Mastering Halloween: Create a Memorable Trick-or-Treat Experience
Highland Lakes' residents, The Kendalls hand out prizes for Best Costume
Kids are busily creating their costumes and preparing their trick-or-treat bags as they look forward to Halloween. Will you be one of the neighbors who makes their night with a memorable trick-or-treat experience? Follow these tips to become a Halloween pro, adding magic, fun, and convenience to this highly-anticipated occasion.
Set the scene
Deck out your house and yard with Halloween decorations. Put on a light show, play music, or use dry ice to create a fun, spooky atmosphere. Motion-activated decorations that move or play a noise when trick-or-treaters pass by can add a fun jump-scare to the night. Of course, remember to leave your porch lights on so kids know you’re available for trick-or-treaters!
Deck out your house and yard with Halloween decorations. Put on a light show, play music, or use dry ice to create a fun, spooky atmosphere. Motion-activated decorations that move or play a noise when trick-or-treaters pass by can add a fun jump-scare to the night. Of course, remember to leave your porch lights on so kids know you’re available for trick-or-treaters!
Show the kids your enthusiasm
Consider leveling up the fun by wearing Halloween clothes and accessories, or go all out in a full-fledged costume. You could even be “in character” when you pass out your treats.
Some families set up a table outside in the driveway or a cozy campfire, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for the kids. It also makes the trick-or-treating process more efficient for all involved!
Consider leveling up the fun by wearing Halloween clothes and accessories, or go all out in a full-fledged costume. You could even be “in character” when you pass out your treats.
Some families set up a table outside in the driveway or a cozy campfire, creating a fun and inviting atmosphere for the kids. It also makes the trick-or-treating process more efficient for all involved!
Get a handle on handing out treats
Highland Lakes neighbor Megan Rodgers and her family stock up on full-size candy bar packs at Costco and Sam’s Club.
Highland Lakes neighbor Megan Rodgers and her family stock up on full-size candy bar packs at Costco and Sam’s Club.
She says, “We also grab stickers or treats for little ones who may not be old enough for candy yet but still want to join in the fun.” Non-candy treats are also a great option for kids with food allergies.
If you pass out smaller treats or candy, consider pre-packaging them into bags the kids can quickly grab.
Parents appreciate the houses that have treats for adults, too. A can of soda, a bottle of water, or a cup of coffee can go a long way during trick-or-treating!
Add an interactive element
Add unique, interactive touches to make the trick-or-treating experience more memorable for the kids. Some ideas include a:
Add unique, interactive touches to make the trick-or-treating experience more memorable for the kids. Some ideas include a:
- candy chute
- carnival-style games
- photo booth
- scavenger hunt
- Best Costume Award
- Know what to do with leftover candy.
If you have leftover candy at the end of the night, here are some suggestions for how to make use of it:- Offer it to a school or other group that can use it for events or prizes.
- Donate it to an organization that ships candy to servicemembers.
- Use it to make delicious baked goods.
- Look for local buy-back programs, such as at dental offices or charities.
- Bring it to work for a candy dish or to share with coworkers.
- Freeze it for future holidays, birthday goodie bags, or movie nights. You could even save it for next Halloween!