A parent’s guide for safe trick-or-treating this Halloween

It’s hard to think of an activity that’s more quintessential of Halloween than trick-or-treating.

Last reviewed October 2025

Whether your child’s costume is cute or creepy, trick-or-treating often means fun for the entire family.

The Pediatric Injury Prevention and Community Outreach program at Stead Family Children’s Hospital provides some simple tips to make sure your trick-or-treating experience is a safe one.

Traffic can be tricky

Although children may be excited by the lure of a decorated house and candy bowl, it’s important to put safety before candy to keep the evening from ending with an unwanted scare.

Encourage your child to cross streets at corners and crosswalks only, as well as checking both ways for traffic before proceeding.

If you’re behind the wheel, remember the rules of the road, yield to pedestrians, and be extra vigilant.

Make it a group activity

Not only is trick-or-treating more fun with a group, it’s also safer than children going alone.

Children ages 12 and younger should have an adult present to supervise.

If your children are old enough to go without an adult, they should still go with a group of friends (while also sticking to familiar streets).

It may also be a good idea to set a timeline expectation. Set a curfew and ask your children to check in at specific times throughout the night.

Visibility matters

Every kid wants their costume to be the best, but it’s also important that they be visible in low light. Reflective tape should be used on costumes, candy bags, strollers, and wagons as much as possible.

It’s also important that your child can see clearly out of their costume mask and that their costume is the right size to prevent falls.

Consider bringing glow sticks or flashlights as well; they may be handy when maneuvering up steps, sidewalks, and streets.

All Treats, No Tricks

To help keep your little ghosts and goblins safe, follow these tips before enjoying any Halloween goodies:

Wait to eat treats until you’re home. Remind kids not to snack while trick-or-treating so you can check everything first.
Have a healthy snack beforehand. A full belly makes it easier to resist sampling candy before it’s been inspected.
Check labels for food allergies. If your child has a food allergy, look carefully at ingredient lists and avoid anything that isn’t commercially wrapped.
Watch for choking hazards. For younger children, remove items like gum, hard candy, peanuts, or small toys.
Inspect every treat. Discard any candy with torn wrappers, strange coloring, pinholes, or other signs of tampering. When in doubt, throw it out!

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A parent’s guide for safe trick-or-treating this Halloween

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