How old is too old for trick-or-treating?

Like every year, this Halloween, I handed out candy to trick-or-treaters. I’ve been doing this for the last 4 years, and very much enjoy seeing kids’ costumes and participating in the spirit of Halloween. However, for the last 4 years I’ve done this, I always find that at least ¼ of all trick-or-treaters are (by my definition) way too old for trick-or-treating. This year, I saw too many people my age (15-16) or older out trick-or-treating, which didn’t sit right with me. Even before the day at school, almost all of my friends said that they were going trick-or-treating in a richer neighborhood outside of where we lived. 

In my opinion, once you get to 12 or 13 years old, you are officially too old for trick-or-treating, since these years mark the middle of childhood and adolescence. Halloween should be a magical time for children who are still in that stage of imagination and excitement, not a holiday dominated by teens who have outgrown it. To me, it makes the most sense to allow younger kids to have their spotlight and enjoy trick-or-treating, and for anyone above 13 to enjoy Halloween in other ways, like a Halloween party or handing out candy like I do. It surprised me when 80% of my friends I asked said they were going trick-or-treating, given that they were 15 or 16 years old. It just seems that with each year that goes by, the more teenagers and older kids show up. Trick-or-treating loses its appeal when people taller than you with deep voices say ‘Trick or treat?’ and expect candy. Plus, older kids rarely ever put much effort into their costumes (at least boys, I should say). 

This seems to be a hot take both online and offline, so I’m curious to see what opinions the community has. I just think that at a certain point, we must realize that we’re too old to be participating in an event meant for kids. 

Have a great weekend, dears!

U WANT ME TO READ ALL THAT?

Huh, ive thought 16 was the cutoff

I agree about 16 is good to stop

This is one of my shortest posts. Read it or spam elsewhere.

Fine I’ll read it

I read it

They probably just want the dang candy.

Honestly, I agree.

Be fr its free candy

when you're 20 you can dress as a kid and pull it off or just wear a mask

I didn't go this year, I did go last year when I was 14 and I semi agree with you but in my town most older trick or treaters are foreign exchange kids who've never trick or treated. They payed all this money to come here who's to gatekeep them a fun holiday? I can understand the age thing only when I apply it to myself. I'm too old but someone else my age may not be as self conscious and want to have fun too.

At 16 years old, you are too old to trick-or-treat because you are nearly an adult and don't particularly fit in with the childlike spirit of the tradition. The presence of older teens at that age can make younger kids and adults try to enjoy trick-or-treating in a calmer manner. I think it makes more sense for kids of that age to spend Halloween in different ways, like a party or handing out candy.

Believe me, I saw some bearded men under masks this Halloween. I'm very sure a few 20-year-olds came by my house.

U

you can go trick or treating if your older with your friends

#14 some old man that lives below me tried to jumperscare me when he opened the door but he tripped an fell so we had to call the ambulance bc his family wasn't home 😭😭

I would make an exception for foreign exchange kids who have never trick-or-treated, since it's something fun that they've never experienced. But for people who have trick-or-treated for years beforehand, there has to be some type of age cut-off that should be generally accepted.

I'm not a big fan of big groups of teens trick-or-treating either. I think loud groups certainly do not contribute to the positive spirit that Halloween is supposed to bring.

that's true I suppose