It can be a balancing act trying to figure out what’s safe for your children, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and keeping them happy.

Halloween might be one day, but autumn is a month of fun. Dr. Nipunie Rajapakse, a pediatric infectious diseases physician at Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, said you can keep your children safe and happy. To do so, you need to understand the risks.

Rajapakse said that with precautions, families can find ways to enjoy autumn and Halloween safely. “One of the big things that we’ve learned about how the virus is spread is that it really doesn’t spread well outdoors,” Rajapakse said.

Apple orchards are a low-risk option. Pumpkin patch visits are, too.

“High-risk activities to avoid would be any indoor, crowded setting, for example, like an indoor Halloween party, especially where you have lots of young kids who are likely unvaccinated,” Rajapakse said.

Masks are a big part of Halloween, so make them fun. Keep your trick-or-treating group small and avoid indoor gatherings.