Spooky but Safe Streets for Trick-or-Treaters

Tips to Keep Kids Safe and Smiling this Halloween

Halloween brings kids, families, and neighbors out into the streets — and while costumes, candy, and carved pumpkins take center stage, the way small cities plan and maintain their streets, sidewalks, and public spaces helps keep kids safe while making the night enjoyable. For communities everywhere, even a few proactive steps can ensure that sidewalks, streets, and public spaces are safe and ready for trick-or-treaters.

Lighting the Way

The days are shorter in late October, and most Halloween activities take place after dark. Streetlights and pedestrian lighting help children and families see and be seen. Cities and residents can:

Double-check bulbs and fixtures in busy neighborhoods.
Ensure decorative lighting doesn’t block or replace necessary safety lighting.
Use well-placed lighting to make downtowns and residential areas feel more welcoming.

Strong pedestrian lighting is an investment that improves safety during Halloween — and throughout the year.

Clear Walkways and Storm Drains

Trick-or-treaters need safe, open walkways for costumes, strollers, and wagons. This time of year, fallen leaves can make sidewalks slippery and clog storm drains. Cities and residents can:

Clear sidewalks of leaves, debris, or snow before Halloween night.
Keep storm drains clear to prevent flooding or icy patches during freeze-thaw cycles.
Remind homeowners not to push leaves or snow into the street where kids will be walking.

In regions with harsh winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles, these simple steps reduce costly damage to streets and stormwater systems.

Safe Streets and Traffic Reminders

Sidewalks and crosswalks make a difference, but safe Halloween nights also depend on driver awareness. Small cities can:

Share reminders on city Facebook pages or websites about slowing down and watching for pedestrians.
Use portable signs or cones to draw attention to high-traffic areas.
Encourage residents to park vehicles off-street if possible, creating more room for walking groups.

Seasonal reminders build trust and show residents that their city is invested in safety and community well-being.

Community Trunk-or-Treat Events

Many small cities now host Trunk-or-Treat events — where families gather in a central location like a school, park, or church parking lot, and volunteers hand out candy from decorated car trunks. Here are some of the benefits:

Provide a safe, well-lit environment with less traffic risk.
Bring the community together in one space, strengthening local connections.
Offer an inclusive option for families who may not have walkable neighborhoods.

For city leaders, supporting Trunk-or-Treat means thinking about parking, lighting, and traffic flow in shared spaces — infrastructure elements that help ensure a safe and fun gathering. It’s also important to encourage community members or businesses to participate by decorating a trunk!

Halloween Fun in Small Cities

Beyond trick-or-treating, many communities host creative, family-friendly events that bring neighbors together in safe and festive ways. Like many small city events, volunteers are a big part of making Halloween festivities happen! Some of the most popular include:

Kids’ Halloween Dances at community centers or schools.
Halloween Bingo with prizes for costumes or themed cards.
Halloween Parades downtown or through local parks.
Harvest Festivals and Halloween Bashes featuring games, photo stations, and food stands.
Pumpkin Carving and Painting Contests that showcase creativity and community spirit.
Haunted Houses or Trails hosted by fire departments, schools, or civic clubs.
Family Movie Nights or Storytelling at libraries, gyms, or parks.

These events show how small cities use local spaces and infrastructure to support community vitality and family-friendly traditions.

A Neighborly Approach

Halloween is more than a holiday — it’s a chance for neighbors to come together. Simple things like safe sidewalks, good lighting, and welcoming public spaces help kids enjoy the night while staying safe. Halloween celebrations reflect the creativity, pride, and community spirit that make small towns special. Whether it’s a trunk-or-treat, pumpkin painting, or a costume contest, these traditions bring people together and give kids a safe, fun night to remember.

👻 Happy Halloween from all of us at Bollig Engineering!