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

By: Breana Hamilton

During the evening of  October 31st, adults listen for the sound of a knock on their door from costumed children, with open bags and outstretched arms asking “trick or treat”. This tradition traces back to Scotland and Ireland, where the tradition of  going house to house at Halloween and putting on a small performance was rewarded with food or treats. It goes back at least as far as the 16th century, as does the tradition of people wearing costumes on Halloween. This tradition is celebrated similarly here in the United States just like so long ago. 

And for most kids, Halloween is one of the top holidays. There’s candy, cooler weather, and you get to run around outside while dressed up in a favored costume. Even for adults, Halloween is fun because you get to be someone else, even for just one night. However,  for many people, one of the best parts of Halloween is dressing up and going door to door for candy.

“I love going trick-or-treating. It’s so exciting, and I love seeing all the different costumes,” said junior Madlin Hamilton.

One of the controversies with Halloween though is getting everyone to agree on how old is too old for trick-or-treating. Most people feel kids can trick-or-treat until they are at least 13 years-old, but after that, it gets a little more complex.

“Cap, there isn’t an age limit for having fun,” said senior Brady Kindernay.

Since public places don’t have a specified age of when kids can stop trick-or-treating, to help decide it’s mostly a matter of deciding for yourself. If handing out candy, take some time to think about what the holiday means to you.

“I feel as though any age should be able to go trick or treating, since it is a holiday. Everyone should be able to enjoy it,” said junior Kassidy Banks.

No matter a person’s opinion, trick-or-treating is a great way to get to know the neighbors, and other people in the area. 

“I think holidays bring people together and during Halloween you interact with a lot of people and sometimes have joint costumes,” said freshman Eliana Andrzejewski.