Trunk-or-Treating Can Be an Inclusive Alternative to Trick-Or-Treating—Here's How

Started in the 90s, these parking lot parties can be perfect for families skipping traditional trick-or-treating, especially those caring for neurodivergent kids.

Trunk-or-treating has exploded in popularity over the last few years. During trunk-or-treat, vehicles park in designated spots, such as church or grocery store parking lots, allowing children and their families to walk between vehicles to collect candy. Participants can be as festive as they choose, with many opting to decorate their cars with themes and characters.

The tradition has roots in the 1990s, emerging from a desire for safer experiences than traditional, door-to-door trick-or-treating. While research shows that trick-or-treating has never been particularly dangerous, trunk-or-treating helps many children of various ages, cultures, and abilities celebrate Halloween. Nowadays, it’s easy to find a trunk-or-treat or walk-through candy experience at schools, churches, nonprofits, and local businesses.

Despite the diversity of trunk-or-treats, one aspect is rarely explored—how to involve food and ensure it’s inclusive for everyone, especially neurodivergent youth. Diamond Rashad, OTD, OTR/L, a neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist and disability advocate residing in Georgia, shares ways to include food while making it accessible for all.

“Flexibility is key,” she says, emphasizing the importance of adapting activities based on feedback from families to ensure everyone feels welcome. Read on for a few suggestions for a disability- and food-inclusive trunk-or-treat that is fun for all ages.

Use Ordinary Food in Festive Ways

If you prepare treats in advance, you can make food more engaging by creating items that align with your theme. Dr. Rashad suggests spooky ghosts (marshmallows), tiny pumpkins (oranges), Blowpop lollipop ghosts, and dry pasta activities as easy ways to reframe everyday items toward a Halloween theme.

Don’t forget that children can join in on the fun. Store-bought treats, such as Halloween pretzel dipping kits, cookie decorating kits, or haunted Halloween castle-building kits, can add a craft feel. Dr. Rashad notes that one safe way to involve food is to allow kids to pretend to “feed” an imaginary character, encouraging interaction with new foods without the pressure to eat them.

Be Mindful of Allergies

“Provide a variety of treats that cater to common allergies (gluten-free, nut-free, dairy-free) and clearly label all food items,” Dr. Rashad advises. “It’s easier for families if allergen-free items are individually wrapped rather than homemade to avoid cross-contamination.”

“Another way to make food themes enjoyable while limiting sensory input is to include kid-safe cookie cutters for creating shapes and letters, as well as tongs and spatulas instead of allowing children to use their hands.”

Offer Non-Food Items and Activities, Too

“Remember to make candy accessible for those with gross motor or fine motor challenges,” she says. “And since some children are non-speaking, you don’t have to wait for them to say ‘trick or treat’ or ‘thank you’ to give out candy! Some children use tablets with AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to express themselves.”

She suggests setting up engaging activities that allow kids to interact at their own pace, such as painting or using stickers, to limit sensory input from different textures. Hands-on activities like water play stations, pre-set tie-dye stations, or pumpkin decorating areas are also great ideas.

Ensure Treats Are Sensory-Friendly and Allergy-Safe

“If you’re going to use food, make sure it’s accessible,” Dr. Rashad says, noting that packaged, dry snacks like chips, cereal, and fruit snacks can be ideal. “Some children with sensory sensitivities prefer packaged goods because they know exactly what kind of sensory input they’ll get regarding texture, flavor, and crunch.”

However, non-food treats, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, bubbles, themed bracelets, decorative sunglasses, photo props, and other fun items, are worth considering if you’re unsure of allergy needs.

Provide Clear Instructions, Ingredients, and Expectations

Being mindful of details is crucial for effective trunk-or-treats. “Make sure candy and treats are physically accessible and pathways have visual cues so children know where to go,” she suggests. “For example, if a trunk-or-treat is in a parking lot, you can use chalk arrows, paths, or numbers to mark the direction!”

“While a ‘sensory hour’ can be considerate, it’s important to remember how much effort it can take for families of neurodivergent and disabled children to get out the door,” she explains. “Having flexibility regarding when sensory accommodations are provided can be a game changer.” Dr. Rashad recommends designating quiet areas, limiting flashing lights and muting music throughout the event, and selecting locations with plenty of space where people can go if they feel overstimulated.

Despite our best efforts, some families may need to explore food and fun at home. “Providing food activities to go can be very helpful. Some children may feel stressed in busy events (even with accommodations) that trigger their flight or fight response,” she notes. “It’s hard to try new things under stress, especially in unfamiliar environments, so having the option to complete an activity later can be great.”

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