Spotlight: The Best Trunk or Treats in Dutchess County, NY

Halloween is right around the corner, and while nothing can replace the classic tradition of going door-to-door in search of candy, a more accessible version of trick-or-treating has steadily been gaining traction across the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Trunk-or-Treat events, which condenses the hunt for Halloween candy into a single, supervised parking lot, have become the go-to for families for multiple reasons. Going car-to-car in daylight hours makes the fun available to more kids, and there are events in every county in the Hudson Valley.

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What Is Trunk-or-Treat?

Trunk-or-Treat events are generally held in public parking lots, and instead of kids approaching houses for candy, they simply walk down a row of participating vehicles that usually have candy in their open trunks. Interested families can register a vehicle to hand out candy, but attendance for candy hunters is generally free.

Trunk-or-Treat with the Town of Hyde Park Police

There are several events for families in Dutchess County, including the first-annual Trunk-or-Treat event hosted by the Town of Hyde Park Police department (above). Kicking off at 6 PM on Wednesday, October 29th, registration is required for participating vehicles, but not trick-or-treaters .

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Trunk-or-Treat at Legacy Stables in Poughquag, NY

Legacy Stables in Poughquag, NY is opening their stables to the public only once this year, and it's for their annual Trunk-or-Treat event (above). The event is on Saturday, October 25th from 6 PM to 8 PM and is free for all to attend. There will be vendors, raffles, costumed horses, and more.

Trunk-or-Treat at New Beginnings CMA in Poughkeepsie, NY

On Saturday, October 25th, New Beginnings Christian & Ministry Alliance Church will hold their third annual Trunk-or-Treat event at 35 Degarmo Rd in Poughkeepsie, NY from 5 PM to 7 PM. More informaiton on the event can be found here.

"Halloween Playdate" at Kidz Klub House Daycare in Wappingers, NY

In a slight twist to classic Trunk-or-Treats, Kidz Klub House Daycare in Wappingers, NY is hosting a "Halloween playdate" recommended for children fiver years old and younger. The event will be held on Saturday, October 18th from 12 PM to 3 PM, and will include pumpkin decorating, a bounce house, and more.

Trunk-or-Treat at American Legion Post 1466 in Poughkeepsie, NY

Check out the Trunk-or-Treat at the American Legion Post 1466 at 50 Legion Rd in Poughkeepsie, NY on Saturday, October 25th from 1 PM to 5 PM. Refreshments will be available for purchase, and there will be prizes for the most creatively decorated trunks.

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Trunk-or-Treat at Hudson Valley Karate in Wappingers Falls, NY

Hudson Valley Karate will host their Trunk-or-Treat event on Saturday., October 25th from 1 PM to 2:30 PM. HVK shares that there will be games, prizes, and other activities in addition to collecting candy. Pre-registration is required through this link.