--- title: Keeping Halloween fun, safe, and inclusive description: Ensure a fun and safe Halloween for everyone by following tips on inclusivity, costume safety, and trick-or-treating precautions. image: https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-2227541996.jpg --- [![MGB\_Health\_Plan\_horiz\_rgb-1](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/Mass%20General%20Brigham%20Health%20Plan/Logos/MGB_Health_Plan_horiz_rgb-1.svg)](https://www.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/) ![](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/hubfs/iStock-2227541996.jpg) # Keeping Halloween fun, safe, and inclusive Published by [Brian Christina](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/author/brian-christina) on October 21, 2026 Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays. As a kid, I loved dressing up as my favorite athletes and cartoon characters, eagerly counting down the days until I could head out for a night of trick-or-treating. These days, not much has changed. I still enjoy getting into character, only now I'm helping my kids choose their costumes and accompanying them as they make their way through the neighborhood collecting candy. While the costumes, decorations, and treats are all part of the fun, Halloween also comes with important safety considerations. A little planning can help ensure everyone, including children with food allergies or other special needs, has a safe and enjoyable experience. ### **Make Halloween inclusive for everyone** For many families, navigating Halloween can be challenging when food allergies are part of the equation. Even small amounts of certain ingredients can trigger serious reactions, which can make trick-or-treating stressful for children and parents. If you're handing out treats this year, consider offering non-food items such as stickers, glow sticks, pencils, or small toys alongside traditional candy. You can also participate in programs like the [Teal Pumpkin Project](https://www.foodallergy.org/our-initiatives/awareness-campaigns/teal-pumpkin-project), which helps identify homes offering non-food treats for children with food allergies. Simple steps like these help ensure more children can take part in Halloween festivities without feeling left out. Inclusion is an important part of community health, and creating options for children with food allergies helps make the holiday more welcoming for everyone. If your child has a food allergy, review all collected treats before eating anything and carry any necessary medications, such as an epinephrine auto-injector, while trick-or-treating. ### **Choose costumes with safety in mind** The perfect costume balances creativity and safety. Make sure costumes fit properly and are not so long that they create a tripping hazard. If your child is wearing a mask, confirm that it does not block their vision. Face paint or makeup can often be a safer alternative. Visibility is another important consideration. Many trick-or-treating hours take place after dark, making it harder for drivers to see pedestrians. Bright-colored costumes, reflective tape, glow sticks, and flashlights can help children remain visible while walking through neighborhoods. Comfort matters, too. October temperatures can vary, so consider adding layers under costumes if the weather is cool and choosing breathable materials if it is warmer. ### **Stay safe while trick-or-treating** Whether you're exploring familiar streets or heading to a community event, staying alert is key. Young children should always be accompanied by an adult, and older children should travel in groups and stick to a familiar or planned route. Remind children to cross streets at designated crosswalks whenever possible and look both ways before crossing. Keeping phones put away while walking can help everyone stay focused on their surroundings. It’s also a good idea to carry a flashlight and establish a designated meeting spot in case anyone becomes separated from the group. ### **Check treats before eating** It can be tempting to dig into candy right away, but taking a few minutes to inspect treats is an important safety step. Discard anything with torn packaging, signs of tampering, or unclear labeling. For children with food allergies, carefully read ingredient labels and avoid treats that do not clearly identify their contents. When in doubt, choose a safe alternative. ### **Make safety part of your Halloween tradition** As you're planning costumes, mapping out your trick-or-treat route, and sorting through candy, take a few minutes to review trusted Halloween safety resources from Mass General Brigham. Read [10 Halloween Safety Tips](https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/about/newsroom/articles/halloween-safety-tips) for expert guidance on keeping children safe, preventing injuries, and helping ensure everyone can enjoy a fun, festive, and inclusive Halloween. [Back to Blog](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org) ## Related articles ## [Protect your skin: UV Safety Month tips](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/protect-your-skin-uv-safety-month-tips) July is UV Safety Awareness Month. So, what exactly does UV safety mean? With warmer weather, it’s... [Read More](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/protect-your-skin-uv-safety-month-tips) ## [Trailblazers of change: Trans voices throughout history](https://blog.massgeneralbrighamhealthplan.org/trailblazers-of-change-trans-voices-throughout-history) At Mass General Brigham, our mission is to dismantle barriers to care inside and outside our walls... 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