Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for children, but for families managing food allergies, asthma, or seasonal allergies, trick-or-treating can feel stressful. Between candy containing common allergens, neighborhood decorations, and outdoor exposures, parents often must take extra precautions to keep celebrations both fun and safe.
At Southwest Allergy & Asthma Center, we know how important it is for families in the Dallas-Fort Worth community to enjoy Halloween without unnecessary worry. Here are some helpful tips for parents, children, and even neighbors who want to make their homes more welcoming to kids with allergies.
Trick-or-Treating With Food Allergies
Many popular Halloween candies contain allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, soy, or wheat. Cross-contamination is also common with fun-size treats.
Tips for parents:
- Check every label. Even if your child has eaten a brand before, fun-size versions may be produced in different facilities.
- Carry safe swaps. Bring along a small bag of safe, pre-approved treats so your child can trade in any unsafe candy at the end of the night.
- Teach a “don’t eat while walking” rule. Remind children not to snack until an adult has checked everything at home.
For families managing severe allergies, keeping an epinephrine auto-injector on hand is essential.
Managing Environmental Allergies and Asthma
Halloween in DFW often lands right in the middle of ragweed season, when pollen counts are high. Outdoor activities, dust from hay bales, and mold from fall leaves can worsen allergy and asthma symptoms.
Tips for a healthier night out:
- Check air quality and pollen levels before heading out, and consider taking allergy medication earlier in the day if recommended by your provider.
- Have quick-relief inhalers ready for children with asthma, especially if they’ll be running between houses.
- Layer costumes wisely. Avoid itchy fabrics and masks that restrict airflow. If it’s chilly, make sure warm layers don’t include materials that can irritate sensitive skin.
How Neighbors Can Be Allergy-Friendly
More and more families are looking for safe Halloween options. As a community, DFW households can help make trick-or-treating inclusive for all kids.
- Join the Teal Pumpkin Project. Place a teal pumpkin outside your door to signal that you offer non-food treats, such as stickers, glow sticks, bubbles, or small toys.
- Separate food and non-food items. Keep allergy-friendly goodies in a different bowl to avoid cross-contamination.
- Label candy clearly. If possible, keep allergen-free candy in its original packaging.
These simple steps not only support kids with allergies but also make your home stand out as a safe and welcoming stop.
Creating Family Traditions
Trick-or-treating doesn’t have to be the only highlight of Halloween. Families can create safe traditions that reduce stress and keep the holiday festive, such as:
- Hosting a pumpkin-carving night with neighbors.
- Planning a Halloween movie marathon with allergy-safe snacks.
- Encouraging kids to trade unsafe candy for a small toy or prize.
These activities help shift the focus away from candy and ensure kids don’t feel left out.
Halloween should be a time for laughter, costumes, and community fun – not anxiety about allergic reactions. With a little preparation, children with allergies and asthma can have a safe, memorable night. And with the growing awareness of food allergies in DFW, more households are ready to support families with inclusive, allergy-friendly options.
At Southwest Allergy & Asthma Center, we’re here to help families navigate seasonal challenges and thrive during holidays. If you’d like to discuss your child’s allergy or asthma care plan before Halloween, schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
