Chicago suburbs rank among best US cities for trick-or-treating

AURORA, Ill. (WLS) -- Two of the best places to trick-or-treat in the U.S. are right here in the Chicago area.

Southwest suburban Aurora ranks third in the country and northwest suburban Elgin ranks sixth, according to a list published by Smart Asset. The company that provides tools to help people make more informed financial decisions.

The rank is based on seven factors, including Halloween activities, crime and the weather. Smart Asset found that cities in the Midwest ranked well. Kenosha, Wis., Dearborn, Mich., and Olathe, Kan., also made the top 10.

1. Nampa, Idaho

2. Orem, Utah

3. Aurora, Ill.

4. Kennewick, Wash.

5. Longmont, Colo. and Dearborn, Mich. (tie)

6. Elgin, Ill.

7. El Paso, Texas

8. Kenosha, Wis.

9. Olathe, Kan.

Check out the full list of 25 cities and read more about the study at smartasset.com.

Pumpkin weekends at Blackberry Farm are popular for families in Aurora, city officials said. On weekends during the month of October, children can make crafts, listen to pumpkin stories and take rides on a hay wagon.

The city said this year, trick-or-treating in Aurora will be held from 4-7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. Police advised parents to follow these guidelines for a safe Halloween:

-Accompany children.

-Try to trick-or-treat while it's still light outside.

-Bring a flashlight.

-Bring a cell phone.

-Stay on the sidewalk and look both ways before crossing the street.

-Only ring doorbell of homes with the front porch light on.

-Remind children not to enter homes of people they don't know.

-Make sure costumes are flame-resistant.

-Wear costumes with bright colors or reflective tape.

-Make sure children can see through their masks.

-Only eat factory-wrapped treats.