Though we are seven months into the pandemic, it seems as though COVID-19 will still be around to negatively affect the holidays. As fall begins, October marks the start of “Spooky Season” as Americans would say. Halloween is celebrated in different ways around the world and for some international students this will be their first time experiencing an American Halloween.
Many countries around the globe celebrate Halloween, or their own similar tradition. Mexico and Spain are known for Día de los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” where the celebration is designed to honor deceased loved ones and ancestors. In the U.S., the most common traditions for Halloween are dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, pranks, and games. Staying home this Halloween does not mean you can’t still have fun! From virtual escape rooms to drive-in haunted houses, we got you covered to make the most out of Halloween 2020. Make Spooky Season memorable for everyone with these fun activities!
Visit a Virtual Escape Room
If you have never visited an Escape Room, you can now do so in the comfort of your own home! Escape rooms are a good way to test your problem-solving skills, filled with hidden clues and challenging puzzles. Virtual escape rooms have become more popular during the pandemic since many people are staying at home and looking for new activities. The experience is the same as it would be in real life. You will receive a set of puzzles and an unfinished storyline that you will work to solve with limited time. All you need is a laptop, internet connection, and your friends. If you are interested, check out these free virtual escape rooms to try!
For fans of Harry Potter, the Hogwarts Digital Escape Room will give you a chance to learn spells and use a magic wand as a first-year student at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You will be presented with a challenge to escape the locked room using no magic at all. This escape room was created by Peters Township Public Library in McMurray, Pennsylvania, but you can access it for free anywhere!
Expedition Escape’s “Bank Heist”
The “Bank Heist” escape room will put you in the role of a member of America’s most successful crime crew. You will be robbing the Valley Isle Bank, and it‘s your job to open the safe within 20 minutes before the police arrive. Up to the challenge? Grab a calculator and register now!
Escape The Crate’s Midnight Express
In this escape room, you will be sent back in time to the year 1861. An event occurred in the past that has affected the future that may have a connection with the former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. Your mission is to sneak through the train and gather evidence to figure out what event caused a change in history before being discovered. Grab a pencil, paper, and a timer to get started.
Binge Watch Scary Movies
What is a better way to spend Halloween than being able to watch scary movies all day? Streaming sites like Netflix have an extensive list of Halloween themed movies to choose from no matter the time of year. In honor of “Spooky Season” here are the top 3 movies we recommend watching on Halloween:
Bird Box – Even with the viral challenge and memes of the film everywhere, Bird Box is always a film that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you haven’t watched the Netflix original yet, grab a couple of buddies, and even if the characters do, don’t dare to cover your eyes.
Hush – A deaf writer who retreated into the woods to live in solitude must fight for her life in silence when a masked killer appears in her window.
Would You Rather – In need of cash to support her sick brother, a young woman decides to take part in a deadly winner-takes-all parlor game hosted by a crazy millionaire.
Haunted House Drive Through Experience
Take a night out to celebrate Halloween by visiting a haunted house from the safety of your own car! Organizers all over the U.S. have worked endlessly to transition their traditional haunted house experiences from a walkthrough to a drive through. There are plenty of options available locally, especially around college towns. Pricing is per vehicle so grab a couple of friends to split the cost! Here are some examples of drive-through haunted attractions in the U.S.:
Dragon’s House of Horrors, Mile of Terror (New Mexico)- This haunted house experience is the world’s longest walkthrough experience, located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Now offering tours by car, you can still get a chance to experience a haunted house. Tickets are available for $40 per car, register here.
Urban Legends of Southern California – This drive-through experience will take you along multiple haunted scenes in Costa Mesa, California that include crazy special effects, captivating light shows , and monsters. Prices range from $60-$90 per vehicle from October 1st to November 1st. Purchase your tickets here.
Alley of Darkness (Chicago) – Replay Lincoln Park is offering a scary drive-through experience featuring a brief drive-in movie, fake blood, zombies, and more that will jump out and around your car. Prices start at $75 per vehicle from 5pm-11pm. Register here.
Virtual Halloween Celebration
With a little creativity and internet connection, you can throw a virtual Halloween party this year! Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Houseparty, Google Meet or Facebook Rooms are great options for groups.
Here are a few ideas for a virtual Halloween party:
- Halloween Happy Hour- Send a cocktail recipe ahead of time for everyone to make, must be 21+ to drink!
- Virtual Costume Contest- Get dressed up with your friends and see who has the best costume. (Here are some ideas.)
- Halloween Charades Night- Charades is a great game for a group at a Halloween party, it’s easy to understand how to play, suitable for all ages, and any amount of people can play. (Here’s a printable one!)
- Karaoke Night – Sing your heart out to Halloween tunes! (Need a playlist?)
- Pumpkin Carving Contest – Pumpkin carving will always be a classic tradition on Halloween. In fact, this year is the best time to push your creative limits so you can really boost the festive spirit of the holiday no matter how you’re celebrating. (Here are some creative ideas. )
Have a Safe Halloween!
We at ISO wish you a safe Halloween. If you will be outside, make sure to follow CDC’s social distancing guidelines.
Here are some safety tips to protect yourself and those around you:
- Continue to use fabric or surgical face masks. (Halloween costumes that cover your face is not a proper mask.)
- Do not attend crowded costume parties held indoors.
- Avoid going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
- Avoid going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
- If you do not feel well, stay home!
