Let's Halloween

TRICK OR TREAT!

It's "peek-a-boo" time again! Although most of us are in the "trick or treat" state of mind about how to make yet another Halloween much fun amongst the restrictions. There are a few options that we can all enjoy with our family and friends.

OUTDOOR FUN:

Universal Studios

For those of us with older children, you can head to Universal Studios Singapore for a Halloween-themed day or night out. This year, the attraction hosts Minion Monsters tricky treats and a trick-or-treat trail around the park. Enjoy the amazing rides, trick-or-treating, and meeting your favourite stars from Illumination’s Despicable Me, Sesame Workshop’s Sesame Street, and DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls. As the sky gets darker things get creepier! Stay late as the streets take on a ghostly hue and the Universal Monsters come out to play – and take selfies – with innocent souls! If you’re feeling brave, there is first-ever Halloween Horror Nights Exhibition and discover what goes into the making of the biggest Halloween event in Southeast Asia.

Fun in the neighbourhood

Here are some more creative ideas to mark the festivities for those of us with younger children or those on a budget. These days the tradition of trick or treating is simply a no-go, but as an alternative, you could set up a spooky treasure hunt around your condo. For example, you might be able to cut out felt shapes such as a bat, a pumpkin, a witch's hat and hide them around your home. Then once you've completed the treasure hunt, candy or a healthy snack could be used as "the treat."

FUN AT HOME:

Zoom it

Feel like you're missing out on enjoying seeing all the creative costumes? Why don't you arrange a Zoom party for yourself and your kids so you can admire the handiwork of others and let them enjoy your efforts too? What will you dress as... a black cat? A witch? A bat? or the gory, spooky make-up? Let your imagination run wild!

Water Play

Do you have a child who loves water play but is getting frustrated with the splash park closures? What about giving "bobbing for apples" a go? This activity dates back to Roman times but is especially popular in America during Halloween. All you have to do is fill a bucket with water and put the apples in the water. Apples are less dense than water, so they float to the surface. Children then try to catch one with their teeth - no arms allowed, and hands are often tied behind the back to prevent cheating. Easy to do in your condo with some towels on the floor to manage spillages. In case you are worried about the hygiene factor, alternately you can tie strings to the stems. Then hang each individual apple to a clothesline. Without using their hands, the fastest participant who eats the the majority of the apple wins. Or you can also scoop apples out with a tiny baby spoon or two chopsticks. Get creative while keeping hygiene in mind. Credits to the news review.

HALLOWEEN TREATS:

Candy Apples

Perhaps you're craving the tastes of Halloween? You will only need a few ingredients and about 30 minutes to prep and cook in total.

Ingredients:

2 c. granulated sugar

3/4 c. water

1/2 c. light corn syrup

16 drops red food colouring

6 medium Granny Smith apples

Grease a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Line with parchment and grease it. Put a wooden stick on top of each apple - pushing it halfway through. In a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and food colouring and bring to a boil. Insert candy thermometer and continue to boil at 300°for about 15 to 20 minutes. Immediately remove from heat. Working quickly and carefully—coating will be extremely hot—coat apples in candy mixture and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Cool before you serve. Recipe from Delish.com .

Please don't forget to share your photos with us - @NMSG #nmsgadventures. Have a fang-tastic Halloween!

Contributed by NMSG committee member, Kate Czarnecki