Still concerned about sending kids out for old-school trick or treating? Well, there are ways for them to get all the fun -- and all the sugar -- without potentially risky door-to-door candy collecting.
Kids under 12 still can't get vaccines, so parents have to come up with some alternatives, such as:
The Candy Chute.It's a fancy slide that attaches to a porch handrail or window frame. Kids yell out "trick or treat" and the homeowner drops the treats down the chute -- which could be decorated with the coolest Halloween stuff.
The Scavenger Hunt:Cover the yard with decorative ghosts, goblins and gravestones and sprinkle goodie bags in hidden spots. Put up signs with some Halloween-specific hints for extra fun.
Gift Bags:Offer up pre-made candy collections -- and add a Halloween twist by using things like disposable gloves or plastic doll heads instead of plain old Ziploc baggies. (Burlington Free Press)