As Halloween approaches, many families are rethinking how they navigate this event with their children.
In a recent OverSixty article a Queensland Dad shared his concerns about graphic Halloween displays in public spaces, especially shopping centres, are becoming.
His call for a crackdown has sparked a wider conversation: Is Halloween becoming too scary for kids? While some parents push for a crackdown on horror-themed marketing, thankfully, across the Gold Coast, communities are offering uplifting, creative, lighthearted alternatives that capture the fun —without the fear factor.
Here is a just a few local events around the Gold Coast offering a fun-filled alternative for families.
Light Party – Southport Church of Christ
Location: 1 Griffith Way, Southport (Gold Coast)
Time: Friday, 31 October 2025, 4 pm–7 pm
What to Expect:
- Free entry for families
- Sausage sizzle, jumping castle, face painting, petting zoo
- Snow cones, popcorn, lollies, and games
- Photo booth and dress-up fun with the theme: “When I Grow Up”
Costume Note: Only non-scary costumes allowed—kids are encouraged to dress as their future selves (e.g., astronaut, nurse, firefighter).
This event is a joyful, safe space for children to celebrate without fear, and it’s completely free! To find out more visit scc.org.au/lightparty.
Craft & Costume Party – Burleigh Church
FREE Community Event! Join Burleigh Heads Church of Christ for a Halloween alternative event on October 31st!
At the Craft & Costume Party the kids can still enjoy the fun of dressing up and eating lollies and chocolate but in a safe, non-spooky way.
At Burleigh Church we are celebrating the light of Jesus that overcomes darkness in our world. Come along and enjoy:
- Dressing up (no spooky, typical Halloween costumes please)
- Kids craft activity
- Party food (inc sausage sizzle for an early dinner)
- Kids disco dance party
You don’t need to be a church-going family to attend our party.
We welcome all families in our community looking for a safe, wholesome and light filled party to celebrate community and the light of Jesus.
RSVP Essential: Visit Craft & Costume Party 2025 on Facebook.
Light Night – Kingdom Life Church
Combined Tweed Churches and the Pacific Group of Chrisitan Schools are hosting a Light Night event on the 31st October.
This event aims to provide a Christian alternative to Halloween. Students will engage in fun games and activities, be blessed with heaps of tasty foods and join in a time of worship and prayer. How exciting it will be to have kids standing for God and being the light in our city. Students in school years 3-8 from our Christian schools and the wider community are invited. Any older students who would like to attend may apply to lead or help out at the event.
There’s no cost to this event. It is requested students don’t wear costumes, they can stay in what they wear to school on the day.
Please use the QR Code to register your child.
Feature image: Canva pro
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