4 trick-or-treating tips to keep your children safe and happy

17 October 2024

Halloween is almost here! It’s an exciting time for children, with trick-or-treating, costumes, candy, and spooky fun. At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we understand how special this holiday is for families and want to make sure it’s enjoyable for everyone. Follow these tips for a hauntingly good and safe evening of trick-or-treating.

1. Make sure your child’s costume is safe

The thrill of Halloween often starts with picking out the perfect costume.

Four children wearing space costumes smile in a YMCA Before & After school classroom. Two wear spacesuits, one holds a telescope, and one wears only a space helmet.

Here’s how to ensure your child’s outfit is both fun and secure:

Check the fit: Costumes that are too long can be tripping hazards. The outfit should allow your child to walk freely and safely.
Choose a safe mask or face paint: If the costume includes a mask, check that it doesn’t obstruct vision or breathing. Consider using non-toxic face paint or makeup instead so your child can stay comfortable and see clearly.
Enhance visibility: If the costume is dark or difficult to spot in low light, add reflective tape or give your child a flashlight or glow stick. This will help ensure they’re visible to drivers as they walk from house to house.

2. Inspect treats before they’re enjoyed

When your child comes home with a bag full of goodies, inspect everything carefully.

Check packaging: Ensure all candy is in its original packaging and hasn’t been tampered with. Throw out anything that looks suspicious.
Be allergy-aware: If your child has food allergies, read labels closely. Many treats may contain allergens or be made in facilities that aren’t nut-free. When in doubt, be safe and discard any questionable treats.

3. Cross the street safely

Excitement can sometimes make children forget the usual rules, especially when they see a well-lit house across the street offering candy!

A group of children in Halloween costumes trick-or-treat on a sidewalk.

However, it’s important to remind them about street safety:

Cross at crosswalks: Cross the road only at designated crosswalks or street corners.
Look both ways: Even while trick-or-treating, the rules of the road still apply. Always look both ways before crossing.
Stay on sidewalks: Whenever possible, stick to sidewalks and avoid walking on roads. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic to see oncoming vehicles.

4. Stay together and plan ahead

Trick-or-treating is more fun together!

A parent holds the hand of a child in a rainbow tutu and gold wings on the sidewalk.

Here’s how to set out safely:

Tag along: Parents or guardians should accompany children under 12. Bring a fully charged phone in case of emergencies.
Plan the route: For youth heading out with friends, plan their trick-or-treating route in advance. Agree on a curfew, ensure they have a charged phone and travel in a group.
Emergency contacts: Your child should know your home address, phone number, and emergency contacts, just in case they get separated from the group.

5. Prepare children emotionally for potential scares

To help children enjoy Halloween without fear, it’s essential to prepare them for what they might encounter:

Discuss expectations: Talk to your child before Halloween about what they may see and hear while trick-or-treating. Explain that many people dress up in scary costumes for fun, and that loud noises or creepy decorations are part of the celebration.
Use social stories: For children with anxiety or developmental disorders, consider finding or creating a social story that outlines what to expect and what they’ll need to do. This can help ease their fears and build confidence for the evening ahead.

At the YMCA, we wish all our families a fun, spooky, and safe time trick-or-treating! We can’t wait to see the creative costumes your children wear to our YMCA Child Care and Before & After School programs.