We are all familiar with the famed tradition of trick or treating on Halloween. It’s a special aspect of this holiday that all of us have participated in when we were children. However, as we grow older, a new question arises. Is there an age limit to trick or treating? When are you too old to receive free candy and be a part of the Halloween festivities? Parents and growing children question this. Some younger kids might want to grow up and not participate in activities for younger people. They may want to seem older. Let’s dive right into breaking down this question. 

While there are two sides to this debate, there is also a gray area in the middle worth discussing. There is a set age limit to trick or treating, there is no age limit, or there isn’t a limit but there is a time when many people stop going trick or treating. It could be believed that one should stop trick or treating when they turn a teenager, meaning their prime trick or treating days are elementary school; this could be because when younger children see older kids trick or treating it could be off putting, intimidating, and uncomfortable. Some teens may simply stop themselves when they think they are too old to trick or treat as they could feel embarrassed.

  While having an age limit could be beneficial to many Halloween celebrants, there is reasoning for prohibiting trick or treating age limits. Firstly, Halloween is an experience that you only get to do a few times in your life before you reach full adulthood. Another reason is that if a teen is trick or treating with a  younger sibling, they can be a part of it along with ensuring their sibling is safe. Most of my friends, whose ages vary between twelve and sixteen, argued that there is no age limit. 

“Everyone should be able to receive free candy and have fun on Halloween,” stated Kate Gollub, an eighth grade student at Tenafly Middle School.

Here is my stance at the middle point of this argument; there is no age limit but there is an age where it is socially suggested not to go. No one is stopping anyone from dressing up in a costume and collecting candy on Halloween. However, there comes a point where collecting candy at an older age is considered odd and uncomfortable. This could be because adults are more accustomed to seeing younger children come to their doorsteps. Also, it is considered a childish activity for younger children. 

“Everyone should be able to receive free candy and have fun on Halloween,” stated Kate Gollub, an eighth grade student at Tenafly Middle School.

All in all, I believe there is an age when it’s socially preferable not to, however, there is no one stopping you from partaking in the tradition.