At the last moment, a chance of rain enters the forecast for Halloween in Champaign-Urbana
Get our tips on how to survive a wet Halloween and find out which events are happening indoors on the big day
Weather on Halloween in Champaign-Urbana can certainly be unpredictable. In 2019, there were snow flurries on Halloween!
And way back in 2013, forecasted rain meant a few towns outside of Champaign-Urbana actually rescheduled trick or treating. We don’t predict anything of the sort for 2022.
RELATED: Find 2022 trick or treating times in and around Champaign-Urbana HERE.
This year, the weather forecast appeared to include rain during the day but was going to dry at night. That was the case, at least, until we checked the weather this morning. Now there’s a small chance of rain during prime trick or treating hours and no matter what, it is guaranteed to be sloppy and wet when we head out to collect the candy.
The sun will set just before most Champaign-Urbana area families go out to trick or treat (most places start at 6 p.m.).
So regardless of what the weather is at the moment you head out the door, you may want to grab the umbrellas, rain boots, or raincoats and do what you can to waterproof their costumes. Best to be prepared (but it does mean more stuff for the grown-ups to carry around while following kids, sigh).
Our List of Things to Do if It’s Cold or Wet on Halloween
WEATHERPROOF COSTUMES
Let’s be real – no one really cares if your kids wear their coats to trick or treat. Or if they have an umbrella. If your child doesn’t want to wear a coat, equip them with layers under their costume. Hand warmers, which can be found at any local hardware store, are also a great idea. Another idea? Get a clear plastic poncho, which will keep them dry(er) but also will allow people to see their costumes. These can be found at big box stores.
BRING HOT DRINKS
A toasty thermos or two of hot chocolate or cider will not only help you get through the night; your kids will appreciate the pit stops for some liquid warmth.
PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEFROST/DRY OFF
Plan out a route where your kids can take breaks in a cozy home base during trick-or-treating. They can start with one small area of your neighborhood, and after a warmup at home, they can venture out more. Or pick out a neighbor’s home as a warming station. Trick-or-treating may last longer than usual this way, so be sure to plan for that, or perhaps set an end time for your kids.
HAVE YOUR KIDS PASS OUT CANDY
… where it’s nice and warm and dry. Your kids might enjoy passing out candy to the hardcore trick-or-treaters. The kids can still wear their costumes while staying dry and see many other costumes, which is half the fun. This is especially true for little ones! They can also set some candy aside for themselves.
PLAN A FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT HOME
Give your kids the option to trick or treat till they’re cold, with the promise of special fun waiting for them at home. Chances are they’ll appreciate having an “out” after about, say, 5 minutes into the fun.
Perhaps you can promise a Halloween-themed movie, or a Halloween night edition of family game night. Whip up a special Halloween snack for the family to share too.
HEAD OUT TO EAT AND GET A DEAL
We have a couple local establishments with special deals for kids on Halloween. Head to Slim Chickens and get a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult meal (through website or app, use code SPOOKY; full details here). We also know that McAlister’s is running a deal where you can get two free kids meals with the purchase on adult entree with code HALLOWEEN22. Wear your costumes, kids; full details here.
VENTURE OUT TO AN INDOOR OR DRIVE-THRU EVENT
Take a drive past a pumpkin glow (check to confirm before heading out!) or one of our favorite spooky house displays, or head to an indoor trick-or-treating event where participants go inside for treats. We will feature a few events below that are happening today; check out our Halloween guide or our events calendar for more ideas.
No Events