The Lakes is a favorite Mercer Island destination for trick-or-treating on Halloween. Located on the south end of the island, this neighborhood of 100 traditional homes is figure-eight shaped and nearly one mile in perimeter.

Hundreds of families turn out every year to go trick-or-treating and to enjoy the fantastic decorations throughout the neighborhood. It’s a quintessential Mercer Island experience and fun for all ages.

If you’re planning to trick-or-treat in The Lakes this year, here’s what you need to know:

• Trick-or-treating starts at about 5 pm (when the littlest trick-or-treaters begin) and ends around 9 pm.
• The Lakes will be closed to vehicles, except those of residents and residents’ guests. For your safety, please move to the side of the street to allow vehicles to pass.
• You can find nearby parking in the lots of South Mercer Play Fields, Lakeridge Elementary School, and Islander Middle School. 
• If you have very young children (babies, toddlers, and preschoolers), start early before it gets too dark and crowded. Also consider doing a smaller loop by turning on the street that bisects the neighborhood. The Lakes is nearly one mile in perimeter, which may be too far for little legs.
• Bring canned, non-perishable food items to donate. Every Halloween, the Lakes neighborhood runs a food drive for the MIYFS food pantry. Two bins for donations will be located at the entrance to the Lakes and one bin will be located at each walkway entrance into the Lakes (east and west sides).
• The food pantry needs these items: pasta sauces and chili; rice products; canned tuna and meat products; canned fruit, jellies, jams, and breakfast items; boxed cake and frosting mixes; and toiletries.
• If the lights are out, you can be sure no one will answer your door-knocking. Not every resident will be handing out candy on Halloween so save yourself the walking and move on to the next house.
• Say thank you to The Lakes residents who generously give treats to hundreds of trick-or-treaters knocking on their doors on Halloween night.

The Lakes in Google Maps >>

Be safe and have fun!