Hallow-teen spirit

Festive activities for teenagers to do around Halloween

Photo+Illustration

Peyton Sims

Photo Illustration

Story by Bailey Hawkins, staff writer

With Halloween right around the corner, you might be wondering how to get into the spooky spirit, especially if you feel too old for trick-or-treating. If you’re a teenager trying to make Halloween plans, here’s a list of activities to get you into the festive mood.

1.Brave a haunted house

Six Flags over Texas hosts an annual Fright Fest. It’s sure to give you all the chills and thrills to get you through the night. Shreveport’s Dixie Corn Maze also provides plenty of corn mazes, haunted hayrides and lurking ghouls and ghosts.  

2. Horror movie marathon

Invite some friends over to binge watch your favorite Halloween movies. From The Nightmare Before Christmas to The Conjuring, there is sure to be a movie or two that you’ll enjoy.

3. Explore a local graveyard

This is a good one for teens who geek out over history. This is actually a tradition for my sister and I. Graveyards provide the erie factor, while also providing beautiful scenery. Just respect cemetery regulations and hours— most don’t appreciate folks trotting around in them after dark.

4. Go to a Halloween escape room

Escape rooms have been popping up everywhere. Some of them have down-right terrifying themes. Many of them require reservations because they are popular, so be sure to call ahead and schedule your time.

5. Take a paranormal tour

Hot Springs Haunted Tours and Jefferson Ghost walk offer both the opportunity to potentially catch a ghost, but also to learn the history of the town’s oldest and most historical buildings. You can even attend ghost tours every Saturday in October in Texarkana. The tour will lead you through downtown and will teach you the frightening history about your hometown. 

6. Volunteer 

If you’re more of an introvert, this might be the activity for you. Rather than going on a  ghost walk or running through a corn maze, try doing a small amount of community service. Try baking Halloween cookies for your local nursing home or make Halloween treats for your local animal shelter.

As Halloween approaches, it can be difficult for teenagers to find something to do together during October considering they’ve outgrown trick-or-treating. As you begin to make plans, don’t forget to check out these activities, you’re insured to have a night full of fright.