For many children, trick-or-treating is great fun. But for some children, especially those who have experienced trauma in their lives, it can be quite unsettling. Some parents find the whole idea of sending their kids out to take candy from strangers scary.
Give your kids a fun time and eliminate your fears with these trick-or-treating alternatives.
Host your own Halloween Bash
Other parents share your same concern about turning the kids loose, even in their own neighborhood. Plan a kid-friendly Halloween party and invite your children’s friends (or children that you know) over for a night of fun with crafts, games and Halloween themed foods. There are many creative recipes and party ideas available on the Internet.
Plan a Family Night at home
Without even involving other children, you can have fun in your own home with a special dinner, games, and movies.
It can be just as much fun answering the door for other trick-or-treaters as it is to go out. Reward your children with a small gift card for answering the door all night wearing their costumes. Most kids love to dress up, so that can be part of the fun. With a little creativity, you can all make your costumes, adults included.
Have a Scavenger Hunt
Kids love to hunt for anything! And with some witty riddles to lead them to their next find, you can have them hunt for their candy, small inexpensive gifts such as a box of crayons, a magnifying glass, or whatever you feel is appropriate for your kids. This can work inside or outside, weather permitting.
Have a Craft Night at home
Children are wanting your time and attention and would love to have you do crafts WITH them. Bring your inner child and have a great time creating silly bugs, drawings or whatever you feel is fun and appropriate for your family. Create some Fall decorations for your home and you’ll be all set through Thanksgiving!
Have a Pumpkin Hunt at your home
Stop by your local pumpkin patch or supermarket to pick or purchase mini pumpkins. Bring home enough to make it fun and challenging. Borrowing the idea from Easter, decorate the pumpkins together. Once dry, have the adults hide the mini pumpkins inside and have the kids hunt for them. This can be done inside or out, depending on your weather conditions.
Plan a day or evening at a game facility
Most cities have facilities with games such as miniature golf, arcade games, bumper cars, go-carts, laser tag, bowling, etc. Get together with another family or two and your kids won’t feel like they missed out on anything. With or without costumes, you’re sure to have a great time.
Visit a Police or Fire Station
As a safer alternative to trick-or-treating, many police and fire departments plan a Halloween event. The fire fighters and police officers hand out candy. Some give tours of the station or let the children get in or on the firetrucks.
Call your local police department’s NON-EMERGENCY line to find out what is planned in your city or community. Many newspapers, radio and TV stations also promote the hours and locations open for trick-or-treaters.
Attend Community or Church Events
Your local community may offer Halloween festivities through the remainder of the month.Many churches have events that are an alternative to the traditional dressing up in frightening costumes. Some give out candy, offer games, possibly a dinner. Most do not require that you be a member of the church. Call your local churches to find out what events are scheduled for Halloween.
Visit a local Corn Maze
They can be a lot of fun, if the family stays together. Let the children hold small LED flashlights, put reflective tape or glow in the dark tape on the costumes or outermost clothing, and in a pattern that is consistent with the family and all of you recognize. It is quite dark in the maze, and easy to get separated. But making a pact to stay together and get through the maze as a group will make it fun for everyone.
Check your own local community calendars to see what is planned in your area.
Play at a Theme Park
If your concern is only to have a safer alternative, many theme parks decorate the park with Halloween themed sets and open some rides with a “Haunted theme”. Most are safe for kids, but candy is rarely part of the package. Hot apple cider, hot chocolate, coffee and some foods can be purchased as well.
Hopefully you find something on this list to help you create a Halloween experience that keeps your family safe and your kids happy. Make some happy memories and form some new traditions. Happy Halloween!
Gabrielle St James is a freelance copywriter. She can be contacted at apassion4writing@yahoo.com
