With Halloween just around the corner, many families are gearing up for the fun and excitement of trunk or treat events. Whether you’re new to the concept or a seasoned pro, here are some tips and tricks to ensure your trunk or treat experience is spooktacular.
What is a Trunk or Treat?
Trunk or treat is a Halloween event where people gather in a parking lot to distribute candy from decorated car trunks. It offers a controlled, safe environment for kids to enjoy Halloween festivities without the need to navigate busy streets or unknown neighborhoods.
This tradition started in the early 2000s as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating and is often hosted by schools, churches, or community organizations. Participants put a lot of effort into decorating their trunks with various Halloween themes, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
Why Trunk or Treat?
Safety is one of the main reasons trunk or treat events were created. Traditional trick or treating, while still a fantastic option for some, can be difficult for others:
- In rural settings, houses can be placed far from one another, with no safe/designated walking paths between houses.
- In urban settings, busy city streets can make sidewalks unsafe, especially when there are an excess amount of sugared-up kids running around.
- In general, being on the street on Halloween can be dangerous due to the increase in drunk or impaired drivers on the road.
Planning Your Trunk or Treat Decor
Planning your trunk’s decor can be a fun family activity that gets everyone into the Halloween spirit. Choose a theme that’s simple yet eye-catching, such as a haunted house, a pirate ship, or a popular kids’ movie. Gather decorations like lights, banners, and props that align with your theme. And don’t forget to stock up on a variety of candy to give out at the event!
You can even buy full trunk or treat decoration kits on Amazon, like some of these options below:
TrueCar’s Favorite Trunk or Treat Decorations
Inflatable Dragon Trunk or Treat Decoration
Turn your trunk into the dragon’s lair with this inflatable kit from Joiedomi. The dragon inflates via a 6.6 ft. long cord that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter, is waterproof and has string to secure the dragon to your vehicle.
Yellow Brick Road & The Witch Decoration
Looking for a family costume idea? Well here’s one that can even include the family hauler (and dog). Take a trip down the yellow brick road at your trunk or treat with this kit from EXCELLANYARD, but look out for the wicked witch!
Inflatable Spider Legs Trunk or Treat Decor
Want to have the spookiest car at the trunk or treat? Look no further than these! Turn your car into a creepy crawler with these inflatable spider legs from GJL. Arachnophobic? No worries – they also have an inflatable octopus leg option.
Finding the Right Trunk or Treat Event
Choosing the right trunk or treat event is crucial for maximizing your family’s enjoyment. Start by checking local community centers, schools or churches, as they often host these events. Social media and community websites are also excellent resources for finding trunk or treat gatherings in your area.
Consider the size of the event, the age range of participants, and any associated costs or donations. Some events may have themes or special activities like costume contests or games, which can add an extra layer of fun. Once you’ve identified a few options, pick the one that best fits your family’s needs and preferences.
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