Trick or Treat During COVID-19
A guide to staying safe and having fun this Halloween
Halloween is almost here! That normally means trick or treating but is it safe to trick or treat during the COVID-19 pandemic? Halloween might look a little different this year…
The COVID-19 pandemic has made parents rightfully concerned about the safety of trick or treating. Dozens of kids going door-to-door and dipping into the communal candy bowl is not ideal when we’re trying to limit social and physical contact. But, outdoor activities are generally safer than indoor ones, which creates a dilemma. Add to that the fact that children have already endured school closures, sheltering in place, separation from family and friends and cancelled vacations, and the last thing anyone wants is to cancel Halloween!
This guide from the CDC will help you decide on safe Halloween activities during COVID-19.
Thankfully, we have tons of tips to make sure you and the little ones don’t miss out on the Halloween fun!
Decorate!
Just as getting dressed for the office can help while working from home, decorating your house this Halloween will get you in the mood for fun. Channel your creativity and transform your home, your porch, or even just a window.
Pumpkin carving
Pumpkin carving is a low-risk Halloween staple. Carve pumpkins with members of your household, or outside with friends and neighbors (as long as a safe distance is maintained).
Halloween scavenger hunt
Once you’ve decorated and displayed your Jack-O-Lantern, you can take part in a Halloween scavenger hunt. Instead of traditional trick or treating during COVID-19, don your best costumes and head outside for a walk, to spot Halloween items around your neighborhood from a distance. You can make a list of things to spot, for example, a spider’s web, three witches, a cat, ten pumpkins, a skeleton and a bat. You can personalize the list for your area, make it harder or easier, give a treat for each found item, or a prize for getting them all — it’s up to you!
Movie night
If you’re too old for trick or treat, scavenger hunts and crafts, how about hosting a virtual movie night? Invite your friends to watch a Halloween horror film (if they dare) using a service such as Netflix Party, which allows you to chat together while you watch. Grab some spooky snacks, a cushion to hide behind and see who’s brave and who’s bravado!
Getting together
If you want to meet up with friends or family, you could even hold your own outdoor movie night, quiz or distanced costume parade! Remember to keep the gathering small, stay 6 feet apart, and adhere to local guidelines.
Escape rooms
Looking for something more interactive? Virtual escape rooms are great for testing your problem-solving skills. Team up and tackle one of these Halloween-themed virtual escape rooms.
Key takeaways for a successful trick or treat event
If you decide to go trick or treating:
- Keep your group small
- Wear a face mask
- Sanitize hands regularly
- Maintain at least 6 feet distance
Better still, plan an alternative activity! There are many safe and fun ways to celebrate Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic. Refer to your local guidelines — in many instances it will still be possible to meet up with friends and family outdoors. Whether it’s a game of charades or telling ghost stories in the garden, whatever you choose to do — stay safe and have a happy Halloween!
What do you have planned this Halloween? Here at iLENDi, we love your feedback. Leave your comments or share your creative ideas for Halloween and/or trick or treating in the comments section.
