5 Tips for a Safe, COVID-Free Halloween for the Whole Family

Halloween includes dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, eating copious amounts of candy, picking pumpkins, and watching scary movies. For many people, Halloween is a fun holiday that fills the streets of suburbs and cities with families of all ages. You knock on a door, excitedly yell “trick or treat!” and then hold out your bag for a tasty treat to devour later.

However, things have changed due to the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. You may be upset and feel that your Halloween plans are canceled, but don’t be scared — here are some frightful tips that can ensure a safe and spooky Halloween for all.

1.) Halloween movie marathon

Many TV channels like Freeform, Syfy, the Travel Channel, and even Discovery have movie and TV marathons that revolve around all things scary, from “The Scariest Places on Earth” on the Travel Channel to “Ghost Hunters” on Syfy. Popular streaming services like Hulu, Netflix, and Disney+ offer a plethora of family-friendly and more mature content for the month of October as well. So, grab your popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready for the best Halloween binge ever.

2.) Social distance trick-or-treating with a twist

While neighborhoods should be practicing social distancing and following mask-wearing guidelines per CDC regulations, trick-or-treating doesn’t have to be canceled entirely. Houses can set up trick-or-treating with a TWIST! Go to your nearest hardware store and buy some PVC piping, decorate the tube to be all spooky, and on Halloween when kids come to your house, instead of handing them candy directly, use the pipe to drop the candy into their bags. Not only is it within social distancing guidelines, but it’s also fun!

3.) Socially-distant corn mazes

While many local haunts are closed this Halloween season, there are alternatives to getting into the Halloween spirit. There are places around the U.S. that have corn mazes open and ready for families. Per CDC regulations, they require anyone over the age of two to wear masks and social distance, but they are still open for the season. Check your state for corn mazes that are open in your area today, and don’t forget your mask!

4.) Drive-thru haunted houses

Haunted houses are the best when it comes to getting a good scare on Halloween night. However, as many scary enthusiasts know, when you are in a haunted house, you are in close quarters with not only other people in the house, but also the scare actors, who tend to get up close and personal to give you a good scare. Places like Fright Kingdom in Nashua, New Hampshire, and The Haunted Road in Orlando, Florida offer new drive-thru haunt experiences. Guests stay in their cars (following CDC regulations and rules set by the haunted attractions) and drive by at a low speed in their cars with the windows down, while scare actors stay 6 feet away and give the guests a whole new experience.

5.) A visit to a local haunted area or cemetery

If you live in New England, you may know of many iconic haunted places in your area, such as Emily’s Bridge in Stowe, Vermont, Madame Sherri’s Castle in Chesterfield, New Hampshire, and the Shanghai Tunnels in Portland, Oregon. Each state has its own notorious haunted place. Make sure to abide by trespassing laws, bring a friend, and search online today to find the closest haunted place near you.