JUPITER, Fla. — The coronavirus pandemic has many parents scratching their heads about the best way to celebrate Halloween in South Florida and more specifically what to do about trick-or-treating.
"We've learned how to adapt with this virus. We've learned how to fight back against it as a community," Mayor Dave Kerner said on Friday. "It's really the time to let those constituents make those decisions that are most important to them."
Palm Beach County announced on Friday that it's not putting any restrictions on Halloween this year.
"I don't know what Halloween looks like, but I know that if I'm a parent and I don't feel comfortable, I shouldn't have my child out in that particular setting," Kerner said.
READ MORE FROM WPTV NEWSCHANNEL 5: CDC HALLOWEEN GUIDELINES
Halloween activities that are considered higher risk. pic.twitter.com/IsTqAzKnoy
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) October 2, 2020
The Harvard Global Health Institute has an interactive map that indicates which Halloween activities are appropriate for each county in the United States.
The map assigns each county a color designation (green, yellow, orange, and red) which represents recommended Halloween activities.
Harvard Global Health Institute has an interactive map that indicates which Halloween activities are appropriate for each county. https://t.co/yHPyk4YyIT pic.twitter.com/2T1bR8JNiY
— T.A. Walker (@timallanwalker) October 2, 2020
As of this writing, Palm Beach and St. Lucie counties received a yellow classification, Indian River and Martin are labeled as orange, and Okeechobee County is classified as Red. CLICK HERE to see the current map.
Yellow Activities
- Trick-or-treating using safety guidelines (see below)
- Drive-up Trick-or-treating
- Neighborhood parade
Orange Activities
- Trick-or-treat in reverse (kids hang out in the front yard as neighbors pass with candy)
- Neighborhood candy hunt (A trick or treat treasure map can point to all the goodies)
- Trick-or-treat drive-by (text your friends to bring candy out to your car)
Red Activities
- Limited invite parties
- Zoom parties
- Scavenger house hunt
Get more ideas from Halloween2020.org.
Trick-or-treating Safety Guidlines
- Do not hand out candy if you are sick
- Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose
- Take the Safe House pledge and register as an official Halloween Safe House
- Use duct tape to mark 6-foot lines in front of home and leading to driveway/front door
- Position a distribution table between yourself and trick or treaters
- Distribute candy on a disinfected table to eliminate direct contact
- Wash hands often
READ MORE FROM WPTV NEWSCHANNEL 5: Pediatrician explains how to Trick-Or-Treat Safely
South Florida Halloween Activities
To add your event to this listing please e-mail tawalker@wptv.com.
Animal EDventure Park
There are kid-friendly scares, animal encounters (sloth, zebra, otter, lemur, and more), and a one-on-one pumpkin patch encounter for photos. You need a reservation (text 561-350-6948). It's $13 per person and kids under two are free. The tours are available Wednesday - Sunday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Batty Manor - The Gardens Mall
Oct. 17. - Oct. 31
The Gardens Mall will have spooky floating ghosts at Center Court that will be delighting kids with riddles and jokes.
Drive-Thru Boo - Delray Beach
On Sat. Oct. 31 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be a drive-thru trick or treat event at four different locations around the city. They are filling up 600 bags with candy, crafts, Halloween goodies, and more to pass out to the kids who come through. It’s drive-thru only, masks are required, and children must be in the car.
Locations:
Pompey Park
Barwick Park
Catherine Strong Park
"505" Teen Center
Haunted Houses - Universal Orlando
Two all-new haunted houses with terrifying creatures await to haunt their every move.
“Universal Monsters: The Bride of Frankenstein Lives,” and “Revenge of the Tooth Fairy,” haunted houses are included with park admission. In addition, CityWalk's participating realtors are providing Trick-Or-Treating experiences.
History & Haunts
Nov. 6 Dec. 4, 2020, from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.
War Party Paranormal will be leading and guiding tours through Yesteryear Village at the South Florida Fairgrounds. They will have their paranormal equipment available for guests. Tickets cost $35.
Hocus Pocus Drag Show - Lake Park
Oct. 30 and 31 at the Kelsey Theater watch as Winnie, Sarah, and Mary as they run amuck in Salem after being resurrected by meddling pranksters in this nostalgic drag tribute. South Florida’s top female impersonators transform into uncanny lookalikes of the films’ beloved characters, taking you back to 1993 to relive this Halloween classic with intricately detailed sets, replica costumes and props, and intense character study.
South Florida Pumpkin Patches
Oct. 1 - Oct. 31 open daily from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
(561) 697-9377
Jupiter
14 N. Old Dixie Hwy. (U.S. 1)
Jupiter, FL 33458
Stuart
2200 NW Federal Hwy.
Stuart, FL 34994
Wellington
2635 SR 7
Wellington, FL 33414
Spookyville Drive-Thru Fair Eats & Treats
Oct. 23 - Oct. 31. Friday & Saturday from 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday - Thursday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Children will be able to enjoy a slow cruise as they enjoy friendly faces, familiar songs, Halloween vignettes, actors, dancers, and lots of candy while staying in the safety of their car the entire time. After the Spookyville ride, families may take advantage of Fair Eats & Treats, too, which will feature fair food and sweets available for purchase. The experience costs $25 per car.