Trick-or-Treating with Kids Checklist

22 items · Lifestyle · Easy difficulty · 45 min

A parent's checklist for trick-or-treating: costume check, safety gear, route, and what to do with the candy afterwards.

• Try each costume on a week ahead

  Wear it with the shoes and layers it will be worn over.

• Check that costumes will not trip a child

  Hems should clear the ankles, and capes should not drag.

• Use face paint instead of a mask when you can

  Masks can block the view of the road and slip around in the dark.

• Test any face paint on a small patch of skin first

  Do this a day ahead so a reaction does not show up on the night.

• Plan warm layers under the costume

  Evenings can be cold, and a coat over a costume hides it.

• Choose comfortable, closed shoes

  You will be walking for an hour or more.

• Add reflective tape or a light-up item to each child

  Dark fabric is hard for drivers to see at night.

• Charge or check batteries in flashlights and glow sticks
• Feed the kids a proper meal before you leave

  Kids who start out hungry are likely to eat candy on the walk.

• Agree on a route and a time to be home

  Stick to well-lit streets you know.

• Pick a meeting spot in case anyone is separated

  Say it out loud so younger kids remember it.

• Write your phone number on a card or wristband for young children

  Put it inside a pocket, not on the outside of the costume.

• Charge your phone and carry it
• Give each child a bag or bucket they can carry easily

  A pillowcase holds more but can drag on the ground.

• Remind kids to stay on the sidewalk and cross at corners
• Remind kids to only visit houses with lights on

  Also that they wait on the step and do not go inside.

• Remind kids not to eat any candy until you have looked at it
• Pack tissues, hand wipes and a spare bag

  Something always spills or tears.

• Tip out the candy at home and sort it

  Set aside anything unwrapped, torn or homemade.

• Check for allergens on the labels

  Especially if a child has a known food allergy.

• Agree how much candy can be eaten tonight

  Decide before the pile appears, not after.

• Put the rest of the candy somewhere out of reach

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