Fall is here, and Halloween is quickly approaching. This is a kid-favorite holiday. If you have children, now is the time to start getting ready. Halloween safety begins early in the month and continues on through the trick or treating. Our personal injury lawyers in Philadelphia note that of the most important things to know is where your kids can be safe as they go around gathering their treats. Today, we want to discuss the safest trick-or-treat neighborhoods in Philadelphia.
- East Passyunk: This area is recommended by plenty of people in the area. The neighborhood has a tradition for decorating and treat giving. South 13th Street is known as a hot trick or treat spot, and a few blocks of the street are shut down to traffic, making them even safer.
- Fairmount: This wonderful Philly neighborhood offers rowhomes close together. This limits the walking distance and comes packed with plenty of treats.
- Society Hill: Each Halloween, Delancey Street is blocked off to traffic between 2nd and 4th. This allows for safe walking while trick or treating. You will find that the residents love to decorate in this area.
- Graduate Hospital/Southwest Center City: This is a very kid-friendly area with plenty of families walking around. Head close to Rittenhouse in the Southwest Center City area for some great decorations.
- Fishtown: Not many doorbells here, so you will find people out on their stoops handing out candy. The neighborhood goes all out with decorations, and there is a festive, street party family atmosphere.
- Roxborough/Manayunk: There is a parade down on Pechin Street at 5:45 p.m. to watch. After that, you can head out with the kids to gather some candy. Everyone sits outside here, so you do not have to worry about knocking on doors.
- Chestnut Hill: The businesses in this area give our candy from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on October 27. Then you can come back on the 31st for the neighborhood.
If you want to get a little bit outside of the city, the suburbs of Levittown, Drexel Hill, Crestmont Farms, and West Chester all have great trick or treating.
Upcoming Community Events
There are plenty of Halloween-related events going on throughout the month and on the 31st.
- Franklin Square has Spooky Mini Golf going on from October 3 to 31. You will also enjoy the Fox Rothschild Trick or Treat Trail on October 26 where your little ones can collect treats. Mini gold is $10 for adults and $8 for kids.
- There is a Glow Jack O’Lantern Experience from October 5 through November 3 at West Fairmount Park. You can see thousands of pumpkins carved as celebrities, movie characters, and dinosaurs. This event is $22.99 for adults, $16.99 for kids aged 3-12, and free for kids under 3.
- The 12th Annual Scarecrow Walk at Morris Arboretum will be here from October 5 through Halloween. There will be up to 35 fun and spooky scarecrows throughout the garden. The cost is $20 for adults, $10 for kids aged 3 to 17, and free for kids under 3.
- Go to the Elmwood Park Zoo for the first-annual Boo Just for You event starting October 11 thru October 27th. Kids with special needs can enjoy this day just for themselves. They can trick or treat, wear their costumes, and enjoy the animals in a sensory-sensitive setting. The cost is $10.95.
Safety Tips
- Wear Reflective Gear- You want to make sure you are visible to cars especially if you will be out at night. Even in the safest neighborhoods, cars can easily miss pedestrians.
- Bring a Stroller or Wagon for Young ones – If you have small children who may run into the street, you may want to bring a stroller or wagon to keep them from running. Many parents decorate a wagon with bright lights, making it easier to be seen by cars and keeping kids interested in staying inside the wagon.
- Plan your route in advance – Having a plan is always a plus, especially if you are in a neighborhood that you don’t normally frequent or at a public event. Pedestrian injuries are extremely common during Halloween, study show, children are ten times more likely to be hit by a car on Halloween than any other day in the year.
- Check Candy – Make sure to double-check your kids’ candy. You want to inspect anything that looks homemade or if a wrapper is already open.