As a mom of three—a kindergartener and twin boys who are only a few short months away from turning three—I know a thing or two about toddler trick-or-treating! And, let me tell you, it’s not as bad as you’re probably thinking. But if you’re going into it hoping for the best and totally winging it, you’re likely in for a chaotic, candy-crazed night.
As we go through these friendly tips from someone who’s been there and is currently living it, keep in mind that no two kids are the same—not even my twin boys! So what works for me might not work for you, and that’s okay.
Toddler Trick or Treating – Let’s Break It Down
- Bring Snacks – Toddler Approved
- I know, I know—there’s plenty of candy for them to munch on, but depending on how long you’re out, bringing some peanut butter crackers or a healthy snack can help avoid a sugar overload. Also, don’t forget water! These kids will be walking a lot and likely yelling in excitement, so make sure to have water bottles for everyone (and don’t forget snacks and water for yourself, too!).
- Walkers and Wagons
- As a twin boy mom, I’ve had my fair share of chasing after toddlers. This Halloween, I’m aiming to avoid that as much as possible. With so many kids around, and costumes that look similar, it’s important to stay cautious. We swear by these little toddler wristbands we bought when the boys first figured out how to run off and thought it was hilarious for mommy and daddy to chase after them. At first, we were worried about what people would think, but once we realized how much easier they made outings, we stopped caring about others’ opinions.
- If you have an older child like we do, you’ll know that they can outlast the younger ones during trick-or-treating. So, we bring a wagon! This way, when the boys get tired, our kindergartener can keep having fun. It’s important to let her enjoy this tradition, as we don’t know how many more years she’ll want to keep doing this.
- Practice Ahead of Time
- You don’t need to spend a week preparing, but a little practice right before you head out for Halloween can go a long way. While your kids are in their costumes and you’ve already set out a bowl of candy for others, let your toddler come to the door, pick a piece of candy, and say “thank you” or “Happy Halloween.” It may seem silly, but this simple trick can help them feel more confident when they go out for real. There’s so much stimulation on Halloween night that the more prepared they are, the easier it will be to get into the groove.
- Trunk-or-Treats Are Your Best Friend
- I love a good trunk-or-treat! It’s a one-line, guaranteed candy event, and they usually separate the spooky stuff from the toddler-friendly activities. It’s also a great way to give your kids a preview of Halloween on a smaller scale. And yes, it’s another chance for a little practice!
- Potty Training
- If your toddlers are potty training, plan some bathroom stops if you’re switching neighborhoods. Make it part of the routine to swing by home or stop at an open business before heading to the next spot. This year, we’ll be testing out a portable potty for our twins. I’ll definitely update the blog on how it goes—if it’s great, I’ll share, and if it’s a fail, I’ll share that too!
- Have Fun!
- Remember how much fun Halloween was when you were a kid? How exciting it was to dress up and see everyone in costumes? Don’t stress if your little ones don’t acknowledge every person or if they’re a bit loud. The important thing is that they’re having fun and making memories.
- Don’t Forget Pictures!
- It’s so fun to look back and see how your kids’ costumes and personalities change year after year. And moms—don’t forget to be IN the pictures! You’ll want to remember these moments, too.
- It’s so fun to look back and see how your kids’ costumes and personalities change year after year. And moms—don’t forget to be IN the pictures! You’ll want to remember these moments, too.
Rounding Up The Toddler Trick or Treating Tips
I hope this helps you feel more prepared for your first toddler trick-or-treating adventure! Just remember, Halloween is a fun, hectic night that can be overwhelming for little ones. So if emotions run high, just remind yourself—they’re experiencing this for the first (or second) time. You’ve been around the block with trick-or-treating, but this is all new for them!
For more fall family friendly festivals and North Carolina family activities, click HERE!
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