Trick-or-treating is a beloved tradition that takes place on Halloween. It involves getting dressed up, walking through neighborhoods, knocking on doors, saying, “Trick or treat,” then getting candy in return.
It also gives people the opportunity to walk around while showing off their costume they either bought or made themselves. They can range from anything cute and flashy to ugly and gory. Being able to dress up any way they want is why many love Halloween.
Whether it’s a baby or a senior citizen, anyone can dress up to celebrate. But when it comes to trick-or-treating, debates are often sparked about whether or not there should be an age limit to partake in the activity. While there is no officially decided age, it is estimated that 13 to 14-year-olds are when kids tend to quit.
That being said, it may also depend on factors such as maturity, having younger siblings, activities for teens and young adults involving trick-or-treating, and community laws or norms.
Maturity depends on the child’s behavior and their personal choice to either go or stop. Some may choose to go until they’re 18, while others may quit at 10. It really depends on when their interest in trick-or-treating shifts.
If younger siblings or cousins are still going, then it’s easier to continue with them. The tradition of families going together can influence whether or not older kids decide to join. The same goes for if friends are still going. Kids who are on the fence about stopping may decide to continue if others their age are.
Some colleges and universities offer on-campus trick-or-treating for the students there. For example, Dickinson State University hosts the “Boo Hawks,” which is an event for students and their families that involves trick-or-treating and other festive activities. North Dakota State University hosts “Boo! At NDSU” for the bison community and the public, which involves trick-or-treating and a carnival. Williston State College hosts “Tenton Trail [of Treats]” for students and families, which literally involves them following a “trail” of treats.
Some places actually have age limits for trick-or-treating. Some cities in Virginia limit trick-or-treating only for children under the ages of 12 to 14. Jacksonville, Illinois’ age limit is 13. Upper Deerfield Township in New Jersey’s age limit is 12. Charleston, South Carolina’s is 16. In Bismarck, North Dakota, there is no age limit. Of course, social norms are a thing. If kids start to feel like no one else their age is going anywhere, then they may see that as a reason to stop.
I believe traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is for children under the age of 13. Younger kids can score candy jackpots while teens brew up their own Halloween mischief, such as costume parties, haunted houses, or horror movie marathons. Every age has its perfect way to haunt the night.
