Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Saint Louis, MO

You probably wouldn't normally allow your young children to walk the neighborhood after dark asking for candy but Halloween isn't just another normal day. To keep kids safe while trick or treating, start reminding them of the trick or treating rules in the days before the big event.


Tips for a safe Halloween:

• Plan your route before Halloween night. Stick to the areas you know well and avoid winding streets with low visibility. Aim for streets that are well lit with neighbors that you know.
• Teach your children their phone number in case you become separated. This is a good idea anytime but especially important when they are out after dark. I write my kids' names and contact information on the plastic pumpkins they use to collect treats.
• Buy glowing sticks, necklaces or bracelets prior to Halloween (they tend to sell out on October 31st) for your kids to wear with their costumes. You want to increase your kids' visibility as much as possible for passing motorists.
• Only take your children to well lit homes of people you know
  
• Reinforce to your children that they are not to eat the candy in their buckets until they are back home and you have inspected their treats. Bring snacks along for the trick or treating journey to stave off hunger and the temptation to dive into bite sized candy before you check it.
• Ensure your child's costume is not too long to minimize tripping risk
• Avoid masks when possible. They are hot and make it harder for your child to see.
  
• Do not allow kids younger than 12 to trick or treat without parents
• Walk on sidewalks whenever possible
• Do not pet animals when trick or treating, even if they look friendly, without asking home owners
  
• Look both ways when crossing the street, especially after dark
• Carry a flashlight and wear your glow stick so cars can see you walking
• Cross the street at a corner and not in the middle of the street
• Stick with your group and never wander off!