Taking Sides: Does trick-or-treating have an age limit?

Trick-or-treating is ageless
By: Dom Derosa

Once again, Halloween is rapidly approaching. The decorations are going up, the leaves are changing, and the crisp fall air is starting to set in. It’s a popular time of the year; the fall weather attracts a good crowd. What attracts a bigger crowd is candy for the younger groups; however, the same question arises every year around this time. How old is too old to trick-or-treat?

This question receives a plethora of answers. Some say after middle school is too old, others say post-high school, college, or simply a specific age in your teens. The truth is, there’s no hard rule. The decision ultimately lies with both the person trick-or-treating and the homeowner handing out candy. If I had to put myself in the perspective of a homeowner who is at their front door with a bucket full of candy, I would be willing to give out candy to anyone who rings and asks politely, with a couple of rules. 

Anyone 18 or younger or anyone who looks younger receives candy without question. If someone appears older, I might question why they’re still out trick-or-treating, except if they’re with a group, then that gives them a pass in my book. If someone looks past 25, I’ll most likely ask if this candy is for their kids. That’s it, those are my simple rules. All in all, I take the side that it’s okay to be trick-or-treating older, but they should be with a group if they are on that older side. At the end of the day, Halloween is about fun, costumes, and candy. Age shouldn’t stop anyone from enjoying it.

Trick-or-treating: for kids only
By: Zach Miner

Every Halloween, it feels like there’s always that debate about how old is too old to go trick-or-treating. I get it – free candy is awesome, and it’s fun to dress up. But at some point, it starts to feel weird seeing tall teenagers or even high schoolers walking around with little kids, knocking on doors for candy. Trick-or-treating is meant for younger kids who still believe in the magic of Halloween, not for people who are practically adults. 

First of all, older kids take away from the experience for the little ones. When a six-year-old dressed up as a princess or superhero walks up to a house, they’re adorable. But when a sixteen-year-old in a hoodie shows up mumbling “trick-or-treat,” it ruins the cute and fun atmosphere. Some adults even feel uncomfortable when big teenagers show up at their doors late at night asking for candy.

Another reason is that older kids can find better ways to celebrate Halloween. There are haunted houses, costume parties, or even volunteering at the community events for younger kids. It’s not like Halloween has to stop being fun – just the trick-or-treating part should. Growing up means finding new ways to enjoy the same traditions. 

All in all, trick-or-treating is a childhood memory that should stay that way. When older kids keep doing it, it loses its meaning. Let the little kids have their night of candy and fun. We’ve had our turn – It’s time to move on.