Napa Valley Blog

Fun Halloween Activities for Seniors and Grandkids in Napa Valley

Written by Napa Valley | Oct 24, 2025 4:00:14 AM

Halloween is one of the most family-friendly holidays around, and Napa Valley, CA, has a wide variety of fun Halloween activities for all generations. From local events like the Napa Halloween Carnival to at-home activities like pumpkin carving and crafts, you and your grandkids can celebrate safely while making new memories.

According to Statista, Americans spend over $10 billion every year on Halloween. Considering that the holiday is celebrated on one day or a weekend at most, it goes to show how crazy we are about Halloween.

You may love donning a costume, handing out candy, and experiencing all the spooky decor, and you want to share this love with your grandkids. So what is there to do in Napa Valley, CA, this Halloween? Read on to find out.

 

Local Halloween and Fall Events in Napa Valley

 

There may be independent living events if you're in a senior community, but look beyond that for intergenerational Halloween fun. Here are the main Halloween events in Napa Valley.

Napa Halloween Carnival

 

The Napa Haloween Carnival is a free, family-friendly carnival put on by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Napa Valley. On October 31st, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, you and the grandkids can drop by for safe:

  • Trick-or-treating
  • Games
  • Costume contests

If you want to help out, then bring candy as donations for the thousands of trick-or-treaters who will visit.

 

Hometown Halloween in Downtown Napa

 

Hometown Halloween is trick-or-treating in downtown Napa. Do note that this event won't happen on Halloween itself; instead, it's during the day from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 25th, so your family can schedule other activities for the big day itself.

 

It'll be easy to tell which businesses are participating since they'll display black and orange balloons at their doors. This event will be throughout all of Downtown, on Main St., 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. St.

 

What Are the Most Popular Halloween Activities?

 

Of course, the most popular Halloween activities are trick-or-treating and pumpkin carving/decorating. But what else can multiple generations do together?

For assisted living celebrations, there are memory care crafts you can do with the little ones. Ideas include:

  • Pumpkin painting
  • Mask making
  • Spooky lantern
  • Ghost garlands
  • Paper bats
  • Halloween cards

You can also cook or bake:

  • Halloween cookies or cupcakes
  • "Witch's brew" punch
  • Caramel apples
  • Hot cider

In addition, you can decorate your house to make a yard haunt or scavenger hunt for the kids. If you don't want to make such a big effort, then take them out to a haunted house or ghost tour instead.

 

What Are Some Fun Halloween Games?

 

Do you need interactive and inclusive game ideas to keep both seniors and children engaged? Then here are our amazing suggestions:

  • Pumpkin tic-tac-toe
  • Mummy wrap relay
  • Candy corn toss
  • Bobbing for apples
  • Pin the hat on the witch
  • Halloween bingo
  • Monster freeze dance
  • Ghost bowling
  • Skeleton puzzle race
  • Spooky trivia

How to Make a Halloween Party Not Boring?

 

It can be tricky to keep everyone happy at a party, especially when the attendees are of all ages. But it's not an impossible task!

Our tips are:

  • Mix high and low-energy activities
  • Use themes or mini-themes
  • Rotate stations
  • Incorporate surprises
  • Encourage participation, not competition
  • Use props and ambiance
  • Offer snacks and treat breaks
  • Use storytelling and mini-performances
  • Plan for transitions
  • Invite guests to help lead

Tips and Logistics for Seniors and Grandkids

 

You don't want people to get all tuckered out and cranky before the day's over. So here are our expert tips to keep everyone happy:

  • Plan for mobility and comfort
  • Coordinate timing
  • Ensure costumes are comfortable
  • Offer flexible participation
  • Bring layers
  • Carpool or arrange safe transport
  • Consider sensory sensitivities
  • Capture memories

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

What's the Best Halloween Night Activity?

 

The "best" Halloween night activity will depend on your group's interests and energy. However, a classic favorite is an evening costume walk and trick-or-treating in a safe and festive setting, and you'll have great outdoor fun. You can always pair these activities with a follow-up dessert and or a storytelling night.

 

How Far in Advance Should I Book Halloween Events or Venues?

 

Many local Halloween events, dinner theaters, and specialty parties sell out early, especially if they're popular ones. Booking at least 4-8 weeks ahead is wise; it's better to be safe than to be sorry. The earlier you secure tickets, the earlier you can have peace of mind knowing that you won't be disappointed on the big day.

 

What if My Grandchildren Are Very Different in Age?

 

If your grandchildren are very different in age, then plan a mixed itinerary. For example, you can have mellow crafts or pumpkin decorating for the little ones and more exciting games or mystery elements for older kids.

For an easier time, pair up the children so that older siblings help the younger ones.

 

How Do I Keep the Cost Manageable?

 

Use community events that are free or low-cost, like carnivals or downtown trick-or-treat. You can also:

  • Make your own decorations, crafts, and snacks
  • Share costs with other families
  • Use thrifted costumes or reuse elements

The key is to have fun, not to display extravagance.

 

How Can Seniors With Limited Mobility Participate Fully?

 

There are several ways they can participate. Ideas include:

  • Selecting seated or low-movement games
  • Providing comfortable chairs and good lighting
  • Letting them actively participate by leading and judging costume contests or handing out prizes
  • Keeping activity stations close together
  • Using large, easy-grip game pieces or tools
  • Offering rest breaks and pacing

Participate in These Fun Halloween Activities

 

If you were looking for fun Halloween activities to do in Napa Valley, then this article is a great start. We've given you both indoor and outdoor activities, so you can choose a good mix to explore with your grandkids.

The important thing is to take things slowly and treasure every moment with the little ones. So take lots of pictures!

If you'd like to learn more about senior living in Napa Valley, CA, then get in touch with us now. Calligraphy Napa Valley has signature services that give our residents enriching experiences, such as bespoke personalized activities with art, learning, and more.