WASHINGTON (WJLA) — Halloween will look a lot different this year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As many jurisdictions in the DMV prepare for what's going to be a very unusual Halloween, many locales are discouraging traditional Halloween activities in favor of more COVID-safe options.
7 On Your Side has compiled a list of restrictions in and around the D.C. area
Here are a few ways families in the DMV arefinding creative ways to continue to celebrate:
Halloween themed scavenger hunt:
Have a scavenger hunt in the backyard by hiding candy or Halloween-themed packages with candy inside.
Liz Norwood said "We are doing a scavenger hunt in our backyard with just our son. He's going to be a mailman for Halloween so I'm going to put packages all around the yard for him to find and put in his postal bag. We'll watch scary-ish movies and eat popcorn and candy for dinner."
Halloween party indoors:
Some families are choosing to stay indoors by throwing on Halloween pajamas, eating candy and watching Halloween movies. Of course, you can always carve and decorate pumpkins.
Trunk-or-Treat
Focus Family Martial Arts in Fairfax County will host a socially distanced trunk-or-treat. According to a post on Facebook, people will sign up for a time slot so there are not too many people at once.
Trick-or-Treat COVID style:
"We are going to set pre-bagged candy and hand sanitizer spread out on a table at the end of our driveway," said Rachel Hatcher McQuillen. "My kids will be wearing face masks and only stop at houses who already have candy outside."
Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
Stay safe inside by dressing up like you normally would and have a contest over Zoom or FaceTime. Ideas for winning categories are best all around, most creative, spookiest and funniest.
Build a candy chute
You've likely seen the viral posts on Facebookwhere people are building chutes to send candy down in a safe manner to those who participate in trick-or-treating. Neighbors across the nation are taking part.
Aimee in Arlington, Virginia says this is how they built theirs: