Safe Trick-or-Treating on Long Island

These days, unfortunately, people are not that familiar with their neighbors, so thinking about your child knocking on a stranger's door and asking for food brings a great deal of anxiety. Thankfully, however, many neighborhoods on Long Island have recognized the need to provide safe places to trick-or-treat so that children can take part in this shameless crusade for sugar and parents can feel at ease.

Many school districts host trick-or-treating, so that is a good avenue to explore. Sometimes malls also provide indoor trick-or-treating options, which can be especially alluring on a particularly cold or wet Halloween. Several Long Island villages offer safe trick-or-treating right in town.  Village trick-or-treating usually begins early, so young children can go right away and won't have to worry about feeling intimidated by the big kids. Many villages also shut down traffic in a section of town, so children can wander without worrying about cars. Participating stores often have fun decorations and employees who are excited to see the children in costume, so it is a pleasant way to visit local businesses.

Babylon Village
631-893-3002
Visit Babylon merchants throughout the village from 3 to 6pm for its "Trick or Treat in the Village" program. This event is sponsored by the Babylon Village Chamber of Commerce.

Huntington Village
631-351-2877
Huntington's "Safe Trick-or-Treat Program" is held from 11am to 6pm, with a children's costume parade starting at 4:15. Meet at 4pm in front of the post office on Gerard St. to start lining up for the parade.

Also in Huntington, children in costume (and their families) will be admitted for free to the Heckscher Art Museum on Halloween 10am–4pm.  They will be able to participate in a hands-on art activity and will receive a special treat. 

Northport Village 
Northport Village hosts safe trick-or-treating 1–4pm on Wednesday, the 31st, despite the fact that their site says Monday.

Sayville
Main Street merchants hand out candy to children throughout the day while supplies last.

Stony Brook Village
631-751-2244
I may be biased since I grew up in Stony Brook, but I think that this village has the most to offer this Halloween. Safe trick-or-treating starts at 2pm, but the other festivities are from 3 to 5pm. The village is having its 22nd annual scarecrow competition, a variety of Halloween themed games, a dance performance at 4pm, a parade, and free mini- pumpkins. The day is sponsored by WALK-FM radio.

Broadway Mall
358 B Broadway Mall
Rte 106/107
Hicksville
516-939-0679
Children can trick-or-treat at various retailers who display the safe trick-or-treat sign.

Tanger Outlets
200 Tanger Mall Drive
Riverhead
631-369-2732
Start at the shopper services center and receive your Tanger trick-or-treat bag. Then head to stores displaying the Halloween decals on their front doors. The Deer Park location is also hosting the same event.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!