Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Chico
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Halloween in Chico, CA, offers tons of intergenerational fun with events like Treat Street, outdoor movies, and at-home options like pumpkin carving and costume parades. These festive activities are great for bonding with your grandchildren without overexerting yourself.
According to Statista, almost 3 in 4 Americans participate in Halloween activities every year. It's an amazing holiday where you can pretend to be someone else for a day, and nobody cares! Plus, there's spooky stuff and lots of candy, so it's no wonder that the holiday is so popular.
If you'd like to show your grandkids some fun Halloween activities in Chico, CA, then keep reading. We've put together an outstanding list you can use!
What Are Free Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Chico?
You can always have intergenerational holiday fun by trick-or-treating in the surrounding neighborhoods. But what other Chico, CA, senior events are available?
Downtown Chico Treat Street
The little ones can trick-or-treat at participating businesses, and there's even a costume contest. Enjoy the live music, and get special photo opportunities with Chico Police and Fire.
Self-Guided Costume Parade and Photo Walk
Take a walk through a scenic area and:
- Show off your costumes
- Take photos
- Do a mini contest
Just make sure to do some stretching exercises before walking to avoid injury.
Movie in the Park
On October 24th, DeGarmo Park is showing "The Nightmare Before Christmas" at dusk (around 6:45 pm). You can watch this fun film under the stars, and the grandkids can dress up in their costumes and participate in a costume contest.
There are family-friendly activities that start at 5:00 pm, such as a scavenger hunt, face painting, and games, so show up early!
Local Haunted Houses, Pumpkin Patches, and Seasonal Pop-Ups
You're sure to find the following in the local area; all you have to do is search. Browse:
- Eventbrite
- Local directories
- "Halloween events near Chico" listings
What Are Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids at Home?
If the weather's bad, or you just want to stay home, then there are many at-home activities to do too. For example, one of the top retirement Halloween ideas is intergenerational pumpkin decorating and carving!
Here are a few other fantastic ideas.
Costume Dress-Up and Fashion Show
Create a runway in your living room, put on some music, and use a flashlight or lamp as a spotlight. Have everyone strut their stuff, and snap lots of photos!
Spooky Storytelling/Ghost Stories Night
Select a few stories or Halloween legends that are age-appropriate for the grandkids. Then, dim the lights, put on the flashlights, and take turns telling a part of the story. It can be helpful to use a spooky hat that determines whose turn it is.
Halloween Movie Marathon With Themed Snacks
One of the best festive fall activities is to have a Halloween movie marathon. Pick 1-2 family-friendly films, then serve up "witch's brew" drinks, ghost marshmallows, etc.
Crafts
Doing crafts with grandkids can be an excellent way to bond while making treasured keepsakes. You can make:
- Paper bats
- Ghost garlands
- Pumpkin masks
- Jar lanterns
Baking and Decorating Halloween Treats
This holiday is already a sugar-fest, so why not add to it? There are so many Halloween-themed treats you can bake, such as:
- Cookies
- Cupcakes
- Brownies
Together, you can decorate with icing, sprinkles, edible "eyes," and other spooky toppings.
Photo Scavenger Hunt Around the House
Do your grandchildren have extra energy to burn? Then send them on a photo scavenger hunt around the house.
Make a list of Halloween-themed items, such as:
- Black cat decoration
- Spider web
- Orange candle
Pass the lists out, and let the little ones go on the hunt!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is a Good Time of Day for Halloween Activities With Mixed Ages?
Morning or early afternoon is best since these times tend to be safer and more manageable. The benefits are:
- Less foot traffic
- More daylight
- Lower fatigue
While evening events are fun, they may be tiring for seniors and small kids.
How Can I Adapt Haunted or Spooky Attractions to Be Less Scary?
You should look for family-friendly versions, such as light spooks, cartoon ghosts, and mild jump scares. You can also go into these attractions as a group and stay near exits so that if anyone gets scared, they can quickly leave if needed.
What Kinds of Treats or Snacks Are Good When Traveling Between Events?
You should choose items that are portable and non-melting, like:
- Wrapped candies
- Granola bars
- Fruit snacks
- Small bottles of water
- Hot cider in thermoses
Steer clear of foods that are harder to digest as you get older. And bring wet wipes and napkins for easy cleanup.
How Many Events Should I Try to Schedule in One Day?
Halloween may be very exciting, and you probably want to pack in as many events as possible. However, it's best to pick 1-2 main events, plus a relaxing at-home fallback if things don't go as planned.
Both seniors and children need breaks, so don't overfill your schedule. Err on the side of caution.
Should I Pre-Register or Buy Tickets in Advance?
Yes, it's a good idea since tickets often sell out or have capacity limits. If you're set on going to an event, then buy the tickets ASAP to avoid disappointment.
How Do I Manage Costume Comfort for Seniors and Kids?
Here are our tips:
- Use layers
- Avoid obstructive masks or props
- Use soft fabrics
- Test costumes before the event
Check Out These Fun Halloween Activities
If you love all things spooky and want to pass on this passion to your grandkids, then you've got to do these fun Halloween activities with them. From the classic trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving/decorating to movies under the stars and crafts, there are so many things you can do to bond with the little ones.
Hopefully, they'll love these activities so much they'll be eager to go out with you every Halloween. Then, you'll have spooky buddies for life!
Contact us today if you'd like to learn more about senior living in Chico, CA. Provincial Chico has pet-friendly apartment homes that feature convenient walk-in showers and tubs.