In the United States, it’s estimated that on October 31st, a child may consume anywhere from 3,500 to 7,000 calories from candy alone! That’s a significant amount of sugary treats, especially when you consider that they’re not the only ones indulging.

While trick-or-treating is undoubtedly enjoyable, the excess sugar intake may not be ideal for anyone’s health. Here are some creative alternatives you may not have considered to manage the surplus candy without kids feeling like they’re missing out:

1. Craft Candy Corn Play Dough.
2. Save it for constructing holiday gingerbread houses.
3. Experiment with a Skittles density rainbow.
4. Create small gift bags with thank you tags and leave them for your mail carrier, UPS driver, or trash collector.
5. Have some scientific fun with candy potions.
6. Study erosion using Sweet Tarts.
7. Engineer edible gummy buildings.
8. Create a delicious model of an animal cell.
9. Share the love by donating candy to a local nursing home, food bank, homeless shelter, or children’s hospital. It can provide a much-needed pick-me-up in these places.

This Halloween, have a blast and ensure safety for everyone!