Tips for a Safe & Fun Trick-or-Treat Night
Michael Gonzalez
Broker/Owner
Broker/Owner
For Families Across Savannah and the Lowcountry
Halloween night in the Lowcountry and Savannah is pure magic — cool evening breezes, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, and neighborhoods filled with laughter (and candy!). But between costumes, crowds, and nighttime adventures, it’s also a time to keep safety top of mind — especially for families with little ghouls and goblins in tow.
Whether you’re trick-or-treating through Savannah’s historic streets or Lowcountry neighborhoods like Bluffton, Beaufort, or Hilton Head, these simple tips will help make your Halloween fun, safe, and unforgettable. 👻
1. Plan Your Route Before Dark
Before you head out, plan your route through well-lit, familiar neighborhoods. Many families in Savannah’s Ardsley Park, the Landings, or Bluffton’s Old Town stick to areas that are safe and easy to navigate.
✅ Stick to sidewalks and cross at crosswalks — avoid cutting through yards or alleys.
✅ Bring a flashlight or use glow sticks to light the way.
2. Make Costumes Safe and Comfortable
Creative costumes are half the fun — but make sure they’re practical, too!
Choose bright colors or add reflective tape so drivers can see your child.
Make sure masks don’t block vision — consider face paint instead.
Keep hems short to prevent tripping.
Carry a small bag for treats to keep hands free.
Pro tip: If your family is walking through historic Savannah’s cobblestone areas, avoid shoes that could snag or slip!
3. Stay Visible on the Road
Trick-or-treating often happens after dark, so visibility is key.
Carry a flashlight or lantern (it doubles as a cool prop!).
Add glow bracelets or necklaces to your costume.
Remind kids to walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks.
If you’re driving around neighborhoods, go extra slow — excited kids may dart out unexpectedly.
4. Check the Candy Before Eating
It’s tempting to dig in right away, but wait until you’ve taken a good look.
Toss any candy that’s unwrapped or looks suspicious.
For younger kids, remove hard candies or anything that could be a choking hazard.
Homemade treats should only be eaten if they’re from people you personally know.
If you have kids with allergies, check labels carefully or bring safe candy along for swapping.
5. Choose Family-Friendly Neighborhoods or Events
Some neighborhoods go all out for Halloween — with block parties, light shows, or candy trails!
Here are a few local favorites to consider:
Savannah: Ardsley Park, Baldwin Park, and The Landings are popular trick-or-treat zones. You can also visit community events like the Savannah Trick or Trot or Pumpkin Patch Festival at Skidaway Island State Park.
Lowcountry: Check out Hilton Head’s Shelter Cove Community Park, Bluffton’s Halloween Fest, or Beaufort’s Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Bay Street for organized, family-safe fun.
6. Set Ground Rules for Older Kids
If your older children are trick-or-treating with friends:
Set a curfew and planned route.
Make sure their phones are charged.
Remind them to stay in groups and never enter a stranger’s home or car.
Encourage them to share their location with you via a phone app.
7. Get Creative at Home
Not heading out this year? You can still celebrate!
Set up a candy station in your driveway.
Host a backyard movie night with spooky (but family-friendly) films.
Organize a mini “pumpkin hunt” around your yard or porch.
Lowcountry porches are made for cozy fall nights — add twinkle lights, pumpkins, and cider for extra charm.
