The coolest parents on the block are always the ones who host the Halloween party. They give the thumbs-up to slimy messes, gross masks, creepy games and party food that moves. They even enjoy little partygoers who are a bit wired on sugar and anticipation.

If you're the Halloween hosts this year, we've got some original, slime-inspired ideas tested and heartily approved by our own group of trick-or-treaters. A gloppy theme, we quickly discovered, is disgusting enough to be irresistible, but not macabre enough to scare off kids. With the following activities and creepy cuisine, we're sure you will have a very "goo" time.

ACTIVITIES

Musical Tombstones
Slime Pit
Spider Relays
Which is Witch?
Zombie Tag

CRAFTS / PARTY FAVORS

Sweet Witch Craft
Slime
Spiders and Webs

FOOD

Tomato Soup with Goop
Black Bean Cat Crudité
Dip for Brains
Chocolate Slime
Spider Pretzels
Taffy Pull
Vampire Cupcake
Mini Monster Cupcake

Party compiled by Lynne Bertrand, Teresa K. Edmiston, Vivi Mannuzza and Rebecca Lazear Okrent.