Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Fort Worth, TX

Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat!

Ah, the endearing refrain of a true classic.  What the heck does it mean though?? If anyone knows the history behind this song, please enlighten me!! And, since when was candy "good to eat"?  It must be Halloween - the one night of the year that seemingly-normal people act wild and crazy, reminiscent of Pinocchio at the turning-into-a-donkey carnival.

For me, it was always the opportunity to be something, somebody, anybody else for a day.  When else could I dress up like a rock star, wear garish makeup, tons of hairspray, show a little leg, stay up late, and get a bagful of candy to boot? It's a child's dream!

So, in the spirit of this inimitable "holiday", let's talk about the best places to get that bagful of candy or even, God forbid, a healthy alternative!

My pick for the best place to trick or treat is right there in your neighborhood. People know (or at least have seen) you and your children.  You are familiar with the neighborhood. You know who has the creepy decorations you don't want your young children to see and you know where the little old ladies are who love to coo and ahh over the costumes.

It's also a good chance to introduce yourself to your neighbors as well.  If you live in one of those suburban subdivisions (and who doesn't these days), where everyone plays in their own back yard and no one actually interacts except maybe when mail is delivered wrong, then this is a great opportunity to open up some dialogue. You never know when it will come in handy to have a neighbor keep an eye on your house or water your plants while you're away.  Heck, you may even make a real...wait for it...friend!

If you're looking for an alternative way to trick or treat, here are some fun options:

Whole Foods holds a Halloween celebration every year. They have games for the kids, and healthier treats and candies. Also, Whole Foods' Halloween celebration focuses more on the fun, and less on the candy. The event is free and runs all day from 8:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. 

Join Stockyards Station and Radio Disney for a safe, family-friendly Halloween Party in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards that's free and fun!  You can get your sugar on with trick-or-treating at Stockyards Station shops.  They also have free hayrides, a costume contest, pumpkin decorating, games, prizes, and more! 

Sokol Gymnastics is having a Halloween party! There will be a haunted house, costume competition, cake wheel, bean bag throw, prices and games.  They'll also have food for purchase so you can combine dinner with Halloween festivities.  Parents are asked to bring a baked good to donate for the cake wheel and kids are to bring a bag of candy. It's free and the party is on between 5:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Many area churches and community centers have an annual Trunk or Treat. This is an opportunity to trick or treat in a safe environment.  One is being held on Oct. 31^st from 5:30-8 p.m. at Western Hills Baptist Church in Fort Worth. Another option is the Met Church from 6:30 to 8:30. Admission is free and all are welcome!

Check out tomorrow's post for some ideas on how to make it a SAFE quest for the best Halloween treats!