With the power of modern computing, this Halloween you can enjoy your candy corn without gaining weight. Check out using the little goodies in some fun childrens' activities and games. And if you really try, you might find you even burn off a few calories! And bear in mind, October 30th is American candy corn day. You'll be pressed to find a better way to make merry on this special day than with some entertaining candy corn games.

Children really enjoy hunting games. Conceal ten pieces of candy corn in an area ? underneath the table, next to the door, on the counter. You might need to provide a couple "you're getting warmer" hints to speed up the effort. If you leave them uncovered, even the smallest hunters will be able to find their bright colors.

If you'd like to to dress up the idea, put the candy corn in little plastic sacks and tie with Halloween colored ribbon. Hide the bags all around - either inside or out - for a spooky spin on the Easter egg hunt.

Lay a path of candy corn for little ones to follow. Direct them through the lawn, or a maze - or through a messy house. Depending on the condition of their rooms, you could use this idea to help your kids find their beds! If you push a toothpick into the broader end of the candy, you instantly form an arrow. Use the arrows for hints in your hunt.

Try an All Hallow's Eve twist on the timeless clothespin drop game. Have each child stand on a sturdy chair and drop the candy corn down into a canning jar. A container with a wider opening, like a bucket or funnel might be better suited for really young participants, while a 2-liter soda bottle would present a far greater contest when the older kids want to strut their stuff.

Remember Bozo's Grand Prize Game? Make your own with a few small sand buckets. Rename the game after your favorite Halloween character.

After stuffing some candy corn into a small sealed sandwich baggie, have a "corn bag" toss. After playing catch, try aiming at a target or throwing the bags into a container. For extra Halloween fun, sketch a skeleton face on the front of a box, and cut out openings for his eyes, nose, and mouth. Different points could be awarded for getting the corn bags through each of the holes.

On a smooth surface like the kitchen floor try some shufflecorn or "bocce corn". One person acts as the referee, sliding out the first piece of candy corn. He then marks this candy corn with a toothpick. Contestants take turns sliding 4 different pieces as near to the referee's mark as they can. The referee identifies which piece is the closest, giving that player a point. Play until a player gets ten points. To minimize confusion, try marking each contestant's candy corn differently.

If not concerned about a mess - try candy corn and frosting sculptures. Obviously, a suitably covered table or other safe surface is recommended. As I think about it, maybe this is better as an outdoor project. Prizes could be awarded for the most extraordinary sculpture, the tallest one, the neatest one -- or maybe the one that looks most like dad.

String candy corn like popcorn. Not only is the activity fun, but also you get great decorating material when you're done! Tape several strands in a doorway like a 70's-style beaded curtain. Add an orange lava lamp for a funky Halloween theme. String some through a spooky tree in the yard. Hang it inside like party streamers or use it for jewelry.

Regardless if you are hoping to stay away from the sugar calories, looking for fun Halloween activities to occupy kids wound up about the holiday, or trying to find something to do with all of that surplus candy corn, you can enjoy these guilt-free pleasures.