Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. The biggest risks are not poisoned candy but everyday hazards: children crossing streets after dark, costumes that trip or catch fire, choking on small treats, and food allergies. Bright or reflective costumes, adult supervision, a quick candy check at home and extra-careful driving prevent most problems.
Use this checklist before the kids head out, and share it with drivers and neighbors handing out treats.
Trick-or-treating: staying safe on the street
- Go with an adult. Young children should be accompanied. Older kids should travel in a group, stick to a planned route and agree on a return time.
- Be seen. Add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags, and carry a flashlight or glow stick.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks. Walk, don’t run, and never dart out between parked cars. Where there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- Put phones away while crossing streets, and keep eyes and ears on traffic.
- Visit well-lit homes only and stay outside; children should not enter a stranger’s home or car.
Costumes and decorations
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission has long advised families to choose costumes, wigs and accessories labeled flame resistant. That label does not make them fireproof, but the material should resist burning and put itself out quickly once away from a flame.
- Pick costumes short enough to avoid tripping, and wear sturdy shoes.
- Choose face paint over masks when possible. If a mask is worn, it should not block vision or breathing.
- Test face paint on a small patch of skin first, and avoid decorative contact lenses that are not prescribed by an eye doctor.
- Props such as swords or wands should be soft and flexible.
- Use battery-operated lights in jack-o’-lanterns, or keep candles well away from doorsteps, curtains and walkways.
Checking candy and handling allergies
The US Food and Drug Administration recommends that children wait until they get home so an adult can inspect treats. Its Halloween food safety tips advise throwing away anything that looks unusual or tampered with.
| Check for | What to do |
|---|---|
| Torn, opened or unwrapped treats | Throw them away |
| Homemade items from people you don’t know | Skip them |
| Hard candy, gum, nuts or small toys | Keep away from toddlers (choking risk) |
| Ingredients your child is allergic to | Read labels; many fun-size packs do not list ingredients on each piece |
| Packaging that looks like candy but may contain cannabis or other drugs | Remove it and call Poison Control if eaten |
If your household is handing out treats, offering non-food items such as stickers or pencils helps children with food allergies join in. Homes that do this often display a teal pumpkin. If you suspect a child swallowed something harmful, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222, and call 911 for breathing problems or a severe allergic reaction.
Food recalls also happen around the holidays. Our guides on checking whether a product is recalled and the 2026 butter recall show how to read lot codes and dates.
Tips for drivers and party hosts
- Drive slowly in neighborhoods, especially between dusk and late evening, and watch for children on curbs and medians.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys carefully, and turn on headlights early.
- Never drive after drinking. Plan a sober ride if you are attending a party.
- Keep porches and walkways clear of cords, hoses and decorations that could trip visitors.
- Keep pets indoors and away from the door; chocolate and sugar-free candy containing xylitol are dangerous for dogs.
Frequently asked questions
What day is Halloween in 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026. Some towns set official trick-or-treat hours, so check your city or county website.
Do I really need to check my child’s candy?
Yes. The main reasons are choking hazards, allergens and torn wrappers. A quick check at home before eating is the FDA’s advice.
What age can kids trick-or-treat without an adult?
There is no legal age in most places. It depends on the child’s maturity and the neighborhood. Kids going without an adult should stay in a group, carry a phone and follow an agreed route.
Who do I call if my child eats something suspicious?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 for advice. For trouble breathing, seizures or a severe reaction, call 911.
Last reviewed October 29, 2026. This guide is general safety information and not a substitute for medical advice.
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