There are alternatives to door to door trick or treating.. Like church events some malls have indoor trick or treating.. The other way is to go with them and go to the door with them. Keep little ones in strollers or on those I know it sounds bad but those kid leashes so that they cant run into the street since lots of people are out drinking and partying that night and driving stupid. Also Don't let them eat any candy until you have checked it all out. I think its the most fun to go in a group - get together some neighborhood moms and kids and stick together - that's how we did it and had a great time.
Parents should accompany their children when trick or treating, especially since Halloween has fallen on a Friday night this year, when gangs are more likely to be out drinking. To make it more fun, perhaps the adults should dress up too. That way they can be sure that their children are safe whilst joining in with the fun themselves. Children should never be allowed to go trick or treating without their parents.
For a safer option, parents could arrange a halloween party for their children at the local church hall. That way the children are all kept indoors and it is a much safer option than wandering the streets trick or treating and knocking on strangers' doors.
At our church we offer something called, "Trunk Or Treat" and many of the members decorate the inside of their trunk with halloween decorations and have treats inside also. We have hayrides, a parade, story telling and best dressed pet costume contest. Lots of activities for those who want to have fun at no charge.
Don't let your kids go trick-or-treating alone. If they are going with a friend's family (older kids), make sure you have their mom's number. Have your child call to check in with you. There are also several options like "trunk-or-treating." The University of Utah hosted some early trick-or-treating where the kids could go to all of the different office buildings and the library. There was also a magician, balloon-making, etc. So there are lots of options out there. Also, make sure that you check all of the candy before you let your children eat it. Anything that looks suspicious, throw out. Do not let your kids eat any homemade treats. I hope this helps! Have a fun and safe Halloween!
