The official trick-or treating hours in Wheaton are 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31. The City asks that drivers use extra caution on Halloween to ensure the safety of trick-or-treaters.
To promote safety and protect children, the Wheaton Police Department offers the following tips:
- Trick-or-treat on one side of the street at a time and refrain from crossing the street in the middle of the block or between parked cars.
- Trick-or-treat while it is light outside. If you must be out after dark, wear light-colored clothing, put reflective tape on your costume and treat bag, and carry a flashlight so you can be seen.
- Dress children in non-flammable costumes that fit properly. Make sure costumes do not obstruct a child's vision.
- Trick-or-treat with friends and stay in a group.
- Make sure younger children are accompanied by an adult or responsible teen.
- Advise children not to enter any residence or vehicle for the promise of anything.
- Plan your trick-or-treat routes ahead of time, staying in your own immediate neighborhood. Parents take notice of who their children are with and routes they are taking.
- Instruct children never to eat any treats until they return home and the treats have been examined under sufficient light by an adult. Check the wrappers of commercial candy for signs of tampering. Wash and cut fruit before eating. Throw away anything unwrapped. Notify the police if there are any suspicious treats.
- Always walk on the sidewalk while trick-or-treating. If there is no sidewalk on the street, keep to the left, next to the curb, and walk single-file facing (against) traffic.
- Be courteous and respectful of other people's property.
- Homeowners should leave outside porch lights on. If you do not want trick-or-treaters to visit your home, turn your exterior lights off, or place a “no trick-or-treating here” sign on your door.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has also provided guidance to help residents celebrate safely as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on public health guidance for safe Halloween and Fall festivities, please see the IDPH's recommendations for holiday celebrations.
The City wishes everyone a safe and happy Halloween.