Trick or Treat Times 2009 and Halloween Safety

When asked what time is Halloween, most parents have a general idea in mind. It all depends on how old your children are and what kind of neighborhood you live in. Times have changed over the years when Halloween used to be celebrated on the actual day of October 31st. This posed some conflicts when Halloween fell on a school night, and children were up way past their bed time.

Daylight Saving Time 2009
This year, Daylight Saving Time 2009 – November 1st – happens after the kids have finished with their trick or treating, and are fast asleep in their beds. That's good news, as it will stay light one hour later, leaving more time for kids to roam the streets going from house to house looking for candy in the dark.

Most cities have Halloween or Harvest Parties that are held in local schools and auditoriums, so the children have a safe place to share their candy. Trick or treating in alternate venues can be a good thing. If you live in a cold climate, the children don't have to wear coats under or over their Halloween costumes. Parents can supervise the Halloween games and activities, knowing their child is safe.

So, What Time is Trick or Treating?
A suggested time for trick or treating would be between 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm for children 8 years and under, getting them home in time for supper and bedtime.
For children 8 - 12 years old, anytime between 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm is good, provided the neighborhood is safe, and adult supervision is provided.
Kids over 12 have a little more leeway, depending on the situations and adult guidance.

Safety Tips for Trick or Treating With Small Children

• Children under a certain age should always be accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Costumes and masks should not cover the eyes or ears, or restrict movement.
• Costumes should have reflective tape on them, and be accompanied with a flashlight and whistle. Glow sticks are handy to have in their pockets as well.

Safety Tips for Older Trick or Treater's

• If your child is old enough to go alone, agree on a neighborhood route.
• Agree on who the child is going with and make sure they have contact numbers and a cell phone with them.
• Set a firm time as to when they will be home.
• Stress to the child about the importance of not talking to strangers, or accepting rides from them.
• Always check the candy over before they begin eating it. Throw away anything that looks suspicious.

Related Halloween Articles:

• Top 10 Halloween Candies: What's in Your Lootbag?
• Halloween Candy Buy-Back Program: Dentist Dishes Out Money
• Transformers Halloween Costumes: Optimus Prime and Bumblebee
• Where The Wild Things Are' Halloween Costumes
• Free Halloween Coloring Pages and Printable Cutouts

Written by Donna Diegel
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