Sometimes, military kids experience holidays a little differently than their peers. Whether your family is living overseas for the first time or your spouse has recently been deployed, it can be challenging to get into a daily routine, let alone plan out holiday festivities. But the good news is that the Military community is always willing to come together and create special moments for the kids.
Many Military installations host free Halloween activities for families living on base to ensure the children never feel like they’re missing out on fun experiences. Be sure to browse your base’s website for details about upcoming Halloween activities they’re holding and check local Facebook groups for free Halloween events near you!
Read: 6 of the Most Haunted U.S. Military Installations
Here are some on-base Halloween activities you and your family can participate in this year:
Trunk or Treat
Depending on where your base is located, you may not feel comfortable letting your children trick-or-treat in surrounding neighborhoods. Luckily, most bases have preset trick-or-treating hours so that fellow Military kids can explore the on-base community with their peers.
Another popular version of trick-or-treating held by Military bases is known as “trunk-or-treat.” Usually hosted a few days before Halloween, Military families will decorate their cars with spooky Halloween decorations and hand out candy while kids walk from car to car. Trunk-or-treat parties often include potluck-style dinner and desserts as well as costume contests and other family-friendly Halloween activities kids of all ages can enjoy!
Halloween Decorations
Since all on-base housing generally looks the same, decorating your unit with Halloween decor and jack-o-lanterns is a fun way to stand out from the crowd and get in the Halloween spirit. Some bases even have competitions to see who has the best Halloween decorations and will give out prizes to the winning homes.
Read: 5 Fun-But-Frightening Jack-o’-Lanterns for Halloween
Plus, carving pumpkins is a great Halloween activity for kids and parents to do together — it’s messy, fun and gives you the chance to make important memories. Just remember to use a glow stick, flashlight or battery-powered flameless candle in your jack-o-lantern to prevent fires.
Looking for inspiration? Check out these Military-themed pumpkin carving stencils from Veterans United!
Costume Contest
Most Military bases incorporate a costume contest into their list of Halloween events, so be sure to dress to impress this year. From witches and vampires to superheroes and TV show characters, take your costume to the next level with the help of retailers like A.C. Moore, HalloweenCostumes.com, Jo-Ann Fabrics, Michael’s, Spirit Halloween and more that offer special Military discounts on Halloween decor and costumes.
Read: 6 Last-Minute DIY Halloween Costumes
Costume parties and contests are a big part of overseas Halloween celebrations, too. Whether you’re living in the U.S. or not, Military bases go above and beyond to make sure all kids get the opportunity to participate and celebrate this fun holiday.
Haunted House
While trunk-or-treat is typically designed for younger children, many Military bases host a variety of Halloween activities for older kids and teens, as well. If you’re in search of a good scare, see if your Military base is hosting a haunted house this year.
Haunted houses are one of the more common Halloween activities teenagers and adults can enjoy while living on base. Fort Bliss Army base, for example, hosts an ultra-creepy haunted house called the “Massacre on Marshall Road,” voted scariest haunted house in El Paso! Check our local Facebook groups to find a nearby haunted house — there’s sure to be no shortage of frightening fun for the thrillseekers living on base.
Make the most of this spooky season!Taking advantage of Halloween activities offered on base in a great way to meet new people and make lasting memories with your kids. From the SpouseLink family to yours, we wish everyone a happy and safe Halloween!
