Trick or Treat Safety in NYC: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

With these specific NYC trick or treat safety tips in mind, Halloween in the city will be a ghoulishly good time. 

The spookiest night of the year approaches, and parents throughout New York City prepare to celebrate Halloween with their little ones. Trick or treating is a time-honored tradition that brings joy to children and their families. However, in the bustling streets of NYC, it's crucial to prioritize safety. 


As an agency that grew out of these city streets, we here at Smart Sitting believe in creating lasting memories without compromising the wellbeing of our city's children. To help parents navigate Halloween in the Big Apple, we've created this guide on "Trick or treat safety in NYC." And, of course, it includes what every New York kid knows: the best place to pick up a sweet treat, without any tricks. 

Top NYC Trick or treat safety tips:

1. Bring an adult

Parents around the country wonder when their children can trick or treat independently. While there's no one-size-fits-all answer, several factors play a role, like maturity level, familiarity with the neighborhood, and going with a group. 

However, in New York things are a little different than in a smaller town, and it may not be safe to employ the same rules as elsewhere. We recommend that an adult always accompany kids when trick or treating, even when you stay in the neighborhood. The ground rule could be, if they’re not riding the subway on their own, they probably shouldn’t trick or treat on their own. 

2. Take advantage of a "Trunk or Treat"

Trunk or treat events have become increasingly popular in recent years. These events are often organized by schools, churches, or community groups and involve participants decorating their cars' trunks and handing out treats. Trick-or-street events follow a similar setup, with dedicated streets free of cars. Here's why you might consider a trunk or treat event in NYC:

  • Safety: These events are typically hosted in controlled environments, minimizing the risks associated with traffic or strangers.

  • Convenience: No need to traverse the busy streets of NYC. Find a local event and enjoy a concentrated space of Halloween fun.

  • Community-building: Trunk or treat events foster community spirit, allowing neighbors to come together in celebration.

3. Trick or treating in your building complex

In the high-rise world of NYC, many residential buildings host their own trick or treating events. This is super convenient for families living in larger apartment complexes. Here are a few benefits:

  • Familiar faces: Your children will be knocking on the doors of neighbors you see daily. This familiarity can provide an added layer of security.

  • Convenience: No need to bundle up or travel far. Simply take an elevator ride to join in the fun.

  • Weatherproof: NYC weather can be unpredictable. Indoor trick or treating ensures a warm and dry experience (a bonus for you, too!).

If your building doesn't have a tradition like this, consider starting one! Engage with your neighbors or building management to set up a safe and enjoyable event. Also remember that not everyone will want to participate in handing out treats, so create a system where residents can announce if they’ve got some spooky snacks for your kiddos. 

4. General safety tips for trick or treating in NYC

Whether you choose traditional trick or treating, trunk or treat, or staying within your building, keep these general safety tips in mind:

  • Plan your route: If your kids are going out, know their intended route and check-in points. If they are going as part of a bigger group with fewer adults, consider writing your phone number on their arm with a marker, in case anyone gets lost. Stick with familiar areas. 

  • Head straight for every New York kid’s favorite house: We do things a little differently in NYC – local kids know it’s at bodegas and neighborhood businesses where the best treats are found. By trick or treating at your neighborhood shops, your kids stay safe and don’t have to bother with locked walkups they can’t get into.   

  • Stay visible: Ensure your children have flashlights, glow sticks, and reflective gear, especially if they'll be out after dark. This way they can easily be spotted in traffic. 

  • Inspect treats: Before your kids dive into their candy stash, give it a quick check to ensure all treats are safe and sealed – a savvy rule that applies no matter where you live. 

5. Local NYC forums have all the know-how

Use local parent groups or platforms like Facebook to get information on safe trick or treating spots in NYC. These communities can offer a wealth of knowledge, from safe streets and trunk-or-treating events to the houses handing out the best candy. 

It takes a (not spooky) village

Halloween is a time of fun, scares, and making memories, but it’s a lot to handle on your own. At Smart Sitting, we believe that with a bit of preparation, every family can have a safe and enjoyable Halloween in NYC. But even more, we believe that the best bit of preparation is adding some dedicated, experienced childcare help to your season.

If you are looking for a temporary sitter to take your kids on a treat treasure hunt through your building, or a long-term nanny to follow them through every season, we can help match you with your ideal caregiver. Tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll take it from there. Happy Halloween! 🎃






Cajsa Landin