As a child, I loved Halloween. Creating the perfect costume, finding the best houses, and counting out every yummy piece of candy was the ultimate event.

As a parent, reliving the rush of Halloween night through their eyes is fun too. Yet I've also felt pressure to make it perfect, whether by making pumpkin muffins every year, joining every possible Fall event, or spending fistfuls of dollars at every pumpkin patch, corn maze, and other event. Then there are the costumes to buy!

And we sometimes fall into the trap of thinking those are the only meaningful ways to experience this holiday. But it's not. There are less stressful, less costly ways to create fun, lasting memories and new traditions, with or without kids.

So, if you have kids, here are 5 easy swaps to make this month. For my child-free readers, or those needing a night away from your children, there are additional swaps below.

1. Swap the costumes with other parents

Have you seen store prices for a kid’s costume? $30 or more is normal! And with kids quickly outgrowing clothes, a new costume every year is possible. Plus, wearing the same Halloween costume every year may be boring to children as they get older. Use this clever idea to have fun with friends and get an exciting new costume while also saving money.

2. Swap the Pumpkin Patch for a grocery store pumpkin

I LOVE visiting the local pumpkin patch and finding the perfect pumpkin. The experience turns into a treasured memory and annual family tradition. But the venues that offer these events and other fun activities charge accordingly.

Many patches charge admission (One near me charges $14.99 before tax and online fees). Pumpkin costs can vary by location – many charge by weight. Other fun activities quickly add up in cost, too. Think apple cider and snacks, corn maze, feeding farm animals, and more. Repeat for many children, and it turns into an expensive 3-hour memory.

Are the experiences and memories valuable?

Absolutely.

Does my wallet always appreciate it?

Not really.

Or…

I can go to my local grocery or retail store and get a pumpkin for less than $6. Then I can do the other swaps below to create fun, inexpensive memories.

3. Swap the store-bought decorations for homemade or dollar store crafts

It is perfectly fine to buy pumpkin lights, window clings, the ceramic candy bowls, or anything else that makes you happy. If you like it, your kids won’t break it, and it fits your budget, I say go for it!

I also think my family would love creating lanterns from paper bags, bats from toilet paper rolls, or tombstones from cardboard boxes.

The more I let kids lead the way, the more ideas they come up with. Besides using their mind (and being off screens), the other bonus is they feel in charge of something. They can be proud of what they created instead of an adult telling them what to do.

4. Swap the Trick-or-Treat for Trunk or Treat

Trick-or-treating as a kid is one of my favorite fall memories. My friends and I would go rain or shine, and always in the evening. One house in the neighborhood would provide hot chocolate every year to keep us kids warm. And once home, I would dump out my pillow sack and take stock of the delicious candy before devouring it.

My, how times have changed! Many cities now mandate that Trick-or-Treating occur in daylight hours for safety. Sometimes it doesn't even occur on Halloween.

One alternative that still allows for the candy rush in a safe, contained space is Trunk or Treat. Businesses, churches, or other associations typically host this event. They then recruit people to decorate their vehicle trunks in a fall or Halloween theme. Then, kids get candy from the vehicle owners. Sometimes, the child has to do something first, such as throw a basketball through a hoop!

Another great reason to attend is if you live near many apartments, streets lack good lighting, or houses are too spread out for easy walking.

If you’re not sold on the idea of a less-traditional candy adventure, here are three more reasons to try it: Registration isn't typically needed, there is no fee to attend, and your children can get a pillow sack full of candy! Safety and fun combined is a win in my house!

5. Swap the Haunted House for scary stories in your house

Personally, I do not enjoy standing in line for 45 minutes only to shuffle hurriedly with strangers through the haunted house. And haunted houses may be a bit too frightening for children, even those above the age of 10, 11, or 12. Swap this cold-weather and expensive event out. Instead, get in your pajamas and pop some popcorn. When ready, throw a blanket over your heads, turn off the room lights, and turn on the flashlights. Then take turns telling your favorite scary story. You could even create one together by taking turns every few sentences. Memorable, decidedly less terrifying, and no waiting in the cold with cranky kids.

For readers with no kids, or who want to spend a night without them, here are four swaps.

1. Swap the costume with friends

My friends and I have done this, and it worked out so well! Remember how much kids’ costumes are? Purchasing an adult costume is even more costly. It is hard for me to justify the purchase of something that I will wear one night in an entire year, for only a few hours. But a costume swap? Count me in. Now I don’t need to spend $60 or more, and I can wear something fun that no one has seen me in before. The following year, swap again!

2. Swap the kid-focused events with public events

Many stores and cities offer free or low-cost Fall Festival events. Got a dog? Our local mall has an event for the pooches – a ‘pup’ crawl for treats, music, and more. Wouldn't it be fun to see all those dogs in their costumes!?

3. Swap the movie theatre for a library movie

Most libraries have many movies that can be borrowed for free and for weeks at a time. Spend an afternoon browsing their selection and pick up some classic horror movies. Invite friends and family. Or if you’re brave, watch on your own for a free evening of fun. Don’t forget the blanket to hide under!

4. Swap the restaurant dinner with a Halloween party, potluck style

Everyone brings a Halloween-themed dish (hello, pumpkin pie!) and dresses up in a costume. You could even pick a potluck theme, such as ‘Boo’s and Brew’s,’ and this could easily be made kid-friendly if preferred. Don’t have a costume? Try Tip #1 to find the perfect look.

Can the Halloween season still be enjoyable with minimal stress and cost? Yes. Try one, two, or all these ideas to make Halloween work for you, on your terms. Which swaps do you plan on trying with your friends or family?

For more holiday ideas, follow Kimmecurates on Pinterest.