Local communities have announced their rules and guidelines for trick-or-treating this year as the Halloween festivities get underway.
Additionally, local police departments have announced safety tips and reminders for both parents and children to enjoy the holiday activities yet remain vigilant and safe.
Oakton Community College
The Oakton Community College Office of Student Life has announced that children and students of all ages are invited to its “Halloween Games” on Halloween day at the college’s campuses, according to a news release. The two campus locations are in Des Plaines, at 1600 E. Golf Road, and in Skokie, 7701 N. Lincoln Ave.
“Families in Oakton’s district are invited to celebrate Halloween in a safe environment,” said Student Life Program Assistant Simi Khurana. “The event was conceived of by Oakton students and is intended to bring together the college and community and expose young people to Oakton in a fun, engaging way.”
The games will include free daytime events, including trick-or-treating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., as well as a movie trivia game and costume contest.
Village of Lincolnwood
The official trick-or-treating times in Lincolnwood will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Parents and children are asked to remain on sidewalks and to cross at the proper intersections when walking from block to block, according to a news release from the village.
General safety tips are also encouraged, including reminders to approach homes that are well-illuminated, staying in familiar areas and to avoid entering the homes of strangers.
Village of Skokie
The village has announced that official Halloween trick-or-treating hours will take place from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The village asks that families and residents keep in mind the privacy of homeowners and refrain from knocking on doors outside the official hours.
More Top Picks Microscopes
Residents and trick-or-treaters are asked not to ring the doorbells of homes that do not have the lights turned on so as not to disturb such homeowners who may not be participating in the festivities.
Village of Niles
The Niles Police Department has recommended that residents take children trick-or-treating between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The police ask that parents accompany their children, especially those age 12 or younger, according to a police department news release.
Other safety tips, such as making sure your porch is well-lit and guiding children to cross the street at proper interactions and stay on sidewalks were also highlighted in the release. Police encourage parents to check local sex offender listings and refrain from letting children enter strangers’ homes, as well, the release states.
Parents are also reminded to check candy items before allowing their children to dig into their sweets, and to keep in mind the safety of other children while handing out candy. For example, residents are encouraged to save hard candies for older children and have other options for small children to avoid instances of choking hazards.
Village of Morton Grove
The Morton Grove Park District has announced a “Halloween Spooky Treats” event for children age 4 to 6 on Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The event is $12 for residents and $16 for non-residents. The park district invites locals to come in and let children make spooky Halloween treats, and the class will allow children to create a Halloween-themed craft to take home.
Older children will have the opportunity to take part in the “Halloween in Hollywood” event from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Children aged 7 to 12 can experiment with special effects makeup to create creepy, fun looks.
City of Evanston
Evanston’s official hours for trick-or-treating will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The city will host its Spooky Saturday even along the Main-Dempster Mile Oct. 28 beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Evanston Public Library’s South Branch, located at 900 Chicago Ave., will host a Halloween Storytime and Costume Parade with sing-alongs and storytelling, followed by a costume parade through the library. The event is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Downtown Evanston Halloween Parade and Party event will take place Oct. 31. Children and parents are encouraged to trick-or-treat at downtown area businesses from noon to 3 p.m. To end the day’s festivities in Evanston, residents can visit the Holiday Inn Chicago North-Evanston for a Halloween Party from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to enjoy face painting, music, dancing and other activities. The Holiday Inn will also offer a cash bar for parents and a candy station for trick-or-treaters.
Evanston police also remind residents and trick-or-treaters to keep safety tips in mind, such as parents checking the Illinois Sex Offender Registry before allowing children to knock on doors, and reminding adults that drinking alcohol in public and drinking underage are illegal activities.
Kyra Senese is a freelancer.