I think we can all agree that 2020 has been a crazy year, and with the upcoming spooky season, this year is bound to be different than last. It’s important to shift our expectations into something we can realistically achieve safely. As we’ve heard over and over, it is crucial to maintain six feet apart from others and wear a mask when in public. So, being in the middle of a worldwide pandemic, what can we do for fun this fall season?

Trails To Terror in South Kingstown is a fun haunted attraction perfect for getting everyone into the Halloween spirit. Senior, Skylar DeGraw said, “Last weekend, my friends and I went Trails To Terror for a little scare, and not only was it extremely fun, but the safety precautions taken by the staff were quite obvious. Masks are obviously required, and there are plexiglass separators on the hayride in order to keep all passengers safe. Although there was no haunted corn maze this year, the hayride was still very fun.” 

If you are more comfortable with a more one-on-one activity, Narrow Lane Orchard is the perfect spot for apple picking this fall, while Salisbury Farm offers a brain teasing corn maze and pumpkin picking, (right off the vine!) Many concerned parents this October are confused about Halloween and whether or not they should let their children go Trick-Or-Treating. Governor Gina Raimondo suggests that trick-or-treaters should keep their groups as small as possible, and definitely not over 15 people. 

Nose and mouth face coverings are required for the holiday, so we suspect there will be plenty of ninjas, nurses, and doctors this year. However, wearing a mask this Halloween does not mean that using a flimsy plastic mask from your costume is an acceptable replacement for your cloth mask. Hand sanitizer between houses is crucial, and those passing out candy should not from a bowl. A large baking sheet with candy spread out, or individually wrapped baggies should suffice in order to keep everyone safe. 

Although COVID-19 has cancelled many events this fall, like high school football and dances, we have to stay positive in order to beat this pandemic. Just as we learned this past spring and summer, as long as we’re safe, we can still enjoy many activities this fall. The activities may just look and feel a little different than previous years.