Sensory tips for halloween

For busy parents with sensory kiddos. 

Halloween is an exciting time of year. You have costumes, candy and spooky pumpkins.
But for many sensory kids, it can feel like too much all at once.

Why?  Bright lights. Scratchy costumes. Crowded streets. Loud doorbells. Unexpected touches.
It’s basically a sensory minefield.

The good news? With a few small tweaks, you can make Halloween something your child enjoys and avoid the meltdowns. 
Here are 10 sensory-friendly Halloween tips that actually work — backed by real parent wins and brain science.

1. Start with comfort, not costume.

Layer the comfort. Start with clothes your child already loves, then build the costume around them.

If they want to dress up, let them wear comfortable layers underneath (like soft cotton leggings or a long-sleeve tee). That way, their favourite fabric is touching their skin, not the scratchy costume material.

Example:

• Pajamas under a costume = happy astronaut.

• Comfy joggers + felt cape = superhero.

• Black tee + soft wings = bat.

💡 Fact: Studies show kids with sensory sensitivities have a lower threshold for tactile discomfort.  Meaning tags, seams, and rough fabrics can trigger real distress. Avoid it. 

2. Role-play before the big night.

Kids learn best through play. It helps their brain practice what to expect before it happens.

A few days before Halloween, do a little “pretend trick-or-treat.”
Knock on bedroom doors, say “Trick or Treat,” take pretend candy, and say “Thank you.”
Let them wear their costume or comfy layers to test how it feels.

This gives their brain a sensory preview. That way you and they are prepared and you will know if there is anything that needs fixing beforehand. 

💡 Fact: Role-playing and previewing events lower stress and help kids (especially those with sensory or attention challenges) feel more confident in unpredictable settings (Tomchek & Dunn, 2007).

3. Use noise breaks strategically.

Halloween nights can be LOUD and spooky. You have doorbells, crowds, barking dogs.
Bring noise-reducing headphones or pick quieter neighborhoods.

Sometimes just a hug or some comforting words go a long way. "I am right here" "hold my hand"

4. Control the environment 

If full trick-or-treating feels too much, choose alternatives:

• Visit a few trusted houses early.
  

• Join a trunk-or-treat (shorter, more predictable).
  

• Stay home and hand out candy from your driveway or porch swing.
  

You can participate in Halloween for a short time, an extended time or a hybrid event. 

5. Give them a job or purpose.

Many sensory kids regulate better when they have structure.
Ask them to be your “door helper,” flashlight carrier, or candy counter.
It gives their energy a direction instead of bottling it up.

Predictability builds a sense of safety. This is a key ingredient for regulation.

6. Plan transitions ahead.

The hardest part is often leaving or stopping the fun.
 Give gentle countdowns (“5 more houses, then home”) and follow up with last house okay. There will still be push back but...
This helps their brain prepare for what’s next, not feel jolted by change.

Bonus: A short swing session before bedtime can help regulate the nervous system again after all the stimulation.

 7. Remember “fun” looks different for every kid.

Some kids will hit every house.
Some will hand out candy from home in cozy pajamas.
Some will last ten minutes 

Your child isn’t missing out.
They’re experiencing Halloween in a way their brain can actually enjoy.

 8. Add in movement before the excitement.

On Halloween day, your child’s anticipation runs high. Waiting for trick-or-treat time can feel like sitting on a volcano. This is especially true for sensory seekers or kids with ADHD.

Here’s the secret: give their body the input it craves before the night starts.

• Heavy work: jumping, pushing, pulling, wall squats, or carrying something.
  
  

• Swinging: just 15 minutes of rhythmic swinging can organize the sensory system and help the brain stay calm and focused for up to 8 hours afterward.
  
  

Try it before heading out. It helps burn off that buzzing anticipation and grounds their body before the excitement begins.

If your asking yourself but WHY does this work?

Motion engages the vestibular system. This is the part of the brain that helps with balance, coordination, and regulation. When it’s activated, it supports emotional control, attention, and focus long after the movement ends.

Halloween can be a core child memory. It doesn't have to be stressful and full of challenges.

A regulated child is a connected child.
You can’t remove every trigger, but you can build in enough calm moments that their nervous system never tips too far.