COVID has canceled everything — school, sports, concerts, Fiesta. But this mama is putting her foot down for Halloween. I believe in the Great Pumpkin and human ingenuity too much to give that up! Even if trick-or-treating looks wildly different this year, 2020 could be the most memorable Halloween yet (and for all the right reasons). Here are seven ways you can make trick-or-treating happen even while social distancing.
7 Ways To Trick-or-Treat While Social Distancing
Candy Chute
This idea works well for those who have stairs leading to the front door. All you need is a cardboard tube that is wide enough for candy to slide down. Designate a spot at the bottom of the chute for candy buckets, use tongs/gloves/sanitized hands to grab the candy, and let those treats fly down to the kiddos.
Candy Zip Line
No stairs? No problem. You get a candy zip line instead. This can be set up in a variety of ways. First, you’ll need some kind of object to carry the candy. You can use Halloween decor such as a ghost, bat, or pumpkin. Another option is some kind of caddy. Next, decide where you will attach your zip line and how it will operate. One way is by using a clothesline pulley system where you attach your object to the clothesline and move it manually to and from the trick-or-treaters. Alternatively, you can attach small pulleys to the top of the object and fishing wire to the back. Then send it down on a wire/cable and reel it in like a fish when you need to get it back. I’m personally planning to make this happen with a Dementor delivering chocolate frogs to all the young witches and wizards.
Candy Sticking
Even before COVID, the idea of so many hands squirming around my bowl of candy was kind of gross. Which is why I love the idea of candy sticking! Tape a stick to the back of each piece of candy and then stick it into your lawn. Genius! You can still watch the kids in their cute costumes but from a distance. Doing (and touching) absolutely nothing.
Halloween Egg Hunt
Egg hunts aren’t just for Easter anymore. You can find glow-in-the-dark or Halloween-themed eggs to “hide” in your front lawn! All the trick-or-treaters have to do is find an egg and wave to you while you sit in your socially distant lawn chair. With some Topo Chico.
Candy Station
This reminds me of my childhood lemonade stands except that I probably won’t have to beg for customers. Grab a folding table and set it up at the end of your driveway. Arrange the pre-packaged candy in such a way that little hands can grab their own without touching anyone else’s.
Grabber Tool
If you’d like to go a little Inspector Gadget this Halloween, a grabber tool is your new best friend. I scored some in the Target dollar section. Use your go-go gadget arm to hand out candy without actually touching a thing.
Boo Your Neighbor
While this isn’t technically trick-or-treating, it’s a tradition too cute to leave off the list. Put together a little Halloween goodie bag and leave it on your neighbor’s doorstep with this free printable.
Of course, everyone should stay safe and be mindful of the CDC’s guidelines. Whatever you decide to do, have a frightfully good Halloween!
