There’s some uncertainty as to whether there will be trick-or-treating will happen this year. This pandemic has definitely put a “wrench” in a lot of things. As of now, some towns may have trick-or-treating, while some don’t. In fact, Los Angeles initially banned trick-or-treating, but then said it wasn’t recommended. However, if trick-or-treating does happen in your town, experts suggest still adhering to guidelines that help prevent the spread of the coronavirus such as wearing a mask and washing your hands (Mills, 2020). This pandemic is changing a lot, so be mindful of local health officials’ recommendations in terms of keeping your kids safe this year. The CDC also updated their COVID guidelines for the upcoming holidays, including Halloween, if you’re interested in taking a look at those.

However, if there is no traditional trick-or-treating or if you decide not to go, there are ways to still celebrate Halloween this year and stay “socially distanced.”

Trick-or-Treating Alternatives for Halloween 2020

1.Decorate your home!

There are lots of ideas for decorating your home for fall and Halloween. Click on the images to take you to the website!

This site has lots of fun ideas to choose from!

Also, check out this beautiful Halloween banner:

Or try some cool framed art:

2.Try some Halloween games and activities

You can always engage in some fun activities with your kids to help celebrate Halloween. Again, click on the image to take you to the website.

I love these felt boards from Mosswood Connections! These are great, because they can help build language skills through pretend play and the creation of stories!

Mosswood Connections also has some great Halloween printables and activity pages:

Also, if you’re interested, there’s a great Halloween workbook of activities from chattingwithchai. 

You do need to subscribe to the blog to get it, but it’s worth it!

3.Carve pumpkins

You can do this in your own home or even outside with neighbors or friends. If you need some inspiration, check out some pumpkin carving ideas.

4. Create an “Easter egg” hunt for candy

Grab some plastic Easter eggs, decorate them for Halloween, and put candy in them. If you’re going to make it “spookier,” do the hunt at night, but decorate the eggs with glow in the dark paint.

5.Watch Halloween Movies

If you need some ideas, check these out: Best classic Halloween movies

One of my favorites, is well, “Halloween.”

6.Read Halloween stories

Here are some ideas if you have younger kids (click on the image to take you to the information on the book):

7.A Virtual Halloween Costume Contest

You can do this with friends or family. Get decked in your best and see who gets the most votes!

8.Make a chute that you can send candy down

You can use plastic or cardboard and attach it to a staircase railing.

9. Try “ghosting”

Put together a bag of Halloween goodies and put it in your friend’s or neighbor’s porch.

10. Make Halloween crafts

Pinterest has lots of ideas, but check this site out for some awesome ideas: Halloween DIY craft ideas for kids

11.Trick-or-Treat Indoors

Gather some of your friends and family together and create stations in each room of the house. Kids can then go trick-or-treating at each station.

12.Build a bonfire

Get a fire pit and sit around the fire making s’mores and telling ghost stories. If you need some ideas for ghost stories for kids, check this book out (click on the image):

13. Have a Halloween Scavenger Hunt

Check this idea out: Halloween candy scavenger hunt

She has a free printable that you can use for a fun Halloween candy scavenger hunt!

Final Thoughts on Trick-or-Treating Alternatives for Halloween 2020

While things are still not completely back to normal, there are still some fun ways to celebrate Halloween this year. I hope these ideas help you enjoy this holiday!

If you need some Halloween costume ideas to help you celebrate, check these out: 15 Adorable Toddler Costumes for Halloween

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Reference

Mills, M. (2020). Will there be trick-or-treating in 2020? Experts weigh in.