As my kids are choosing what they want to be dressed up as I start thinking about fun events and safety.

When I have questions about anything as it relates to my kids or parenting, I turn to the EveryParent App by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. Here you can also find some great events and things to do locally. 

I logged on and searched “trick or treat” and found some useful information.

More than twice as many children are killed while walking on Halloween between 4pm and 10pm than during the same hours of any other day of the year.

While your ghosts and goblins (or Disney characters) are trick or treating, it’s important to keep them safe. But first – when are where are we trick or treating?

When to Trick or Treat on Halloween in Palm Beach County

I started south and called my way up – Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, etc. My first few phone calls ended in,

“There is no set time. You just go out on Halloween night.”

So, I guess you can make up your own times, but I’m going to stick with 6pm – 8pm on October 31st, like we did last year. This is what I notice is the most popular in my Wellington neighborhood.

Halloween Parties in Palm Beach County

There are tons of fun things to do in Palm Beach County around Halloween. If you’re looking for a family-friendly event, I have you covered.

Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market

• 10066 Lee Road Boynton Beach, FL 33473

Something we love to do everywhere is head to Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market in Boynton Beach. Every year they have a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo with your favorite animals, food trucks, corn maze, hay rides, live entertainment, and more.

There is no entry fee, but you will need to pay general admission for some things, like tractor rides.

Wellington Fall Festival

This Wellington family also heads to the very busy, but very fun Fall Festival at Village Park. There, you can listen to live music, go trick-or-treating (so bring a treat bag!), jump in bounce houses, play games, face painting, carnival games, food vendors, a haunted house, and more. Here you can also get in the running at the best costume contest.

This is a free event with so many children’s activities.

Palm Beach Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo

• Palm Beach Zoo at 1301 Summit Boulevard

In the past, the Palm Beach Zoo has given out more than 125,000 pieces of candy. You can also enjoy themed animal encounters, get a scary airbrush tattoo, and dance along to the DJ.

Boynton Beach Pirate Fest and Mermaid Splash

• E. Ocean Avenue between NE Third Street and Federal Highway in Boynton Beach

Because my kids love mermaids and pirates, this makes the list! Dress in their best pirate and mermaid gear and enjoy live music, magic, fun activities, and yes, pirates and mermaids.

Cars & Coffee

• 1751 Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard, in West Palm Beach (near PetSmart)

At Cars & Coffee Palm Beach, expect thousands of unique vehicles, vendors, stores, giveaways, free coffee, car costumes, trick-or-treating with participating car owners and vendors, the new Mini-Me Cars & Coffee kids’ club with Palm Beach Classics, and more.

These are just a few events. Whether you live in Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, or anywhere near the West Palm Beach area, you will find a way to celebrate with your whole family. Some hot spots to check out include Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, the South Florida Fairgrounds for carnival rides, the Gardens Mall, Mizner Amphitheater in Boca Raton, Palm Beach Outlets, N. Clematis Street, Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Commons Park, and Old School Square.

Pumpkin carving contest, anyone?

Halloween Safety Tips for Kids

Children younger than 12 years old should trick or treat with an adult. When you reach 13 years old, you probably shouldn’t be trick or treating. If you do, you better step up your costume game and impress me when you ring my doorbell!

Remember to walk on the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks, walk as close to the side of the road as you can. Also, be sure to cross the street at corners and watch out for cars backing up or turning.

Try to wear light-colored costumes. It helps to have your children carry glow sticks or wear reflective tape or slap bands. My kids have keychains that act as mini strobe lights that I attach to their pumpkin buckets.

I like to use these Airtags and attach them to my kids when we are out and about on nights like Halloween.

Halloween Safety Tips for Adults

Yes, adults need Halloween tips too… especially if you’re driving. Trick or treating usually happens on a weekday, so there is some driving in and out of neighborhoods while many head home from work for the day.

• Turn on your headlights earlier in the day to ensure kids and other adults can see you.
• Slow down in residential neighborhoods… like, slower than normal. Enter and exit driveways slowly as ghosts and goblins may be crossing behind you.
• Remember that just because you can see a child, it doesn’t mean the child sees you.
• Don’t drive distracted! Put down the smartphone and take out the earbuds. This one applies to every time you’re behind the wheel, but especially when many, many kids are out and about.

For more parenting tips, tricks, and strategies, click here to download the EveryParent App and ensure you’re always in a safe place.

Sibling Halloween Costume Ideas

I can’t finish without sharing some matching costume ideas (if your kids haven’t outgrown coordinating their Halloween costumes.)

Siblings have a unique opportunity to showcase their creativity by coordinating and wearing costumes that complement each other. Whether it’s Halloween, a costume party, or a themed event, dressing up as a duo or a group can be a fun and memorable experience.

Dynamic Superheroes

From the iconic duo of Batman and Robin to the powerful sisterhood of Wonder Woman and Supergirl, there are endless possibilities. Consider characters like Thor and Loki, Iron Man and Captain America, or even create your own superhero personas.

Fairytale Favorites

Dress up as Cinderella and Prince Charming, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf, or Alice in Wonderland and the Mad Hatter. You could also explore more magical creatures like unicorns and fairies.

Classic Cartoon Characters

Be it the mischievous duo of Tom and Jerry, the inseparable Scooby-Doo gang, or the adventurous siblings from The Powerpuff Girls, dressing up as classic cartoons will add a nostalgic touch to your costumes.

Time-Traveling Through History

Dress up as ancient Egyptian pharaohs, valiant knights and elegant princesses, or swashbuckling pirates. This theme allows siblings to learn about history while showcasing their creativity. Research the era you choose and pay attention to the intricate details of the costumes for a truly authentic look.

Pop Culture Icons

Bring your favorite movies, TV shows, or music to life by embodying pop culture icons. From Harry Potter and Hermione Granger to Sherlock Holmes and Watson, or even characters from Star Wars or The Avengers, you can recreate unforgettable moments from these universes. Pay attention to accessories, hairstyles, and props to capture the essence of your chosen characters.

Literary Legends

If you’re a family of bookworms, why not celebrate famous literary characters? Step into the shoes of Alice and the White Rabbit from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, or Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from the classic detective stories. You could also explore characters from Roald Dahl’s books, like Matilda and Miss Trunchbull, or Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.

Choosing creative costumes for siblings not only showcases their bond but also enhances their imaginative play and creates lasting memories.

I’m required to disclose a relationship between my blog and Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County. This could include me being provided with content, product, access, service, or other forms of payment.