How to Scare Kids on Halloween on the Front Lawn
- 1). Look for Halloween decorations and treats that are age-appropriate. For instance, if in years past, the trick-or-treaters were mostly toddlers or younger children, it is best not to have extremely frightening decor that results in tears and a traumatic experience for the children. On the other hand, if the children are preteens or cocky teenagers, you can create an atmosphere that is much more hair-raising.
- 2). Play eerie music in the background by using a portable CD player and Halloween music CDs. This adds to the intimidating setting.
- 3). Suspend a ghost or two from tree limbs near the walkway in your front lawn or next to the door. Throw a white bed sheet or other lightweight, white fabric over a blown up balloon. Form the neck of the ghost by securing the sheet at the base of the balloon with a string. Hang up the ghost with more string. The fabric flaps in the wind at the slightest breeze. Add a creepy face to the ghost with a permanent marker if desired.
- 4). Add green or orange food coloring to water in a pitcher. Fill clean milk jugs with the eerie-colored liquid. Add a scary face on the jug with a permanent marker. Set the milk jugs along the front walkway to add a formidable ambience to the path. Glue yarn hair to the jugs, if you like, to create a funky-looking monster.
- 5). Add subtle lighting to your front lawn. Many children won't venture to a house that is completely dark. The lighting ensures their safety and prevents them from tripping over lawn ornaments or other decor. Fill clean tin cans with water and freeze them. This prevents them from collapsing as you add holes. Punch holes in the sides of the can with a hammer and nail. Allow the ice to melt and pour out the water. Place a tea light in each, set them along your walkway and light them as soon as dusk arrives. This adds a scary touch and builds anticipation.
- 6). Set a chair on your front lawn or porch. Dress up as a witch, zombie, scarecrow or other character. A face mask is quite important so the children will think you are just a stuffed figure and not real. Stay as still as possible while the children are coming to your door and receiving candy from another individual. As they start to leave, growl ferociously or make some other frightening noise and act as if you are going to chase them.