10 Ways to Have a Safe, Spooktacular Halloween

The end of October kicks off the holiday season, and as with everything else in 2020, it feels different this year. But just because adjustments are being made doesn’t mean we have to compromise the fun that Halloween brings!

With a little innovation, and some child-like imagination, you can make this October 31^st a Halloween your kids won’t forget!

Ten Socially Distanced Activities

1. Outdoor parade

If your town is advising against trick-or-treating, this is a great alternative for kids to get out and show off their costumes. Coordinate with friends or neighbors to plan a drive-by or walking parade. If you parade on foot, try to stay at a safe distance from others, and bonus points if you bring along a dressed-up pet!  

2. Costume contest

If you opt to stay home, this is a great option in place of a parade. Sport your best costume, strut down the runway, and vote for the winner! Bring the competition up a level by giving out a “best costume” trophy or prize. You can make it a group event by hosting a virtual costume party with friends or family using a video app.

3. Ghouls and goblins get down

Once everyone has their costumes on, have a dance party! You can find plenty of fun Halloween playlists on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and YouTube. Crank some Thriller or Monster Mash and boogie on down!

4. Decorate the portal

Door decorating is something fun to do on your own or as a neighborhood. Spider webs, caution tape, fake blood, and more; you can get as creative as you want with this activity—something the kids are sure to love! For some ideas, courtesy of Country Living, click here.

5. Pumpkin carving

Nothing says Halloween like some good ole fashion pumpkin carving. You can find hundreds of free, printable design stencils online. Light them up and commemorate the moment by taking a group picture with your jack-o-lanterns.

6. Bake homemade treats

This is an easy activity everyone can help with, and it comes with a reward at the end! Decorate Halloween cookies, make fudge, bake pumpkin bread, or roast pumpkin seeds left over from carving, the possibilities are endless!

7. Spooky scavenger hunt

Similar to an Easter egg hunt, this is a great substitute for trick-or-treating! Hide treats all around the yard, and let the kids run wild trying to find them. Step the fun up a notch by spraying them with silly string every time they find one!

8. Ghost a friend

Ding-dong-ditching with a friendly twist! Pick a few neighbors’ or friends’ houses to ring their doorbells and run, but not before leaving some goodies on their doorstep. This is a perfect way to share some of the baked goods you made earlier in the night! 

9. Tell campfire stories

Grab a flashlight and sit in a circle—what’s better than scary stories on Halloween? Check out this list of kid-friendly spooky stories that are sure to get your creative juices flowing but won’t have your little monster crawling into bed with you at the end of the night.

10. Movie night

Bring in the snacks, get cozy on the couch, and put on a festive movie. Disney Channel is famous for its PG Halloween movies, perfect for winding down from a night of celebrating. And if your town has a drive-in movie theater, a Halloween film could be the main event!

Trick-or-Treating Safety

If you’re planning on taking your kids trick-or-treating this Halloween, there are a few things to keep in mind.

• Pedestrian safety is especially important when there are more people on the streets, like on Halloween. It’s best to trick-or-treat before the sun goes down, and remember to hold hands, be cautious of where you’re walking, and keep an eye on the kids at all times. Once they have their candy, watch out for any opened wrappers, odd-looking treats, or pieces that could be choking hazards like airheads or small hard candies.
• COVID-19 guidelines remain the same: carry hand sanitizer, stay six or more feet away from others, practice smart decision making, and wear a mask that covers both your nose and mouth. Per the CDC, a costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face covering.

As always, please stay home and away from others if you feel any of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Body aches

In conclusion, the four W’s for safe trick-or-treating are:

1. Wear a mask
2. Wash your hands
3. Walk on the sidewalk
4. Watch what your child eats

No matter how you choose to spend this fun day, we wish everyone a safe and fangtastic Halloween!

And if you experience any boo-boos along the way, we’re here to help. 👻 Our facility is open 24/7/365, including holidays, and nothing frightens us!