It looks like candy lovers' favorite season won't be quite as sweet this year.
States are responsible for proposing their own trick-or-treating rules, but the CDC has provided guidance to lead holiday merrymakers in the right direction when it comes to safety. There are three categories—low-risk, moderate-risk and high-risk activities—and unfortunately, trick-or-treating falls in the high-risk zone. *Sigh*
Although it's no surprise that the tradition is raising red flags, there are still ways for kiddos to safely get a sugar high this year. (Do consult the CDC website and your pediatrician should you have concerns before embarking on an outing.)
1. Find an alternative
There's a good chance that your local Easter egg hunt got axed this year, too. Since 2020 is the year with no rules, why not combine the best of both holidays? A candy Easter egg hunt with family actually sounds pretty sweet, if you ask us.
2. Coordinate with parents
The number of people attending a gathering are cause for concern according to the CDC, so call the parents of your children's best buds to coordinate a tailored trick-or-treating experience. It's a candy celebration on a smaller scale—just among friends rather than neighbors—but you'll know which doors your kids will knock on and you can decide the types of sweets each house snags for the festivities. (Diverse candy options are always best.)
3. Hit a fall festival
Outdoor celebrations are preferable to indoor parties and activities, per the CDC. Check out to see which one in your area is offering a trick-or-treating option. It could be a way to enjoy a weekend family outing and stock up on KitKats.
4. Do the trick-or-treating at home
Don your spookiest gear, get a large assortment of candy and have your little ghosts and ghouls venture to different parts of your home for various sweets. You'll probably want to polish off the at-home fun with a few scary movies for kids and Halloween songs for kids.
Before you venture to any holiday happening, be sure to visit the CDC website, your state's website and call your pediatrician with concerns. Yes, Halloween is going to look a little different...but it's not canceled.
Head to our Halloween homepage to find more spooky ideas.
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