With tomorrow night being Halloween, of course there will be lots of kids out trick or treating and having fun and it’s important to remember to stay safe, as well. There are a number of super kid-friendly Halloween events going on Wednesday listed below, but first let’s start with a great list from the Oregon State Police to help maximize children’s safety while trick or treating:

• CHOOSE bright, flame-retardant costumes or add reflective tape to costumes and candy bags so children are easily seen in the dark. In addition, carry a glow stick or flashlight.
• PLAN a trick-or-treating route in familiar neighborhoods with well-lit streets. Avoid unfamiliar neighborhoods, streets that are isolated, or homes that are poorly lit inside or outside.
• NEVER send young children out alone. They should always be accompanied by a parent or another trusted adult. Older children should always travel in groups.
• ALWAYS walk younger children to the door to receive treats and don’t let children enter a home unless you are with them.
• BE SURE children do not approach any vehicle, occupied or not, unless you are with them.
• DISCUSS basic pedestrian safety rules that children should use when walking to and from houses.
• CONSIDER organizing a home or community party as an alternative to “trick-or-treating.”
• MAKE sure children know their home phone number and address in case you get separated. Teach children how to call 911 in an emergency.
• TEACH children to say “NO!” or “this is not my mother/father” in a loud voice if someone tries to get them to go somewhere, accept anything other than a treat, or leave with them. And teach them that they should make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming and resisting.
• REMIND children to remain alert and report suspicious incidents to parents and/or law enforcement.

The Downtown Bend Business Association is offering a great alternative (or addition) to trick or treating in the neighborhood(s):

The Downtown Bend Business Association (DBBA) in partnership with the FedEx Office on Oregon Avenue has coordinated an afternoon of trick or treat fun in Downtown Bend on Halloween, Wednesday, October 31^st. The event will be held during the afternoon until 6 p.m. at about 40 businesses throughout Downtown Bend. Families will look for the orange pumpkin posters in windows indicating the participating locations that will greet kids and hand out candy.

The Old Mill District has their Halloween party from 4 to 7pm:

Bring your little ones in costume to the Old Mill District for crafts and treat-or-treating in each of the Old Mill District stores and restaurants on Wednesday, October 31 from 4-7pm.

Activities include:
Art Station Creative Crafts a program of Arts Central
Stiltwalkers & Circus Performers by Spinsterz
FLASH Photo Booth Oregon
Rippin Reptile 4-H Club & Central Oregon Herpetology at Orvis
Wagon Rides by Wagon’s Ho

And Central Oregon Community College is offering a special “Halloween Hall” at the Juniper Hall residence hall from 6 to 8pm, for children 12 and under to trick or treat with their parents.

Any other kid-friendly options and/or safety tips we should know about?