10 Halloween Safety Tips to Protect Your Kids

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for kids—costumes, candy, and endless fun. But before heading out for trick-or-treating, it’s worth taking a few extra steps to make sure everyone stays safe. Here are ten simple tips to help keep your little ghouls and goblins safe while still enjoying all the Halloween magic.

1. Practice Costume Safety

Make sure all costumes, wigs, and accessories are fire-resistant. Kids can come across open flames from jack-o-lanterns or even neighborhood bonfires. Also, ensure costumes fit comfortably and don’t drag on the ground to prevent trips and falls.

2. Choose Makeup Wisely

Opt for nontoxic makeup and test it on a small patch of skin first, especially if your child has sensitive skin. When the night’s over, remove all makeup according to the product’s instructions to avoid irritation.

3. Rethink the Mask

Masks might look cool, but they can block vision and make it harder for kids to see obstacles or traffic. Try face paint instead—it’s safer and allows for plenty of creativity.

4. Prepare for the Scare

Halloween can be overwhelming for younger children. Talk with them beforehand about the difference between what’s real and pretend. Let them know it’s okay to skip the haunted house this year and ease into the spookier stuff when they’re ready.

5. Give a Traffic Safety Refresher

In all the excitement, even older kids can forget the basics. Remind them to use crosswalks, look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Studies show Halloween has one of the highest rates of pedestrian accidents for kids, so a quick reminder goes a long way.

6. Increase Visibility

Dark costumes can make kids hard to see at night. Add reflective tape, clip-on lights, or hand out glow sticks to make sure they’re visible to cars and other trick-or-treaters.

7. Encourage the Buddy System

Remind kids to stick together whether you’re with them or they’re trick-or-treating on their own. Make sure older kids have fully charged phones and understand the plan if they get separated from the group.

8. Stay in Familiar, Well-Lit Areas

If your kids are going out without you, plan their route ahead of time. Encourage them to stay close to home, stick to well-lit streets, and avoid cutting through alleys or yards. They should never enter a stranger’s house or car, even if invited.

9. Check All Treats

It’s rare, but checking candy before eating is always smart. Remove any opened or unfamiliar treats, and keep small, hard candies away from younger kids to prevent choking.

10. Watch for Allergies

If your child has food allergies, swap out unsafe candy for allergy-friendly treats once they’re home. Consider carrying safe snacks while out trick-or-treating to avoid temptation.

Enjoy a Safe and Spooky Halloween

A little planning can make Halloween night both safe and unforgettable. From reflective costumes to buddy systems, these small steps can make a big difference.

At Coldwell Banker Premier, we love seeing our communities come together for moments like this—neighbors chatting on porches, kids running from house to house, and everyone sharing in the fun. Wishing you a happy (and safe) Halloween from all of us! 🎃

Here’s your go-to checklist for a safe and spooky night: Download or print 2 different Trick Or Treat Safety Checklist.

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