This year has absolutely flown by and Halloween will be here before you know it. If you have little ones in your life, chances are you will be out and about this Halloween taking part in the festivities. Sometimes Trick or Treating can be difficult depending on your location, the weather, all sorts of things. I can remember when I lived in North Dakota and we simply didn’t dress up. It was so cold we all wore snowsuits. We used face paints like we were all clowns and just told everyone what we “thought” our costumes were.
Here, I am going lay out a few great Trick or Treating hacks that will help you and your kiddos to have a great and fun Halloween night; while staying warm, dry and safe all at the same time.
Trick or Treating Hacks Parents Need To Know
Cold Night? A great way to prepare for cold weather without having to wear a coat to cover up the adorable costumes is to layer underneath the costumes. Invest in a few light weight long sleeve shirts and some sort leggings to put on underneath costumes. This will keep them nice and warm and still give them the chance to show off their fun costumes.
-Need a Treat Bag? Getting carrying bags for Trick or Treating can be expensive, sometimes those bags can get up to $4-5 each and if you have multiple kids that can be a bit on the expensive side. A great alternative is to get paper gift bags from Walmart that are around 59 cents each and simply let the kiddos decorate them on their own, or to make it easier use a pillow case from home!
-Dull Neighborhood? If you live in a neighborhood that perhaps a lot of people don’t necessarily participate in Halloween as much as you would like, try a different neighborhood! Call up a friend or family member that plans to go out in their neighborhood and see if you can meet up with them for some fun and busy Trick or Treating. My family usually goes to about 3 different neighborhoods. Since my kids are still rather little a few blocks is more than enough. If you do not have this option, find a local Trunk or Treat, those are just as fun!
-Be Safe! When it comes to Trick or Treating it can be dangerous because there are SO many people outside walking around and you never know who is out there. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of your little ones, in order to keep everyone as safe as possible I would really recommend writing your phone number on your child’s costume, in their sock, or trick or treating bag in the case for whatever reason you get separated. I always use glow sticks as well. The kids think they are part of the costume and are all for wearing them when in reality it’s for their safety.
-Schedule Conflict? If you are unable to take your kids on the actual night of Halloween due to a work schedule conflict or another prior arrangement, Try checking out alternatives. A few good options are to check out local trunk or treats that may be on a different night, or a lot of places host indoor trick or treating events on other nights as well, try a local pumpkin patch for a little fun.
I hope some of these tips/hacks help you out! Some are no-brainers and others maybe you never thought about.
Alli Smith says
Our community always observes Halloween on the Friday night before the 31st. We have a fall festival at our church with trunk or treating, food and a family-friendly magic show. It’s usually still warm here, but sometimes we’ll actually have a chilly night. These are all great hacks.
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
My kids have fancy character trick or treat bags that they’ve had since they were toddlers. They’re small so my husband or I brings a backpack with us to unload the excess candy. But, my youngest saw a sugar skull reusable tote bag at the store and wants to use that instead this year. My kids always wear the glow sticks and hang them on their bags, if not, you’re no going out.
Jenn @ EngineerMommy says
Going trick-or-treating is one of our favorite family traditions around Halloween. My kids are old enough to really enjoy the process now. These are great tips to make everything smooth and successful!
Pam says
Great tips for trick or reacting. We always loved Trunk or Treat events at local churches for a great alternative.
Christy Maurer says
It seemed like it was always cold when I was little and it was time for trick or treating! The past couple of years, it has been beautiful for it! These are some great tips.
Gwendolyn Mulholland says
These are great tips and we have went with others trick r treating because it is more fun doing it with other. I also like visiting local events.
Jacqui @TradesofJacqui says
This is my first halloween in my new place. I still have to ask my neighbor how things are done! Great tips!
jennifer says
these are great tips! love the paper bag idea too, i haven’t thought of that. the light layers is always a good thing to have on hand.. never know what the weather will be!
Liz Mays says
These are some helpful ideas! I’m hoping the weather is clear this year. Halloween should be fun!
Amanda Love says
Trick or treating is both exciting and stressful! This year, I think only one of my kids are interested in tick or treating and that’s my youngest. These are good guidelines, really. Especially for parents who are going to experience trick or treating for the first time.
CourtneyLynne says
We live in the neighborhood everyone drives too!!! I guess our road has all the good candy lol
Terri Beavers says
These are such great hacks and makes me wish I had kids young enough to go trick or treating. The grand kids have outgrown it as well but I really enjoy neighbor hood kids coming over to get candy that they like to hand out.
Dana says
Great hacks! Where we live, we have to take into consideration the hot weather, so when we pick costumes out I have to be wary of the high temps!
Chubskulit Rose says
Oh thank you for reminding me, I have to get my kids some costume and stuff lol. Thanks for this helpful hacks!
Mimi Green says
We are trying out a trunk or treat this year. I. So looking forward to the creativity.
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
Thanks for the tips. We do our trick or treating at the mall and it’s a lot of fun too.
Jenny says
My community has been doing trunk or treats for the last few years. I kinda like them, they let the kids get their candy without having to worry too much about being out in the cold for too long or losing them in a unknown neighborhood or the candy being tainted. I kinda miss the nostalgia of traipsing around house to house, but I also like the simplicity and convenience. lol