Too Old to Trick or Treat?

For most people, the most exciting part of Halloween is dressing up and going door to door for candy. However, many disagree on the age limit of this activity. Generally, kids can trick-or-treat until age 13, but after that, the societal rules grow more complex. So, the question is, what exactly are the rules of trick-or-treating? 

Essentially, the teen years are when trick-or-treating becomes a controversial question. The decision is ultimately less about the age and more about the attitude/maturity of the kid. There are several rules to consider when speaking beyond the age of 13.

Rule 1: Manners Matter. Although younger kids can get away with grabbing a handful of candy, teens are generally expected to be more considerate. If the person is polite, that behavior can go a long way. People who actively engage with adults and say “thank you” are more likely to be welcome at any age. 

Rule 2: Effort Matters. When an older kid goes trick-or-treating, they need to put intentional effort into their costume. Wearing a t-shirt that says “costume” is not going to cut it. Adults are more likely to give teens candy if they show enthusiasm through their outfit. 

Rule 3: Consider Escorting Your Siblings. When older kids accompany their siblings while trick-or-treating, adults are more likely to be accepting of the behavior. Even if the person thinks that the teen is too old, the presence of the younger child allows everyone to understand their role in the situation: supervision. 

Rule 4: Be Prepared For Disapproval. Sometimes, the general public will judge teens for trick-or-treating. If an older kid decides to go trick-or-treating, they need to understand that not everyone will agree with them.

Rule 5: Think About The Group Size. For some adults, a group for 10+ teenagers can be intimidating. It is important to consider your group size and to be considerate of a person’s feelings, and candy available. 

In some states, there is a legal age for trick-or-treating. Here are the states and the limits: 

Chesapeake, Virginia: age 14

Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey: age 12

Belleville, Illinois: age 12

Charleston, South Carolina: age 15 

If you are “too old” for trick-or-treating, don’t fret! You can still participate in some fun fall activities. Next week, you can look forward to learning the top 5 Halloween activities for teenagers.