10/15/2026
Halloween should be fun for everyone, but for kids with sensory sensitivities, the noise, crowds, flashing lights, unexpected scares and pressure to say “trick or treat” can make the whole experience a little overwhelming.
I've rounded up several sensory-friendly Halloween events in Central PA, including special celebrations at Hershey's Chocolate World, Dauphin County Technical School and Manheim Township. I've also included a couple of outings our family has enjoyed that aren't officially sensory-friendly but offer some flexibility for kids who prefer to do things at their own pace.
And since Halloween doesn't have to involve leaving the house to make a difference, I shared some of the things we've done with our own trick-or-treat station to make it more accessible. Last year we had candy, comics, fidgets, extra buckets and enough skeletons to start our own orthopedic practice.
My general philosophy is that no child should have to climb steps, make eye contact, speak, wear a costume or explain a disability to get a piece of candy. And nobody should need a special colored bucket to prove they deserve one.
I've linked the complete guide in the first comment, including event dates, registration information, sensory accommodations and some easy ways to make your own Halloween celebrations more inclusive.
