Last minute tips for a fun and safe Halloween

Halloween is just around the corner. It’s less than six days away to be exact! While your kids may be thinking about their costumes and candy, here are a few tips for parents to ensure a fun and safe Halloween for everyone.

Costume Tips

1. If purchasing a costume, make sure fabrics and accessories are labelled flame resistant.


2. Avoid costumes that are too long or baggy to prevent tripping and falling.


3. Ensure costumes or outerwear (if costumes will be worn under your jacket) can be seen in the dark. Choose bright-coloured costumes, or decorate them with reflective tape for better visibility. A flashlight or glow sticks might come in handy as well.


4. Masks can obstruct vision and it may be difficult for kids to breathe in them. Try to use makeup instead, or look for masks that fit securely and have eyeholes that are large enough to not obstruct their vision.

Trick-or-Treating Safety Tips

1. Younger trick-or-treaters should be chaperoned by an adult.


2. If your children are trick-or-treating without you, make sure you agree on their planned route, the time they’re expected home, and a way to keep in touch.


3. Remind kids to stay with their group and to visit residences that are well-lit.


4. Have your kids wait until they get home to eat any of their candy.


5. Discard anything that is not completely wrapped or sealed, and check all treats and packaging carefully for allergy alerts.


6. To avoid candy overload after the big day, consider trading their sweets for something else.

Community Safety Tips

1. If you’re handing out treats, make sure walkways are well-lit and free of decorations. Avoid candle-lit pumpkins and electrical decorations to reduce the risk of fire or electrical hazards.


2. Popular times to go trick-or-treating are 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm (though it might end earlier this year, because Halloween falls on a Monday). Be alert for kids in your neighbourhood during these hours.


3. Be careful about giving out treats or candy that can be potential choking hazards or cause an allergic reaction.

Alternative Halloween Night Events

1. Have children that are too young to go out trick-or-treating on Monday night? Our YMCA Ontario Early Years Centres will be hosting Halloween activities and celebrations during the day for families with children 0 to 6 years old.


2. If you’d rather spend Halloween indoors, you can check out Halloween Night activities at our Health and Fitness Centres on Monday October 31^st or the Halloween parties we’re having on Saturday October 29^th (open to the general public, no membership required).