Written By: Calyn Freed of BCOTB
Halloween is a holiday enjoyed by most. From picking out the best costume to choosing the most perfect decorations, there is so much to do to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy all of what October has to offer. Here is a list of sensory-friendly activities, crafts, and events to get you and your family involved in in a Spooktacular holiday!
Sensory Crafts
What is a holiday without arts and crafts? Sensory friendly crafts can include Halloween themed slime, sensory bins, and moon sand. For more detailed information on these crafts, visit this link: https://www.myautism.org/sensory-friendly-halloween-craft-ideas/
Sensory Game
Halloween is a time for both tricks and treats! Here is a game that kids will love: Halloween mystery box.
To prepare for this activity, you and the whole family can decorate 3-5 small boxes (shoe box would be ideal). Make sure there is a hole in the front of the box so that a hand can stick through it to feel what is inside. Once the box is made, it’s up to you to decide what goes inside! Here are just a couple ideas:
- Brains: cooked spaghetti
- Spiders: pipe cleaners
- Eyeballs: peeled grapes, olives
The list goes on! Once the boxes are complete, you’re ready to put the “Trick” in trick or treat! Have children guess what is inside! For more details on this game, visit this link: https://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/halloween-mystery-box-ideas-whats-in-that-box-halloween-guessing-game/
Celebrate with a Movie
The AMC theater presents sensory friendly films on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month. In the spirit of Halloween, one of the sensory films is “Goosebumps 2,” which shows some iconic Halloween characters coming to life to spook a quiet town! For more information on sensory friendly films being shown in October, follow this link: https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Events for the family
http://fun4tampakids.com/ calendar This link shows a calendar of events designed for children with special needs for the month of October. From pumpkin patches to fall festivals, check it out and see which event boosts your family’s Halloween spirit!
Creatures of the Night at Lowry Park Zoo: This event is catered to a young audience, with frights for the entire family. Rides are open, nocturnal animals are ready to play, and pumpkin patches are decorated to welcome family-friendly fun. This event only runs on Friday and Saturday nights. Visit this link for additional event and ticket details: https://zootampa.org/events/creatures/
For more additional information on a sensory-friendly Halloween, the following website lists important tips to consider before embracing this fun-filled holiday! https://www.myautism.org/tips-sensory-friendly-halloween/
HAVE A HAPPY AND SAFE HALLOWEEN!
