Halloween in Des Plaines

The City of Des Plaines does not have designated hours for trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. However, we encourage parents to be aware of the hazards that exist after sunset. Review these guidelines before taking your children out this Halloween:

• Wear a costume that fits and allows you to see and move. Don't wear long, trailing fabrics.
• If the forecast calls for cold weather, make sure to bundle up!
• Travel as a group and stay with your children.
• Use glow sticks, reflective tape, and flashlights to be visible for drivers at night.
• Drive carefully, especially near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods.
• Pedestrians and drivers should be extra cautious around driveways and alleys.
• Always use crosswalks and be aware of your surroundings. Watch your step!
• Inspect all candy before your children eat it and don't eat until you get home.

Fire safety is also something to think about on Halloween, especially when decorating.

• Use an electric candle or glow sticks instead of candles in jack-o-lanterns.
• Tell your children to stay away from open flames.
• Keep all decorations away from open flames, heat sources and escape routes.
• Test your smoke alarms before decorating as an extra precaution.

Please be mindful of your neighbors while participating in trick-or-treating.

• Be sure to maintain an appropriate noise level when out and about.
• Avoid homes with their lights off or a sign indicating that they're not participating.
• Those interested in welcoming trick-or-treating are asked to turn on outdoor lights.
• Those who are not interested are asked to keep outdoor lights off.

Download flyers to let your neighbors know if you are participating in trick-or-treating this year below:

• Trick or Treat
• SPANISH Trick or Treat
• No Trick or Treaters Please
• SPANISH No Trick or Treaters Please

End this spooky season sustainably! Bring your pumpkins, jack-o'-lanterns and gourds to the City of Des Plaines and Des Plaines Park District's Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Prairie Lakes Community Center. During Pumpkin Smash, attendees will toss their pumpkins into the designated dumpster, and WasteNot Compost will haul it all away for composting. Painted pumpkins are fine, but please remove any non-biodegradable materials such as candles, googly eyes, stickers, plastic and yarn. Composting at Pumpkin Smash has year-round benefits. Don't put it in the trash; bring it to the smash and green your Halloween!