Halloween party ideas?

Surfinbride

I posted this on the nest.... then, realized I should get ideas from you for a school-aged kids' Halloween party. I need to get in the habit of checking this board!

We live in the perfect neighborhood for trick-or-treating. The houses are close and most of us know each other. We are going to have a get-together in the neighborhood clubhouse. I'm trying to keep it easy... allow people to drop in for a little fun and do trick-or-treating on their own.

The kids are 8-10 years old.

When you were that age, what were your favorite things to do?

As an adult, what would you want to do while the kids are doing their own thing?

Have you seen anything amazing that I just have to have for the party? Decor? Food? Favors?

It should be dark by 6pm. I'm loosely planning to start the GTG at 5... let everyone visit, have a few activities and food... let them trick-or-treat when it's dark... and keep the clubhouse open for everyone to drop in when they'd like... wrap it up by 8pm.

Right now, I'm just starting to put together a list. I think we'll do a Treasure Haunt. We have a walking trail through the woods that is safe. The kids love Silly Bandz, glow mice, creepy spiders, and other little toys... what else?

I also wonder if getting a movie would be a good idea. I've heard "The Worst Witch" is perfect for that age. It's 70 minutes. Would they settle down for over an hour at the end of the night? Is there a shorter movie that is good for 8-10 year old kids? We've done Charlie Brown's "Great Pumpkin" when they were younger.

All ideas welcome...