Halloween is an exciting and fun time for children of all ages. However, it is important to keep some safety tips in mind to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Halloween!
1/ Avoid wearing a mask as it can decrease and obstruct a child’s vision, use face paint and makeup as much as possible.
2/ When selecting a child’s costume makes sure it is the right size in order to prevent unnecessary trips and falls.
3/ Purchase some glow stick at the Dollar Store ahead of time so that children can be seen by drivers or place reflective tape on their costume.
4/ Dress your child according to the weather. The weather on Halloween in Ottawa is always unpredictable so add layers if needed!
5/ Always trick or treat with an adult (or several adults). For children who are mature enough to go out on there own, it is recommended they trick-or-treat in a group of at least 3 or stay in a familiar neighborhood.
6/ Children should not eat any candy or chocolate before an adult has looked through them.
7/ If you are driving on Halloween night, make sure you slow down especially in residential streets as children are very excited and can sometimes run and cross unpredictably.
There are several alternatives to traditional trick-or-treating:
- go trick-or-treating in a shopping centre
- Place d’Orleans has Halloween Activities with Trick or Treating on October 31st from 10am to 12pm
- The Diefenbunker is organizing a Toddler’s Halloween Hunt on October 31st from 10am to 4pm.
- plan a fun party with games and candy/chocolate prizes.