Safer Trick or Treating Tips

Continuing our Halloween theme… let’s talk about safer trick or treating amid the concerns over COVID-19.

Maybe you’ve seen these online… the shipping tubes you can attach to your porch railing… or this ultra crazy craft chute that’s extra spooky. Whatever your design, the concept is the same, shoot the candy down to the kiddos below. A touch-free treat dispenser, right? So I didn’t have a tube handy and I didn’t want to run to the local office product store but what I did have is a PVC pipe in our garage from a previous project. I decorated it in Candy Corn colors using craft tape (colorful duct-tape). Easy peesy, right?

Now, I don’t have a porch railing so what I’m planning to do is set up a table at the end of my walk and, using plastic gloves, lay out candy on the table and allow the kids to pick up the candy they want and just replenish the supply as it gets low. I really like this because I can have fun decorating the table and I can visit with the parents or guardians as they approach.

No table, no problem. It’s important to know that you should wear your mask— not your Halloween mask, but your cloth protective mask— while handing out candy. Have well lit areas so parents or guardians can see you and the kids. And if you’re worried about little hands touching the candy you can glove up and drop in the candy from above their bag or container.

Another idea, neighborhood groups could come together to create a fall carnival type atmosphere. Maybe rent a bounce house or set up games or an outdoor movie projector in a backyard. This keeps the kids contained and having fun in a smaller, safer group setting. There are oodles of fall carnival games online that might inspire your creativity.

And don’t forget about teens! Provide a safe place for them to hang out with small groups so they aren’t attending parties or meeting up with larger groups of teens where germs can spread. A backyard bonfire, some pizza and treats, maybe a scary Halloween movie would probably do the trick.

If you’re REALLY uncomfortable this year with doing trick or treat but want your little neighbor friends to feel included you could leave a little gift or a boo, like we talked about in the earlier segment, on their porches with a notes saying that you won’t be handing our treats from your door this year but wanted make sure they had a safe and happy Halloween.