Trick-Or-Treat Alternatives

This Halloween, safety-minded parents with young kids might find that besides traditional trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, there are several fun alternatives for children to engage in that help to keep them protected from the dangers of the streets. The AMW Safety Center helps to point you in the right direction.

All around the country, malls, churches, YMCA or other community groups, and even many local fire and police departments are organizing events that are targeted towards young children and families. Or you might even get together with a few other families in your neighborhood to plan some activities in one of your homes.

The “trunk-or-treat” has become a popular event for kids in recent years, where an area in a parking lot is roped off; cars are decorated, and their trunks filled with candy and treats. So instead of visiting stranger’s homes, kids go from car to car, having fun under the watchful eye of trusted adults.

But while you are thinking about the safety of your kids this year, don’t forget that besides just having fun, there is another opportunity that Halloween offers us: A chance to interact with our neighbors. Experts remind us that community-based activities allow us a way to get to know and trust our neighbors; a great benefit that could help in establishing future crime prevention groups, or having support in case of an emergency.

Check with your local YMCA, church, police or fire department for hints at some safe alternatives going on in your community that you and your kids can take part in. Also, check out the National Crime Prevention Council’s site for some more information about how to have a safe and fun Halloween.