Shelby, NC, with its changing seasons and tight-knit community spirit, offers the perfect backdrop for fun Halloween activities for both seniors and their grandkids. Enjoy unforgettable intergenerational Halloween ideas like family-friendly parties, spooky snacks, harvest delights, crafts, and local attractions like corn mazes.
Halloween brings communities together, like Shelby, in many ways. It brings local economies a much-needed boost, provides seniors with social interaction, establishes long-lasting traditions, and fosters creativity, according to a recent article from the Be Kind People Project.
Take note of the following tips for your Halloween festivities.
Remember, Halloween in Shelby is all about making memories and building stronger intergenerational ties. Successful mixed-age Halloween parties offer a combination of:
To ensure your celebration is a hit for all ages, start by planning some adapted intergenerational games.
For example, a light Halloween scavenger hunt sets a good pace for both age groups; importantly, it encourages party guests to go outside and creatively interact with the world. A Halloween scavenger hunt list could include:
You could also set up a Witch's Hat Ring Toss in the backyard. Use large witch hats as targets and glow-in-the-dark rings for throwing.
Of course, there's always Halloween Bingo!
Both seniors and grandkids love this game. It's fast-paced enough to capture attention spans while dishing out instant rewards. Use candy corns as daubs and offer fun prizes like Halloween goodie baskets.
Consider an all-ages Monster Mash Dance-Off. Halloween classics like "Monster Mash" and "Thriller" are perfect for this activity.
You can also adapt hot potato into a Halloween-themed "Pass the Pumpkin" game. Similarly, guests pass around the pumpkin as quickly as possible so they're not holding the pumpkin when the music stops. Use mini pumpkins for this game.
When throwing a Halloween party for a mixed-age group, always start the party by mid-afternoon. 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM is a great starting time. This timeframe gives guests plenty of time to get ready and enjoy the party without disrupting natural schedules, like naptime.
An afternoon start also allows guests to enjoy more daylight activities like pumpkin decorating and Halloween scavenger hunts. Wrapping up the party before dark would be ideal.
Intergenerational party food should cater to the needs of both age groups. You can easily prepare a kids' menu around senior dietary and texture needs, as well. Most kids don't have a problem with eating soft finger foods that are easy to handle and chew!
Consider the following savory options:
These savory foods are easy to eat and can be fashioned to look like spooky snacks.
Intergenerational parties are an opportunity to consider senior wellness and encourage healthy eating in children. For example, you could make "snack-o'-lantern" fruit cups served in pumpkin mugs or a "witchy" health tray, cutting up fruits and veggies to look like ghosts and pumpkins.
Of course, a few sweets are fine in moderation. Whip up some Halloween dirt cake cups out of chocolate cake crumbles, chocolate pudding, and gummy worms. You could also make monster or ghost donuts by adding candy eyes to store-bought donuts.
Instead of carving pumpkins this year, plan an intergenerational-friendly activity like pumpkin decorating. This activity doesn't require any sharp cutting tools.
Purchase small to medium-sized pumpkins at a pumpkin patch or store. Set up a table with a Halloween-themed plastic tablecloth and all the essentials, including:
There are also pumpkin-decorating kits available at local crafts stores and online, complete with everything you need, including stencils.
Turn your Halloween party sweet station into a decoration station. Arrange a table with:
Don't forget to take pictures of these ghoulish sweet treats before they're gobbled up!
Do you want to create an intergenerational Halloween weekend?
For example, the Shelby Corn Maze is a popular fall experience for all ages. Visitors weave through an 8-acre corn maze, where kids can play hide and seek. There's also a pumpkin-picking patch where party hosts can pick up pumpkins for crafts and decor.
Beyond pumpkins, seniors and grandkids can celebrate Shelby's fall harvest by enjoying other seasonal favorites like apples. Along with whipping up pumpkin puree for pies, the whole family can create jars of apple butter together or fresh filling for apple pies.
Visit local farms in Shelby to discover fresh fall harvest produce, including freshly made jellies and jams. These outings support Shelby's local economy.Along with other festivities, consider joining or planning an autumn bake sale of your own.
Pumpkin spice can be reimagined into delicious and festive drinks for all ages, including caffeine-free and low-sugar options. For example, you can whip up a pumpkin spice milk that tastes like a latte, while pumpkin spice hot chocolate is a delightful Halloween night beverage for the family.
Bring the family together through fall games for older adults and kids. These fun Halloween activities also function as memory care crafts for seniors who need more cognitive care. You can also bring generations together through assisted living celebrations hosted by senior living communities like TerraBella Shelby.
Our compassionate team brings a wealth of experience to Shelby's senior community, from local tourism to hospitality. In other words, we know how to have fun and provide exceptional memory care through comfortable living spaces and one-on-one attention. Our activities calendar caters to senior interests like bingo, social gatherings, walking clubs, and even pampering at our community salon!
Book a tour of our community to learn how we help seniors thrive.