Halloween trick-or-treating for 8 year olds

[Glenshee]

We were always trick-or-treating with my kids and until now all we were doing was dressing up, knocking at the door and 'scaring' our neighbours with a loud 'boo!' and lots of laughter. This would be a group of 6-8 children, my kids and their friends. (Neighbours were notified in advance and were always lovely to the kids).

My kids are now 8 and 5 and it seems silly to carry on like this. I would like them to make more of an effort, perhaps create little souvenirs for neighbours or perform a mini-play for them, or something along those lines....

Any tips or ideas?

[Glenshee]

bump

[nappyaddict]

If they are ok singers get them to sing a song.

If they are good dancers they could sing and dance or perform a dance to a recorded song using portable speakers.

If they arrn't good at singing or dancing they could write and recite a poem or tell jokes.

[vodkaanddietirnbru]

mine tell a joke when trick or treating (google halloween jokes, there are plenty about)

[Beamur]

Make a joke for them to play on your neighbours - weird feeling stuff in a box that you have to put your hand on is where we're going this year.

[Glenshee]

Excellent - that's something! Thanks for the replies.

// In the thinking mode...

[Glenshee]

Thanks all for the ideas and inspiration!

We have decided to prepare a 5-min long puppet show about three little pigs - with halloween-themed modifications to the script. Kids are excited, rehearsals planned for today and tomorrow :)

[nappyaddict]

I think 5 minutes might be a bit long. I know I'd get fed up if I had to stand at the door for 5 mins for every trick or treater.

[BleepingSooty]

I agree. 5 minutes is way too long!! You'll drive people crazy.

How about a quick magic trick?

[Glenshee]

Haha! Thanks for the reality check :-)

[Glenshee]

We're not just going randomly though, it's for people we know (and they know kids).

[GooseyLoosey]

I would find that too much. I have over 100 kids knocking on my door. I just want them to be polite, take the sweets and go away.

I guess it depends on your relationship with these people but I am really struggling to see when I would enjoy a puppet show on my door step (even from my own kids it would be a trial).

[Floralnomad]

I'd rather not watch other people's kids performing anything , even if I know them . Personally I am just an open the door ,give them the sweets and shut the door quickly person- especially as all my heat escapes and its a bloody nuisance stopping the dog from escaping.

[nappyaddict]

I think a quick joke/rhyme/song with actions is probably the way to go. Something that takes about 30 seconds.

[Glenshee]

All good advice, thanks. Learning something new every day

[Glenshee]

GooseyLoosey - no one else here though. We will be the only ones.

[GooseyLoosey]

Hope it all goes well tonight whatever you decide to do.

[Glenshee]

It went well, thank you. Everyone was so kind, and kids were so proud of themselves!

One set of neighbours even invited us in for a glass of juice/wine and a chat after the show which was very sweet of them!..