When the nights grow longer, the leaves turn crisp, and pumpkins begin to appear on doorsteps, it can mean only one thing — Halloween is almost here! 🎃

But while it’s one of the most exciting times of the year, it can also become surprisingly expensive. Between costumes, decorations, parties, and days out, costs quickly add up — especially for families. The good news? You don’t need to splash the cash to have a wickedly wonderful Halloween.

With a little creativity, planning, and imagination, you can enjoy spooky, memorable activities without blowing your budget. Whether you’re planning a family day, a kids’ party, or a low-cost night in with friends, this guide is packed with affordable Halloween ideas for everyone.

1. DIY Halloween Decorations 🕯️

You don’t need expensive shop-bought décor to create a haunted house vibe. With a little creativity (and things you probably already have at home), you can transform your space for pennies.

✂️ Easy Ideas:

• Spooky jar lanterns: Clean out jam jars, add tea lights, and paint faces on the glass with black marker.

• Paper bats & ghosts: Cut shapes from black or white paper and tape them to walls or windows.

• Pumpkin alternatives: Can’t afford a pumpkin? Use oranges, paint tin cans, or carve swedes for a classic old-school lantern.

• Creepy cobwebs: Stretch out cotton wool and drape it over furniture for an eerie effect.

💡 Top Tip: Upcycle old Halloween decorations from previous years — you’ll save money and reduce waste.

2. Host a DIY Halloween Party 🎉

Throwing a Halloween party doesn’t have to mean hiring a venue or spending hundreds. A homemade party at home can be just as spooky — and a lot more affordable.

🎃 Budget-Friendly Party Tips:

• DIY invites: Send free digital invitations instead of printed ones.

• Potluck snacks: Ask guests to bring a spooky treat — from “witch’s fingers” biscuits to Halloween cupcakes.

• Free playlist: Create a themed playlist on Spotify instead of hiring a DJ.

• Costume swap: Encourage guests to swap or make costumes rather than buying new ones.

💡 Pro Tip: Use candles and dim lighting to create atmosphere — no need for expensive props.

3. Budget Costume Ideas 👻

Halloween costumes can be pricey, especially for kids. But with a bit of imagination, you can put together a fantastic outfit for next to nothing.

🧵 DIY Costume Inspiration:

• Zombie: Rip old clothes, add fake blood (made from red food colouring and syrup), and messy hair.

• Ghost: Classic but effective — an old white sheet with cut-out eyes.

• Witch or wizard: Black clothes, a DIY paper hat, and a stick broom.

• Mummy: Wrap yourself in bandages made from torn old bedsheets.

• Skeleton: Black clothes with white bone shapes cut from paper or felt.

💡 Bonus Tip: Host a costume swap party with friends or school parents — it’s free and fun!

4. Pumpkin Carving on a Budget 🎃

Carving pumpkins is a Halloween activities must — but you don’t need expensive tools or fancy kits. A kitchen knife, spoon, and imagination are enough.

• Buy pumpkins from local markets or discount supermarkets (often cheaper than garden centres).

• Save and roast the pumpkin seeds for a free, healthy snack.

• Use the pumpkin flesh in soups, pies, or curries to reduce waste.

• If pumpkins are pricey, carve a swede or turnip — a nostalgic, budget-friendly British tradition.

💡 Top Tip: Host a pumpkin-carving competition with friends or neighbours for free entertainment.

5. Spooky Movie Marathon Night 🍿

A Halloween movie night is one of the cheapest and most enjoyable ways to celebrate — perfect for families, friends, or a cosy night in.

• Stream free Halloween classics on services you already pay for (like Netflix or BBC iPlayer).

• Make homemade popcorn and spooky snacks instead of buying cinema treats.

• Decorate your living room with DIY cobwebs and fairy lights.

• Choose age-appropriate films — from family favourites like Hocus Pocus to horror classics like Halloween.

💡 Bonus: Turn it into a “pyjama party” with blankets, hot chocolate, and candlelight.

6. Spooky Storytelling Night 📖

Gather around with candles or a torch and take turns telling spooky stories. This traditional Halloween activities is completely free and loads of fun.

• Use classic ghost stories or make up your own.

• Add sound effects (like creaking doors or howling winds) for extra atmosphere.

• Encourage children to write and perform their own mini horror stories.

💡 Pro Tip: Turn it into a competition with a small prize for the scariest tale.

7. Halloween Treasure Hunt 🪙

A Halloween-themed scavenger hunt is perfect for kids — and it’s cheap to set up.

• Hide sweets, small toys, or clues around your home or garden.

• Use rhyming riddles or spooky messages to lead them to each location.

• Add a final “treasure chest” (an old shoebox decorated like a coffin) for the grand prize.

💡 Tip: Use items you already have — even homemade vouchers for treats or screen time can be fun rewards.

8. DIY Haunted House 🏚️

You don’t need a big budget to create a haunted house experience. Use your home’s existing spaces and a few creative touches to make a mini scare Halloween activities.

• Use bin bags and cardboard to build spooky tunnels or walls.

• Play eerie music or sound effects from your phone or speaker.

• Have family members hide and jump out in costume.

• Turn off the lights and guide guests with a torch for added suspense.

💡 Tip: If space is limited, decorate just one room as the “haunted chamber.”

9. Trick-or-Treat Alternatives 🍬

Traditional trick-or-treating is free, but if you’d rather stay home (or the weather’s awful!), try these budget-friendly alternatives:

• Trick-or-treat indoors: Hide sweets around the house for children to find.

• Sweet swap: Trade homemade treats with neighbours or friends.

• Reverse trick-or-treat: Drop surprise sweet bags on friends’ doorsteps.

💡 Pro Tip: Look for discounted multipacks of sweets at pound shops or supermarkets.

10. Free or Low-Cost Halloween Activities and Events 🎡

Many UK towns and cities host free or low-cost Halloween events — from parades and light trails to pumpkin patches and spooky workshops.

• Check your local council or library’s website for free events.

• Visit local museums — many offer Halloween-themed activities during half term.

• Explore nature trails and parks hosting Halloween hunts.

• Look out for supermarket-sponsored pumpkin carving stations or “spooky story time” sessions.

💡 Budget Tip: Most events offer free entry if you pre-book, so plan ahead.

11. Halloween Baking & Cooking 🧁

Get into the spirit of the season by cooking up some spooky treats — it’s fun, tasty, and cheaper than shop-bought snacks.

• Mummy pizzas: Use wraps, tomato sauce, and stringy cheese.

• Witch’s brew: Make a green smoothie with spinach and banana.

• Pumpkin soup: Use leftovers from carving.

• Spider biscuits: Top chocolate cookies with liquorice legs and candy eyes.

💡 Tip: Turn it into a competition — “best creepy cupcake” wins a prize.

12. Halloween Crafts for Kids ✂️

Craft activities are a brilliant, low-cost way to entertain children over half term.

• Paper plate masks – paint and cut into ghoulish designs.

• Toilet roll monsters – decorate old tubes with paint and googly eyes.

• Pumpkin painting – a mess-free alternative to carving.

• Halloween cards – perfect for grandparents or friends.

💡 Bonus: Most materials are already in your recycling bin or craft box.

13. Outdoor Halloween Adventures 🌙

Halloween doesn’t have to be an indoor celebration. Embrace the autumn weather with outdoor activities that cost nothing at all.

• Go on a twilight nature walk with torches.

• Visit a local graveyard (respectfully!) and learn about local history.

• Build a bonfire in the garden (if safe and legal) and roast marshmallows.

• Collect autumn leaves and make spooky leaf collages at home.

💡 Tip: Dress warmly and bring hot drinks for added cosiness.

Halloween Magic Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

Halloween is about creativity, imagination, and fun — not how much money you spend. Whether you’re hosting a DIY party, carving pumpkins, telling ghost stories, or exploring free local events, there are plenty of ways to make it magical without emptying your wallet.

So this October, skip the expensive costumes and pricey outings. Instead, embrace the thrill of making, baking, creating, and playing — and enjoy Halloween activities that are every bit as spooky, memorable, and exciting… on a budget. 🎃👻