What Are The Best Halloween Activities For Adults? 11 Awesome Ideas

Updated: sept 2024

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays, but for adults, it can be lackluster if the activities go no further than the traditional trick-or-treating or costume parties.

For all of my fellow outdoor enthusiasts, if you are looking for some unique ways to add some adventure to your Halloween celebrations, check out these 11 Halloween Activities for Adults.

(Stick around until the end because #10 and #11 are my favorite picks!)

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Download your Halloween Activities For Adults quick reference guide

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 1: Corn Maze

Corn mazes are traditionally a fun daytime family activity, but you can step it up a notch with a spooky corn maze. Some corn mazes offer a haunted experience by adding live actors or haunted themes. It’s an excellent way to participate in Halloween festivities while enjoying the outdoors.

Tips for a scary corn maze:

• Go with a group. It’s always more fun to be scared with friends.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a flashlight. It can get dark in the corn maze, so a flashlight will come in handy.
• Don’t run. Running will only make you more scared and it will be harder to see where you’re going.
• Stay calm. It’s easy to get scared in a corn maze, but try to stay calm. The actors are just trying to scare you, and they won’t hurt you.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 2: Pumpkin Carving Contest/Party

The next of the Halloween activities for adults is hosting a pumpkin carving contest in your backyard. This is another activity that can be family-friendly, or kicked up a notch when done outdoors at night, with all the scary decor!

Tips for a pumpkin carving contest party:

• Plan ahead. Decide on a date and time for the party, and send out invitations at least two weeks in advance.
• Choose the pumpkins. You can either buy pumpkins or grow your own. If you’re buying pumpkins, make sure to get them a few days before the party so they have time to ripen.
• Gather your supplies. You’ll need carving knives, spoons, scrapers, and templates. You may also want to provide some snacks and drinks for your guests.
• Set up a carving station. This should be a table with a drop cloth underneath to protect the surface. You’ll also need to have a trash can nearby for pumpkin guts and seeds.
• Set some ground rules. Decide on a theme for the carving contest, and make sure your guests know the rules.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 3: Haunted Hayride

Another Halloween activity for family or just adults is a haunted hayride. You can host it yourself and ride in a hay-covered wagon or trailer through creepy forests, abandoned farmlands, or down a dark dirt road through the countryside.

Another option is booking a haunted hayride tour with a company and riding around while encountering ghosts, zombies, and other supernatural beings.

Tips for a haunted hayride:

• Pay attention to the instructions given by the staff. They may have specific rules that you need to follow, such as not touching the actors or not taking pictures.
• Be prepared for sudden noises and movements. The actors may jump out at you or make loud noises to startle you.
• Don’t be afraid to laugh. It’s okay to find the experience funny, even if it’s also scary.

Popular haunted hayrides:

The Headless Horseman Hayrides in Ulster Park, New York is a 250-year-old farm in the Hudson Valley that takes you through the abandoned town of Old Crow Hollow.

Another popular ride is The Dent Schoolhouse in West Salem, Ohio. This haunted hayride takes you through a 19th-century schoolhouse that is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former students and teachers.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 4: Escape Room

Next on the list of Halloween activities for adults is an escape room. In an escape room players are locked in a room and must work together to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete challenges to escape within a certain time limit.

The intense time pressure and challenging puzzles will get your heart racing. It’s an opportunity to feel the thrill of being on a real-life adventure.

Tips for solving escape rooms:

• Choose your team wisely. A good escape room team is made up of people with different skills and abilities.
• Listen closely to the instructions given by the game master. They will give you important information that you need to solve the puzzles.
• Search ALMOST everywhere. Don’t assume that you’ve already looked everywhere. There may be clues hidden in the most unexpected places.
• Communication is key! Talk to your teammates and share your ideas. The more you communicate, the better your chances of solving the puzzles.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you’re stuck, don’t be afraid to ask the game master for a hint.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 5: Murder Mystery Party

A murder mystery party is an interactive social gathering where participants engage in a fictional murder investigation. It’s a combination of role-playing, puzzle-solving, and socializing, where each person assumes a character and works together to solve the mystery.

They’re a great way to socialize, have some laughs, and let your imagination run wild.

• You’ll get to dress up. Murder mystery parties are a great excuse to put on a costume and get creative. Whether you want to go as a detective, a suspect, or even the murderer, you’re sure to have fun dressing up for the occasion.
• You’ll meet new people. Murder mystery parties are a great way to meet new people. You’ll be interacting with a group of strangers who are all there for the same reason: to have a good time.
• You’ll get to solve a mystery. The whole point of a murder mystery party is to solve the crime. This will require you to use your detective skills and work together with the other guests.

You can purchase a game and host your own party, or book one through a company, such as The Dinner Detective

The Dinner Detective is a nationwide company that hosts murder mystery dinner events in over 70 cities across the United States.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 6: Halloween Festival

Halloween festivals are a classic. Some of them can be kind of blah, but do your research and you can find some amazing festivals out there.

Tips for attending a Halloween festival:

• Plan ahead. Check the festival website to find out what activities are offered, what time it starts and ends, and where it is located.
• Dress up. This is a Halloween festival, so you should definitely dress up in costume!
• Bring money. There may be food, drinks, and souvenirs for sale at the festival.
• Be prepared for crowds. Halloween festivals can get crowded, so be prepared to wait in line for activities.

Popular Halloween festivals

The most famous Halloween festival is the Greenwich Village Halloween Parade in New York City. It is one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the world, with over 2 million people in attendance.

Another popular festival is the Salem Halloween Festival in Salem, Massachusetts. This festival celebrates the city’s history as a center for witchcraft with tours of haunted sites, costume contests, and a variety of other events.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 7: Ghost Tours

Next on the list of Halloween activities for adults is a ghost tour! Take advantage of the eerie atmosphere and go on a ghost tour in your city or town.

Many places have local legends and stories that will send shivers down your spine. From haunted buildings to paranormal hotspots, these guided tours provide historical insights while keeping a sense of mystery and intrigue alive.

Tips for a ghost tour:

• Do your research. Before you book a ghost tour, take some time to research the company and the tour itself. Read reviews from other people who have taken the tour and see if it sounds like something you would enjoy.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll likely be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring a flashlight. It can get dark during the tour, so a flashlight will come in handy.
• Be open-minded. Some people believe in ghosts, while others don’t. It’s important to be open-minded and to enjoy the experience, whether you believe in ghosts or not.

Popular ghost tours:

A well-known ghost tour is The Stanley Hotel Ghost Tour, the inspiration for Stephen King’s novel “The Shining,” in Estes Park, Colorado. This tour takes place in the Stanley Hotel, which is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in the world.

Black Cat’s Nightly Ghost Tour in Salem, Massachusetts. This tour takes you to some of the most haunted places in Salem, including the Old Burying Point, the House of Seven Gables, and the Salem Witch Museum.

Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours in San Antonio, Texas. This tour takes you to some haunted places in San Antonio, including the Menger Hotel, the Alamo, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 8: Scary Movie Under the Stars

Host a scary movie night under the stars for an awesome Halloween celebration. Pick your favorite classic scary movie (or offer an assortment) and invite all your friends over to enjoy the show in the backyard.

Tips for a scary movie under the stars:

• Choose the right location. You’ll want to find a spot that is dark and secluded, but not too far from home. A backyard, a park, or a field are good options.
• Set up your projector and screen. You can use a projector to display the movie on a large screen. If you don’t have a projector, you can also use a large sheet or blanket.
• Gather your snacks and drinks. No movie night is complete without snacks and drinks! Be sure to have plenty of popcorn, candy, and drinks on hand.
• Make it cozy. Bring some blankets and pillows to make it comfortable to sit and watch the movie.
• Choose the right movie. There are many great scary movies to choose from. If you’re not sure what to watch, ask your friends or family for recommendations.
• Get into the spirit. Play some spooky music or light some candles to get everyone in the mood.
• Check the weather forecast. You don’t want to have a movie night outdoors if it’s going to rain or be too cold.
• Have a backup plan. In case of bad weather, be prepared to move the movie night indoors.
• Be prepared for mosquitoes. If you’re having the movie night outdoors, be sure to bring some bug spray.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 9: Haunted Cave Tour

A haunted cave tour is a guided tour of a cave that is said to be haunted by ghosts or other supernatural entities. These tours are often held during the Halloween season, but they can be offered year-round.

Haunted cave tours typically feature a combination of storytelling, theatrical performances, and special effects to create a spooky atmosphere.

The tour guide will often tell stories about the history of the cave and the legends of its ghosts. There may also be actors dressed up as ghosts or other creatures who appear throughout the tour.

Tips for a haunted cave tour:

• Do your research. Read reviews of the tour online and find out what to expect. Some tours are more scary than others, so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
• Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable shoes that you can walk in, and layers of clothing so you can adjust to the temperature of the cave.
• Bring a flashlight. Even if the tour provides flashlights, it’s always a good idea to have your own.
• Be prepared to be scared. Haunted cave tours are designed to scare you, so don’t be surprised if you get a little scared.
• Stay with the group. It’s easy to get lost in a cave, so it’s important to stay with the group at all times.
• Don’t touch anything. Cave formations are fragile, so it’s important not to touch them.

Popular haunted cave tours:

Bell Witch Cave in Tennessee: This cave is said to be haunted by the ghost of Kate Batts, a woman who was accused of witchcraft and murdered in the 1800s.

Luray Caverns Haunted Tour in Virginia: This tour takes you through the Luray Caverns, which are known for their beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

The Caverns of Sonora Haunted Tour in Missouri: This tour takes you through the Caverns of Sonora, known for their underground waterfalls and lakes. The tour claims to have a dark side, with stories of ghosts and supernatural entities.

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 10: Haunted Hiking Trail

And now for my favorite 2 Halloween activities for adults!

If you are looking for a thrilling and unique experience, then a haunted hiking trail may be the right choice for you. Why should you do a haunted hiking trail?

• For the thrill of it. Some people enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes from being in a potentially scary or dangerous situation.
• To experience something new. Haunted hiking trails can offer a unique and memorable experience that you can’t get anywhere else.
• To learn about local history. Many haunted hiking trails are located in areas with a rich history, and the stories of the ghosts that are said to haunt them can help you learn more about the area.
• To connect with nature. Hiking in a natural setting can be a relaxing and rejuvenating experience, and haunted hiking trails can offer a unique way to connect with nature.
• To spend time with friends or family. Haunted hiking trails can be a fun activity to do with friends or family.

However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved in hiking on a haunted trail. These trails can be remote and isolated, and there is always the possibility of getting lost or injured. Additionally, some people may find the experience to be too scary or disturbing.

If you are considering hiking on a haunted trail, be sure to do your research and be prepared for anything.

Tips for haunted hiking:

• Go with a group. This is especially important if you are not familiar with the area.
• Let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• Bring a flashlight and a map.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against getting lost or injured.
• Don’t be afraid to turn back if you feel uncomfortable.

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Some popular haunted hiking trails:

Transept Trail in Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona is one of the best-known haunted hiking trails. It is said that the ghost of a woman in a white dress can be seen walking along the trail.

Spook Hill in Wisconsin is a hiking trail that is said to have a gravity hill effect. Cars and objects appear to roll uphill, believed to be due to supernatural forces.

Bear Brook State Park in New Hampshire is said to be haunted by the ghosts of children who were murdered there in the 1980s.

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For more on hiking supplies: 9 MUST HAVE Hiking ESSENTIALS

Halloween Activities For Adults. Activity 11: Haunted Kayaking

Of all the Halloween activities for adults, this is the one that fits me the best!

Haunted kayaking is a relatively new activity that combines the thrill of kayaking with the excitement of exploring a supposedly haunted location.

Kayakers typically paddle through dark, murky waters, where they may encounter strange noises believed to be caused by ghosts, while others believe that they are simply the result of the imagination.

Whether you believe in ghosts or not, haunted kayaking can be a fun and exciting way to spend an evening. If you’re looking for a uniquely spooky experience, haunted kayaking is definitely worth considering.

Tips for haunted kayaking tour:

• Do your research. Read reviews of different tours online and ask your friends or family for recommendations.
• Choose a tour that is appropriate for your age and interests. Some tours are more intense than others.
• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of paddling.
• Bring a flashlight. It can get dark on the water.
• Be prepared to be scared. That’s the point of a haunted kayaking tour!

Here are some tips for staying safe while kayaking in the dark:

• Wear a life jacket. This is always a good idea when kayaking, but it is especially important when kayaking in the dark.
• Paddle slowly and carefully. It is easier to lose your balance in the dark, so it is important to be careful.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Watch out for obstacles such as rocks and logs.
• Don’t paddle alone. It is always a good idea to kayak with a friend or group.

If you are considering a haunted kayaking tour, be sure to do your research and take all necessary safety precautions. With a little planning, you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

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Popular haunted floats:

The Haunted Canoe Trip at Ghost Tour Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee takes you through the murky waters of the Caney Fork River, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of Native Americans and early settlers.

The Haunted Bioluminescence Kayaking – Halloween Tour on the Space Coast – BK Adventure in Cocoa Beach, Florida takes you through the “otherworldly” waters of Florida’s bioluminescent river.

Haunted Kayak Tour – Enjoy the Spooky Side of the Charles in Boston, Massachusetts takes you through the dark waters of the Charles River, which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of former residents.

For more on kayaking visit Kayaking Adventures with Sunrises2Sunsets

Safety should always be a priority no matter which activity you choose. Make sure to follow local guidelines and take precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.

With these Halloween activities for adults, you can unleash your spooky side, create lasting memories, and celebrate the scariest night of the year in a thrilling and unforgettable way.

Happy Halloween!

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