How Old Is Too Old for Trick-or-Treating?

My favorite Halloween ever was in middle school, when I was 14 years old. My best friend and I dressed up as “A” from Pretty Little Liars—a black hoodie, black gloves, and black pants, AKA the easiest Halloween costume ever—and ran around her neighborhood collecting candy and having a blast. I was only a year shy of high school. Maybe I should have been more curious about Halloween parties and what “older kids” do on Halloween. But that night, I couldn’t have cared less. All I wanted was to be on my best friend’s couch, stuffing my face with sweets and laughing until the sun came up.

The following year, I caved to peer pressure and gave up trick-or-treating for good. But I don’t regret my decision to soak up one last night of innocent, Halloween fun. Childhood is fleeting and should be enjoyed—on Halloween and otherwise. There are others, however, who feel differently. With October in full swing, the internet is divided over how old is too old to still be trick-or-treating. Some say high schoolers shouldn’t be going door-to-door anymore. Others say that it’s better to have older kids collecting candy than getting into trouble elsewhere.

Every kid is different, but if you’re struggling with whether or not your child has outgrown trick-or-treating, we’ve rounded up some key points to consider this Halloween.

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Are there age restrictions on trick-or-treating?

While most would think that there are no formal restrictions on Halloween, there are select cities that have laws against older individuals trick-or-treating. In Chesapeake, Virginia, a decree in 1970 proclaimed that kids over the age of 14 who trick-or-treat face a penalty of $250. In Bathurst, Canada, a cutoff age of 16 has been in effect since 2016, as well as a curfew for all trick-or-treaters.

Of course, these restrictions are rarely enforced. Most police officers don’t waste time on Halloween night carding teenagers who look “too old” to participate in the holiday. Many of them also have exceptions in place for those who are escorting their younger siblings. Regardless, these decrees set a standard that trick-or-treating is for little kids. Teenagers, therefore, feel as if they shouldn’t intrude on little kids’ Halloween fun.

When does the internet think you’re “too old” to trick-or-treat?

Even without formal restrictions, many teenagers feel that they’re not welcome in their neighborhood after a certain age. In an Instagram thread, one mom, @ellery_p, shared this: “My 15-year-old said he’s not going this year. ‘Mom, when we (he and his friends) went out last year, we got a lot of doors closed in our faces because we are ‘too old to be out on a kid’s holiday.’” In other words, there’s an assumption that older kids will naturally grow out of the Halloween ritual, and that the ones who stick around are just trying to leech off free candy.

“There’s an assumption that older kids will naturally grow out of the Halloween ritual, and that the ones who stick around are just trying to leech off free candy.”

Others say that they don’t mind the teenagers, but they are generally wary of older individuals who come to their door on Halloween night. User @cerylidae shared in another Instagram thread that, “Grown ass adults carrying their infants around to get free candy kinda pisses me off.” (IDK, maybe they’re just trying to enjoy their baby’s first Halloween?) Whether or not you agree with this take, some teenagers—or adults—may be profiled by neighbors handing out candy simply for looking “too old to trick-or-treat.”

There shouldn’t be an age limit on fun

These negative voices, however, are the minority. Many say that community members should be happy to see teenagers participating in the safe, wholesome fun that is trick-or-treating. “Every teenager trick or treating is one that ISN’T drunk at some party,” one user, @ellie.c1987, shared on Instagram threads, “just give them the snickers and stop gatekeeping childhood. They ARE children. 🫶🏼”

“Just give them the Snickers and stop gatekeeping childhood. They ARE children.”

Another user, @cortinariustorvus, replied and said, “Every ‘too old’ teen is another set of eyes watching out for cars and lost kids; a candy bar is a small price to pay for extra community members.” To these individuals, trick-or-treating teenagers aren’t a nuisance, but another set of individuals enjoying the holiday in a safe, legal way. They may even help protect the younger kiddos on a night when little faces can easily get lost in the crowd.

Some users also pointed out something critical: kids mature at different ages. Just because your 16-year-old is ready to go to a Halloween party doesn’t mean we can declare a definitive age limit. “My 27 yo son has developmental delays,” @colleen_purcell520 wrote on Instagram threads, “and our neighbours love seeing his smiling face trick or treating(as Mario).” Others took this inclusivity a step further and invited teenagers and adults to their homes specifically. “I buy ‘fun’ sizes for the little kids and full sizes for the teenagers,” one user wrote, while another added, “Listen you come to my house, you get candy. I don’t care if you’re 2 or 102. Costume or no costume. Have some goodies and an ‘I love you.’”

For these users, the verdict is evident: Halloween has no imposed age limit. If you knock on their doors, you’re getting candy, no matter how old you are.

Some reminders for older trick-or-treaters this Halloween

While teenagers shouldn’t hesitate to partake in the fun, there are some things to keep in mind when traversing your neighborhood. This is especially important for older kids who may be perceived as too old to be trick-or-treating.

You’re surrounded by little kids—act accordingly

Many kiddos participate in their first Halloween as babies, so teens in gory costumes or masks could scare little ones. This doesn’t mean they shouldn’t dress up. Parents run the risk of their kids seeing scary costumes or decorations by taking them out on Halloween night. However, it does mean older teens shouldn’t go out of their way to scare a little kid. In fact, they should take extra care to be mindful of who they’re surrounded by.

Teenagers and college kids are also likely some of the oldest participants in the crowds, which comes with responsibility. No teenager should be shoving a toddler out of the way to grab a fistful of candy or using obscene language around families trying to enjoy the holiday. While Halloween is for everyone, with kids all around, a different set of rules applies.

As always, be polite

One surefire way to annoy your neighbors as a teenager who is still trick-or-treating? Banging on their front doors at all hours of the night, taking unreasonably large amounts of candy, and being rowdy and disruptive around the other families trying to enjoy their evening. As the oldest kids in the neighborhood, teenagers should set an example and behave responsibly. Otherwise, they run the risk of ruining the holiday for themselves and the people around them.

Halloween is for everyone

There is no real age limit for any holiday. In fact, there are only a few days a year we all get to kick back, relax, and enjoy ourselves—so you should participate in the Halloween festivities! Especially for teenagers, whose own childhood is winding down, don’t let arbitrary age limits stop them from having fun. If they want to trick-or-treat, let them dress up in their favorite costume, grab a pillowcase, and collect as much candy as they want.

However, Halloween—like anything else—comes with responsibility, especially as an older participant. Remind them to be respectful of the neighbors, particularly the younger ones, for whom Halloween is brand new. As long as older participants refrain from being rowdy, disruptive, or inappropriate, the Halloween magic is everyone’s to soak in.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rebecca Smith, Editorial Intern

As editorial intern, Rebecca works with The Everymom team on updating existing content, photo sourcing, pitching original articles, and more. She’s passionate about creating authentic and diverse online content, and is thrilled to help women of all ages feel represented by contributing to The Everymom.

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