Fright-Free Night: The 6-Step Halloween Safety Checklist

Ensure kids are safe, treats aren’t tampered with, and ghouls are gone.

With one in five Australians set to celebrate Halloween this year (ABC News, 2024) and spending tipped to top $450 million (Australian Retailers Association, 2025), the surge in Halloween celebrations makes safety planning a non-negotiable. 

Last year, a NSW mum “was just horrified” when she found rat poison amongst the contents of her 12 year old son’s trick of treat haul (Illawara Mercury 2024). We as parents can take extra precautions to make sure we are considering and mitigating these types of risks.

“Kids should have a blast trick or treating, but it’s our job to keep the fun safe,” says Sarah James, former teacher and founder of The Sensory Specialist.

Here are 6 steps that every parent can follow, to make sure Halloween is fun and free of fright on the 31st:

Stick to participating homes only

Plan a simple route and visit houses clearly taking part - think pumpkins, spiderwebs, decorations, orange balloons or neighbourhood “trick-or-treat” markers. Avoid dark or unlit homes and keep to familiar streets. A pre-planned loop also helps kids pace themselves and reduces wandering or door-to-door guessing. We often drive around a few nights before to check out the "hot spot" streets that have lots of decorated houses which will we come back to visit on the 31st.

Stay in supervised groups

Kids should trick-or-treat in a small group with at least one trusted adult. Assign a “buddy” system, swap phone numbers between adults, and agree on meet-up points. For older kids allowed more independence, set a firm boundary (specific streets, time to check in) and make sure someone responsible is always within sight. Also be mindful that Halloween can trigger some emotions in small children - some decorations and costumes can be scary. Be ready to offer reassurance or a quick move on from spots that are too scary.

Knock but never enter

Remind children that doors are the limit- you can knock, smile and say “trick or treat,” but you never go inside. If offered a shortcut, a “special treat” inside, or anything that feels off, say “No thanks,” move on, and tell the supervising adult. 

Go early, finish before dark

Start while there’s still daylight and wrap up as dusk sets in. Early rounds are calmer, safer and better for younger children’s energy levels. it also means the lollies haven't run out - meaning less disappointment! Finishing before dark helps with visibility, reduces traffic risk, and means you avoid the late-night crowds when excitement can tip into overwhelm.

Be seen and street smart

Costumes should be easy to see and easy to move in. Add reflective tape, clip-on lights or glow sticks, and choose comfy shoes. Remind kids to use footpaths, cross at marked crossings, and never dart between parked cars. Small children should be reminded to wait at curb corners until the adult is ready to help them cross the road.

Treat check is non-negotiable (factory-sealed wrappers only)

All lollies go into the bucket - then you can do a quick “treat audit” at home before anything is eaten. Keep only factory-sealed, in-date items; throw out any unwrapped or homemade treats unless they’re from someone you personally know and trust. If a child has allergies, separate their stash first and confirm ingredients before they tuck in.