As a parent of two kids with completely different interests, party planning feels like solving a riddle. My son (10) loves anything competitive; my daughter (6) wants stickers, kpop demon hunters, and cupcakes. So for our latest gathering, we combined both — a spooky backyard game night that doubled as a warm-up for summer.

🕸️ The Spooky Game Corner

We turned a corner of the backyard into a “haunted arena.” Glow-in-the-dark tape on the ground made spider-web patterns for tossing paper bats. A cardboard box became a “Monster Mouth” where kids had to toss beanbags to “feed” it. And for the bravest, a “Mystery Touch” box full of peeled grapes (“eyeballs!”) got plenty of squeals.

We borrowed more ideas from Funtime Kids Parties’ Halloween and Game Night packages — their mix of spooky-fun games and team challenges inspired half of our setup.

🕯️ Snacks & Setup

Orange jelly cups, popcorn “ghost hands,” and fizzy drinks were enough to make it festive without overspending. Total cost? Under $50 — proof that creativity beats cash.

🪩 After-Dark Fun

As dusk fell, the kids danced with glow sticks and flashlights to a “spooky disco playlist.” Our six-year-old led the conga line; our ten-year-old announced “ghost hunt missions” using torches. It was chaotic and perfect.

💀 Why It Works

Halloween might not be huge in Australia yet, but each year it grows and our kids adore the excuse to dress up, run wild, and stay up late. And for parents? It’s a chance to let loose too.