Every year, kids all across the country look forward to Halloween, a night of dressing up in costume and going door-to-door to ask for Halloween candy and treats. And every year, the age-old question comes up: How old is too old to trick-or-treat? For some, Halloween is ageless—a fun tradition for everyone, no matter how old you are. Others believe teens and older kids should leave the candy collecting to younger trick-or-treaters.
Then there are the wildcards: Certain cities even have rules or age limits around trick-or-treating! If you’re feeling unsure about whether it’s time to retire the costume and candy bag, don’t worry. We’re diving into the factors that come into play, from the vibe in your neighborhood to how creative your costume is. Keep reading to find out what you should consider and why Halloween might be a treat for all ages!
How old is too old to trick-or-treat?
Should trick-or-treating be limited to little kids and tweens, or should teenagers still be permitted to take part in the fun? It's a tricky question that in most cases doesn't have a definitive answer. That said, there are some general guidelines and etiquette that can help parents make their final decision on the matter.
At what age do kids stop trick-or-treating?
Although it's rare, some cities and towns actually have laws in place around trick-or-treating age limits, like Chesapeake, Virginia, where officials declared age 14 the cutoff, and Upper Deerfield Township in New Jersey, where there is a suggested age limit of 12.
However, according to an informal poll by the Today Show, the majority of people (76 percent of the nearly 3,000 readers polled) agree that there shouldn't be an age limit for trick-or-treating. Meanwhile, in a 2017 Today Parents survey of nearly 2,000 people, almost 75 percent of the respondents said that kids should stop trick-or-treating by age 17. So, it comes down to this: Unless there's a legal age limit where you live, it's really a judgement call based on your child and your community. To help make your decision, consider the general mood in your town or neighborhood. Does it seem like your community would welcome older kids to participate in the festivities? If not, encourage your teens to get together for a Halloween party or movie marathon at home. And if your teens are going to go trick-or-treating, there are some rules of etiquette to consider.
When can kids trick-or-treat alone?
Deciding when kids are ready to trick-or-treat solo depends on a few key factors, like their age, maturity level, and your neighborhood’s safety. Many parents start letting kids go out alone around age 10 to 12, but it’s still smart to set some ground rules, such as sticking to familiar routes and staying with friends.
If possible, make sure they have a cell phone so you can check in with them throughout the night, and go over safety reminders, like crossing the street carefully and only visiting well-lit homes. You may also want to check if there are any local laws or guidelines regarding the age for trick-or-treating alone, as some cities set limits.
Trust your instincts, and remember that you can always do a practice run or follow from a distance to see how they handle it.
A guide to Halloween trick-or-treating safety and etiquette:
If your teen decides to go trick-or-treating this year, there are a few things they should keep in mind in terms of etiquette, especially since there will be lots of young children and families out. Here are some guidelines to consider:
- Wear a costume. Teens should dress up in costumes to embrace the Halloween spirit and show respect for the tradition.
- Don't wear costumes that are super scary. Choose costumes that are age-appropriate and avoid anything overly scary or offensive, as Halloween is meant to be enjoyable for all ages.
- Don't knock on doors too late. (For more on this, check out our guide to what time trick-or-treating starts and ends.)
- Mind your manners, don't push past smaller kids, and say please and thank you.
- Stick to smaller groups so you won't come off as intimidating to parents and children.
- Consider escorting younger siblings.
If your teen follows these guidelines, even members of the community who disapprove of older children trick-or-treating will probably give them a pass—and some Halloween treats, too!
Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.
