Posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2025
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by Jenna Picascio
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1 Comments
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Halloween is one of the most anticipated nights of the year for children and families alike. The excitement of dressing up in creative costumes, collecting candy, and enjoying the festive spirit fills neighborhoods with laughter and joy. But amid the fun, it’s essential to prioritize safety. Whether you’re accompanying young trick-or-treaters or sending older grandkids out with friends, a few simple precautions can ensure a safe and enjoyable evening for everyone.
Plan the Evening in Advance
Before heading out, plan your route. Choose well-lit neighborhoods and familiar streets, and avoid cutting through alleys or poorly lit areas. If possible, visit friends and neighbors you know. Grandparents should set a specific start and end time for trick-or-treating, and make sure grandchildren understand where they can and cannot go. For older grandkids trick-or-treating without supervision, establish a curfew and a way to check in periodically—such as through text messages or phone calls.
Dress for Visibility and Comfort
While dark costumes may look spooky, they can make it difficult for drivers to see trick-or-treaters. Choose costumes with bright colors or add reflective tape to clothing, shoes, and candy bags. Glow sticks, flashlights, or light-up accessories can also help make kids more visible.
Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls. Long hems should be hemmed or pinned up, and masks should allow for clear vision and easy breathing. Non-toxic face paint is often a safer alternative to full-face masks. Comfortable shoes are also a must—Halloween often involves a lot of walking!
Practice Street Safety
The excitement of Halloween can make grandchildren forget basic safety rules. Remind them to always look both ways before crossing the street, use crosswalks, and never dart out from between parked cars. Stay on sidewalks whenever possible, and if you must walk on the road, stick to the edge facing traffic.
For families walking together, it’s best to carry a flashlight and keep young children close. Grandparents should also be alert for cars pulling in or out of driveways, as visibility may be limited at night.
Be Cautious Around Strangers
Trick-or-treating usually involves visiting the homes of neighbors, but it’s still important to teach grandchildren basic stranger safety. Only approach houses that have porch lights on, and never enter someone’s home or car. Encourage grandkids to stay with their group at all times—there’s safety in numbers.
If anything seems suspicious or uncomfortable, trust your instincts and move on to the next house. For younger children, having a grandparent or guardian nearby can help avoid any unsafe situations.
Inspect Treats Before Eating
When the night winds down and the candy bags are full, it’s tempting to dig in right away. However, it’s wise to inspect all treats before eating. Discard any unwrapped candy, has torn packaging, or that looks suspicious. While tampered treats are rare, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Grandparents of children with food allergies should be especially vigilant. Many candies contain peanuts, tree nuts, or other allergens. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a great initiative to look for—homes displaying a teal pumpkin offer non-food treats for children with allergies.
Use Technology to Stay Safe
Modern tools can make trick-or-treating safer and more convenient. Use smartphone GPS tracking apps to monitor older grandchildren’s locations. Flashlight apps can come in handy, and group messaging helps families stay in touch. Some neighborhoods even use social media groups to share safety updates or lost-and-found information during the festivities.
Keep Drivers Alert
For those driving on Halloween night, extra caution is crucial. Drive slowly through residential areas, keep headlights on early in the evening, and stay alert for excited grandchildren who may run into the street unexpectedly. Avoid distractions like texting or using your phone while driving.
Enjoy a Fun and Safe Halloween
With a bit of preparation and awareness, Halloween can be a safe and magical night for everyone. By following these trick-or-treating safety tips—staying visible, sticking to familiar areas, practicing street smarts, and inspecting treats—families can focus on what really matters: making happy Halloween memories that last for years to come.
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