Gone are the days when kids donned costumes and roamed TX streets on Halloween night. Safety concerns have grown over the years, and then came the pandemic. For a safer alternative to traditional festivities, communities around the country are offering a substitute called trunk-or-treating.

What Is Trunk-or-Treating?

A trunk-or-treat is an organized affair where adults park their cars in a designated area, decorate their trunks with seasonal themes, and pass out treats to ghosts and goblins. Sometimes, events include entertainment, such as music and games. Like PTA and Little League, things can get competitive. Families can show off their artistic skills by using their own props or buying ready-to-go kits.

We have some ideas for inspiration:

1. Oldies but Goodies

Have a blast from the past with memorabilia from the doo-wop era. Bring out the penny loafers and poodle skirt, or grab a leather jacket for a Happy Days vibe. Decorate with old album covers and concert posters, and play music from the 50s and 60s.

2. A Night at the Museum

The pharaoh's mummy and his friends come alive every night in the museum. You can recreate the movie scene with fake Egyptian artifacts and a roll of cheesecloth.

3. Pumpkin Patch

Every year, Charlie Brown and Lucy wait in the pumpkin patch for the Great Pumpkin. With a backdrop of corn, pumpkins, and fall leaves, you can keep the suspense alive in the hearts of trick-or-treaters.

4. Disney Days

Nothing is easier to find than Disney memorabilia, and you can choose from favorites that range from princesses and villains to Dalmatians and the Lion King. Costumes are plentiful at Halloween.

5. The Milky Way

A full moon is a classic symbol of the season. Use a star lamp to project a night sky, and hang glow-in-the-dark moons and planets. Mars bars and moon pies make the perfect treats.

6. Cookie Monster

Generations of parents and children have loved the Cookie Monster. Turn your trunk into a replica of the lovable furball with blue crepe paper, and surround him with giant chocolate chip cookies. You can even treat the kids to cookies too.

7. Pirates of the Caribbean

Paint the ship, raise the masts, and get ready to walk the plank. Trunk-or-treaters will love getting candy from Captain Jack’s treasure chest. Don't forget the head wrap and bosun's pipe to make your costume complete.

8. Movie Night

Everybody enjoys a night at the movies. Break out the popcorn, serve it in cinema-style boxes, and feature music or scenes from your favorite film.

9. Pass It On

The world needs kindness. A trunk decorated with smiley faces and catchy slogans is the perfect distribution site for trinkets that remind others to do good deeds. Look for bracelets or pencils at party supply stores.

Whether spooky or inspirational, have a safe and happy Halloween in Dallas.