Rain Should Not Spoil the Fun of the Game “Trick or Treat”
Even though I live in the Pacific Northwest, between the pandemic and having pretty young kids, we haven’t had a super -wet night with treats yet. However, rain is forecast this year. Whether you’re expecting rain or it’s creeping up on you, here’s how to prepare if you’re looking to defy the weather (or find something else to keep busy).
How to dress to go out for a treat in the rain
If it’s raining, it’s obviously the year to get all your costume photos in your house. You and your kids can be perfectly happy to get the photos you need, then put on your raincoat and hit the road to do your best. They can tell people what they’re wearing instead of showing them off this year. However, if it annoys them too much, you can invest in a sheer poncho that can show what’s underneath while still protecting them from getting completely wet. (There are also Halloween ” poncho costumes, ” but these will only work if your child is willing to give up on their original first choice.)
However, your best bet is probably going to be layered. If you know you live somewhere it’s likely to rain, choose a suit that’s roomy enough to wear warm pants and a raincoat. The costume will get wet during the treat, of course, but your child should stay warm and dry underneath. Hike it Baby also offers layering tips for adults in the rain and winter , and made a video with LLBean on how to dress kids for rainy winter hikes , which can help you get ready for your Halloween “hike”.
Be aware that the plastic gourds that many kids carry around to collect candy also collect water. So you might want to take something else with you to periodically shift the candy (and drain that water) as you go. Lighting is especially important when it’s raining, so throw one or two glow sticks into their bucket or tie one around your neck to make them easier for you and motorists to spot.
Find an indoor option
If the flow is strong or unsafe, you may just need to move the party indoors. If this is the case, your community most likely already has some indoor options available. Nursing homes and nursing communities often host refreshment events. Residents love seeing kids in costumes, kids get a lot of candy (and attention) for a short walk, and it’s a good opportunity to talk about aging, empathy , and disability if you’re up for it.
Churches and community centers often host festivals or other “pass-through” events. Many of them do not require membership, are secular and hospitable. You can usually find out and get a good idea by calling ahead or asking around. If you still have a functioning mall these days, tricks or treats may also be happening in some of them.
If you need to stay at home, there are creative solutions from our pandemic days , like a treasure chest hunt at the end, or stuffing plastic Easter eggs with candy and hunting indoors. Plus, if you don’t have any treats, all the candy you bought goes to your kids, and you can have a movie night with the best treats already on hand.