JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Children from around the area came out Friday night to the St. Johns Towncenter wearing costumes as the towncenter had Halloween a night earlier.

"I think it's a better route to go as far as Halloween is concerned instead of going door to door,” said Ashley Kirkham.

Instead of door to door, the children go store to store and get candy. There were also games and contests for the entire family, including the pets.

Parents said traditional trick-or-treating may soon become a thing of the past, especially with what's happened in Orange Park. Somer Thompson's killing, and the fact that her killer hasn't been caught, has parents everywhere on edge and a little hesitant to send their kids out on the streets this Halloween.

"I think it's something for parents to reconsider," Kirkham said.

Kirkham wasn't the only parent to voice his or her opinion about Halloween fun for his or her children. Safety and comfort was the primary concern for Glen Pray.

"We feel a lot more comfortable coming here than going to the neighborhood," Pray said.

Parents at the St. Johns Town Center said Halloween isn't just about the children and the candy. Parents said the event allows them to spend time together as a family.