Your Halloween questions answered

It’s spooky season and we’ve compiled the ultimate Halloween guide with your most commonly asked questions answered.

It’s spooky season and we’ve compiled the ultimate Halloween guide with your most commonly asked questions answered.

When is the best day to trick-or-treat?

The majority of people will hand out sweets only on the 31st, however those with large displays may be open on the 28th, 29th or 30th. If in doubt, the safer option is to head out on the 31st.

When is the best time to trick-or-treat?

This year Halloween will fall on a school day. The majority of younger families will head out around 4pm, while the older children generally head out around 6pm. Teenagers usually stay out until after 8pm but it can vary depending on the area. The best time to head out to avoid crowds is around 3.30pm however keep in mind some families may not be ready to welcome visitors at that time.

Witch costumes are popular with children of all ages. Picture: iStock

I’m stuck for ideas, what costumes are the most popular?

Barbie and Ken costumes are expected to be quite popular after the massive success of the Barbie movie earlier this year. Spider-Man, The Little Mermaid and Mario are also fairly simple in design but instantly recognisable. Classics such as Pennywise are still popular, along with ghosts, grim reapers, princesses, vampires, pirates and witches. Other popular spooky characters such as Wednesday Adams, Harley Quinn or Eleven are also solid options if you’re looking to be creative. For younger children you really can’t go wrong with characters from Bluey, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Paw Patrol.

Vampire costumes are expected to be popular this Halloween. Picture: iStock

What are some easy DIY costumes for parents and children?

The classics are almost always the best. For a quick alien costume you can get googly eyes at almost any craft store, add a pipe cleaner to a headband pointing upwards to create an antenna and then wear a green top and pants. It’s quick and easy and should be achievable with what you have lying around your house. Another classic option is an old white sheet you are no longer using. Cut out holes at the part where your eyes would normally be and you’re transformed into a ghost. Due to the popularity of Barbie you can pretty much get away with anything pink as long as you have a blonde wig. There’s no rule book on how you need to dress as long as you’re comfortable. Most craft stores also have pre-made costumes so if you’re short on time you can easily get a ready-made witch or skeleton outfit.

Discount stores are a great way to purchase Halloween decorations. Picture: iStock

I’m on a limited budget, what can I decorate with?

The majority of bargain stores will have a Halloween section. You can easily get a range of exterior decorations for less than $50. The Reject Shop, Bargain Central, Silly Solly’s, Choice The Discount Store and King Kong Sales usually have relatively budget-friendly options. YouTube is also a fantastic resource for DIY decoration ideas.

What is the best way to keep my children safe during Halloween?

Safety ID bracelets are a great way to keep your children safe on Halloween. If you are unable to source a safety ID bracelet the next best thing would be to write your phone number on their arm. Children still in primary school are usually accompanied by adults while teenagers usually prefer to head out alone.

Queenslanders are expected to welcome hundreds of trick-or-treaters to their homes this year. Picture: iStock

How much candy should I buy?

On Halloween more is always better. While Queenslanders don’t usually resort to egging homes, some children may become disappointed if they aren’t able to get treats from every house they visit. If you’re not going to be home you can pop all the candy in a large basket out the front under an honesty system, allowing people to take treats as they walk by.

More is always better when it comes to purchasing sweets for Halloween. Picture: iStock

How do I let people know that our house isn’t accepting visitors?

If you have run out of treats the best thing to do is to turn off all of your exterior lights. Most trick-or-treaters respect that lights off means no entry. You may still get one or two door knocks but the best way to avoid visitors is to leave the lights off.

What happens at the Dreamworld Happy Halloween event?

From 5.30pm to 9pm Dreamworld will be transformed into an after-dark theme park. Trick-or-treating will be available for the little ones, while rides will be running all night for the bigger kids and adults. You’ll also get the opportunity to explore a mystery mansion as well as see what the wildlife get up to after-dark.

Halloween is almost here. Picture: iStock

What are the Fright Nights at Warner Bros. Movie World?

Movie World will open from 6pm to 11pm until October 28, offering a spooky experience for those who dare enter the theme park. The majority of rides will be open until 10pm, with thrillseekers able to explore mazes, themed precincts and panic rooms.