Halloween is one of the most magical days of the year for kids — a time filled with costumes, candy and trick-or-treating. And while safety is always a priority, it doesn’t need to take away from the magic. In fact, teaching kids to make safe and kind choices helps them feel confident and in control.

Clare Decker, an injury prevention manager at Children’s Hospital Colorado, shares her best advice on how families can enjoy a safe, inclusive and memorable Halloween.

Making Halloween magical and memorable

Halloween isn’t just about trick-or-treating. It’s about creating traditions that are both fun and safe. When kids are a part of the planning, they feel proud and confident while also learning smart habits.

Costumes are a great place to start. Let your child help decorate or design their outfit, with visibility and comfort in mind. Adding glow sticks, reflective tape or even a fun headlamp makes a costume stand out and helps kids be seen after dark. You can frame it as part of their “safety style” so they feel empowered by the choices they make. A fun flashlight can be a great accessory to use during trick-or-treating. Make sure that hats or masks don’t block vision and choose shoes your child is comfortable walking in.

Decorating can also be a fun way to keep the magic going, and it’s easy to do so while still being cautious. Carving pumpkins becomes more fun when kids scoop and design while adults handle sharp tools. It’s always an option to paint or decorate pumpkins with stickers or markers, as well — no sharp tools necessary! For lighting, swap open flames for battery-powered candles or glow sticks.

Games and activities can also help make the night memorable. Glow stick scavenger hunts, pumpkin ring toss or Halloween-themed board games can give kids the chance to have some seasonal fun. These games can also be helpful alternatives for kids who might not enjoy traditional trick-or-treating or who get easily overstimulated when around crowds.

Even in the kitchen, Halloween can be magical. Cooking or baking themed treats like pumpkin muffins or monster-shaped sandwiches lets kids take part in the fun. They can help with mixing or decorating as adults handle hot stoves and knives.

By weaving safety into each activity, families can enjoy the excitement of Halloween and help kids learn to make smart, confident choices. As Decker explains, “It’s not that Halloween is inherently dangerous — it’s just about taking a few extra steps to keep kids safe while letting them have fun.”

Empowering kids with safety skills

Kids love independence, and Halloween is the perfect opportunity to let them practice safety skills. Instead of focusing on “don’ts,” parents can reframe safety as a series of “dos” that give kids confidence in addition to keeping them protected.

Street awareness is one of the most important lessons. Encourage kids to look left, right and then left again and make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see them. Instead of saying “Don’t run into the street,” try “Make sure you look both ways to cross safely.” This shifts the focus to what kids can actively do to stay alert and in control.

Walking routes are another chance to build responsibility. Make sure that your kids are clear about what paths they can take around a neighborhood. This way, everyone can be on the same page when it comes to directions and not getting lost.

You know your child best. If they are mature enough to go trick-or-treating without an adult, it is still best that they go in groups and plan to check in with adults at set times. Remind them that sticking with friends and having a set route helps them feel in charge of their own evening.

Finally, praise can go a long way in reinforcing safe habits. Help kids feel proud about the choices they make so that they are more likely to continue making smart, responsible decisions.

Creating an inclusive Halloween for every child

Halloween looks different for every family, and that’s OK. Not every child enjoys going door to door, and for kids with food allergies, mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, neurodiversity or anxiety, traditional trick-or-treating may not be the best fit. By planning ahead, you can create a version of Halloween that works for your child and feels fun and meaningful.

If your child is more sensitive to lights, sudden or loud sounds or crowds, think about planning for more controlled environments. Daytime events or smaller community gatherings like “trunk-or-treats" can be a lot less overwhelming without losing the spirit of Halloween.

It can also help to build in breaks throughout the evening. Having a quiet spot ready or bringing along noise-cancelling headphones allows kids to step away from activities before they become too overwhelming. The Safety Store at Children’s Colorado sells infant and child hearing protection muffs if you think this might be a good option for your kids.

For families where mobility is a concern, alternatives like neighborhood gatherings or fun Halloween activities at home can offer safe and enjoyable options without added stress.

“You know your child best. If you think your child would do better at an alternative event, that’s OK,” Decker says. “If your family wants to trick-or-treat, just plan some breaks along the way.”

When you offer candy to other kids, consider putting out a different colored basket that has allergy-friendly candies or pass out non-food treats like stickers, glow bracelets or small toys. This helps every child feel included and gives caregivers peace of mind.

Fostering gratitude and kindness through Halloween

Halloween is also a chance to reinforce gratitude and kindness in your children. Encourage them to say “thank you” at every house, hold doors open for others or let younger kids go first. Sharing candy or treats with siblings or friends can also add a layer of generosity to the fun. These small acts can remind children that Halloween isn’t just a time to receive; it’s also a chance to share kindness with those around them.

Halloween doesn’t have to be stressful. With a little planning and creativity, it can be safe, inclusive and magical for every child.