Halloween is a day filled with mysterious fun, tasty treats, and warm memories. Whether trick-or-treating is your thing or not, you can still delight your child with a holiday packed full of whimsy—and yes—lots of candy. Here’s how to make it happen.

1. Deck Out Your House

There’s no better way to get into the seasonal spirit than by going all out on eerie decor. Making and hanging decorations is a great way to keep kids occupied. Even with limited time and few supplies, you can transform your space into a haunted wonderland; these DIY ghost balloons are proof. Find more inspiration here.

2. Read Your Way to the Holiday 

Make a quick trip to your favorite bookstore or order some Halloween reads online. Once you’ve picked them out, wrap them up as gifts to give to your kids. Go the extra mile by sprucing up your child’s space with spooky decorations, which will add a sense of magic while you’re reading.

3. Spend Time in the Kitchen

Bake your way to the big day by whipping up some cheerful desserts. Try making vanilla bean ghost milkshakes, candy corn bark, or spider cupcakes. If you’re really feeling uninspired, consider ordering a Halloween Cookie Kit from Baketivity. The kit is delivered with all the supplies needed to make a dozen dazzling cookies, except for the egg and the oil. It also comes with educational games, activities, and an apron for your little sous chef.

4. Create a “Boo Basket” 

Surprise your kids with a last-minute basket filled with festive goodies. Amanda Johnston, blogger behind Project Whim and a mom of three, created this adorable “Boo Basket” for one of her kids. She stuffed the basket with Halloween pajamas, a haunted house paint set, light up rings, candy, and more. You can find inexpensive yet exciting knick-knacks like these in the dollar section at Target.

5. Pull Out Some Art Supplies

Color, paint, and create ghoulish projects with your favorite sidekick. These adorably wicked crafts help keep little hands busy and will fill your house with on-theme decor. Drop your child’s creations off on your friend’s and family’s front porches to spread the monstrous mood!

6. Visit a Local Candy Store 

We can’t think of a better way to spend Halloween than at a local candy shop. Head to Hammond’s Candies, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, or Deiter’s Chocolates and bring home all your child’s favorite sugary sweets.

7. Hit Up Some Spooky Events 

This year, there are a ton of family-friendly events that are taking place around the state. Watch Hocus Pocus at the Marjorie Park screening in Greenwood Village, head to Chatfield Farms and get lost in the corn maze, or attend the BOOnion Station Trick-or-Treat Parade.

8. Find New Ways to Make it Special 

Trick-or-treating is just part of the fun. Take your Halloween traditions to the next level by rallying your neighbors for a costume bike parade. Each kid can bring goodie bags filled with candies or favors to hand out to the group. You can even end the night with a costume contest or a DIY haunted house.

No matter how you celebrate, top off the evening with a favorite Halloween movie or story and your kids are sure to have fun. After all, they typically just want to munch on candy!