for the night. You can have the kids decorate the toilet paper with their favorite scary monster.

Halloween Writing Trays

Writing trays are a great way for younger kids to practice handwriting skills. Add cake sprinkles or colorful sand instantly to make handwriting fun!

Educational Halloween Videos

Find a whole selection of spooky Halloween videos. Your kids will learn about Halloween across the globe, practice math problems, or try spooky yoga.

Pumpkin Treat Sensory Bin

If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, then create a sensory bin. It’s an inexpensive and simple way to keep the little ones busy for hours on end. Add pumpkin cake mix, Dunkin Donuts cups, measuring cups, spoons, and cups filled with cinnamon and whipped cream to the sensory board. You can purchase a Halloween sensory board on Etsy.

Pumpkin Witch Broom Race

Grab brooms and small pumpkins, break into teams, and watch your kids race to see who can push the pumpkin across the finish line before the timer is up!

Halloween Magnets

Make your spooky magnets by gluing small magnets to the back of plastic spiders, eyeballs, skeletons, and more from a craft store. Then, use them for educational activities such as math, arrange them to spell words and sentences, or use them to decorate around the house.

Bake Halloween Treats

Many people’s favorite things about Halloween are the delicious trick-or-treat goodies! Desserts, sandwiches, and even snacks get frighteningly creative and tasty. Try Moms Who Think collection of mouth-watering Halloween treats.

Cute Paper Witch Dolls

Create these adorable witch paper dolls. All you need is construction paper, scissors, glue, and toilet paper core rolls, and you’re done!

Decorate A Spooky Table

Have your kids help decorate your family table using DIY ghost leaves. Take maple leaves from your backyard, paint them white, and paint two dots for the eyes once fully dried. String them together around the edge of the table for a Halloween garland.

Halloween Word Search

Encourage your kids to learn new Halloween vocabulary. If you can’t find a great word search, create one! Use colors, items, and eye-catching shapes relating to Halloween.

Candy Wreath

An easy and delicious project to make with your kids is a candy wreath. Let your kids attach the wreath with tasty treats while you handle the glue gun. Make it colorful with some beautiful ribbons and bows.

Monster Pancakes

If you don’t want to or cannot go out on Halloween, you can stay home and have a great time with your kids. Monster pancakes are a nice way to bring out the artist in your children.

Halloween Handprint Painting

Halloween wouldn’t be the same or fun without handprint painting. Have your kids experience different colors of paint by having them dip their hands into it. Then, have them press their hands firmly onto construction paper in Halloween colors.

Hang Cotton Ball Ghosts

These hanging cotton ghosts add an adorable but spooky flare around the house. Use cardboard paper, cotton, and glue so they can get started. Your kids can make the entire project themselves; you can also be there to guide them.

Host A Halloween Party

Organize a Halloween outdoor party for your kids and invite their friends. They can bake and decorate cookies, design and pass out invitations, and come up with a party to play along with other fun activities.

Halloween Jokes

Halloween jokes are a great way to help your kids interact with their peers. Find some suitable jokes for your kids to explore before asking them to come up with their jokes.

Halloween Kid-Friendly Scary Stories

That one childhood scary story your sister used to share when you were younger will be perfect for this activity. If you don’t have any scary stories, you can make one up on the spot. Pull another one from your childhood or recite one of these tried-and-true kid-friendly Halloween spooky stories.

Halloween Bingo

Bingo is a great way to improve vocabulary, along with attention and listening skills. Start by designing a traditional bingo card with a Halloween theme and involve your kids in this fun and exciting Halloween activity.

Candy Bag Building Race

Have each kid pick their favorite candy to include in small goody bags (you can also use a Ziploc bag), then race to see who can assemble the most bags in the shortest amount of time. This race will have your kids entertained assembling bags for hours.

Ghost Hand Puppets

Get into the Halloween spirit with these adorable no-sew ghost puppets! All you need are white felt, permanent marker, scissors, and hot glue. Get ready to haunt your house by using them as decorations or perform a hand puppet show for your kid’s friends.

Make Halloween Costumes

Store-bought costumes are great for last-minute shopping, but if you want to make something unique and to be proud of when your kids tap into their creative side, then making your costume is the way to go. Challenge your family to find a few items at home and build a costume from there. Grab a sheet to make a classic ghost costume. Take a visit to the fabric supply store and make an Incredibles costume. Making costumes is a way for everyone to get a little more creative and potentially save a lot of money.

Host A ‘Glow In The Dark,’ Party

Spook up a room with as many glow-in-the-dark decorations as possible. Use Jack-o’-lanterns, glow sticks, balloons, stars, ghosts, and anything that glows in the dark. Turn out the lights and let the Spooktacular party begin.

Bobbing For Donuts

This social distance-friendly and germ-free Halloween activity only requires string and a donut. From there, all you have to do is hang donuts from free tree branches and invite your kid’s friends to eat their donuts hands-free, by keeping their hands behind their backs during the whole activity.

Apple-Picking

This is a classic and all-time favorite Halloween activity. Pick the apple you want to eat and take a break to enjoy some warm cider.

Visit Or Set Up A Haunted House

It wouldn’t be Halloween without visiting a haunted house or hosting a haunted house event. Get an adrenaline rush visiting a place rumored to be occupied by ghosts. To set up your haunted house event, rent out space to decorate the interior with spooky décor to make a spooky house that will make you the talk of the town.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Deck the Halls with spooky decorations, then walk around the neighborhood to scavenge as a family to track down all the Halloween-themed items they see.

Origami Jack-O-Lantern

This requires an expert at work, but the finished result is beautiful and something you will love to save for Halloween years to come.

Read Halloween Themed Books

It’s a perfect way to encourage excitement ahead of trick-or-treating. Choose a selection of titles, whether Harry Potter by JK Rowling or How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead, and read them aloud.

Halloween Movie Marathon

Open up a few cans of sodas and cook a bowl of popcorn to watch Halloween classics with your kids such as Casper, Coraline, Hotel Transylvania, and The Addams Family.

Design Halloween Masks

Instead of buying Halloween masks at your local craft store, challenge your children to make their own. There are a lot of free printable online masks you can choose for last-minute Halloween costume ideas.

Conclusion

Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating. While Halloween candy may be the top event, there’s bobbing for donuts, apple picking, pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts, and parties to attend as well. If you’re unable to go trick-or-treating, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. There are many activities your kids will enjoy to still make plenty of memories on Halloween!

Breaded Turkey Rolls

If you’re looking for a tasty alternative to the basic turkey sandwich, try these breaded turkey rolls. You can pair them with the marinated cucumbers and tomatoes included in the recipe or you can enjoy them with one of your favorite sides leftover from Thanksgiving.

Perfect for a quick lunch

These breaded turkey rolls are perfect for a quick lunch on the busy days after Thanksgiving. You can make them with some ingredients you likely already have on hand and they’re ready in less than 15 minutes.

Crunchy Turkey Casserole

No post-Thanksgiving meal plan would be complete without a casserole recipe. Casseroles are one of the easiest and most delicious ways to use all that leftover turkey. If you want a unique casserole that’s full of flavor, try this crunchy turkey casserole recipe.

A delicious casserole to feed the whole family

While there is something comforting about your standard casserole recipe, this recipe is perfect if you’re looking for something a little different. The almonds and water chestnuts add a nice crunch and pair perfectly with the creamy soup and savory chow mein noodles.

Healthy Turkey Stir-Fry

Instead of ordering take-out in the days after Thanksgiving, use your leftover turkey to make this healthy turkey stir-fry. It’s a simple recipe that’s both quick and easy to make without a lot of ingredients.

A tasty and unique turkey dish

You probably won’t feel like cooking in the days following Thanksgiving, but this stir-fry recipe is worth the effort. You can make this recipe with some of the vegetables you have leftover from Thanksgiving and it’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

Turkey Cobb Roll Ups

If you’re a fan of Cobb salads, you’ll love this recipe for turkey Cobb roll-ups. With a slice of fresh tomato, avocado, and your favorite blue cheese dressing, you can create a delicious wrap for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon snack.

A healthy and tasty way to enjoy leftover turkey

Your leftover Thanksgiving turkey will taste delicious in this roll-up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a healthy lunch that includes vegetables, a creamy dressing, and your perfectly seasoned leftover turkey.

Healthy Turkey Soup

If you live somewhere with cooler weather, warm yourself up with this healthy turkey soup recipe. It’s full of nutrients and will keep you full without adding in too many extra calories.

Perfect for the chilly days after Thanksgiving

Soup is another perfect way to use up all your leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Not only will it keep you warm on these chilly days after Thanksgiving, but it also smells great while it’s simmering in your kitchen. If you have extra vegetables on hand from the holiday, try this healthy soup for a quick lunch or dinner.

Turkey Pot Pie

Whether you’re creating a meal to take to a neighbor or you’re looking for something to feed your family for dinner, this turkey pot pie recipe is the way to go. You can enjoy it fresh or freeze it to enjoy later.

A delicious alternative to chicken pot pie

Chicken pot pie is a classic comfort dish, especially in the winter months. This delicious alternative includes all the things you love about chicken pot pie but has cubed turkey as the protein instead. Cut up some vegetables and some of your leftover turkey to create this tasty and filling dish.

Creamed Turkey Over Mashed Potatoes

If you’re looking for a unique way to enjoy turkey and mashed potatoes after Thanksgiving, this creamed turkey over mashed potatoes dish is one you have to try. With the addition of sautéed onion and other vegetables, you can turn some of your Thanksgiving leftovers into a brand-new dish.

A toast to two Thanksgiving dishes

There’s no doubt that turkey and mashed potatoes are two of the best things on every Thanksgiving plate. However, it can be difficult to know what to do with all those leftover mashed potatoes. This dish celebrates two of the best Thanksgiving dishes with some different flavors from the ones you ate on Thanksgiving day.

Turkey Tetrazzini with Fresh Mushrooms

Tetrazzini is a baked pasta dish you can make with poultry, seafood, or another type of meat. This recipe forturkey tetrazzini with fresh mushrooms is a unique and delicious way to use your leftover Thanksgiving turkey.

A fresh take on leftover turkey

This creamy pasta dish comes together in less than 30 minutes and it’s bound to be a hit with everyone in your household. One serving of this dish has about 331 calories and 28 grams of protein, making it a delicious and filling meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Creamy Turkey Casserole with Broccoli and Cauliflower

When it comes to finding ways to use leftover turkey, you can’t have too many casserole recipes. This creamy turkey casserole with broccoli and cauliflower is salty and savory, with plenty of nutrients from the cauliflower, broccoli, and prunes.

The ultimate comfort food for the days after Thanksgiving

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food and this casserole recipe is a great way to enjoy some of the leftover turkey from the holiday. This casserole tastes great right out of the oven, but you can also freeze it to have an easy meal for another day.

Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich

Turkey sandwiches can get boring pretty quickly if you’re eating them for a week straight. However, if you’re going to make one turkey sandwich with your leftover turkey, let it be this open-faced turkey sandwich.

Better than your average turkey sandwich

Instead of cooking your turkey in the slow cooker as the recipe says, you can use your leftover turkey and mashed potatoes to make this open-faced turkey sandwich. All you have to do is shred some of your leftover turkey and place it on two slices of toast. Then, spoon some mashed potatoes and gravy on top for a tasty sandwich.

Politics

Let’s go ahead and get this one out of the way right out of the gate. Politics is the topic that has been universally labeled as the one to avoid. It used to be that you would have your political values and opinions but keep them to yourself. This was to avoid any conflict with those who didn’t necessarily agree with you.

Why Should You Avoid Political Talk at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table

If recent years have shown us anything, political discussions tend to become very heated. Avoiding the topic is best if you want a peaceful dinner. Now, if you want to create havoc and make a person’s head explode, discussing politics is the way to do it. But who really wants that at Thanksgiving?

Food Choices

Since Thanksgiving is a holiday with food at center stage, the topic of food is going to come up. It may be easy to notice that your cousin has had three servings of pie or that your niece is choosing not to eat very much. Yet, noticing and saying something are two different things.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Food Choices at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Seeing someone’s food choices is one thing. Understanding why they are eating the way they are is something entirely different. We have no idea of the stresses someone has in their life, not to mention habits, allergies, sensitivities, and so much more. Most people know their food choices and why they are making them. It’s best to stick to paying attention to your own.

Weight

Weight goes along with food choices. But like food choices, weight is something personal. It fluctuates and is determined by more than one factor.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Weight

Sure, maybe your sister gained 20 pounds over the last year. Chances are, she already knows this fact. She doesn’t need you bringing it up, especially during a holiday focused on eating. A general rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t want someone mentioning it to you, then chances are you shouldn’t say it to them.

Money/Finances

Money is a topic generally avoided by people with tact unless someone is discussing it in confidence. However, sometimes, you have that one person who wants to brag about how much money they make. Or the one who can’t understand why you would leave your high-paying job for something that pays 20 thousand less a year. Of course, they won’t keep these thoughts to themselves, they want to bring it up.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Money and Finances

Finances are a part of daily life. Many people may be stressed out by their financial responsibility, the burden of having a lack of money, or stressed because they owe someone a lot of it. To discuss it around the company, especially if that company is not involved, can strike anxiety in a person’s heart. They don’t necessarily want everyone to know about their financial situation. So, if you are the one who lent money to a relative, and you are wondering when you will get it back, talk to them in private.

Religion

Religion is the second topic that most people have learned to avoid at Thanksgiving. Yet, sometimes, people bypass common etiquette and decide to bring it anyway.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Religion at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table

Someone’s faith, or lack of it, is a personal choice. No one wants to feel pressured into a particular religion, especially if they haven’t explored their faith independently. So, the general rule of etiquette is only to bring up your religion or lack of religion if someone is generally curious and asks you about it. (Be sure this person isn’t just baiting you though.)

Parenting Choices

Most parents have experienced unsolicited advice at one time or another. It can be annoying, especially when it is given in front of a large group of people. Bringing up someone’s parenting choices at the dinner table is a recipe for disaster.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Parenting Choices

Maybe you don’t agree with how your sister parents her kids. Those choices, however, are hers and her spouses’, not yours. There’s no way to be a perfect parent and millions of ways to be a good one. If their choices don’t align with yours, that doesn’t mean they are wrong.

Family Conflict

It’s hard to live without some kind of family conflict. However, if you are fighting with your cousin or sibling, it’s best to keep that to yourself at the dinner table.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Family Conflict

You are doing two things if you bring up a current (or even past) family conflict at the dinner table. One, you are opening up someone’s business to others who may not know about it. Two, sharing a family conflict can put others not involved in a very awkward position.

Relationship Choices

Like most things in life, relationships are a personal choice. There’s no need to ask why your aunt has remarried for the third time. Additionally, your niece, who is 26, doesn’t need you asking why she isn’t married yet.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Relationships

Everyone has an opinion about relationships. However, we make our own choices; we can’t make the choices for other people. Whether or not someone is in a relationship is not any of your business. Additionally, who they are in a relationship with is also their own choice, even if it goes against your belief system. (Of course, if someone is in a relationship hurting them, that is something you can and should bring up, just don’t do it at the dinner table.)

Someone’s Children (Lack of Children)

Going along with relationships and topics of children, unless positive, should also be avoided.

Why Should You Avoid the Topic of Someone’s Children

To put it bluntly, you don’t need to ask why someone doesn’t have any children, even if you find yourself curious beyond belief. They may be dealing with something you are unaware of or decided not to have any. On the flip side, if you see that your cousin is pregnant with her seventh child, the best thing you can say is congratulations. Trust me, she knows how it happens; there’s no need to ask.

Critique of the Food Being Served

Thanksgiving is a holiday focused on food, so topics of food, of course, will come up. However, if you don’t like a person’s food and still want a peaceful dinner, keep that comment to yourself.

Why Shouldn’t You Critique the Food Being Served

Thanksgiving is fun, but it’s a lot of work for the person in the kitchen! Your appreciation for their time and effort is all that is needed. They don’t need to hear how you can’t stand stuffing or that your mom’s turkey is better. Just say thank you and move on.

Chicken Fried Turkey

You can still have turkey on Thanksgiving but add a twist. Chicken fried turkey is fried and covered with gravy. It’s just as tasty, just a bit different. You can also get creative with your side dishes.

How Best to Serve

You’ll also save money with this dish because instead of a full turkey, you can get smaller cutlets and cook them as they are. Fried turkey is great with a side of green beans, mashed potatoes, or whatever else you enjoy.

Ham

Many people choose to eat ham at Thanksgiving instead of turkey. It provides a completely different flavor profile, and it’s not quite as filling, which allows you more room for side dishes. There are also many different ways to prepare ham.

How Best to Serve

Many cooks like to prepare a glazed ham with honey and Dijon mustard. It adds a lot more flavor than traditional ham. Pair it with deviled eggs and green beans for a well-rounded meal. Plus, there are no additives that make you fall asleep!

Roast Beef

Another filling and tasty alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving is roast beef. It’s a tasty meal straight out of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” It’s a festive treat that will leave your family full and satisfied. Granted, it’s not for everyone, so survey your family before surprising them by putting it on the table.

How Best to Serve

You have many options for how you prepare your roast beef. Many people like it when it’s prepared with garlic and onions because it provides a flavor pop. Pair the roast beef with savory beef gravy to make it mouth-watering and delicious.

Prime Rib

You can make your Thanksgiving celebration extra fancy by serving prime rib. You have many options for how you prepare this meal, and they’re all amazing. A prime rib meal is better than turkey and it will have your family returning to your home year after year.

How Best to Serve

When serving this dish instead of turkey on Thanksgiving, we recommend preparing a peppercorn-crusted prime rib. Make it just right, and it will be tender enough to melt in your mouth. Plus, it can be cooked in just over an hour. Add potatoes and green beans to make a perfect meal.

Beef Wellington

It may seem like something out of Chef Ramsay’s kitchen, but beef wellington is a tasty dish that isn’t difficult to make. In fact, with the right recipe, it’s rather easy. Plus, you’ll really impress your guests with this amazing meal.

How Best to Serve

The best way to serve beef Wellington is to create a beef and mushroom stuffing and wrap it in a buttery puff pastry. Create the stuffing with a food processor. Choose filet mignon for the perfect dish.

Roasted Goose

This one will take a bit more prep time, but it’s worth it. Your guests will sit in awe as you cut into a tasty roasted goose. This type of bird has juicy and tender meat and super crispy skin. Goose also provides a great meal presentation.

How Best to Serve

There are many different recipes for roasted goose. The one we recommend uses a teaspoon of hot sauce and red or white wine. Keep in mind that you’ll want to cook this for three hours and then let it cool and rest for 12 hours before serving.

Lamb

Many cultures enjoy lamb for big meals. Cook it just right, and it can be the perfect dish for your Thanksgiving meal. Lamb is great on its own, but it can be made even better with the right sides. This is another dish that is amazing, but you may want to mention it to the family just in case they don’t like it, and you need to make them something different. 

How Best to Serve

There are many tasty lamb recipes out there. Find one that works for you. However, elements you should certainly add include leeks and fingerling potatoes, which make the perfect sides. A good rub for the lamb might consist of rosemary, parsley, oregano, and garlic.

Salmon

You can go in a completely different direction on Thanksgiving and have a fish dinner instead of turkey. Salmon is a great choice. The meal will be light and tasty and there are many options when it comes to preparing it. Just about any fish makes a great meal, so cook what you like best.

How Best to Serve

One of the many options for preparing salmon is to create one that is pomegranate-glaze and add in olives, oranges, and a nice selection of herbs. Serve your salmon with some vegetables, and you’ll feel good after dinner instead of feeling bloated.

Cornish Game Hen

A final alternative to turkey on Thanksgiving is eating roasted Cornish game hen. Find a good recipe online and cook away. The great thing about this dish is that everyone can get their own hen, so there’s less sharing across plates.

How Best to Serve

There are many tasty recipes available online. Find what you like best. In many cases, hen is great when combined with garlic, rosemary, citrus, paprika, and other herbs. Add a nice sauce and butter, and you’ll have an award-winning dinner.

Mushroom Steaks

Many people choose not to eat turkey during Thanksgiving because they’re vegetarians. The good news is that there are many different meat-free options you can try, from tofu to mushroom steaks. We prefer mushroom steaks because they provide a meaty texture without the hassle.

How Best to Serve

There are many different ways to cook and accent mushroom steaks. Many people use the method of taking two cast-iron skillets. Use one for cooking and searing the mushroom. The other skillet is used to weigh down the mushroom as it cooks. Add some pesto and almonds for the perfect bite.

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Where’s The Duct Tape?

If you plan to make the costume yourself an ounce of planning is worth a pound of prevention. Start making your plans early, so that the million mind changes most kids experience don’t land in the middle of costume creation.

Make sure you set a deadline for your child to pick a costume so that you aren’t stuck with last-minute changes. Be clear that you won’t allow any major changes after this deadline, so your child should be sure that they are confident in their decision before sharing it.

Don’t let the idea of doing it yourself scare you, after all, it is the costume that should be scary, not the prospect of creating it. There are a few basic supplies you will find useful no matter what type of costume you choose to make.

A short list of necessary items for do-it-yourself costumes 101 are a needle and thread, tape, yarn or string, face paints or at least a wide variety of make-up dedicated for Halloween use, and a variety of dress-up clothes.

The exact supplies you will need depend of course on what your child chooses to be. Help him or her decide well in advance and keep their decision firm by including them in the process of making the costume. Much like dinner, your kids are more likely to enjoy the end result if they are included in the process of creation.

You may even be able to re-purpose last year’s Halloween costume into something new. Refreshing an old costume can turn it into something even better than what it was last year. The ideas you can come up with are only limited by your and your child’s creativity.

The important things are to make the costume look the part and to make it hold up. The last thing you want is for your child’s costume to fall apart in the middle of trick-or-treating. The following are a few homemade Halloween costumes that are sure to please.

Haunting Ghost

Ghosts are among the easiest homemade costumes to create. For a basic ghost take a large white sheet and cut out eye holes to allow your child to see. There are a few obvious drawbacks to this simple costume. It falls off easily, and it is difficult to see out of the small eye holes. It is also not very creative or fun.

To remedy these problems and add a bit of pizzazz try altering the basic plan. You can use just about any color sheet and give your specter a personality all its own. Instead of eye holes try cutting a hole large enough for your child’s head to poke through. You can paint your child’s face white and add a bit of makeup in keeping with the chosen ghostly persona. Your child can be the ghost of a movie star or a politician.

The ill fit of a bed sheet is easily remedied with the addition of a belt. Don’t settle for a standard belt; try chains, ropes, or vines. Anything will do; just think of the personality your ghost is trying to portray. In addition to a belt, a few simple stitches may go a long way to helping the sheet fit properly.

Not So Wicked Witch

A witch is always fun and with certain popular books featuring witches and wizards, the stereotypical witch with a black pointed hat and shoes is no longer standard fare. Sit down with your child and discuss what he or she thinks a witch or wizard would wear.

The clothes aren’t as important as the props. The wand or broomstick will make almost any outfit work. Create a perfect wand by going on a nature walk and finding that perfect stick. A broom can be easily made with a long stick or branch and some straw.

The Mummy

Mummy anyone? First of all, don’t be tempted to use toilet paper. It is long and white and looks like a great item to create bandages, but it won’t stand up to the wrapping process. Make your own wrappings using an old bed sheet. You can also find inexpensive sheets at almost any second-hand shop that make great mummy wrappings.

Depending on your child’s size, you will most likely need more than one sheet. Start by making the rags. Have your child help by ripping the sheets with you. Leave the strips as long as possible, you can cut them later and use them if needed. It is also wise to have an extra sheet in case you need more rags when you get dressed. It is always better to over budget on rags.

When making the costume it will help if your child wears something white or at least light-colored as a base layer. Begin the wrapping process early on Halloween because it may take a long time. With your pile of rags and safety pins begin wrapping.

Don’t worry about frayed edges or knots it will add to the authenticity. Overlap edges and start with the extremities. When you are finished add any stains or personal effects to finish off your desired look.

Undead Zombie

Zombies are a classic, and very easy to create. One of the best things about being a zombie is that it requires very little of what you don’t have on hand. Zombies are the un-dead, so they can wear anything, as long as it is properly ripped, torn, and soiled to resemble a sudden demise and burial.

This is a great way to get rid of clothes that are ready to be retired from your child’s wardrobe. The fun begins when you tell your child to wear their costume and go roll in the dirt. Resist all urges to make them stop, or to launder the soiled items.

The dirt will really sell the zombie look. On Halloween put on the costume, dirt and all, then use make-up to complete the look. Remember the point of this make-up is to create great big black hollow-looking eyes, sunken cheeks, and of course a smear of dirt.

Sports Star

All you need for a sports figure in most cases is a jersey. If your child is a fan you may already have this in your possession. Add the necessary padding, wigs, and ball to complete the look.

Royal Princess

Princesses are a bit trickier. If your little one has a particular princess that she loves, then you may need to shop or negotiate carefully. If you can convince her to wear her chosen princess’s casual look then your job is much easier. A peasant’s gown with a cute apron is all that is needed; you can also add a crown.

Caribbean Pirate

Pirates are very much the rage in children’s toys and movies today. This is good news for do-it-yourself costumes. All you need is a T-shirt and a pair of pants that can be cut ragged across the bottom. Add the accessories and you have an instant Black Beard.

To make a belt, cut out a large cardboard rectangle. Inside the rectangle cut out two smaller ones, leaving a space in the middle between the two. Cover this with tin foil and thread it onto a belt. Fasten the belt in the back with the tinfoil and buckle in the front to complete the look. Use a bandana on the head and some eyeliner on the face to create facial hair in your desired shape. Wala, instant pirate.

NASCAR Driver

For those little NASCAR fans, try making your own race car. This is not as difficult as it may seem. Start with a box. Any size will do, but a box that is large enough for your child to stand inside, but small enough to carry without being too bulky is best. Xerox boxes are ideal. Using paint, stickers, and markers decorate your box so that it looks like your favorite car.

Use extra cardboard to add details like fins, a steering wheel, a dashboard, or fenders. Once the box has been transformed into the car of your child’s dreams remove the bottom with a box cutter so your child can stand inside of it.

To help your child carry the car attach two lengths of ribbons from the front and back of the car long enough to rest comfortably on your child’s shoulders yet let the car hang around the waist. Add a few sponsor logos, driving gloves, and a ball cap and you are all set.

Ratatouille

Children everywhere love the movie Ratatouille. There are two very easy costumes from this movie that you and your child can create. For the rodent star you can use the face paints to make a nose and whiskers, complete the look with grey sweats.

For the little rat’s hands use pink or white gloves. What rat would be complete without a tail? This is not a problem, to create a tail use a bit of rope. Tie a knot near the end and fray it just a little. Ears are also necessary. With the use of a headband and a bit of heavy construction paper, this is not a problem.

Cut two circles out of grey paper and two smaller ones from pink. Glue the pink circles inside the grey ones. To create a bit of three dimension shape, cut a slit to the center and then overlap the ends, and glue them in place. Attach the ears to the headband using duct tape (it’s grey and very strong) or hot glue.

Other animal costumes are just as easily created. Using face paints, and clothing colored like the animal’s coat you can create almost any animal. Stripes and spots are easily added with a bit of scrap fabric and a needle. If you don’t sew, you can still add those using safety pins or fabric paints.

Top Chef

If you or your child doesn’t fancy the idea of being vermin for Halloween then try the chef! A pair of oversized pants, a white shirt, and an apron should not be difficult to dig up. What might be trickier, but essential, is a chef’s hat. If you are handy with a sewing machine you can whip one up easily enough.

But there are also other options. Most party stores sell an inexpensive paper chef’s hat that will be fabulous. Load the apron pockets with a whisk and ladle, smear the apron with tomato sauce, and dust the nose and cheeks lightly with flour and your little one is ready with a four-star costume.

Scary Skeleton

Who wouldn’t like to have a skeleton or two in their closet? Not the deep dark family secrets, but a skeleton costume. Start with your basic black sweat suit, and add the bones. You can do this by cutting bones from poster paper and pasting them on with fabric glue. For a more sturdy costume use fabric paint or sew on the bones with a needle and thread.

For the face add liberal amounts of white paint and a bit of black for the eyes, nose, and mouth. Hide the hair by flattening it to the head with loads of hairspray, for long hair a tight bun will help. Once the hair is properly plastered, use a white colored hairspray to tint it white. For a bit of fun and safety, use glow-in-the-dark paints on the bones.

With a bit of creativity, you can create a wonderful and creative homemade Halloween costume, and have a ton of fun doing it. You and your child will have so much fun it might be the start of a new family tradition!

When was the first Thanksgiving?

This celebration feast lasted for three days, and together the English and Wampanoag ate corn, deer, carrots, green beans, spinach, and seafood. Unlike today, our Thanksgiving feast is quite different, consisting of turkey and lovely potato dishes.

Answer

Autumn 1621: 52 English people and approximately 90 Wampanoag joined together in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate a successful harvest.

What Thanksgiving vegetable grew in space?

A Thanksgiving meal isn’t complete without a delicious veggie side dish. What do you think it was tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, or onions?

Answer

Potatoes: The seeds were put inside the ISS’ computer-controlled growing chambers. These chambers have humidity and high-efficiency temperature controls with unique lighting and automation technology.

Why were there only 52 pilgrims at the first Thanksgiving?

The Mayflower set sail in September 1620 and traveled for 66 days until it finally arrived at Cape Cod on November 11, 1620.

Answer

The Mayflower was a cargo ship that carried 102 men, women, and children to the New World. They encountered harsh weather conditions, shelter, and food. Sadly, half of the passengers died due to illnesses such as fever, coughs, and other contagious diseases within the first winter. There were over 25 children and teenagers, four women, and 22 men who survived.

What date is Thanksgiving in the United States?

Unlike Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25^th regardless of which day of the week, it is not like that for Thanksgiving. Under the new constitution on October 3, 1789, President George Washington designated November 26 as a day of public prayer and thanksgiving. Future Thanksgiving proclamation dates and months varied, celebrating in February 1797 and April 1815.

Answer

It wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation on October 3, 1863, declared that Thanksgiving should be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November.

Who thought of turkey for Thanksgiving dinner?

It was not until the mid-19th century that turkey became widely associated with this November holiday.

Answer

Sarah Josepha Hale known as the “Mother of Thanksgiving,” was an activist, American writer, and editor for a magazine in the period before the Civil War. Her novel, A Tale of New England, published in 1827, had a whole chapter devoted to a New England Thanksgiving meal with a delicious roast turkey at the head of the table. 

Who pardoned the turkey?

Harry Truman was first credited for pardoning the turkey; however, that’s not true. He received a turkey and had it for dinner. John F. Kennedy let his turkey go, and Richard Nixon sent his turkey to a zoo.

Answer

In 1989, George H.W. Bush formalized the pardoning tradition.

When did Thanksgiving TV dinners start?

TV dinners are convenient for those who don’t want to cook or don’t know how to cook.

Answer

1954: Swanson’s company had an extra 26 tons of frozen turkey. An assiduous worker suggested cooking them and repacking them with extra vegetables.

Can turkeys fly?

Ever wondered if turkeys can fly? Take a guess!

Answer

Yes: Wild turkeys can reach speeds of up to 55 mph over short distances. At dusk, they fly into trees to roost.

How many turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving day?

Some people are not a fan of turkey and would prefer to eat a different source of protein on Thanksgiving.

Answer

46 million: However, 88 percent of Americans eat turkey on Thanksgiving. That’s a lot of turkey.

Which American founding father is credited as calling turkeys “a bird of courage’?

Take a guess and test your knowledge.

• Thomas Jefferson
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• Patrick Henry

Answer

Benjamin Franklin: In his famous letter, he complained that the eagle’s popularity was misguided and the turkey was a more honorable bird and was native to America.

Who hosted the first Thanksgiving?

It is believed that the first Thanksgiving took place in 1621.

Answer

William Bradford: He was the leader of the Pilgrims and organized the three-day feast.

Did the Pilgrims refer to themselves as Pilgrims?

Pilgrims are known as people who travel to sacred places for religious reasons.

Answer

No: They called themselves “Separatists.” Known as a group of people who separated themselves from a larger group.

How long was the Mayflower’s voyage from England to America?

The Pilgrims left in September 1620 and arrived in November 1620. How many days was the journey?

Answer

66 days: The pilgrims were thrilled to put their feet on solid land.

What does football have to do with Thanksgiving?

Since 1920, the National Football League (NFL) has had scheduled games every Thanksgiving.

 Answer

It started as a way to encourage sports enthusiasts to watch live games. This event has always been exciting and fun and brings family and friends together.

Which two NFL teams have played a game on Thanksgiving day since 1966?

Two popular teams have always played; can you guess who they are?

• San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Raiders
• Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys
• Indiana Colts and Denver Broncos
• Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs

Answer

Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys: In 1975 and 1977, the NFL allowed the St. Louis Cardinals to host the game to help boost the team’s popularity.

Which state raises the most turkeys?

In this state, turkey farming is a family tradition, with over 450 families rearing turkeys.

Answer

Minnesota: There are approximately 44 million turkeys reared around this state.

How many miles long is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade route?

The parade first took place in 1924, but how long is the route?

• 1.8 miles
• 2 miles
• 4.5 miles
• 2.5 miles

Answer

2.5 miles: The parade lasts for 3 hours. It begins at 9 a.m. and ends at noon Eastern Standard Time outside Macy’s Herald Square. Furthermore, it’s free to attend so you and the family can enjoy the morning out.

What holiday takes place the day after Thanksgiving?

This national holiday is celebrated the day after Thanksgiving. Do you know what it’s called and why it takes place? Are you ready to answer these next simple Thanksgiving history questions?

Answer

Black Friday: This day is considered the kick-off day for Christmas shopping. Many retailers are open in the early hours of the morning and offer many deals at discounted prices. Cost-conscious buyers line up at the doors to be the first to grab those specials.

In which city is Macy’s parade held?

More than 3.5 million people attend the parade live each year, and roughly 44 million watch it on TV each year.

Answer

New York City: Moreover, families wake up bright and early to hit the streets and be close to the front line to be blown away by the beautiful outfits and floats passing through the street.

What was featured in the first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade?

Finally, we have our last question.

Answer

Puppets, Santa floats, clowns, and live animals: These were some of the first features from the Central Park Zoo. I hope you enjoyed this article. The average American doesn’t know the answers to these simple Thanksgiving history questions. Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations and bring out the trivia. Happy Thanksgiving!!

50. Murphysboro, IL

• Median home value: $80,200 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $41,535
• Total population: 7,101
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

49. Energy, IL

• Median home value: $130,200 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $67,713
• Total population: 1,227
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

48. Hamshire, TX

• Median home value: $226,300 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $118,412
• Total population: 1,568
• Nearest hunting area with fish: McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge

47. Hurst, IL

• Median home value: $71,700 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $37,639
• Total population: 769
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

46. Cassville, WI

• Median home value: $108,800 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $57,143
• Total population: 731
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

45. Oceanville, NJ

• Median home value: $302,000 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $158,967
• Total population: 826
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge

44. Minorca, LA

• Median home value: $82,000 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $43,438
• Total population: 1,398
• Nearest hunting area with fish: St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

43. Herrin, IL

• Median home value: $102,400 (1.9 times income)
• Median household income: $54,555
• Total population: 12,344
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

42. Camp Douglas, WI

• Median home value: $108,000 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $58,750
• Total population: 739
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge

41. Brandon, WI

• Median home value: $145,400 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $79,688
• Total population: 842
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Horicon National Wildlife Refuge

40. Newellton, LA

• Median home value: $46,600 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $25,614
• Total population: 896
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge

39. Preston, IA

• Median home value: $147,900 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $81,542
• Total population: 1,005
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

38. Bridge City, TX

• Median home value: $172,200 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $95,688
• Total population: 9,461
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

37. Towner, ND

• Median home value: $90,300 (1.8 times income)
• Median household income: $51,500
• Total population: 456
• Nearest hunting area with fish: J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge

36. Spillertown, IL

• Median home value: $118,300 (1.7 times income)
• Median household income: $68,125
• Total population: 315
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

35. West Frankfort, IL

• Median home value: $71,700 (1.7 times income)
• Median household income: $41,974
• Total population: 7,168
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

34. Marine View, WA

• Median home value: $97,100 (1.7 times income)
• Median household income: $57,500
• Total population: 336
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Hanford Reach National Monument

33. Rio Hondo, TX

• Median home value: $97,700 (1.7 times income)
• Median household income: $58,487
• Total population: 2,295
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

32. Patrick, SC

• Median home value: $50,500 (1.7 times income)
• Median household income: $30,263
• Total population: 500
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

31. De Soto, IL

• Median home value: $86,300 (1.6 times income)
• Median household income: $53,188
• Total population: 1,684
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

30. De Valls Bluff, AR

• Median home value: $37,400 (1.6 times income)
• Median household income: $23,056
• Total population: 560
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

29. West Orange, TX

• Median home value: $98,200 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $63,409
• Total population: 3,444
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

28. North Hartsville, SC

• Median home value: $109,800 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $71,000
• Total population: 3,261
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

27. Cotton Plant, AR

• Median home value: $27,700 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $18,250
• Total population: 425
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Cache River National Wildlife Refuge

26. Goreville, IL

• Median home value: $110,400 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $73,523
• Total population: 1,146
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

25. DeWitt, AR

• Median home value: $70,500 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $47,147
• Total population: 3,017
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge

24. Thomson, IL

• Median home value: $100,700 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $67,500
• Total population: 1,284
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

23. Mount Carroll, IL

• Median home value: $95,200 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $63,992
• Total population: 1,560
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

22. Swan Quarter, NC

• Median home value: $97,500 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $65,806
• Total population: 293
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge

21. King Cove, AK

• Median home value: $118,200 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $79,844
• Total population: 1,108
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Izembek National Wildlife Refuge

20. Elaine, AR

• Median home value: $57,800 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $39,196
• Total population: 544
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge

19. Johnston City, IL

• Median home value: $75,800 (1.5 times income)
• Median household income: $51,429
• Total population: 3,377
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

18. Holiday Beach, TX

• Median home value: $136,800 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $95,066
• Total population: 291
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

17. Jet, OK

• Median home value: $73,800 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $51,450
• Total population: 251
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

16. Savanna, IL

• Median home value: $64,700 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $45,474
• Total population: 2,783
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

15. Bush, IL

• Median home value: $75,400 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $53,125
• Total population: 324
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

14. McBee, SC

• Median home value: $80,500 (1.4 times income)
• Median household income: $56,964
• Total population: 1,046
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

13. De Soto, WI

• Median home value: $114,600 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $86,996
• Total population: 539
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge

12. Zeigler, IL

• Median home value: $53,700 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $41,518
• Total population: 1,503
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

11. Cherokee, OK

• Median home value: $96,500 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $75,547
• Total population: 1,556
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

10. Ridgecrest, LA

• Median home value: $48,900 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $38,472
• Total population: 855
• Nearest hunting area with fish: St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge

9. Reid Hope King, TX

• Median home value: $100,200 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $79,894
• Total population: 926
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

8. Royalton, IL

• Median home value: $55,400 (1.3 times income)
• Median household income: $44,313
• Total population: 1,067
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

7. Holton, IN

• Median home value: $82,000 (1.2 times income)
• Median household income: $65,714
• Total population: 652
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge

6. Orient, IL

• Median home value: $46,700 (1.2 times income)
• Median household income: $37,938
• Total population: 311
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

5. Gillett, AR

• Median home value: $79,700 (1.2 times income)
• Median household income: $65,341
• Total population: 491
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Dale Bumpers White River National Wildlife Refuge

4. Pine Ridge, SC

• Median home value: $56,900 (1.1 times income)
• Median household income: $49,545
• Total population: 640
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge

3. Tivoli, TX

• Median home value: $48,900 (0.8 times income)
• Median household income: $63,636
• Total population: 628
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

2. Mattawa, WA

• Median home value: $32,400 (0.7 times income)
• Median household income: $45,500
• Total population: 3,506
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Hanford Reach National Monument

1. Basin City, WA

• Median home value: $40,800 (0.4 times income)
• Median household income: $104,025
• Total population: 1,570
• Nearest hunting area with fish: Hanford Reach National Monument

Q. What Day Does Veterans Day Always Fall On?

With so many holidays in the United States, keeping track of the days each falls on can be challenging.

A. November 11th

Veterans Day was officially moved back to November 11th in 1978, where it has stayed.

Q. Why Do We Observe Veterans Day?

We know it has something to do with the military, but many people don’t know why we observe Veterans Day.

A. To Honor All Living Military Veterans.

Veterans Day is set aside to honor all living men and women who have served in our military.

Q. How Many Veterans Live in the United States?

The military comprises about 6.2% of the population ages 18 and up.

A. Roughly 16.2 Million

Census.gov states there’s around 16.2 Veterans in America, while other To put this number in perspective, according to Census.gov, roughly 258.3 million people in the United States are adults.

Q. What Was the Original Name of This Holiday?

Did you know that Veterans Day didn’t always have this name?

A. Armistice Day

The original name of Veterans Day was Armistice Day. On November 11th, 1918, the Armistice, or truce, went into effect between the Allied Forces and Germany. Therefore, using the name Armistice to observe this Day every year made sense.

Q. Are We the Only Country to Celebrate Veterans Day?

Veterans Day is well observed in the United States, but are we the only ones who observe it?

A. No. Other Countries Celebrate November 11th, Veterans Day, As Well.

These countries include France, Canada, Great Britain, and Australia.

Q. Was Veterans Day Always Celebrated on November 11th?

Since Armistice Day was on November 11th, it makes sense to ask if it has always been observed on this day.

A. No

For a time, Veterans Day used to be celebrated on the fourth Monday of October.

Q. What State Holds the Oldest Veterans Day Observance?

One of the common occurrences on Veterans Day is the celebrations in honor of the men and women who have served in the military.

A. Mississippi

According to VA News, Leavenworth has been holding the large Veterans Day Observance since 1919, when the peace truce went into effect.

Q. What Time is the Veterans Day Moment of Silence?

In 2016, President Obama signed into effect The Veterans Day Moment of Silence Act.

A. 3:11 p.m. Atlantic-Standard Time

During this time, the President will call for everyone in the United States to take two minutes of silence to honor the Veterans of our country.

Q. How Many Living Americans Have Served in the Military?

The Military is quite large and made up of six branches: The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, and Marine Corps.

A. Between 16 and 18 Million American Veterans

There are roughly between 16 and 18 million American veterans living today. Census.gov gives an estimate of 16.2 million while Pew Research states it’s closer to 18 million. Both stats were released in 2023. Either way, it comes to roughly 6% of the U.S. adult population.

Q. What is the Difference Between Veterans Day and Memorial Day?

The two holidays that are often confused with one another are Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Out of all the facts about Veterans Day this is the one that is the most commonly misunderstood.

A. Veterans Day Honors the Living Military Veterans.

Memorial Day honors the men and women who have died in service.

Q. When Was Veterans Day First Observed?

Since the Armistice was signed into effect in 1918, when was the very first Veterans Day observed?

A. 1938

While Armistice Day was observed immediately after the end of World War One, the day didn’t officially become a Federal Holiday until much later.

Q. What President Changed the Name Armistice Day to Veterans Day?

It was Armistice Day for a few decades before it officially became known as Veterans Day.

A. President Dwight D. Eisenhower

In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a petition for the name to be changed to Veterans Day. This was so that the Day would honor all Veterans, not just the ones who served in World War One.

Q. How Many Veterans Served During the “War on Terror?”

The “War on Terror” includes the Veterans who served between September 2001 and August 2021.

A. Between 1.9 and 3 Million Veterans

According to Watson Institute for International & Public Affairs, the number of veterans who served during this time is roughly between 1.9 and 3 million.

Q. How Many Veterans Served During the Gulf War Era?

The Gulf War Era includes the time between August 1990 to August 2001.

A. 7.8 Million Living Veterans

According to Pew Research, the number of living veterans who served during this time was around 7.8 million.

Q. How Many Veterans Served During the Vietnam War?

The Vietnam War was between the years of 1950 to 1973.

A. 5.6 Million Living Veterans

Around 30% of the Veterans community is made up of veterans from this era.

Q. How Many Living Veterans Served During World War II?

The World War II Era lasted from 1939 to 1945.

A. Around 120,000 Veterans Are Still Alive Today.

According to Pew Research, this number represents less than 1% of the Veteran population today.

Q. What States Have the Highest Percentage of Veterans?

With over 16.2 million vets in our country, it makes sense that they are spread throughout the U.S.A.

A. Alaska, Wyoming, and Virginia

According to U.S. News, in 2022, the states that had the highest percentage of vets were:

• Virginia: 9.20% of the Veteran Adult Population
• Wyoming: 9.43% of the Veteran Adult Population
• Alaska: 10.07% of the Veteran Adult Population

Q. How Many Female Veterans Are in the United States?

Women were allowed to start joining the military in June of 1948. This was when President Harry S. Truman signed the Women’s Armed Service Integration Act.

A. Approximately 1.7 Million

Roughly 10% of the veteran population are women. According to DOL.gov, in 2020 there were close to two million veterans who are women.

Q. Is Veterans Day a Federal Holiday?

There are several different holidays, including Federal, state, and cultural holidays. However, there are only 12 federal holidays.

A. Yes.

Veterans Day is one of those federal holidays. This basically means that government offices are closed on this day. Additionally, many businesses also choose to close on federal holidays.

Q. Why is Veterans Day Sometimes Misspelled?

This holiday is often misspelled, but why?

A. Many People Accidentally Add an Apostrophe.

Many people will confusingly add an apostrophe to the word Veterans. However, if you travel back to grammar class, you may remember that an apostrophe between the n and the s means that the day belongs to just one veteran. Therefore, the apostrophe is left out in order to honor all veterans.

One Last Note

You most likely have a veteran in your life. If you do, take some time out of your day today and thank them for their sacrifices. There are many ways you can honor a veteran, including attending a veteran event, volunteering, or even just saying thank you. How did you do on these facts about Veterans Day? (Read: The Average American Can’t Answer These Simple World War II Questions.)

Federal Holidays 

We know there are federal holidays, and that some holidays are observed only by specific religions, such Hanukkah. Then there are state holidays. But what exactly determines whether a holiday is a federal holiday?

A federal holiday is created when enough states create and observe the same holiday. The government will designate these celebrations as federal holidays, meaning federal employers must legally observe them. Private business and individual people on the other hand, pick and choose which holidays to celebrate. This is one reason that most Americans have no idea why we celebrate these holidays.  

Federal Holidays

The very first federal holidays were created in 1870. They were New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Independence Day. While the big holidays are pretty self-explanatory, there are many holidays where people do not know why they are celebrated. That’s where this list comes in handy. Take a look at common and uncommon holidays and why we celebrate them, their origins, and more. 

Presidents Day  

Every year Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February. Traditionally, Presidents Day was started to honor George Washington, the United States’ first president. His birthday is on February 22nd, so at first, this is when it was celebrated. Once President’s Day became an official holiday in 1880, it continued to be celebrated on February 22nd. However, many chose to honor another president on this day as well, Abraham Lincoln.  

To honor both men (and other presidents who have made a significant impact on our history), the celebration was changed to a fixed date. We now celebrate on the third Monday of February and call the holiday Presidents Day. This day was chosen because it falls between Washington’s and Lincoln’s birthdays. You may still hear this day referred to as Washington’s Birthday or Washington’s Day.  

Labor Day 

Labor Day is a fixed holiday observed on the first Monday of every September. Its creation dates back to the 1880s when it was suggested that a holiday for the laboring class be created. The holiday was meant to celebrate all the advancements and successes that laboring workers had made in contributing to American economics and society.  
 
Activists pushed for this holiday in 1885 and 1886. By the time 1894 rolled around, enough states were recognizing Labor Day, so the government officially made it a legal holiday.  

Columbus Day 

In 1937, Columbus Day became a national holiday, but people had honored this day long before. This holiday began as a way to honor Christopher Columbus, who first landed on American soil on October 12, 1492.  
 
At first, Columbus Day was celebrated on October 12th, but then the celebration was moved to the second Monday in October. This Day is also called Indigenous Peoples Day, which honors Indigenous people and their heritage and cultures.

Columbus Day has had controversy throughout the years. For starters, Columbus wasn’t the first person to ever discover America. Not only were there other explorers before him, but this land was also home to indigenous peoples long before Columbus ever arrived on the scene. This is why some people choose to forgo honoring Columbus on this day, and instead learn more history and honor the cultures and heritage of those who were here before Columbus.

Other people choose to honor both while learning more about the hard history that comes with the “finding of America” not just the parts that benefit the nation.

 Juneteenth  

Juneteenth is the most recent holiday to be added to the federal holiday list; however, it has been celebrated since the late 1800s after the end of the Civil War.

The reason the holiday is called Juneteenth is because on June 19, 1865, enslaved Americans in Galveston Texas were officially told they were free. Therefore, the holiday name combines the words June and nineteenth. The holiday itself honors and celebrates the end of slavery across the United States. 

Texas was the very first state to make Juneteenth a holiday in 1980. However, most of the country didn’t know or understand what Juneteenth was until more recently. It is the second Independence Day for black Americans and is often referred to as Freedom Day.
 
In 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed Juneteenth as a federal holiday. Celebrations have increased immensely in recent years although some people still misunderstand the true meaning of the holiday. Therefore, Juneteenth is also an opportunity for Americans to seek historical awareness and learn more about the history of black Americans.

Veteran’s Day 

November 11, 1918, saw the end of World War I for America. President Woodrow Wilson initially recognized November 11th as Armistice Day in 1919. An armistice is “an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time.” World War I was often called the “War to End All Wars,” and many people hoped this was the case. Furthermore, Armistice Day began to be observed throughout the world, not just in the West.  
 
Armistice Day was officially renamed Veterans Day in 1954 after World War II and the Korean War by President Eisenhower. It has always been a day to remember the veterans who committed to the service of their countries, showed honor and courage, and sacrificed plenty.  

Memorial Day 

Whereas Veteran’s Day is a day set aside to honor men and women who are alive, Memorial Day is a federal holiday to honor military members who have died while serving in the military.  
 
Memorial Day is always celebrated on the last Monday in May. It is a day set aside to remember and honor fallen soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Flag Day 

Flag Day is set aside to celebrate the American symbol: the national flag. On Flag Day, we also celebrate patriotism and freedom and honor our country’s history.  
 
President Harry Truman officially made Flag Day a holiday in 1949. However, even before this day in 1949, people were honoring and celebrating the creation of the flag. It is thought that the very first Flag Day was celebrated in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1861.  

Non-Federal Holidays 

Federal holidays are signed into law so that federal employees receive paid time off. However, several non-federal holidays are still public holidays that are observed by the majority of society. While they are celebrated by many, some of the origins or reasons for these holidays aren’t always understood. 

Good Friday 

Good Friday is a Christian holiday that has been honored and observed since at least 100 CE. However, some sources state that it was observed even before then. Good Friday is a day set aside to honor the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  
 
Good Friday is observed on the Friday before Easter Sunday.  

Groundhog Day

Groundhog Day is a fun traditional holiday celebrated on February 2nd. Initially, the Day began with the Pennsylvania Dutch. (Actually, it began before them, but they are the ones who added the animals to this folklore.) The Dutch believed that if a hedgehog saw its shadow on Candlemas, there would be a “second winter.” In other words, there would be at least six more weeks of terrible winter weather.  However, if the hedgehog didn’t see his shadow, then winter would end.  

There was a bit of a predicament when the Dutch arrived in Pennsylvania. There wasn’t an overabundance of hedgehogs. So, what animal did they decide to use instead? Well, groundhogs, of course, because they were everywhere in Pennsylvania!  

The very first official Groundhog Day was on February 2, 1887. The celebration took place in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. For this reason, the groundhog hunters named themselves “The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” and decided to name the groundhog who predicted the weather Punxsutawney Phil.

Cinco de Mayo 

Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebratory parades, music, Mexican food, and battle reenactments. While many people think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day, it’s actually not! Instead, Cinco de Mayo is a day to honor and celebrate Mexico’s victory in the Battle of Puebla, which took place in 1862.  
 
Since the day originated in Mexico, why do we celebrate it in the United States? Well, for starters, after the battle Mexicanos and Latinos living in California began celebrating this victory in 1863.

The holiday itself is more popular in America than in Mexico and is a way to honor Mexican patriotism and culture. Cinco de Mayo officially became a public holiday in 2005 and is celebrated on May 5th every year.

Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras, also called “Fat Tuesday,” is celebrated the Day before Ash Wednesday. It was initially a Christian tradition meant to prepare for Lent. Before Lent started, the food in the home would often be binge-eaten as people prepared for fasting. However, when Christianity came to Rome, the Romans combined holidays and traditions with the Christian faith. This is why the modern Mardi Gras has strayed so far away from its original purpose.
 
So, where does New Orleans come into play? On March 3, 1699, Pierre le Moyne d’lberville and Sieur de Bienville had a celebration when they landed near New Orleans, Louisiana and the pair named the landing spot Point du Mardi Gras.  

Mardi Gras

This Day was observed with street parties until Spain came into the picture. During this time, Spain put an end to these street festivals. Their control ended in 1812, and 15 years later, the dancing through the streets of New Orleans in vibrant costumes began.

St. Patrick’s Day 

In the 5th Century, Saint Patrick died on March 17th. Since then, this Day has been set aside to honor him, eventually becoming a feast day for Christians. Sure, we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day because of a man, but who exactly was he? 

St. Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick was a man who was enslaved at the age of 16. This is when he was taken to Ireland and held captive for six years. He ended up escaping, but he didn’t stay gone for long. Saint Patrick took his faith seriously, so he returned to Ireland and brought Christianity to those who lived there.  
 
During his lifetime, he helped create schools, monasteries, and churches. However, today, in America, Saint Patrick’s Day isn’t a religious holiday. Instead, Irish immigrants turned this Day into a secular holiday with parades, elaborate costumes, and folklore about Saint Patrick.

 April Fools’ Day 

April Fools’ Day is either a holiday you love or hate. But where exactly do the origins of this prankster holiday lie? The true answer: no one really knows. However, there are a few theories.

April Fools’ Day

Some believe the start of April Fools’ Day began in the 1500s when the Gregorian calendar was set to replace the Julian calendar. The Julian calendar (or original one) had the new year beginning on April 1st, but the Gregorian calendar (the replacement one) had the year beginning on January 1st.

Since a big change like this sometimes takes a while to catch on, people would continuously forget the new year’s change. As a result, they were teased when celebrating the New Year on April 1st and labeled as gullible.  

Others believe that April Fools Day’s origins go back to Hilaria, a celebration observed in ancient Rome. During this celebration, people disguised themselves by dressing up and mocking others.

Lastly, some believe the holiday is linked to the vernal equinox and how Mother Nature loves to play tricks on us with random weather.  

 Palm Sunday 

Palm Sunday is a Christian holiday that is observed the Sunday before Easter. It is a day to honor the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem.

Palm Sunday also marks the start of Holy Week. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, he was greeted with people waving palm leaves and laying them down in front of him. This is why the holiday is named Palm Sunday.

Earth Day  

Earth Day has been celebrated on April 22nd every year since 1970. It is a day set aside to raise awareness about environmental concerns, including pollution, climate change, endangered species, and more.

It is celebrated worldwide and is a great way to advocate for protecting our planet.  

Pi Day 

In 1988, Larry Shaw, a physicist, founded Pi Day. This day celebrates the mathematical sign, Pi. March 14th was chosen because those numbers are the same as the first three digits in pi, 3.14.
 
Fun fact: Though unintentional, this Day also falls on Albert Einstein’s birthday.

Pi is an infinitive number in mathematics and must be abbreviated when used in a problem. Though Pi Day has been celebrated since 1988, it didn’t officially become a holiday until 2009.  

Sweetest Day  

Most everyone has heard of Valentine’s Day, the holiday set aside for love and romance. However, Sweetest Day is a lesser-known love holiday celebrated in the Midwest on the third Saturday in October.

The first Sweetest Day was celebrated in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1922. During this year, over 20,000 boxes of candy were given to the “city’s vulnerable.”  

This Day is set aside to express love and admiration for anyone in your life, not just your significant other. This can be anyone who makes your life better! While it’s not a national holiday, it’s still a smaller public holiday many people enjoy.  

Ash Wednesday  

Ash Wednesday is the first Day of Lent, a Christian holiday. During Lent, Christians participate in 40 days of prayer and fasting. The end of Lent is marked by Easter. On Ash Wednesday, a priest or minister will place an ash cross symbol on a Christian’s forehead. This symbol represents the death of Jesus Christ and a person’s mourning for their sins.  
 

 Ash is also a representation of repentance. This holiday is always observed six and a half weeks or forty days before Easter.  

In Conclusion 

Holidays can be a fun way to celebrate and enjoy life. There’s always a reason to celebrate, from nationally recognized holidays to other non-mainstream ones. While many Americans have no idea why we celebrate some of these holidays, they still have fun with many, like St. Patrick’s Day and Mardi Gras.

Others are perfect times to honor those lost in wars or observe religious practices and beliefs. Whether you celebrate one of the holidays on this list or a lesser-known one (like No Socks Day), knowing exactly why you are celebrating can help make the holiday more meaningful.

Edible Slime

Here’s an easy way to make slime time exciting! Try our easy-to-make edible slime for the Halloween season. Your kids will be fascinated by this airy, light slime that’s better than Play-Doh. It’s great for little fingers that can quickly make this slime using simple ingredients, plus it’s very delicious!

Pumpkin Bowling

Pumpkin bowling is an easy and classic fun game for kids to play. Rolling a small pumpkin to knock down toilet paper rolls is not only exciting and easy to do but, is a great idea for kids to incorporate fresh air and exercise for the night. You can have the kids decorate the toilet paper with their favorite scary monster.

Halloween Writing Trays

Writing trays are a great way for younger kids to practice handwriting skills. Add cake sprinkles or colorful sand instantly to make handwriting fun!

Educational Halloween Videos

Find a whole selection of spooky Halloween videos. Your kids will learn about Halloween across the globe, practice math problems, or try spooky yoga.

Pumpkin Treat Sensory Bin

If you have a preschooler or toddler at home, then create a sensory bin. It’s an inexpensive and simple way to keep the little ones busy for hours on end. Add pumpkin cake mix, Dunkin Donuts cups, measuring cups, spoons, and cups filled with cinnamon and whipped cream to the sensory board. You can purchase a Halloween sensory board on Etsy.

Pumpkin Witch Broom Race

Grab brooms and small pumpkins, break into teams, and watch your kids race to see who can push the pumpkin across the finish line before the timer is up!

Halloween Magnets

Make your spooky magnets by gluing small magnets to the back of plastic spiders, eyeballs, skeletons, and more from a craft store. Then, use them for educational activities such as math, arrange them to spell words and sentences, or use them to decorate around the house.

Bake Halloween Treats

Many people’s favorite things about Halloween are the delicious trick-or-treat goodies! Desserts, sandwiches, and even snacks get frighteningly creative and tasty. Try Moms Who Think collection of mouth-watering Halloween treats.

Cute Paper Witch Dolls

Create these adorable witch paper dolls. All you need is construction paper, scissors, glue, and toilet paper core rolls, and you’re done!

Decorate A Spooky Table

Have your kids help decorate your family table using DIY ghost leaves. Take maple leaves from your backyard, paint them white, and paint two dots for the eyes once fully dried. String them together around the edge of the table for a Halloween garland.

Halloween Word Search

Encourage your kids to learn new Halloween vocabulary. If you can’t find a great word search, create one! Use colors, items, and eye-catching shapes relating to Halloween.

Candy Wreath

An easy and delicious project to make with your kids is a candy wreath. Let your kids attach the wreath with tasty treats while you handle the glue gun. Make it colorful with some beautiful ribbons and bows.

Monster Pancakes

If you don’t want to or cannot go out on Halloween, you can stay home and have a great time with your kids. Monster pancakes are a nice way to bring out the artist in your children.

Halloween Handprint Painting

Halloween wouldn’t be the same or fun without handprint painting. Have your kids experience different colors of paint by having them dip their hands into it. Then, have them press their hands firmly onto construction paper in Halloween colors.

Hang Cotton Ball Ghosts

These hanging cotton ghosts add an adorable but spooky flare around the house. Use cardboard paper, cotton, and glue so they can get started. Your kids can make the entire project themselves; you can also be there to guide them.

Host A Halloween Party

Organize a Halloween outdoor party for your kids and invite their friends. They can bake and decorate cookies, design and pass out invitations, and come up with a party to play along with other fun activities.

Halloween Jokes

Halloween jokes are a great way to help your kids interact with their peers. Find some suitable jokes for your kids to explore before asking them to come up with their jokes.

Halloween Kid-Friendly Scary Stories

That one childhood scary story your sister used to share when you were younger will be perfect for this activity. If you don’t have any scary stories, you can make one up on the spot. Pull another one from your childhood or recite one of these tried-and-true kid-friendly Halloween spooky stories.

Halloween Bingo

Bingo is a great way to improve vocabulary, along with attention and listening skills. Start by designing a traditional bingo card with a Halloween theme and involve your kids in this fun and exciting Halloween activity.

Candy Bag Building Race

Have each kid pick their favorite candy to include in small goody bags (you can also use a Ziploc bag), then race to see who can assemble the most bags in the shortest amount of time. This race will have your kids entertained assembling bags for hours.

Ghost Hand Puppets

Get into the Halloween spirit with these adorable no-sew ghost puppets! All you need are white felt, permanent marker, scissors, and hot glue. Get ready to haunt your house by using them as decorations or perform a hand puppet show for your kid’s friends.

Make Halloween Costumes

Store-bought costumes are great for last-minute shopping, but if you want to make something unique and to be proud of when your kids tap into their creative side, then making your costume is the way to go. Challenge your family to find a few items at home and build a costume from there. Grab a sheet to make a classic ghost costume. Take a visit to the fabric supply store and make an Incredibles costume. Making costumes is a way for everyone to get a little more creative and potentially save a lot of money.

Host A ‘Glow In The Dark,’ Party

Spook up a room with as many glow-in-the-dark decorations as possible. Use Jack-o’-lanterns, glow sticks, balloons, stars, ghosts, and anything that glows in the dark. Turn out the lights and let the Spooktacular party begin.

Bobbing For Donuts

This social distance-friendly and germ-free Halloween activity only requires string and a donut. From there, all you have to do is hang donuts from free tree branches and invite your kid’s friends to eat their donuts hands-free, by keeping their hands behind their backs during the whole activity.

Apple-Picking

This is a classic and all-time favorite Halloween activity. Pick the apple you want to eat and take a break to enjoy some warm cider.

Visit Or Set Up A Haunted House

It wouldn’t be Halloween without visiting a haunted house or hosting a haunted house event. Get an adrenaline rush visiting a place rumored to be occupied by ghosts. To set up your haunted house event, rent out space to decorate the interior with spooky décor to make a spooky house that will make you the talk of the town.

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Deck the Halls with spooky decorations, then walk around the neighborhood to scavenge as a family to track down all the Halloween-themed items they see.

Origami Jack-O-Lantern

This requires an expert at work, but the finished result is beautiful and something you will love to save for Halloween years to come.

Read Halloween Themed Books

It’s a perfect way to encourage excitement ahead of trick-or-treating. Choose a selection of titles, whether Harry Potter by JK Rowling or How to Catch a Witch by Alice Walstead, and read them aloud.

Halloween Movie Marathon

Open up a few cans of sodas and cook a bowl of popcorn to watch Halloween classics with your kids such as Casper, Coraline, Hotel Transylvania, and The Addams Family.

Design Halloween Masks

Instead of buying Halloween masks at your local craft store, challenge your children to make their own. There are a lot of free printable online masks you can choose for last-minute Halloween costume ideas.

Conclusion

Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating. While Halloween candy may be the top event, there’s bobbing for donuts, apple picking, pumpkin carving, Halloween crafts, and parties to attend as well. If you’re unable to go trick-or-treating, it doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun. There are many activities your kids will enjoy to still make plenty of memories on Halloween!

What Kind of Candy Should You Avoid?

Kids should avoid many unhealthy candies because of the high sugar and damage it can cause to their teeth. Looking at these candies can give you a better idea of what to take out of their bag before they consume it.

While no particular candy is healthy for you, certain candies are worse than others.

Candy Corn

Candy corn consistently tops lists of the most hated candies. For good reason: it’s often a candy that people don’t like because of the unique maple flavor.

It’s also one of the worst candies for you because it’s filled with corn syrup. There are 31 grams of sugar and 150 calories. While eating them in moderation is fine, it’s fine to dump them out if you’re trying to keep only the healthier candy.

Smarties

Smarties are chock-full of sugar. They also taste like sweet chalk. While they seem small and harmless, they are the worst because you get zero nutritional value from them.

They are comprised of high sugar, even though they have little calories or fat.

Almond Joy

Almond Joys might be hard to pass up if you love coconut with chocolate. This classic candy is also one of the worst for your teeth and overall health, let alone terrible for kids.

It’s filled with high fat and sugar content that will leave you in a daze after you eat it. It specifically has 16 grams of fat and 9 grams of sugar.

Peanut M&Ms

Peanut M&Ms are the perfect snack for movies. They are also one of the most classic Halloween candies. They are delicious peanuts covered with milk chocolate.

No matter how tasty they are, they are also one of the worst candies because of the high fat and sugar content. One of the main reasons they are unhealthy is because they have chemical-filled shells that aren’t the greatest for you or your kids. It has 180 calories, 18 grams of sugar, and 10 grams of total fat.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

It’s hard to deny the deliciousness of eating a Reese’s peanut butter cup. They melt in your mouth as soon as you eat it.

They are also among the worst because they have about 220 calories, 22 grams of sugar, and 13 grams of total fat. In some instances, the Halloween edition of these candies is often worse than the original versions.

Fun Size Twix Bars

There’s nothing like a crunchy Twix bar with caramel and chocolate. They also have a tremendous amount of fat, making them one of the worst candies for your kids.

The Fun Size Twix Bars are even worse because they are much larger with more fat content.

Gummy Bears

Another unhealthy Halloween candy you should avoid is gummy bears. While kids love these candies, they also have 100 calories for 13 pieces. They also contain 13 grams of sugar.

One of the worst things about gummy bears is that they are notorious for getting stuck in your teeth. If your kids have cavities, you may find that these candies can disturb the cavity and leave your kids in a lot of pain on Halloween night.

Nestlé Crunch

While not an incredibly common candy bar that is usually found in your kids’ candy pails after trick-or-treating, it still gets in there from time to time. These little puffed-rice-filled treats are filled with artificial ingredients and are high in calories.

Raisinets

While raisins are typically a healthy and delicious treat, Raisinets are incredibly high in sugar and saturated fat. To top it off, they actually contain very little real fruit. Moderation, of course, is key, but if you’re looking to limit your child’s candy intake, you can feel good about tossing these.

Skittles

Say it isn’t so! Skittles are an incredibly popular candy among trick-or-treaters and candy-lovers in general. But Skittles is a candy that has been deemed one of the unhealthiest candies out there. Filled with sugar and artificial flavorings, these little candies are as unhealthy as they get.

Why Should You Avoid the Most Unhealthy Halloween Candy?

The most obvious reasons to avoid these candies are their high fat and sugar content. They have candy that can destroy your health, especially your kid’s teeth. It can also elevate your kid’s blood sugar and give them a sugar high.

Consider dark chocolate candies if you’re wondering what candy to stick with. Dark chocolate is known to have ingredients that are healthier for you. Dark chocolate has flavanols that help lower your risk of diseases. Overall, choosing less sugary and high-fat content candies can be better for your kid’s health.