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Halloween Safety Tips for a Spooky (But Safe!) Night Out

Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year for our little ghouls and goblins, but it’s also a time to keep safety top of mind. With all the costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating, it’s easy to get caught up in the fun, but a few precautions can ensure your night is as safe as it is spooktacular!

1. Light Up the Night
Make sure your kiddos—and you—are easily seen while roaming the streets. Dimly lit areas, bulky costumes, and moving cars can be a dangerous mix. Equip your trick-or-treaters with flashlights, glow sticks, or reflective gear to help them stand out. If you’re putting together goody bags for a party, consider adding these items for extra safety. According to statistics, children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car on Halloween compared to any other day.
Bonus tip: Double-check that costumes are made of flame-retardant material, especially if you’re placing jack-o’-lanterns along your path!

2. Keep Costumes Safe and Secure
We love elaborate costumes, but they shouldn’t be a trip hazard! Make sure costumes fit properly, avoiding anything too long or too loose. The National Safety Council reports that falls are the leading cause of injury on Halloween, so let’s keep those little monsters upright!

3. Costume Accessories – Safety First!
Accessories can add the perfect finishing touch to a costume, but avoid anything sharp or real. No matter how cool a real sword might look with their costume, it’s a recipe for disaster. Opt for props made from cardboard or flexible materials to keep everyone safe—especially if they trip over a too-long cape!

4. Candy Inspection is a Must
You know the drill: Check all the candy before anyone digs in! Toss anything unwrapped, and if someone had the audacity to give out fruit, make sure it’s thoroughly washed and cut. And let’s be real, those orange and black-wrapped peanut butter candies? They should go straight in the trash on principle! When in doubt, throw it out.

For the Drivers Out There:
Even if you’re not trick-or-treating, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re behind the wheel:

Watch for children walking on roadways, medians, and curbs.
Be extra cautious when entering or exiting driveways and alleys.
Twilight and evening hours are especially risky—keep an eye out for kids in dark costumes.
Encourage new or inexperienced drivers to stay off the roads on Halloween night.

Wishing You a Spooky, Safe Halloween!
A little extra care can go a long way in making sure everyone has a fun and safe night. Happy Halloween!

 

Trick or Trunk or Treat in Birmingham This Halloween

As Halloween approaches, families across Birmingham are gearing up for one of the season’s most beloved traditions: trunk or treat events! These community gatherings offer a safe and festive way for kids to collect candy while enjoying themed car displays and Halloween activities. Whether you’re looking for a spooky spectacle or a family-friendly atmosphere, Birmingham boasts a variety of trunk or treat spots that cater to all ages. Get ready to grab your costumes, and embark on a sweet adventure!

TRUNK OR TREATS IN BIRMINGHAM

Fall Frenzy

Join our Children’s Ministry on Wednesday, October 16 for a meal and an evening of interactive fall stations/activities!
When: Wednesday, October 16th | Starts at 6:30pm
Where: Homewood Church of Christ

Trussville YMCA

When: Saturday, October 19th | 3pm – 5pm
Where: Trussville YMCA

Haunt the Hills

Trick-or-Treat on the Grand Lawn with local businesses from 4:00-6:00 pm!
When: Saturday, October 19th | 4:30pm – 6:00pm
Where: Wald Park

Fall Family Festival

When: Saturday, October 19 | Starts at 4:00pm
Where: Brewster Road Community Church
1661 Brewster Rd, Birmingham, AL 35235, USA

The Church at Old Town Helena

When: Sunday, October 20th | 3pm – 6pm
Where: The Church at Old Town Helena

Asbury United Methodist

Get ready for a fa-boo-lous time at Asbury’s Trunk or Treat! Whether you’re a ghost, goblin, superhero, princess, you name it, all are welcome to join us for a night of family-friendly Halloween fun. Admission is free and everyone is welcome!
When: Sunday, October 20th | 4pm – 6pm
Where: Asbury United Methodist Church

Alabaster YMCA

When: Thursday, October 24th | 5:30pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Alabaster YMCA

Trunk or Treat Downtown Calera

When: Thursday, October 24th | 6pm – 8pm
Where: Calera Courtyard located at 1120 17th Avenue

Alabaster Fall Festival

Trick or treat trail, Live music, arts and crafts, food vendors, pumpkin hunt, inflatables and more!
When: Saturday, October 26th | 10am – 3pm
Where: Larry Simmons Stadium

Hoover YMCA  Trunk or Treat

Address: 2250 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover AL 35244
Date and time: Saturday, October 26 from 11AM – 1PM
Details: Kids and adults alike will love our themed vehicles.
Free and open to the public

Shades Valley YMCA

Put your costumes on, bring your family and join us for some Halloween fun! Free and open to the public.
When: Saturday, October 26th |3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Shades Valley YMCA

Deerfoot Church of Christ

When: Saturday, October 26th | 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Deerfoot Church of Christ

Christian Life Fellowship Trunk or Treat & Fall festival

When: Saturday, October 26th | 4:30pm – 8:00pm
Where: Christian Life Fellowship Calera

Bluff Park UMC Community Trunk or Treat

When: Sunday, October 27th | 3:00pm – 5:00 pm
Where: 733 Street, Hoover AL

Woodlawn Community Trunk or Treat

When: Sunday, October 27th | 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Where: The municipal parking lot at 55th Place and 1st Ave South

Faith Church Midfield

When: Sunday, October 27th | Starts at 4:00pm – 6:00 pm
Where: 910 9th Street, Midfield, AL

Church at Brook Hills

When: Sunday, October 27th | 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Where: The Church at Brookhills

Vestavia Methodist Church

When: Wednesday, October 30th | 6:00pm – 7:00 pm
Where: Vestavia Methodist parking lot

TRICK OR TREAT AT LOCAL LIBRARIES

 

Birmingham Public Central Library

Join us for Halloween fun with spooky crafts, games, and candy for all ages.

When: Thursday, October 31st | 9am – 6pm
Where: Birmingham Public Library

Homewood Public Library (Trunk or Treat)

When: Sunday, October 20th | 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Homewood Public Library

Hoover Library

When: Thursday, October 31st | 9:00am – 9:00pm
Where: Hoover Public Library

Trussville Library

When: Thursday, October 31st | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
Where: Trussville Public Library

ADDITIONAL TRICK OR TREATS

Spookatular Trick or Treat with the Lakeshore Foundation

Free and accessible trick or treating. Calling all ghosts and goblins!

Birmingham Zoo’s Hoots and Howls

Calling all ghouls and goblins, it’s almost time to trick-or-treat around the Zoo at the annual Hoots & Howls events! We have kept your favorite activities and added several others this year, so get ready for a fun day in costumes.

When: October 12-13, 19-20, & 26-27 | 10:00am – 4:00pm
Where: The Birmingham Zoo

The Summit Shopping Center

When: Sunday, October 20th | 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: The shops at The Summit

Vulcan’s Spooktacular

Get ready for a spooktacular time at Vulcan Park & Museum’s family-friendly Halloween bash! An evening filled with spooky fun for all ages
When: Thursday, October 31,6:00 PM to 8:00 PM .
Where: Vulcan Park and Museum

More Info & Purchase tickets > https://visitvulcan.com/event/vulcans-spooktacular/

 

Spread Halloween Cheer: Send Cards to Patients at Children’s of Alabama

Halloween is all about treats, and you can help the patients at Children’s of Alabama celebrate by sending them a card.

The annual Halloween greeting card drive begins Oct. 14 and runs through Oct. 30. Visit https://mailchi.mp/childrensal.org/halloween and select one of three card designs. Hospital staff will print and distribute the cards to patients on Thursday, Oct. 31.

Children’s can’t accept in-person gift donations, food/candy, stuffed animals, toys that depict violence, religious items, crotched knit items, and gently used or homemade items on behalf of patients.

For more information about donations to patients at Children’s, click here.

5 Creative Ways to Paint Pumpkins with Kids (No Carving Required!)

Pumpkin carving may be a classic Halloween tradition, but for those of us with younger kids, it can quickly become a sticky, gooey nightmare. Pumpkin guts end up everywhere—on the floor, the table, the ceiling, and even in your kids’ hair! And don’t get me started on the smell of a rotting pumpkin sitting too long on the porch. 😬

This year, why not skip the mess and the carving knives and opt for pumpkin painting instead? It’s fun, easy, and best of all—mess-free and stink-free! Your kids will love getting creative, and you’ll love not finding pumpkin seeds in your sofa cushions.

Here are 5 creative, mess-free ways to paint pumpkins with your little ones:

1. Classic Paint and Brush

Grab some washable paint and let your kids’ imaginations run wild!  Cover your workspace with newspaper, give them a variety of paintbrushes, and let them design their pumpkins however they like. Want to kick it up a notch? Add glitter, glow-in-the-dark paint, or metallic accents for an extra festive look.
Pro Tip: Use washable paint for easy cleanup if things get a little too creative!

2. Crayon Melting Magic

For a no-carve option with a wow-factor, try melted crayon pumpkins. Line up broken crayons around the stem of the pumpkin and use a hairdryer to melt them. The crayons will drip down, creating a colorful, melted rainbow effect.  This one is as mesmerizing to watch as it is fun to do!
Pro Tip: Place the pumpkin on an old tray or newspaper for easy cleanup.

3. Nail Polish Pumpkins

Perfect for toddlers or little ones who love to get into Mom’s makeup drawer! 💅 Hand over some inexpensive nail polish and let them paint their pumpkins with fun colors and designs. This is especially great for the tiny pumpkins. You’ll be surprised at how much they love it—and you’ll have some seriously stylish pumpkins to show off.
Pro Tip: Keep nail polish remover handy, just in case it ends up on hands instead of pumpkins.

4. Marble Pumpkin Magic

Create stunning marbled pumpkins using nail polish! You’ll need a bowl of water, a few colors of polish, and some small pumpkins. Pour the polish into the water, then dip the pumpkin in. The polish will cling to the surface and create a beautiful marbled design. It’s easy, and the results are amazing!
Pro Tip: This is a great science lesson on how oil-based substances float, but we’ll save that for another day!

5. Splatter-Paint Pumpkins

For a fun outdoor activity, fill squirt bottles with different paint colors and let the kids go wild splattering the pumpkins! The result? A funky, abstract pumpkin masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.
Pro Tip: Definitely do this one outside to keep the splatters from hitting your walls!

Skip the carving mess this Halloween and opt for these fun and easy pumpkin painting ideas with your kids. Not only will you avoid the chaos, but you’ll end up with some one-of-a-kind pumpkin creations that are sure to impress! Happy painting!

 

Fossil Hunt with Fresh Air Family

Join Fresh Air Family as they dig into the past at the Stephen C. Minkin Paleozoic Footprint Site. This fossil hunt, led by experts from the Alabama Paleontological Society (APS) at the former Union Chapel Coal Mine, promises no one goes home empty handed.

This site is considered one of the top three Coal-Age fossil sites in the world. It took an Act of Congress to preserve Union Chapel Mine’s hundreds of fossils recording an ancient swamp and sea shore. It’s the only place in the world with a complete fossil record of an ancient horseshoe crab. It has been visited by scientists from around the world ever since. The site is owned by the State of Alabama and you have to get special permission to hunt for fossils here. This event is led by paleontologist. Everyone leaves with a fossil! The terrain is a bit rugged, but fossils lay all around. Children as young as five have found museum-quality pieces. Register here: https://www.freshairfamily.org/fossil-hunt

Seasonal Visitation Policy Begins Oct. 1 at Children’s of Alabama

Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 1, Children’s of Alabama will implement its seasonal visitation policy for its in-patient units. This change will protect patients, staff, visitors, and the community from the potential spread of illness during respiratory season.

Beginning Tuesday, visitors must be at least 13 years of age and symptom-free.

Visitors should not come to the hospital if they are experiencing any of the following:

Fever in the last 24 hours
Runny nose
Cough
Sore throat
Exposure to anyone with flu-like symptoms
Masks are recommended but not required. However, masks may be necessary in some patient care areas.

With a few exceptions, Children’s allows visitation daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.  All visitors must register and wear hospital-issued identification before visiting any area. Clergy/spiritual care providers may visit at the discretion of patients/families.

For more information about the visitation policy, click here.

Birmingham Area Pumpkin Patch Guide, Fall 2024

Looking for the best pumpkin patches in Birmingham this fall? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve, a fun family outing, or just want to soak up some autumn vibes, our list of Birmingham-area pumpkin patches has everything you need. From hayrides to corn mazes, and photo ops to seasonal treats, these local spots are a must-visit for families. Explore the top pumpkin patches near Birmingham and make unforgettable fall memories with your kids this season!

BIRMINGHAM AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES FALL 2024

boy picks pumpkin at the farmers market. The person in motion, defocused. Copy space

Old Baker Farm

Location: Harpersville just off Hwy 280
September 28th – October 31st
Open weekdays 3pm – 5pm
Saturdays 9am – 5pm
Sundays 1pm – 5pm
ADMISSION COST:
$13 per person (children 1 and under free)

Cowboy Day – Saturday October 12th, 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 12th, 1pm -5pm.
Columbus Day – October 14th, Open 9am – 5pm
American History Weekend – Saturday, October 19th 9am – 5pm and Sunday, October 20th 1pm – 5pm
Festival Weekend – Saturday October 26th and Sunday the 27th 9am – 5pm both days

Great Pumpkin Patch

Location: Hayden – 65 North to the Hayden Corner Exit.
September 28th – November 3rd
Open Monday – Thursday 8am – 4pm,
Friday and Saturday 8am – 6pm,
Sunday 1pm – 6pm.

See website for pricing

Bennett Farms

Location: Heflin –   I-20 toward Atlanta, exit 199.
Open October
Tuesday 2pm – 5pm
Thursday 2pm – 5pm
Saturday 9am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 5pm.

Hayride, petting farm, corn crib, hay maze, pipe slide, tire crawl, pipe swing, wagon train.

Visit their website to purchase tickets

4D Farm Farm

Location:  7182 County Road 703 |  Cullman, AL 35055
September 28th – November 2nd
Visit 4D Farm this fall and experience a day of family fun and yummy food!  Located in Cullman… just a short county drive from Birmingham and Huntsville!

Helena Hollow

Location: 6027 Hwy 17 Helena
Weekends in October
Friday 9am – 5pm,
Saturdays and Sundays 10am – 6pm (*Sunday October 30th will close at 4pm)

Hayrides, a tire mountain, rope climbs and tire swings, hay maze and obstacles, petting zoo access, land slides, corn barn and silo playhouses.

See website for admission prices and to pre-purchase tickets

Griffin Farms

Location: West Blockton, AL
Opening weekend for pumpkin season October, 5th
Saturdays 10am – 6pm
Sundays 12pm – 6pm

General Admission $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free
Admission includes: 1 pumpkin per paid admission, animal farm, bouncy houses, corn maze, hay ride, slides, swings, hay mountain and much more!

Penton Farms

Location: 3595 County Road 59, Verbena
September 28th – November 2nd
Open Monday – Friday 1pm – 6pm
Saturday – 9am – 6pm

Admission: $14.00 for 2 years old and up.

*The admission includes access to almost all activities as well as one pumpkin from the field.*

Wagon rides, corn maze, animal barn, cow train, super slide, hay mountain, concessions and more!

More Options for Pumpkins:

Simms Garden is Homewood

Location: 908 Highland Road & 913 Irving Road in Homewood, AL

Located in the Edgewood Neighborhood in Homewood, this garden offers a variety for every pumpkin patch goer. Whether it is small and unique-looking pumpkins and gourds, a traditional big pumpkin for carving, or some mums to complete your front porch decor you will find pumpkins from five to 50 pounds.

Birmingham Area Witches Ride, Halloween 2024

Get ready for some spooktacular fun as our Birmingham Area witches take to the streets for their annual ride! Decked out in sparkling robes and playful costumes, these witches will light up the evening as they soar through the neighborhood, tossing candy along the way.

Here’s where you can catch a ride—whether you’re joining the witches or just there to gather the goodies!

Trussville Witches Ride:

Meet us at Cahaba elementary to begin the ride through town, ending at Ferus in the TED! Join us for the after-party!
Saturday, October 19th
5pm
More Info

Cahaba Heights Witches Ride:

A day of fun and witchy business as we ride through Cahaba Heights to support a great cause, Children’s Hospital of Alabama.
Saturday, October 26th
4pm
More Info

Homewood Witches Ride:

This year, HWR is partnering with the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center at UAB!
Sunday, October 27th
Homewood Central Park
5:45pm
More Info

Bluff Park Witches Ride:

Get your best witchy attire to fly (ride) through the streets of Bluff Park. Pack plenty of candy for all the little goblins to enjoy. And join us for an after party at The Electric. All to benefit The WellHouse.
Sunday, October 27th
Shades Cliff Park
4:30pm
More Info

Star Lake Witches Ride:

SAVE THE DATE for Green Valley’s most fun event of the year! The Star Lake Witches Ride.
Witches ride on bikes, brooms and golf carts tossing out candy to children!
Sunday, October 27th
5:45pm

Peanut Butter Spider Cookies

These Peanut Butter Spider Cookies are so simple and are sure to be a hit this season at any of your Halloween parties and play dates. -Here’s what you need and what you’ll do!

-Peanut butter cookies (store bought is totally ok but feel free to make them homemade, I’m all about a lazy Moms guide to these treats)
-Mini Reese’s peanut butter cups
-Writing icing or semi sweet melting chocolate
-Candy eye balls (if you’re not putting these on everything this time of year, you’re missing out) 👀

What you’ll do:

-Use the writing icing or melt the melting chocolate and use that as your “glue” to hold a Reese’s cup to the center of the top of your cookie.
-Use the writing icing( or melted chocolate in a piping bag) to draw on 8 legs, 4 on each side.
-Finish up by using the writing icing or melted chocolate to “glue” on your candy eyes.

That’s it! How’s easy can it get

Recipe: Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing

Pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing, fall colored sprinkles on a white plateMuch like the Christmas decor at your favorite store, the Pumpkin Flavored goodies seem to make their way to the shelves and coffee shops earlier and earlier every year. If you’re looking for an excuse to get in on the pumpkin flavored action at home, try these pumpkin cookies with cream cheese icing.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Icing
Yield: 24 Cookies

Ingredients:

For the Cookies
1 cup butter flavored shortening
1 cup unsalted butter; softened
2 cups white sugar
2 cups canned pumpkin (solid; not pie mix)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
4 cups all-purpose flour

For the Cream Cheese Icing
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons butter, softened
4 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (extract will also work)
2 tablespoons milk
Directions:

For the Cookies
1. Cream shortening, butter, white sugar and pumpkin. Add eggs and mix well.

2. Sift together the baking soda, ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, salt and flour. Add to pumpkin mixture and mix well.

3. Drop from spoon to cookie sheet. Bake 13-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

For the Cream Cheese Icing
1. Mix the cream cheese with the butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk in a bowl.

2. Heat in a microwave for 15 seconds.

3. Drizzle spoonfuls over the cooled cookies and smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula.

Enjoy!