The words healthy and Halloween don’t usually go together — for obvious reasons. Halloween is the one time of year when kids let loose and eat as much candy as they can get their hands on. Still, it's possible to give your kids a fun and healthy Halloween.

Here are some ideas to help rein in the sugar rush and keep your kids safe this year.

Feed the little monsters before they go trick-or-treating.

If your kids eat a healthy, well-balanced meal before they head out the door, they’ll be full and eat fewer pieces of candy afterward.

Small bags are just right for small hands.

Give your kids a smaller bag or bucket when they go trick-or-treating. It will limit the amount of candy they’ll collect and eat. If they protest, tell them it’s easier on their small hands.

Don’t let your kids trick-or-treat alone.

Make sure an adult stays with younger kids as they make their neighborhood rounds. Encourage your older kids to trick-or-treat in a group. Set rules about how far they can go and the time they need to be home.

Put reflective tape on your kids’ costumes.

Decorate your kids’ costumes with reflective tape or stickers so they stay visible when it gets dark outside. Give them glow sticks, necklaces or bracelets to wear. They are fun accessories that help them stay safe after dark.

Portion out the candy.

When your kids get home from trick-or-treating talk to them about how much candy they can have per day or per week.  Go through their candy with them and separate it into agreed upon serving sizes. If you hear some moaning, share the bright side: their candy will last longer.

Keep the candy stash out of sight.

After Halloween is over, take the leftover candy from your kids and keep it in a hard-to-reach spot so it’s out of sight. Your children will be less likely to ask for treats if they can’t see them.

When you prevent your kids from overindulging, you've taken a big step toward making their Halloween a healthy one. Sure they can still enjoy sweet treats, but in moderation.

Have a happy, safe and healthy Halloween! What BOO-tiful costumes are your children wearing this year?

Blue Bear's got his.

Sources: Halloween Health and Safety Tips,  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2019.

Originally published October 27, 2014; Revised 2020, 2022