Halloween is just around the corner. We can’t believe it either. Doesn’t it feel like it just happened? Time flies.

Halloween can be a scary night, not just because your kid is dressing up as a zombie or a witch (though depending on the creativity put into the costume, that can be pretty frightening). When we say scary, we are referring to costume mishaps that can cause falls, accidents that happen while kids are crossing the street, pumpkin carving scares, or losing a child at a carnival. Did we scare you from participating in Halloween this year? That is definitely not our goal. Quite the contrary.

In this article, we discuss some easy Halloween safety tips to keep your kids safe while having an incredible evening. You won’t have to fear any of the above scenarios with these tips in place. And for a bonus, we have even added in a few of our favorite community events taking place during this Halloween season. Keep reading to find out more.

Halloween Safety Tips

Safety problems can arrive in a variety of ways, so we’ve covered quite a few ways to be extra cautious during the holiday.

1. Safe Costumes

  • If your child is dressing up as a pirate or Robin Hood, they will require objects like sticks, bows and arrows, or swords. Make sure that these items are not sharp or real.
  • Many costumes have hats or wigs. These should fit properly so that they are not slipping and blocking your child’s eyesight which could cause them to trip and fall.
  • If your child’s mask is obstructing his visions, perhaps try some non-toxic makeup instead for a creative, homemade mask.

2. Outdoors

  • You or another trusted adult should stay with children younger than 12 throughout the trick or treating journey. Children older than 12 should be instructed on which routes to take and what time to be home.
  • It’s a busy night and drivers might not be quite as attentive as they should be as they are rushing to parties and events. So make sure your kids know to look for cars before crossing a street, to always cross at a crosswalk, and to stay in a group when crossing busy roads.
  • Give your children flashlights or glow sticks to use on their walk so that drivers can see them well.
  • Make sure children know not to go inside of any home and to never get in a stranger’s car, even if they are offering free candy. They can get free candy everywhere else since it’s Halloween.

3. Carving Pumpkins

  • Pumpkin carving is a memorable activity, but fires are not. When lighting up the carved pumpkin, try not to use real flames. Instead, use battery-operated or LED votive candle, a small flashlight, or even a fun colored glow stick.
  • Young children should not carve with knives by themselves. Rather, they can use a marker to draw a picture or a face, and the parent can do the carving. Speaking of pumpkin carving, some of the events we list below provide pumpkin carving or similar, fun activities for the whole family.

4. Community Events

If you’d like to enjoy some fun Halloween activities with your children in place of or in addition to trick or treating in your neighborhood, check out these five awesome events below:

1. Harvest Time at Harlow

Camp Harlow hosts an annual harvest shindig on October 31st for the entire family. It includes a train ride, activities, prizes, candy, of course, and the best part–it’s free. FREE. How great is that? The only requirement that the camp asks of you is not to wear any masks that cover the entire face and to not bring any weapons–fake or real. Head on over to Camp Harlow between 6:00 and 8:30 pm. Contact info can be found here.

2. Trick or Toys

The Dancing Weasel Toy Store in Eugene will be giving out toys in place of candy to all children on Halloween day between the hours of 10:00 am and 5:30 pm. This is a great event to take small children to before dark and bedtime. They even have crafts and a $20 gift certificate you could win. Once you’ve finished collecting your child’s free toy, check out all the other businesses that take part in the trick or treating event.

3. Papa’s Pizza

If your child needs a snack that doesn’t consist of sugary sweetness, visit Papa’s Pizza between 4 and 8 pm at either Eugene location on Halloween night. Make sure your child is dressed up in his or her awesome Halloween costume, and they’ll receive a free, miniature-sized pizza that comes in three choices: cheese, pepperoni, or Canadian bacon. Make sure you parents fill up on some delicious pizza at the same time. Buy a pizza for yourself because you deserve an easy meal on such a busy night as Halloween.

4. Bob Keefer Carnival

Halloween can sometimes be a chilly or rainy (or both) night in Oregon. If you want to get your family out of the cold, take them to the Halloween Carnival at the Bob Keefer Center in Springfield. The activities are endless: sports, carnival games, candy, cider, and crafts. There’s something for every member of the family to enjoy at this carnival. The cost is $5 for a family of 4 and only $1 extra per person. What a deal, right?

Safe and Happy

Halloween is a night full of creativity, treats, and laughter. Parents should have as much fun and enjoyment as their kids. This can only happen if parents know that their kids are safe. By following our list of Halloween safety tips, there are sure to be anxiety-free parents, happy kids, and fun for all–especially if you head over to one of the community festivals or parties that can be found right in the area of Creswell and Eugene.

We care about the safety of families, not only on Halloween night but every night and day. Check out our services to find out how we provide protection to families through medical care.