_1696593365_big.png "Bistro Style String Temporary Lights 100 ft Pack")
_1696593365.png "Bistro Style String Temporary Lights 100 ft Pack")
Ideas people will remember
Daylight setup, spooky finish
Simple timeline included
📋 Start With the Basics
Date and time
Many groups pick the weekend before Halloween so it doesn't compete with family plans on the 31st. An early evening start, around 5:00 or 6:00, gives you some daylight for setup and a little darkness for the spooky part.
The lot layout
Decide where trunks will park, where guests will park, and where the activities go. Keep guest parking separate from the trunk rows so no one is pulling in while kids are walking around.
A trunk sign-up
A simple online form or a sheet in the lobby works. Ask how many cars you'll have so you can plan how much space and candy you need.
Volunteers
You'll want people at the entrance, someone managing parking, and at least one adult at each activity.
🎃 10 Trunk Decorating Ideas People Will Remember
1. Pumpkin patch
2. Monster mouth
3. Jungle safari
4. Under the sea
5. Candy land
6. Spider's lair
7. Outer space
8. Superhero headquarters
9. Storybook character
10. Teal pumpkin trunk
⭐ Activities That Keep the Fun Going
A bounce house or obstacle course
Costume contest
Hold it at a set time so families know when to gather. Make categories for different ages.
Pumpkin decorating table
Small pumpkins, stickers, and markers. No carving needed, and it's easy for little hands.
Cake walk
A classic for church and school events, and a good way to use donated baked goods.
Photo booth
A simple backdrop with hay bales and a sign with your church or school name. Families will post the pictures, which helps spread the word for next year.
Inflatables families love at fall events
📍 Where to Put the Inflatable
Grass is best
If you have a lawn or field next to the parking lot, put the inflatable there, away from car traffic. If pavement is your only option, let us know when you book so we can talk through the setup.
Mark off the area
Use cones or a rope line so kids don't run straight from the cars into the jump zone.
Put a volunteer at the entrance
One adult manages the line, makes sure shoes and masks come off, and keeps older and younger kids jumping at separate times.
Plan for power
Inflatables run on a blower, so you'll need an outlet nearby. Check where your closest outlet is before the day of the event.
🛡️ Safety Tips for a Smooth Night
- Have all trunk cars parked and turned off before guests arrive. No engines running, and no moving cars until the event is over.
- Set up a one-way walking path through the trunk rows so the crowd flows in one direction.
- Add extra lighting. Battery lanterns or string lights on each trunk help families see where they're going once it gets dark.
- Remind trunk hosts to skip anything with open flames, including real candles in jack-o'-lanterns.
- Keep a first-aid kit and a lost-child meeting spot by the entrance, and tell parents where it is when they arrive.
🗓️ A Simple Planning Timeline
❓ Trunk-or-Treat FAQ
It depends on how many families you expect. A good rule is to have enough trunks and candy that kids aren’t walking past empty cars. If you’re not sure, ask families to RSVP so you have a rough headcount.
Pick a backup plan early. Some groups move inside to a gym or fellowship hall, and others choose a rain date. Inflatables can’t be used in rain or strong wind, so call us if the forecast looks bad and we’ll work through it with you.
You don’t need one, but it makes a big difference. It gives kids something to do after the candy, keeps families around longer, and makes your event the one people talk about.
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