Scared, spooked, excited, nervous, hungry, hangry, tired, and overstimulated — your kid could experience all of these emotions, in one day, on Halloween. It’s a fun holiday, but it helps to be prepared, plan ahead, and expect the unexpected.
Here are some tips for making the most of the spooky season in Rye:
Before the Big Day:
Slightly Spooky Square House: If your kids like just a little bit of a fright, check out the Slightly Spooky Haunted House at the Rye Historical Society, open from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25. It’s full of fun Halloween surprises — minus the werewolves. Great for the littles.
“You’ve Been Booed”: This is a fun neighborhood tradition that spreads Halloween cheer. Here’s how it works:
• Booing: Secretly leave a bag or basket of small treats and a “You’ve Been Booed” note or sign on a neighbor’s doorstep.
• Refilling: The recipient refills the basket, reuses the sign, and surprises another neighbor.
• Spreading the Fun: Keep it going until everyone in the neighborhood has been “booed!”
Take a tour: Take a drive around Rye to enjoy incredible Halloween decorations. Some neighborhoods go all out, especially Milton Road, Hix Park, and Glen Oaks.
Trick-or-Treat Prep: How much candy should you buy? Some Rye neighborhoods get hundreds of trick-or-treaters while others get just a few. Ask a neighbor for advice, and maybe plan a Costco run.
Teal Pumpkin Project: Consider participating by offering non-food treats for kids with allergies or dietary restrictions. A teal pumpkin on your porch lets families know that in addition to Halloween candy, you are also offering non-candy goodies that are safe for kids with food allergies. Paint your own pumpkin or decorate it with fabric. You can get details about this initiative at www.foodallergy.org.
On October 31, the actual holiday, be ready to make it a best-it-can-be night.
Have food ready after school: If you’re heading from a school parade straight into trick-or-treating or a party, have an “after-school dinner” ready. Even if your neighborhood is hosting a pizza party, kids may get too caught up in the excitement to eat. A quick 3 p.m. meal can help avoid meltdowns later.
Ready or Not: Our littlest trick-or-treaters often start around 4:30 p.m. Have your candy ready!
Safety First: Encourage kids to stay together and decide on a meeting point if the group splits up. Glow necklaces help trick-or-treaters be seen.
Driving? If you’re going out, drive slowly. If there’s ever a night to observe the speed limits, it’s Halloween night.
After the Fun:
Consider a family candy trade-in: Rye Smiles Pediatric Dentistry collects Halloween candy and sends it to our troops. Kids can swap extra sweets for a small prize or donation. It’s a great way to wrap up the night on a happy (and healthier) note.
Share the love: Some kids come home with a boatload of candy. Encourage them to share some treats with a postal worker, the DPW, or the UPS delivery person.
Enjoy the candy: Halloween comes once a year. Is there a better way to enjoy life than having some treats with your kids?
Liz Woods is the founder of Ryemarkable Moms.
