Halloween is a magical time for little ones—costumes, candy, and neighborhood adventures. At The Gingerbread House, we love seeing the excitement in our preschoolers’ eyes, but we also know that safety and healthy habits make the holiday even better. Here are some easy tips to help your family enjoy a fun, safe, and memorable Halloween.
Choose Costumes with Safety in Mind
A great costume starts with the right fit. Outfits that are too long or too loose can cause tripping, so make sure your child can walk and climb stairs easily. Look for fabrics labeled flame resistant to help protect against candles or jack-o’-lantern flames. To help children stay visible after dark, add glow-in-the-dark stickers or reflective tape.
Instead of masks which can block vision and are consider using face paint or makeup. The FDA suggests testing a small area of skin a day or two before Halloween to avoid allergic reactions. If your child’s costume has accessories like swords or wands, choose soft, flexible ones that can’t poke or trip. These simple steps help kids stay comfortable and confident as they celebrate.
Keep Treats Fun and Healthy
Candy is part of the fun, but preschoolers don’t need a sugar overload to enjoy Halloween. Offering a balanced meal or snack before trick-or-treating or a daycare party helps prevent empty-tummy candy binges. Healthy options—such as small fruit cups, whole-grain crackers, or mini bags of pretzels—add variety and cut down on sugar without taking away from the excitement.
When you get home with treats, check each one before your child digs in. Discard anything with torn or unsealed packaging, and remember that hard candies, gum, or sticky treats can be choking hazards for younger children. If your child has allergies, separate their safe snacks ahead of time or consider non-food treats like stickers or glow bracelets.
Plan Age-Appropriate Activities
Young children enjoy the spirit of Halloween without anything too spooky. At The Gingerbread House, we love activities like a cheerful costume parade, pumpkin decorating, or friendly “monster dance parties.” These games get children moving and laughing while staying safe. Teachers also host Halloween story times with books about friendly ghosts and harvest fun rather than scary themes, helping kids feel included and comfortable.
Families can do the same at home. Simple crafts—like making paper pumpkins, decorating treat bags, or doing leaf rubbings—build fine motor skills and keep the evening relaxed. Outdoor scavenger hunts or neighborhood walks with flashlights add adventure without late-night crowds.
How The Gingerbread House Supports Families
During October, The Gingerbread House classrooms become cozy fall wonderlands. Teachers check costumes for safe fit, help children remove masks when walking, and provide healthy treats that meet allergy guidelines. Activities like pumpkin painting, seasonal crafts, and gentle games give children a full holiday experience right at school.
Our teachers also keep parents informed. We send reminders about costume safety, allergy concerns, and ways to practice handwashing and cough-covering—skills that matter all year. Parents are welcome to talk with their child’s teacher about classroom celebrations and to share ideas or volunteer for fall events.
Join the Fun with Us
Halloween should be full of happy memories, not worries. By choosing safe costumes, balancing treats, and planning age-appropriate activities, families can create a celebration that’s both magical and healthy.
This fall, we invite your family to join The Gingerbread House’s special Halloween and fall classroom events. It’s a wonderful way to see how we weave safety and fun together and to connect with other families. Ask your child’s teacher about the upcoming activities and how you can take part.
For more seasonal safety tips, visit HealthyChildren.org, check the FDA’s Halloween safety guide (link), and explore EatRight.org for healthy treat ideas (link).
Let’s make this Halloween safe, sweet, and full of preschool-friendly fun—together!