Photo Source: PEXELS.com

Trick-or-treating is such a fun tradition, right? Well, there isn’t a set age to stop; it’s more about how you feel. Some people stop this tradition in their early teens, while others continue into their late teens. It’s all about what makes you comfortable and still allows you to have a great time!   

Is there an actual age limit to trick-or-treating?

There is no age limit on trick-or-treating in Massachusetts; however, in Chesapeake, Virginia, trick-or-treating ends at fourteen years old.  Similarly, in Deerfield, New Jersey, the age limit is twelve years old. There are additional laws in some places where anyone can go trick-or-treating, but in order to get candy it is required to wear some form of costume.

Mr. Sherman had a lot to say on the subject; ¨I don’t think there is a specific age to stop but once you stop dressing up you should stop trick or treating; because last year I had kids come to the house who weren’t dressed and looked like they were forced to go.”

An anonymous freshman said they don’t think there should be an age limit and that everyone should be allowed to have fun and dress up. They explained that they do not want to be the kid who is “too cool” to trick or treat but want to be the kid who always goes all out with their costumes. 

Sahrenity Silva, an eighth grader stated, “I do not think I’m going trick or treating this year because most of my friends aren’t going this year and it wouldn’t be the same without them; and I don’t have any little siblings I could go with.”

Sovanna Voeun, a junior, explained, “I think nineteen is a good age to stop trick-or-treating because that is when you stop being a teenager. You do not have to be young to go trick-or-treating; it’s for everyone. Even when you are out of your teens you can still enjoy Halloween by handing out candy.”

What is the concern about trick-or-treaters being too old?

 Some people believe that trick-or-treating and Halloween are for younger kids to enjoy the tradition of going door to door for treats. They worry that older kids may take away the magic and excitement from the younger kids. On the other hand, others believe that if the older kids are kind and respectful around the younger ones they should be able to go trick-or-treating as well. 

For teens and pre-teens, there is a lot of pressure to fit in with everyone else. Some teens may want to trick-or-treat but do not want to get made fun of by their classmates for going. Some students do not mind that they may be the only one in their grade who is still trick-or-treating. It all depends on your personal opinion.   

For example, a junior from Pentucket said, “This year I would be embarrassed to trick or treat because last year I went and got judged for it.” She also explained how she would not be as embarrassed to go if she had a younger sibling. 

Sammi Bell, a sophomore, said, “I don’t go trick or treating anymore. Instead I go to Halloween parties or hang out with my friend. I stopped trick or treating at like thirteen because all my friends did, and it got embarrassing being one of the oldest ones there.” 

An anonymous senior said that they still trick or treat to this day, and they do not plan on stopping anytime soon. “I love trick or treating with my younger sibling and friends and I am never embarrassed to go because as long as me and the people I’m with are having fun, that is all that matters,” they said.

When it comes to trick or treating it is up to people to decide what they feel comfortable with, and if that means to stop trick or treating at twelve or never stopping at all, it really boils down to each person’s own opinion.