Yesterday I kept a room of 22 costumed 2nd graders in my daughter’s class transfixed for a whole ten minutes.

And this was after their school Halloween parade and after they’d exhausted all the games we’d planned for the in-room party and while they were eating cupcakes, grapes, and caramel-dipped apple slices. (Well, I guess the cupcakes helped keep their mouths a little occupied.)

Our house was full of princesses, fairies, and a vampire this weekend. My youngest planned out her own Halloween party, from sending out the invitations to planning games and setting up a spook alley. My assignment was to take care of food (yes!). I had planned a dramatic spread of various creepy crawies. But after failing in my original cupcake idea I took my daughter’s lead and kept things simple.

Spider Cupcakes and more Halloween Goodies

Scary! Best Halloween Travel, Recipes, Books, and More

Can't get enough Halloween goodness? I can't, either (or of those giant bags of candy we're supposed to hand out to trick or treaters...). I've gathered some great articles from our site and the sites of several of our editors - all great writers with spooky things to share.

When in Stratford, Ontario, be sure to go on the Ghosts of Stratford Theatrical Walking Tours' summer tours and haunted pub tours, which meander through Stratford's streets and parks by one or two spirits in full costume and makeup...but for Halloween, they go all out!

Ghosts of Stratford Theatrical Walking Tours: Halloween Edition

Photo: Nicholas Russon

Snowflakes and jack-o’-lanterns. Growing up in Colorado, the two went hand in hand. The first snowfall of the season usually rolled over the mountains to coat my neighborhood just in time for October 31st. Deciding on a costume was a matter of what looked good over a poofy jacket and paired with my purple and white striped moon boots.