October 13, 2023 -- A chill is in the air - and Halloween is on the horizon! Visit enjoyhighlandpark.com/halloween for a list of fun and festive activities for all ages!
Trick-or-treating: October 31, 3:30 - 7:00 PM
Kids may trick-or-treat during official hours on Halloween, 3:30 - 7:00 PM. Please review the safety tips below with your little ones to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe celebration.
Please note two additional trick-or-treating events:
Downtown Highland Park Trick-or-Treating: October 26, 3:00 - 6:00 PM
Enjoy trick-or-treating at participating Downtown Highland Park businesses, including special activities at Port Clinton Square and Renaissance Place. Stop by First Bank of Highland Park to pick up a free candy bucket, then trick-or-treat from store to store.
Ravinia District Candy Stroll: October 27, 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Visit participating Ravinia District businesses for trick-or-treating. The stroll also features a Guess My Weight Giant Pumpkin Contest!
Safety Reminders from the Highland Park Police Department
Trick-or-treating is October 31 from 3:30 PM - 7 PM. Please review these guidelines with your adventurers to ensure a safe night for everyone.
- Don’t trick-or-treat alone; trick-or-treat in a household group. Stay in a group and communicate to an adult where you will be going.
- Teach children how to obtain help or call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
- Walk on the sidewalk, not in the street.
- Only cross the street at designated crosswalks.
- Look both ways. Listen and watch for cars before crossing the street.
- Don’t hide or cross the street from between parked cars.
- Wear light-colored or reflective-type clothing or try to affix reflective tape on costumes or treat bags to be more visible.
- Use face paint rather than masks or things that will cover your eyes. If you wear a mask, make sure that the eye-holes are large enough that your vision won’t be affected.
- Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries to light your way.
- Visit homes that have inside and outside lights on.
- Accept your treats at the door and never go into a home.
- Always have an adult inspect the candy before eating. Don’t eat candy if packaging has been opened. Remember that small, hard pieces of candy are a choking hazard for young children.
- Be cautious around pets that may come to the door or be outside.
- Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and around your property.
- Always keep lit Jack O’Lanterns away from drapes, decorations or areas where children will be standing or walking.
The Illinois State Police maintains a database of registered sex offenders in Illinois. The public can access this database by going to the website. Once you are in this website, agree to the terms by clicking on “I Agree” and enter the zip code (60035), City (Highland Park) and County (Lake) for a complete listing of registered sex offenders in Highland Park. The Police encourage community assistance in reporting any suspicious or unlawful activity. Let's all enjoy a safe Halloween in Highland Park. If you have any questions, please contact School Resource Officer Amy Hyndman at 847.926.1122.
Fire Safety Reminders
The spookiest weekend of the year is almost here! It's a good idea to keep fire safety in mind to make sure everyone has a fun and safe holiday:
• Use a battery-operated candle or glow stick in jack-o-lanterns.
• When choosing costumes, avoid long trailing fabric.
• If your children are wearing a costume mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough so the child can see out.
• Teach children to stay away from open flames, including jack-o-lanterns with candles in them.
• Be sure children know how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothing catches fire.
• Dried flowers, cornstalks, and crepe paper catch fire easily. Keep all decorations away from open flames and other heat sources like light bulbs and heaters.
• Provide children with flashlights to carry for lighting or glow sticks as part of their costume.
• Remember to keep exits clear of decorations so nothing blocks escape routes.
• Make sure all smoke alarms are working.
Guidelines for Pet Owners
Halloween Safety Reminders for Pet Owners:
- Secure your pets indoors on Halloween night - preferably in a room away from your front door. Between the doorbell ringing, odd-looking strangers at the door and all the children’s voices, this night is no “treat” for your dog or cat.
- Keep goodies away from pets. Chocolate and raisins can be particularly dangerous.
- Have ID on your pets - many animals slip out of the house when the door is opened.
