A Guide for a Safe Halloween
Halloween is creeping around the corner! At Small Strides, we believe in having fun while staying safe as you and your kids embark on a Halloween adventure. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your experience is a safe one.
It All Starts with the Costume
First things first, it's all about the costume, right? Let your little monsters' imaginations run wild! Whether they want to be a whimsical witch, a daring pirate, or a friendly pumpkin, encourage them to come up with unique and exciting costume ideas. But remember to choose costumes that are comfortable and easy to move in. We want our little trick-or-treaters to have a blast without any costume-related trips or tumbles.
Nutrition Goes a Long Way
Ensure your little ones are well-hydrated and have a balanced meal before venturing out. This will keep their energy up and help them resist the temptation to devour their entire candy stash in one go!
Light Up the Night
Visibility is the name of the game. Make sure your child's costume has reflective elements. Glow sticks, bracelets, and necklaces are not only fun to wear but also make your child more visible to passing cars. Plus, they add an extra dash of eerie ambiance to their ensemble.
We also encourage parents and guardians to carry flashlights or lanterns while accompanying their little ones on their Halloween adventures. Not only does this light the way, but it also adds to the spooky atmosphere. Just imagine the tales you can tell with a flickering lantern by your side!
Stay on the Sidewalk
Sidewalks are the safest route to take when trick-or-treating. Teach your little goblins to stick to the sidewalk and avoid walking on the road. If there's no sidewalk, walk on the left side of the road, facing oncoming traffic.
Be Mindful of Trick-or-Treating Etiquette
Let's remind our little ones of the golden rule of trick-or-treating: only visit houses with their porch lights on. This is a universal sign that the residents are welcoming trick-or-treaters. And when you do approach a house, make sure to be polite and say "thank you" after receiving your treats.
Have a Checkpoint for Candy
Before digging into their candy stash, make sure you inspect it. Discard any open or tampered packages and look out for any allergies your child might have. It's always a good idea to have a small snack before hitting the streets to curb the temptation to gobble up the goodies right away.
Have a Buddy System
Monsters, witches, and superheroes are always better in pairs or groups! Encourage your children to trick-or-treat with friends or family members. It's not only more fun, but it also ensures safety in numbers. The more, the merrier!
Plan Your Route
Before heading out, plan your trick-or-treating route in advance. Know the areas you'll be visiting and stick to well-lit neighborhoods. It's a good idea to share your route with a friend or family member, just in case.
Haunted House Safety
If you're planning on visiting a haunted house attraction, check their safety rules and guidelines. Be aware of age recommendations and any potential triggers for fear or anxiety in your child. You want the experience to be thrilling, not traumatizing.
Have a Homebound Halloween
For those who prefer to stay home and enjoy the spooky season from the comfort of their own abode, consider hosting a Halloween movie night or crafting party. It's a great way to engage with the holiday spirit without venturing out into the night.
Keep Your Home Safe
If you're hosting a Halloween party or handing out candy at home, be sure to keep your walkway well-lit and free from tripping hazards. Clear any debris, extension cords, or decorations from the path to your door.
And pets might not appreciate the sudden influx of spooky visitors, so it's a good idea to keep them in a separate room during trick-or-treating hours. This ensures your furry friends stay safe and stress-free.
Remember, Halloween is all about imagination, creativity, and, most importantly, safety.
With these tips in your Halloween bag of tricks, you're all set for a bewitchingly safe and delightful Halloween. Happy haunting, Reno!
Safe Halloween Events in Reno
Halloween Trunk or Treat Car-nival at the National Automobile Museum
Tuesday, October 31, 2023, 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join us for fun at the Museum's most spooktacular event of the year. There will be lots of candy and things for everyone to enjoy. Put on your best costume and we will see you then. Admission for this spooky event is $3 per person. Purchase tickets at the door. The Museum is at 10 South Lake Street, next to the Truckee River. Parking is free. (775) 333-9300.
Trunk or Treat at Reno Town Mall
Tuesday, October 31, 2023. Bring the kids to Reno Town Mall for safe and free trunk or treating from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Reno Town Mall is located at 4001 S. Virginia Street, across from the Reno-Sparks Convention Center.
Trick or Treat at Scheels
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be an in-store costume contest and plenty of candy for kids of all ages. Free Ferris wheel rides and arcade games. Tables will be located throughout Scheels for proper Trick-or-Treating. The Scheels store is at 1200 Scheels Dr. in Sparks. (775) 331-2700.
Haunted Hoops at Urban Roots
Thursday and Friday, October 12 - 13, 2023, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join us for our 3rd annual haunted hoops where we turn our hoop house into a haunted house. There will be spooky activities and crafts, drinks, snacks and a haunted house. Fun for all ages. $10 per person 11 and up, $5 for ages 5 to 10, under 5 free. Urban Roots is at 1700 E. 2nd St. in Reno.
Trick-or-Treat Parade with North Valleys Library
Wednesday, October 25, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The North Valleys Library will be hosting the 35th Annual Trick-or-Treat Parade at the North Hills Shopping Center. Show off your amazing costumes as you parade about the library and the shopping center stopping for treats. This library branch is at 1075 North Hills Blvd. in Reno.
Trunk or Treat at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
Sunday, October 29, 2023, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Free. All are invited to join in the fun for an evening of costumes, cars, candy, and fun as we welcome our local community for a safe trick or treating event. Enjoy free hot dogs and chips for the first 400 people. Children are encouraged to dress up and must be accompanied by an adult. 3835 Lakeside Drive in Reno.