Halloween Safety Tips for Minnesota Parents

Children under 12 should always be accompanied by a responsible adult. This allows you to guide them across streets safely and keep them away from hazards. Plus, now you can get in on the fun too! Who says Halloween is just for kids?

There’s always safety in numbers. If your child is old enough to trick or treat without adult supervision, send them out in groups of three or more. Ensure they stick together at all times, and give them advice on navigating the roads and avoiding strangers

Whether you're accompanying your child or they’re going with friends, always plan a route ahead of time. Stick to well-lit, familiar neighborhoods that you know are reasonably safe. Point out any dark or secluded areas to avoid, and make sure everyone knows to only approach a home if its lights are on.

Trick-or-treaters should walk from house to house, not run. Running near traffic is always dangerous. It also increases the chances of tripping or falling, especially in costumes that may limit movement.

If your child is trick-or-treating without you, establish a clear curfew. Most safety organizations recommend heading home no later than 9 p.m. This ensures they won’t be out too late after dark, when it would be harder to avoid hazards or be seen by drivers.

Older kids should always carry a cell phone so they can check in regularly or contact you if they run into trouble. However, remind them to pay attention to their surroundings at all times. Any distraction is dangerous when walking through neighborhoods or near the street.

Even if your child has a cell phone, give them a flashlight with fresh batteries to use. Don’t rely on the built-in flashlight most phones come equipped with. Ideally, you’ll want to keep them in well-lit areas as much as possible – but it’s always best to be prepared.

Halloween is no time for jaywalking. When possible, have your kids cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Remind them to stop, look both ways before crossing, and never assume that a driver has seen them.

Warn your children to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. All trick-or-treating should take place at doorsteps, and treats should be collected without stepping inside​. If an adult invites them to go anywhere off a safe route, have them contact you immediately so you can intervene.

Remind children to watch out for any ice or snow that could cause slips and falls. This is a real concern in Minnesota, where early frost is common.

Encourage children not to eat any treats until they return home. Tampering with Halloween candy is rare, but it can happen. Inspect their goodies for any suspicious packaging before giving the go-ahead to dig in.

Staying visible is key to safe trick-or-treating. Add reflective tape to your child’s costume and treat bag to make it easier for drivers to see them. Carrying glow sticks or flashlights is also a great way to help them be seen​. (You probably won’t have much trouble convincing a kid to carry a glow stick – they love them!)

Every piece of your child’s costume should fit them well. Avoid oversized costumes and shoes that could cause tripping or falls. High-heeled shoes or overly long hems should also be avoided.

Ensure that all costumes, wigs, and accessories are fire-resistant. Halloween often features jack-o'-lanterns and other candles, making any flammable costumes a serious fire hazard.

Masks can limit your child’s vision and make it difficult for them to spot obstacles or traffic. If possible, opt for a costume without a mask. Facepaint is safer, but double-check the ingredients. Toxic materials have been found in cosmetics marketed to teens and tweens. Even if you don’t see any red flags in the makeup, always test it ahead of time on a small patch of your child's skin to ensure there are no allergic reactions before putting more on.

Never allow your child to use contact lenses unless they’ve been prescribed by an eye care professional. The packaging on decorative lenses often claims that you don't need a prescription, but don't believe it. Contact lenses sold without a prescription are illegal and can cause severe eye infections, pain, and even vision loss​.

Ensure that costume accessories like swords, wands, or other props are made of soft, flexible materials to prevent accidental injury.

On Halloween, neighborhoods are bustling with children who may not always follow traffic rules. Reduce your speed, especially in residential areas, and remain extra cautious. Excited kids may dart into the street unexpectedly, so always be ready to stop quickly if necessary.

Distracted driving is always dangerous, but especially on Halloween. Abide by Minnesota’s hands-free driving law and keep your full attention on the road. If you need to use your phone for an emergency, pull over and park in a safe area before doing so.

It gets dark earlier in the fall than at other times of the year, so turn your headlights on nice and early. This helps you see children in costumes and makes it easier for them to see your vehicle from a distance​.

Keep an eye out for children walking along medians or curbs, as they might step off unexpectedly. Since costumes can sometimes restrict children’s vision, don’t assume they see your car​.

Obey all stop signs, red lights, and other traffic signals. Approach intersections slowly and always yield the right-of-way to pedestrians – even if they’re not at a crosswalk​. Halloween is not the time to take chances.

Be extra careful when pulling in and out of driveways or alleys. Remember: small children are easy to miss, and they may be distracted by all the fun. Always check mirrors and surroundings carefully before moving your vehicle.

In Minnesota, fall weather can be unpredictable. Wet leaves, ice, or snow can make roads slick, increasing the chance of losing control of your vehicle. Be extra cautious on wet or icy roads to avoid skidding​.

If you plan to drink at a Halloween party, arrange for a designated driver or use a rideshare service. Drunk driving is always illegal, but the presence of young trick-or-treaters makes it even more hazardous. Other substances can impair your ability to drive too, including prescription medication and even over-the-counter medicine.

Sweep away leaves, debris, or anything that might cause someone to trip. Remove any obstacles like garden hoses, toys, or decorations from the yard, steps, or porch​. Items like electrical cords or inflatable decorations should be placed where they won’t be a tripping hazard.

Make sure your porch and walkways are well-lit so trick-or-treaters can easily see their way to your door. Replace any burned-out bulbs before Halloween night, and consider adding extra lighting if needed to illuminate darker areas​.

If you’re decorating with jack-o'-lanterns or other festive displays, opt for battery-operated candles or glow sticks instead of traditional candles. This reduces the risk of accidental fires, especially when costumes or decorations may come into contact with flames​.

Even if your pets are usually friendly, the excitement of Halloween and a constantly ringing doorbell can stress them out. Keep pets secured in another room where they won’t be able to jump on or scare trick-or-treaters​.

Halloween is one of the most dangerous days of the year for children with food allergies. Consider providing non-food items like small toys, stickers, or glow sticks for children with food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project is a great initiative to signal that your home has safe treats available.

Choking hazards for small children include:

• Popcorn
• Gum
• Small or gummy candies
• Pumpkin seeds
• Anything with whole nuts

Candy wrappers, stickers, small toys, or temporary tattoos can also cause choking. If you think giving a child a specific treat would be a bad idea, trust your gut.