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Daring Disguises
Primary Times shares some wicked and wonderful Halloween costume ideas for families this 'spooky season'
Autumn has arrived! It's time to enjoy nature walks and trails in the fresh air, pumpkin picking, cosy evenings and all the fun and frights of Halloween and trick-or-treating! Whether you spend weeks planning in advance or throw together a spectacularly spooky outfit last minute, it's worth making some effort with your fancy dress costumes as various family venues now host autumn and Halloween-themed events. Keep an eye out for any offers or discounts available for children that are dressed up for the occasion, or possibly any prizes for their favourite Halloween costumes on the day of your visit!
Some spectacularly spooky costume ideas:
Witch or wizard Perfect for children who love all things magical! Your child might want to be a playful witch or wizard, with some quirky glasses and a patterned or starry cape. To embody a scary sorcerer/sorceress instead, experiment with a spiky hat, a sweeping black cloak and a spooky mask or green face paint galore!
Fairy Costumes for a fairy king or queen could include lots of bright colours, sequins, sparkle and a glittering tiara or crown! A whimsical woodland fairy might dress in more natural colours like the greens and beiges of the forest. Don't forget your fairy wings and a wand!
Pirate For the brave adventurers of the family – will you be dressing up as a shipmate or the captain? Perfect for children of all ages, be as fearsome (or not!) as you like. A bandana and an eye patch are musts. Look into buying an inflatable sword or a toy parrot teddy to complete the outfit!
Unicorn Dress up and bring your children's fantastical daydreams to life – Halloween costumes don't always have to be scary! Find a shimmering white, pearlescent, pastel or rainbow-coloured outfit and curl or plait your child's hair so it flows down their back like a majestic mane! Buy a unicorn horn headband or you could try to make your own together.
Alien An excellent costume choice for children with an interest in space and all things extraterrestrial! You could get creative, or choose to invest in something special to hopefully use and wear again. Go for futuristic-looking, shimmery clothing and make up or face paint. Don't forget a tail, some extra eyes and alien antennae!
Vampire A vampire is always a popular choice! To look scarily spooky, you'll need some black clothing, a dramatic cape, some face paint or fake blood, and of course, what vampire costume would be complete without pointy white fangs?
Ghost You can't go wrong with the classic ghost costume, and it's the perfect solution if you're struggling to decide on an outfit for any spontaneous Halloween parties that crop up last minute. Throw an old white sheet on and cut out mouth and eye holes. Paint a ghostly, ghoulish face onto the front of the sheet as well for an extra spooky touch!
Halloween doesn't have to cost a fortune and it's always fun to try to DIY where you can and create fun costumes as a family. You can also find lots of great items, Halloween décor and costume pieces in local supermarkets, craft stores, charity shops or local independent shops too.
If you're not keen on Halloween or trick-or-treating, you could always make the most of the season and create a decorative, colourful flower crown or autumnal wreath instead. Celebrate and enjoy in your own way together!