Did you know that the beginnings of Halloween date back two thousand years ago to the Celtic festival of the dead. The Celts believed that the souls of the dead came back to earth on the night before November 1. The tradition of celebrating of Halloween spread across Europe in the seventh century. It began with “All Hallows Eve”, also known as the “Night of the Dead”. Halloween is immediately followed by “All Souls Day”, a Christian holy day.

The first illuminated fruits were carved out of gourds and turnips. Frightening features were carved into the gourds and glowing coals or embers were placed into the interiors to light them so they would glow eerily. It was believed this would ward off evil spirits, especially those spirits who haunted the lanes and fields during All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

Nowadays we celebrate Halloween on 31 October. Traditional customs include trick-or-treating, Halloween costume parties and pumpkin carving. However, traditional pumpkin carving is messy and dangerous, involving as it does, sharp knives, tough gourds and slippery pumpkin seeds. Over the years teachers, scout troop leaders and parents alike have often wondered how to make the most of the prize pumpkin that was chosen by a child.

Pumpkin Painting is the perfect solution to this creative problem! Painting funny or scary faces or other designs is a fun, yet comparatively easy activity for all family members to enjoy. Preschool age children can even join in developing their own designs for their pumpkins. There’s no way you can say that about carving pumpkins!

Painting your Halloween Pumpkin is a very economical idea as most supplies are readily available (you probably already have some of these in your home)They include Washable markers, acrylic craft paints, newspaper,spray sealer and other items such as raffia, jewelry, hats, etc.

Once you or your children have decorated their first pumpkin, you’ll probably want to paint an entire row of pumpkins to show off at your home, and a new family tradition will have begun.

It seems like only 5 minutes ago that they were back at school but October is half term where parents have yet again got to find a week worth of things to do. One great idea is to take the family away for a few days to visit on the UK’s great sights. The UK has got a lot to offer all families looking for a break with some elegant cottages available for rent.

Devon, Loch Lomond and Anglesey all have an array of cottages and various types of accommodation for families to stay at where they can enjoy the sights and fresh air. Anglesey has long been a favourite of many people staying in the UK for a break as it has an eclectic of great scenery, elegant gardens and a beach. Family holidays can quickly turn into a nightmare if there are not enough activities for the young ones.

Halloween is just around the corner and you can incorporate a trip to a UK destination with some trick or treating for the kids (and big kids!). If you want to get away and relax many hotels and hostels will put on some festivities for the kids, these include holiday parks that are scattered around the UK.

Holiday parks always tend to put on an amazing show for everyone that includes parties and games for the whole family to enjoy. Haunted houses, wicked witches and ghastly ghouls can all be found so if you are one of those families that really embrace Halloween (whether by choice or necessity) then you will really enjoy your time here.

Some holidays parks may even have such events as a Halloween ball where everyone can dress up in their favourite Halloween outfits where prizes are handed out to the best costumes. A firework display usually accompanies these celebrations and is quite impressive so if you choose to go to one of the holiday parks this Halloween ensure you make the most of it and try and experience all there is to see.

Even if you are not into Halloween or want to let the kids enjoy it and you want to do something else then you can as the usual services will carry on so you can still enjoy yourself in the many restaurants and bars available. There is plenty to do for all the family and a holiday park is a great way to spend the October half term.

The Fall season brings cooler temperatures and crisp clean air. It also brings about many outdoor fall and Halloween activities. The fall season is a great time to plan some fun activities that your entire family can enjoy.

Here are a few indoor and outdoor things that you can enjoy doing this fall.

1. Family Pumpkin Carving Contest – Purchase a few pumpkins and hold a family pumpkin carving contest. You can have prizes for the ugliest, scariest and prettiest pumpkins.

2. Family Hay Ride – Find a local farm or park that offers fall hay rides. If this is during the afternoon hours, consider having a family picnic afterwards.

3. Candy and Carmel Apples – Most children love to cook and be in the kitchen, plan an afternoon together and make some candy coated or caramel apples.

4. Yard Decorating – Allow the children to help you decorate your back and front yards for the fall season.

5. Haunted House – Look for a haunted house to visit in your local area if you have older aged children.

6. Make A Scarecrow – You can find a lot of free ideas and patterns online to create your own scarecrow. We like to make ours pint-sized so we have our children donate old pieces of clothing.

7. A Costume Party – If you don’t know anyone who is hosting a Halloween costume party, consider planning and hosting one yourself. Children love to get dressed up in their costumes!

8. Nature Walk – Take a family walk to collect nature items to decorate your home and yard with. We like to take walks through local state parks as it’s a great time of the year to get outdoors and view the fall foliage.

The most important thing to remember is to plan out your activities and enjoy some quality time with your family this fall season.