Trick-or-Treat Hours for Crystal Lake, Cary, Lakewood, Fox River Grove

Local municipalities have announced trick-or-treating hours for children for Halloween 2012 on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Crystal Lake 3 to 7 p.m. 

Cary 4 to 7 p.m. 

Fox River Grove 3:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Lakewood 3 to 7 p.m. 

Tips from local police departments for safe trick-or-treating

Area police departments recommend parents and children consider the following safety precautions while walking door to door, gathering candy and treats.

• Parents, make sure an adult or an older, responsible youth is supervising the trick-or-treat outing for children under the age of 12. Children should walk only in familiar areas, stop only at houses or apartment units that are well lit.

• Trick-or-treaters should never enter a stranger's home. If possible, children should trick-or-treat in groups.

• Parents and children should establish a pre-determined return time when kids are expected to be home.

• When designing costumes, ensure children's outfits are made from fire-retardant materials, and short enough to prevent kids from tripping and falling.

• Parents should tell their children not to eat any treats until they get home. Parents should throw away any candy or food that is not wrapped or looks like it may have been tampered with. 

• Children should wear costumes that are easy for them to walk, see and be seen.

• If children are going to be out in the dark, their outfits and treat bags should be constructed of light-colored materials. Parents can adhere strips of reflective tape to the costumes to make their children visible. The tape can be found in hardware, bicycle and sporting goods stores.

• Residents expecting trick-or-treaters should be certain that jack-o-lanterns are kept far enough from landings and the front door steps, where children's costumes can't brush against the flame (or use battery-operated lights). 

For Cary:

An annual Halloween walk held is scheduled on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. until noon in the downtown Cary area. Children, accompained by an adult can enjoy free trick-or-treating at local businesses.

During the walk, members of the Cary Police Department will distribute Halloween gift bags and reflective pumpkin lights to the children. These lights are also available for pick-up in the lobby of the Cary Police Department beginning on Oct. 27, while supplies last. 

For Crystal Lake:

Downtown Crystal Lake businesses will host the 2012 Halloween Handout from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Participating merchants will open their doors and invite costumed children age 12 and under in to receive a treat. This event is ideal for younger children, as it ends before dark.