Grandparents fill a unique role in a family. They are cheerleaders, historians, and the keepers of secrets. Grandkids often count on them for everything from afterschool transportation to trips to the local zoo. It’s a relationship like none other.
The benefits of these intergenerational relationships are numerous. For the younger generation, having a senior actively involved in their life helps them forge healthy ideas about aging early on. And seniors who routinely spend time around children and teens, are often more physically active and mentally sharp.
As we move closer to one of children’s favorite holidays of the year, Halloween, one idea to consider is intergenerational costumes. Pairing the outfits of the kids and grandparents might make for a fun night of trick-or-treating this year.
What to Wear for Halloween Night with the Grandkids:
- 101 Dalmatians: Grandparents could be Cruella De Vil and Jasper and the younger members of the family can be the pups. No matter how many kids there are or their ages, this theme can accommodate them.
- Little Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf: A children’s classic, grandparents and their grandchildren might have fun with this one.
- Zombies, Vampires, and More: When you have multiple people in the family that would like to get dressed up together, zombie, vampire or another mythological creature costumes can be a great solution.
- Elsa and Olaf: Since kids never seem to tire of Frozen, this one stands the test of time. Depending on the age and gender of the pair, a grandparent could be Olaf or Elsa.
- Star Wars: This is another theme for Halloween night that can accommodate a number of family members. Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Chewbacca, Luke or Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are a few costumes that are readily available.
- The Hive: A unique idea if there are several younger members of the family. Grandparents can be the beekeeper and/or the hive, caring for the little bees. They’ll all have fun buzzing around on Halloween.
- Harry Potter’s crew: Another suggestion to explore when you want to coordinate costumes across the generations is the popular Harry Potter series. From Harry and Albus Dumbledore to Lord Voldemort and Hedwig, there are dozens of characters.
- Minecraft Miner and Creeper: This one might need to come with a hands-on Minecraft demonstration for seniors in the family. But these costumes are easy and inexpensive to make.
- Pest Control and a Skunk: If you have just one grandparent and child who will be trick or treating together, this is another fun idea to consider.
- Snow White and the Dwarfs: Let grandma be Snow White and have each of the grandkids decide which dwarf they’d like to be. These costumes are widely available online or at a local party store.
- Wizard of Oz: Another oldie that might work for the entire family is the Wizard of Oz. From the witches to the Cowardly Lion and Dorothy, there are many options from which to choose.
Costumes are just one part of the fun on Halloween. You’ll find a few more ways to make the celebration even spookier in this article, How to Include a Grandparent in Your Halloween Plans. The team at Sunrise Senior Living hopes you all enjoy the night!