Seniors in Mission, KS, searching for fun Halloween activities won’t be disappointed, as there’s a Spooky Walk, Night of the Living Farm, and Pumpkin Hollow. There are also cozy at-home parties you can throw, with themed games, crafts, and seasonal treats.
Statista states that around 70% of Americans celebrate Halloween every year. This means that if you look in any neighborhood, most houses will be transformed into spooky dwellings, with various characters handing out sweet treats.
Even in small cities like Mission, KS, you’ll find the Halloween spirit alive and well. So if you’re a senior who wants fun Halloween activities to do this fall, but don’t want to waste time and energy, keep reading. We’ve curated an excellent list that’s great for families!
Where Is the Best Place to Be for Halloween?
The “best” place to be for Halloween is subjective, of course. So here are some local holiday events for older adults and grandkids, and you can determine which are best for your circumstances!
Spooky Walk
Each year, the city hosts a Spooky Walk in Streamway Park. This year, it’ll be on Friday, October 17th, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. It’s free for families, and there’s a shuttle from Broadmoor Park starting at 5:45 pm.
You’ll see:
- Spooky surprises
- Eerie lights
- Creepy characters
Night of the Living Farm
You’ll find Night of the Living Farm over in nearby Overland Park at the Farmstead. It’s on Fridays and Saturdays, October 17th-18th and 24th-25th, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Children under 2 get in for free, and if you’re a Friends of the Farmstead (FOF) member, admission is $14 ($15 for non-members).
While this isn’t a trick-or-treating event (no candy is provided), there’s still plenty to do for your family. Activities include:
- Scary and non-scary hayrides
- Line dancing
- Carnival games
- Duck races
- Spooky experiments
- Night sky stargazing
- Flashlight pumpkin walk
- Scarecrow maze
- Puppet theater
- Marshmallow roast
Pumpkin Hollow
Another event in Overland Park is Pumpkin Hollow. It runs from October 1st-26th, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, and from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Fridays through Sundays (closed Mondays). Admission is $10-15 per person for non-members, $9 for FOF members.
With your all-day admission, you’ll get:
- A horse-drawn hayride to and from Pumpkin Hollow
- Games and activities (e.g., pedal car race track, spider web maze)
- Pumpkin to take home
How Do You Throw a Fun Halloween Party for Adults?
It can be difficult to get the right elements down for community engagement, but it’s possible to throw a fun and exciting Halloween party for adults. Here are our tips.
Set a Theme
Choose a theme that’s fun, but not too intense. Examples include:
- Classic monsters
- Vintage horror
- Masquerade
Set the Atmosphere
Use ambient lighting that’s not too dark, such as string lights and lanterns. Add a gentle soundscape with a curated Halloween playlist.
Examples of festive decor you can use are:
- Pumpkins
- Faux cobwebs
- Witch hats
Have Activities and Entertainment
Having the right activities and entertainment will keep attendees engaged. You can try:
- Costume contests
- Pumpkin decorating
- Spooky trivia
- Pass the Pumpkin
- Murder mystery
- Photo spots
Have Plenty of Food and Drinks
You don’t want your guests to have empty stomachs, so keep the food and drinks flowing. You can even share family recipes and make the treats ahead of time with loved ones.
Here are ideas to consider:
- Mini sandwiches
- Cheese and crackers
- Witch’s brew
- Caramel apples
- Pumpkin muffins
How Seniors Can Stay Safe During Halloween
Older adults will need a bit of extra care to have a safe Halloween. With these tips, you’ll be set:
- Keep paths well-lit and clutter-free for fall prevention
- Choose safe and comfortable costumes
- Add visibility
- Stick to your routine
- Stay hydrated
- Dress for the weather
- Know your environment
- Attend events with friends
- Choose safe transportation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is the Most Popular Halloween Activity?
The most popular Halloween activity is trick-or-treating, especially for children. For adults, costume parties and haunted attractions are usually the most engaging.
Do Seniors Usually Attend Haunted Houses or Scary Events?
Yes, some seniors attend haunted houses or scary events, especially if horror is something they’re interested in. But many prefer milder haunted attractions that have moderate fright levels. Daytime versions are also good, as intense jump scares aren’t as likely.
When Should You Start Planning Halloween for Seniors?
The best move is to start planning ASAP, such as in September, especially if you’re throwing a party. This gives you (and your guests) plenty of time to plan ahead, and if you need to make adjustments, you won’t feel rushed.
How Do You Make Halloween Accessible for Those With Mobility Challenges?
To make Halloween more accessible to those with mobility challenges, you should choose senior-friendly activities wisely:
- Choose venues that are wheelchair-friendly
- Have seating breaks
- Limit walking distances
- Plan indoor alternatives if the terrain is tough
What Are Some Low-Cost or No-Cost Halloween Ideas for Seniors?
There are many fall celebration ideas that are low-cost or no-cost. Consider the following:
- Potluck costume party
- Spooky movie night
- Festive crafts and games
- Haunted walking tour of local neighborhoods
- Trunk-or-treat within a residential complex
What Are Some Fun Halloween Crafts for Seniors?
Have some fun with crafts this spooky season, which can be a social activity too. Ideas are:
- Decorated pumpkins
- Autumn wreaths
- Mason jar lanterns
- Paper or felt garlands
- Hand-painted treat bags
What Are Some Good Halloween Movies for Seniors?
Keep things more on the lighthearted and nostalgic side and opt out of the heart-pumping thrillers. Our suggestions include:
- Hocus Pocus
- Ghostbuster
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
- Arsenic and Old Lace
Participate in These Fun Halloween Activities
Mission, KS, has tons of fun Halloween activities, as do the surrounding areas. While you can explore these events, you can also stay home for fun if that’s what you’d prefer.
What’s important is that you make time for your loved ones and make new memories. You can treasure these memories forever and look back fondly!
Schedule a tour at a senior living community in Mission, KS by contacting us today. The Welstone at Mission Crossing has an on-site movie theater to give our residents convenient entertainment.
