Next Friday (Aug. 13) just so happens to fall on the 13th, so we’re already feeling the creepy vibes. Friday the 13th is traditionally associated with bad fortune, but these fun ideas will help make it a lucky day.
Host a campfire party
The forecast for Friday is looking warm. Get outside and finally put that fire pit to good use by roasting marshmallows and telling spooky stories around the “campfire.” If it ends up raining, take the party inside. Dim the lights and have each member of your family share their most horrifying tale.
Create a good luck charm
Counteract this so-called bad luck day by creating a little positivity of your own. Have your kids paint and decorate rocks or beach stones and turn them into good luck charms. This blog has a great tutorial, and the site also shares how the stones can be used to calm anxious children, making the charms useful year round.
Read a scary book together
Have older kids practice their reading skills with this spooky stories box set or keep the subject matter light for little ones with this spooky jokes book. My daughter is in a stage where she loves creating her own books out of construction paper, so we plan on crafting our own creepy short story this Friday.
Watch a kid-friendly spooky show or movie
I would never recommend letting your kids watch a horror movie marathon, but there is plenty of family-oriented spooky entertainment out there. The PBS cartoon Peg Plus Cat has a cute Friday the 13th episode that’s also educational. The Casper movie is a favorite in our family and we’re also big fans of Hocus Pocus and Monster House.
Learn about superstitions
The origins of Friday the 13th and the superstitions behind it might be a little tough for kids to understand, so it helps to have a conversation about why some people believe in bad luck. Research the background behind well known superstitions, like throwing salt over your shoulder, knocking on wood and not walking underneath a ladder.
Make a black cat craft
Black cats are supposed to be omens of bad luck, but they also happen to be family pets in our home. Even if you’re not a black cat lover, your kids will enjoy this fun paper craft. This paper plate cat is also super easy and uses art supplies you probably already have around the house.
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This story was originally published on April 10, 2018. It has been updated with the most recent information.
