Halloween & COVID-19: Have Fun While Staying Safe
Halloween is coming
Choosing costumes, decorating pumpkins, and getting special treats brings joy to many children at Halloween. Some Halloween traditions may look different this year to keep everyone safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are still plenty of ways families can have fun while avoiding the scare of being exposed to or spreading the virus.
Virtual costume parties & parades
Use video chats for an online party with friends and family and show off costumes and play games.
Decorating pumpkins
This is one Halloween tradition that's as safe and fun as ever.
Halloween-themed treats
Make some fun Halloween treats as a family.
Cut Paper Spiderwebs
Enlist your kids' help with the Halloween decorating this year when you make these parchment paper spiderwebs from Debbie at One Little Project.
Trick or treatinng?
Trick-or-treating may be discouraged or cancelled in some areas this year. A family scavenger hunt for treats in your home or yard can be a fun alternative. If trick-or-treating is still on in your neighborhood, avoid large groups or clustering at doorsteps or anywhere else. If you hand out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up individually prepacked treat bags for families to take (don't forget to wear your own mask!). Non-edible treats are a good option, especially for children who suffer from food allergies.
Make a Bat Puppet
Make your bat "fly" against a night sky in this simple but oh-so-cute craft.
Play Halloween Bingo
Who doesn't love a good game of bingo every now and then? Camille at Growing Up Gabel has adapted this classic game into one of the cutest Halloween activities for preschoolers. Plastic spiders or miniature Halloween erasers would make great markers for this spooky game.
During the celebration
Follow these tips to reduce your risk of being exposed to, getting, or spreading COVID-19 during the celebration:
Social distance and limit close contact
- Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet or more from people you don’t live with. Be particularly mindful in areas where it may harder to keep this distance, such as restrooms and eating areas.
- Avoid using restroom facilities at high traffic times, such as at the end of a public event.
- Avoid busy eating areas, such as restaurants during high volume mealtimes, if you plan to eat out at a restaurant.
- Minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, do not shake hands, bump elbows, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet others.
Wear masks
- Wear a mask at all times when around people who don’t live in your household to reduce the risk of spreading the virus.
- Avoid singing, chanting, or shouting, especially when not wearing a mask and within 6 feet of others.
