Maps to help you have a successful Halloween candy haul.

Every Halloween, one question rules them all: Which house has the best candy?

The debate over which candy reigns supreme can be a heated one. But data shows which sweets are the most popular this time of year. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups were crowned the favorite of 2024, according to Instacart. Peanut M&M’s, KitKats, Haribo Goldbears and Sour Patch Kids also made the list.

Whatever your candy preference, no one wants to spend the evening strolling barren streets hoping to find some goodies. Keep reading for simple ways to score a successful Halloween haul.

Watch the video for tips on finding the best route for Halloween night.

Nextdoor trick or treat map

Make trick-or-treating more enjoyable — and more bountiful — for all ages by using a map.

This time of year, Nextdoor offers a Treat Map — a space where you and your community can share your participation in the night of frights.

The app adds pins to houses, and tapping on them reveals more details, such as whether the home has spooky fun decorations, is welcoming trick or treaters or hosting a community event.

Another option is to make your own map with your friends and neighbors using Google Maps.

To create a custom map in Google Maps:

  • Click the hamburger menu on Google Maps.
  • Click Saved.
  • Select Maps and then select Create Map.

You can customize the map to show whether you’re open for trick-or-treating, have allergy-friendly candies, offer treats for visitors 21 and older, feature amazing decorations or provide sensory-friendly experiences. The beauty of making the map yourself is that you can tailor it to fit your community.

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Trick or Treat alternatives

Sometimes the ability to go trick-or-treating depends on where you live. It’s not always easy in some communities, and weather in certain areas might not be favorable for running amok — so you may need some sweet alternatives.

Look for trunk-or-treat events or other Halloween-themed activities hosted at shopping malls, libraries, churches, zoos or museums. Local bakeries, shops and cafes may also be happy to welcome costume-clad children.

You can also consider hosting events of your own. Instead of having visitors ring the doorbell, turn the experience into a candy scavenger hunt in or around your home with candy and other prizes. Or create themed rooms in your home and host a candy exchange.

If you’re celebrating with friends or neighbors, consider hosting a Halloween bake-off or costume contest.

A progressive dinner party can be another fun option depending on your neighborhood. Everyone gathers at one home for appetizers, then the group walks to another for the next course, and so on. You can also add stops for crafts or a spooky story.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Maps to help you have a successful Halloween candy haul: Video

Reporting by Cody Godwin, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect