10/31/2025
👻12 Tips for a Fun and Healthy Halloween 🎃
1. Plan ahead for a balanced day 🥩🥦
Start Halloween on the right foot by ensuring your child has a balanced meal before trick-or-treating.
A dinner rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats will help to keep them full and reduce the temptation to overeat candy later. Include lean meats, whole grains, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables to create a nutritious meal.
Tip: Serve foods in fun, Halloween-themed shapes to excite kids for mealtime and Halloween. Use cookie cutters to shape sandwiches or cut vegetables into spooky shapes.
2. Choose healthier treats 🍿
While candy is the star of Halloween, it doesn’t have to be the only treat. Consider healthier options that kids will still enjoy. Here are some ideas:
Mini bags of pretzels or popcorn
Fruit snacks made with natural fruit
Granola bars
Trail mix
Dark chocolate or other organic & dye-free candies
You can also offer non-food treats such as stickers, plastic spider rings, glow sticks or small toys. These alternatives can be just as exciting for kids as candy and help reduce the sugar they eat.
Tip: Let your child pick out healthier treats to give to trick-or-treaters. This can make them more excited about the options.
3. Set limits on candy consumption 🍫
It’s important to set clear rules for how much candy your child can eat. Set expectations, but also listen to your child.
4. Stay active 🏃♀️
Halloween is an excellent opportunity to get moving. Walking if you go trick-or-treating is always an easy activity. Or create games or activities to move your body!
5. Practice mindful eating 👅
Teach your kids to eat their treats mindfully. Instead of gobbling down candy, encourage them to savor each bite and enjoy the flavors.
6. Stay hydrated 💧
It’s easy to forget about drinking enough water, especially with all the excitement and sugary treats. Encourage your child to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking water can help them feel full and less tempted to overindulge in candy.
7. Donate extra candy 🍬
If your child has more candy than they need, consider donating the excess. Many organizations accept candy donations for troops overseas, local shelters or community centers. Some dentist offices also will trade in candy for prizes.
Tip: Let your child choose which candies to donate. This will give them a sense of control and reinforce the positive experience of helping others.
8. Make Halloween more than just candy ♟
While candy is a big part of Halloween, it doesn’t have to be the main event. Create traditions that focus on other aspects of the holiday, such as carving pumpkins, decorating the house, watching movies or having a fun party with friends or family .
Tip: Organize a neighborhood Halloween scavenger hunt. This gets kids excited about exploring your community and collecting small, non-food prizes.
9. Educate your kids about sugar 🍭
Use Halloween to teach your kids about sugar & dyes and how it affects the body. Explain why it’s important to enjoy sweets in moderation and how sugar can affect their health. Children are more likely to follow the rules when they understand the “why” behind them.
10. Lead by example 👪
Kids learn by watching their parents. Show them that it’s okay to enjoy a few pieces of candy but that you don’t need to eat it all at once. Share your Halloween candy with your child and discuss why you’re choosing to eat only a small amount. This models mindful eating and moderation.
11. Be mindful of allergies🤧
If your child has food allergies, plan ahead for Halloween. Many common candies contain allergens like nuts, dairy, gluten or soy. Talk to your child about their allergies and ensure they check all candy labels before eating anything.
Consider offering allergy-free treats at home and during trick-or-treating. Participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project can also help. By placing a teal pumpkin on your porch, you signal to parents that you offer non-food options for trick-or-treaters with allergies.
12. Switch Witch 🧸
Our personal favorite, as it includes most of the previous tips as well. Have your child pick a few pieces they want to keep and trade the rest in for a prize from the Switch Witch. She can bring other favorite treats of theirs, toys, activities, and really whatever you want it to be.
Here is a quick insight to the Switch Witch if you haven't heard of it before : https://www.yummytoddlerfood.com/switch-witch/
Takeaway
Halloween can be a healthy and fun holiday with some planning and creativity. By setting limits, offering healthier options and encouraging active play, you can help your child enjoy the best parts of Halloween while staying healthy.
