As you prepare to celebrate Halloween this October, take some time to consider some key health and safety tips for your child.
From potential safety hazards with costumes to spending time in the neighborhood trick-or-treating, make sure you have a conversation with your child before heading out for the spookiest night of the year.
Costume Safety
Dressing up and creating the perfect costume is one of the most exciting parts of the holiday—but as your child shares ideas for what they want to wear this year, make sure to keep these safety tips in mind.
- Add a reflective element to the costume. You can purchase reflective tape and include it on your child’s costume or you can add something reflective to the trick-or-treat bag. If you’re spending the holiday in a busy neighborhood, make sure that your child stays visible even as night falls.
- Choose non-toxic makeup. If your child wants an elaborate costume that includes makeup or face painting, double-check the ingredients and make sure that it’s safe.
- Have your child carry a glow stick or a flashlight. This can help them stay visible—and you can make it part of the costume!
Trick-or-Treating Safety
- If your child is young, make sure that you accompany them on their neighborhood trick-or-treat rounds. If you have older children, discuss the route they plan to take in advance—so you’ll know where they plan to walk and when you can expect them to return.
- Talk to your child about only approaching homes with a porch light on. Remind them to never enter a home or a car in exchange for Halloween candy. (And if you’re out and about on Halloween and see any suspicious activity, notify your local law enforcement.)
- Stay in a group, whether you’re trick-or-treating with your child or they’re going with friends.
- Stay on the sidewalk whenever possible.
Food Safety
- Before heading out for trick-or-treating or attending a Halloween party, make sure that your child has eaten a meal. This can help discourage filling up on too many Halloween sweet treats.
- Consider rationing Halloween candy for the days following Halloween. Talk with your child and make a plan about how much chocolate or candy they can enjoy each day. This is also the perfect time to talk with your child about moderation, balance, and the impact of overindulging on sugar or processed foods.
Happy Halloween!
If you’re looking for a spooky way to enjoy Halloween, here are a few options in Onslow County:
Friday, October 24 6pm-8pm
Zing Zumm Children’s Museum, 625 New Bridge St, Jacksonville
Admission: $10 adults/children (registration required)
Fall Fuel Fest & Trunk or Treat
Saturday, October 25 1:00pm-5:00pm
MFCU, 4180 Western Blvd., Jacksonville
No cost
Friday, October 25 from 6pm-8pm
MegaPlay, 1233 Hargett St, Jacksonville
Admission: $15-$18 per child/adults free
Monster Bash Trunk or Treat 2025
Saturday, October 25 from 5pm – 9pm
Onslow Pines Park, 1250 Onslow Pines Road
No cost
