It’s that time of year again when ghosts, goblins, princesses, and action heroes will be on a quest for the most candy on All Hallows’ Eve. As adults, many of us have fond memories of trick-or-treating with our parents and pals when we were younger. Back then, we didn’t think about our parents’ worries as we left the house in costume, taking candy from our neighbors and friends. We checked to ensure we didn’t accept any unwrapped candy at the end of the night, but that was likely the biggest concern. But now? There are so many worries. Please use our guide to ensure your child has a happy, safe, and enjoyable Halloween.

Staying safe on Halloween

Never Go Alone: Trick-or-Treat Safety

While Trunk-or-Treat events have become increasingly ubiquitous, children under the age of 18 who are trick-or-treating should always travel in a group, and an adult should accompany children under 12 years old. Especially when in costume, it’s easy to get lost or turned around. You might even consider labeling your child’s costume with contact information in case of emergency.

For older children who go out without an adult, ensure they carry a charged phone and use a location-sharing feature or group text to check in at agreed intervals.

Be Seen: Costume and Visibility Safety

Especially for our trick-or-treaters who go out after dark, they must wear reflective clothing or light-colored costumes so that they can be seen in low-lit areas. You can also check with your local fire or police departments, as many offer free glow sticks that children can carry around at night. Parents should also carry flashlights and ensure children stay on the sidewalk.

Small clip-on LED lights or blinking reflectors (often sold for runners or pets) can add even more visibility. Homeowners can help by keeping walkways well-lit and clear of decorations or cords that could trip visitors.

Avoid Masks

While masks certainly can add to the creativity of your costume, many of them actually make it difficult for your child to see and breathe. Consider face paint or makeup as a creative alternative.

When using face paint, opt for hypoallergenic products and test a small area in advance to prevent skin irritation.

Don’t Go Inside

Children should be educated that they should never enter the homes of people they do not know and trust. Even if they do know the person (e.g., a family friend or relative), their adult escort should always accompany them into the home.

Even if it’s raining or cold, children should always wait outside the door. If invited in to “see decorations,” they should politely decline.

Make it Routine

Especially for children who are trick-or-treating without an adult, it is essential to have a set path that they follow when out alone. This makes it easier for parents to find their children if they miss curfew on Halloween, and you need to retrace their steps.

If your child has a phone, ensure it’s fully charged before they head out and keep it on silent mode, except for check-ins or emergencies.

Don’t Take Unwrapped Candy: Checking Treats for Safety

Parents should always inspect Halloween candy before children eat it. If the candy looks suspicious—unwrapped, ripped, homemade, or unlabeled—throw it away. If your child has allergies, check ingredient labels carefully and separate items that may contain allergens. Remind children to wash their hands before eating any treats.

Vehicle and Digital Safety on Halloween

Halloween safety extends beyond those wearing costumes and seeking candy. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians, particularly between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., when most trick-or-treating occurs. Homeowners can contribute by keeping walkways well-lit and securing pets that might be startled by costumes.

For families who share Halloween memories online, remind children never to post their location in real time or share details about their route. Instead, enjoy posting photos after you’re safely home.

Looking for more safety tips: check out this tremendous resource from the Summit Police Department.

Happy Halloween!