Scary Games

• Scary stories can be a spooky way to pass the time. Pick a story ahead of time, preferably a local legend, or one that can be adapted to the area. To set the mood, have kids sit in a circle on the floor. Turn out the lights and join them in the circle. Hold a small flashlight so that it illuminates your face. Tell the story in a slow, dramatic manner, emphasizing appropriate words for effect. If you have an accomplice, have them jump into the room, or make spooky noises while you recite. Pass the torch to any other party-goer that has a scary tale to tell.
  
  Once the guests have been suitably spooked, lighten the room a little. If you don't have a dimmer switch, consider using battery operated lanterns. Candles should only be used with older children, or placed so they can't accidentally get knocked over. Now is the time for games like light as a feather, stiff as a board, bloody Mary and fortune telling, if none of the guests or their parents object. You can make a Ouija board on a large sheet of thin cardboard. Write out the letters of the alphabet across the cardboard in two rows. Then write the numbers 0 to 9 in a row underneath. Write the word YES in the top left corner and the word NO in the top right corner. Finally, write the word GOOD BYE in the middle, underneath the numbers. Use a penny or small lid as the indicator that players place their fingertips on while asking "the spirit" a question.
  
  

Not-So-Scary Games

• Pumpkin decorating may be offered to those guests who are a bit more timid. Buy several small pumpkins and permanent markers in various colors. Other craft materials such as feathers, beads and construction paper may also be used. To make it a game, set a timer, and when the time is up, the best pumpkin wins. Pumpkins may be scary, funny or cute.
  
  Bobbing for ghouls is similar to bobbing for apples. Purchase several kiwis as large and firm as you can find. Peel the skin off the fruit. If you are feeling creative, carve faces into the green flesh. Place the kiwis into a large plastic container of water and let kids "bob" for the ghouls. A few drops of red food coloring added to the water will make it even creepier.
  
  Pumpkin bowling is also a fun way for Halloween party guests to expend a bit of the sugar rush energy they are sure to have. Collect several 2-liter plastic soda bottles before the party. Paint them to look like ghosts, vampires, monsters, mummies, tombstones and witches. Pour about one cup of sand or gravel into each bottle so they are harder to knock over, and replace the cap. Also gather several small pumpkins and remove the stems. Divide into teams. The pumpkins should be rolled like a bowling bowl in an attempt to knock over the decorated bottles. When players get a strike, they get another turn. If they get a second strike, they get a special prize.