When is Trick-or-Treating in Natick?

Parents and teachers alike are likely pleased that Halloween falls on a Saturday this year.

Most towns and cities are holding trick-or-treating on the holiday, and that includes Natick. Natick is allowing the trick-or-treating tradition to take place on Oct. 31, and while there are no official set hours, police say popular hours fall between 5:30-9:30 p.m. that evening.

Natick police shared the following safety tips:

• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
• Put electronic devices down and keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street.
• Children under the age of 12 should not be alone at night without adult supervision. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, they should stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups.
• Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors.
• Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
• Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers.
• When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls.
• It’s just as important for drivers to remember that it is Halloween and to anticipate all the extra little pedestrians that will be out.
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
• Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
• Eliminate any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.
• Drive slowly, anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances.
• Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. so be especially alert for kids during those hours.

“May we all enjoy a safe, fun, spooky Halloween!” said Lieutenant Cara Rossi-Cafarelli.