• Halloween is the second most popular holiday in the United States and is celebrated enthusiastically by teenagers. While the stereotype is of teens roaming the streets throwing eggs and draping toilet paper over trees, the majority of teens actually participate in legal and fun activities, like parties and haunted houses.
  
  

Costume Parties

• Costume parties are popular among teenagers. They can be an informal gathering of a few friends at home or a big family party. Some are organized and big enough to include costume contests, games, prizes and DJ's for the music. Community centers and youth organizations often hold costume parties for teens on or near Halloween as an alternative to trick-or-treating or boredom.
  
  

Haunted Houses

• Many communities have haunted houses during the month of October and they are popular destinations for teenagers on Halloween. Types of haunted houses run the gamut from small affairs run by non-profit groups or community organizations to large, elaborate set-ups sponsored by radio stations, malls or local businesses. Most haunted houses consist of scary tableaus, spooky sounds and music and people dressed in frightening costumes who try to terrify patrons. Many teens also volunteer to work for small, local haunted houses and spend Halloween night providing a fun and scary experience for others. Some are even hired to work for pay for the larger haunted houses.
  
  

Movies

• Teens often flock to movie theaters on Halloween, as many theaters run scary movies that night or on a weekend near Halloween. In some cities, midnight showings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show are popular, and Hollywood often releases new horror movies around Halloween. Some teens and families have movie nights at home rather than going out to a theater. A Halloween themed movie night can include anything from family friendly movies to intense horror flicks, depending on the age of the teens and family values.
  
  

Scavenger Hunts

• Halloween themed scavenger hunts have gained in popularity and can make a good alternative to a party or can be included as an element of a party. Teens are given a list of items to find and a time limit. Prizes are usually given to those who find the most items or finish the fastest. Teens sometimes participate in scavenger hunts while they are wearing costumes, while other hunts include finding elements to make a costume. Scavenger hunts are usually organized by parents or community organizations.
  
  

Trick-or-Treating

• While trick-or-treating is not as common among teenagers as it is for younger children, and is even slightly controversial, many teenagers still don costumes and engage in the activity. Many teens go door to door with friends, asking for candy just as they did when they were younger, while others escort younger siblings or relatives on their trick-or-treat rounds. Some teens use trick-or-treating as an opportunity to fund-raise for UNICEF or other charities.