Reveling in Magic, Whimsy, and Play: 20+ October and Halloween Ideas

Spending time reveling in magic, whimsy, and play

October and Halloween give us so many reasons to enjoy a little magic, whimsy, and play. Our imaginations come alive as we decorate our homes, plan costumes, and create tricks and treats to delight. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in October or simply want to add a little more play to your everyday life, these 20+ October and Halloween ideas are a wonderful place to begin.

What is not whimsical and magical as an adult donning a Halloween costume to go out and play? 

I’m inviting you to revel in magic, whimsy, and play. Next, take a moment to brainstorm ways to add magic, whimsy, and play into your life. You may need to start thinking about Halloween, but once the thoughts flow, you’ll find ways to add it daily. Our October Reveling in Magic eBook has many journal prompts, lists, and activities if you want to explore this idea. I wish that by enjoying October and Halloween, you start injecting more magic, whimsy and play into your life. Then, you can take those elements and add them to every day of the year. The list below has ideas for this month, but I encourage you to take out the word October or Halloween, so you have ideas for every day. 

October and Halloween ideas to create magic, whimsy, and play

1. Enjoy and record all the whimsical October moments you see throughout the month. 
2. Make a festive witch’s hat 
3. Add dry ice to the beverage table near a pitcher of Halloween tea or fruit punch
4. Find the magic in your life; occasionally, we call these coincidences 
5. Together with play, experiment with the Halloween decorating styles 
6. Explore October through all the senses – see, smell, touch, taste, and hear. 
7. Offer a connection to others by giving out tricks and treats – enjoy a visit from the little & giant monsters in your life.
8. Host a Halloween photo scavenger hunt.
9. Wear orange in any of its beautiful shades – carrot, rust, amber, ginger, fire, clay. Or add one of the colors to your home decor.
10. Plan Halloween Costumes or Halloween day outfits. Visit a thrift or vintage store for inspiration. 
11. Create a Halloween Playlist, Movie Marathon, and/or Menu 
12. Go to a pumpkin patch, then pick your favorite ones for the front porch, tablescape, and desk. 
13. Carve a few pumpkins for Halloween. Afterward, toast the pumpkin seeds 
14. Have a spooky storytelling night – complete with candles, flashlights, and treats 
15. Bake an Autumn treat, eventually one that could be your signature annual. Ideas are an apple donut, maple muffin, or pumpkin spice cake recipe 
16. Go to a local Oktoberfest, enjoy all the festivities and community
17. Visit a local orchard while you’re there; go through an October corn maze 
18. Read a seasonal book – for example, a thriller novel, murder mystery, ghost story, or gothic tragedy
19. Place a pot of simmering water with whole spices on the stove to create October’s seasonal scent, or create one using essential oils and a diffuser 
20. Go on a spooky Halloween cemetery or haunted house tour; with this in mind, be a hometown tourist and search these out in your city. 
21. Take a drive, bike ride, or walk to view the Halloween decorations 
22. Treat yourself to a caramel apple or make one yourself 

Go out and enjoy October and Halloween ideas for magic, whimsy, and play

October and Halloween are great times to dive in and enjoy a little magic and whimsy. Be playful this month, then look for ways to bring that same spirit into your everyday life. If you’re looking for more ideas, visit my 31 Ways of Loving the Ordinary in October.

And if you’d like to explore more ways to bring magic, whimsy, and play into your October, my Reveling in Magic eBook includes journal prompts, seasonal lists, and activities to help you enjoy the month in your own way.

Now, it’s time to revel in magic, whimsy, and play — have fun! Enjoy these October and Halloween ideas.

Revel in the Magic, see it around You, Scatter whimsy throughout your life, Enjoy Loving the Ordinary, Each and every extra-ordinary day