how old is too old to go trick or treating?

[Like2Plan]

When I was growing up, it was around jr high age. But I think it has evolved into high school age these days. I think it should be left up the child--when they feel they are too old. You are only a kid once, might as well enjoy it for as long as it lasts.

[Ima saver]

i still go trick or treating. I put on my costume and ring the bell. then I tell them I am senile and a bag lady and this is all I will get to eat for the month! (I am just kidding)

[FrugalTexan75]

I think the last time I went real trick or treating I was 8. After that we moved to New Mexico and we'd go to the alternative parties instead.

I think as long as the kid is dressed up in some kind of a costume, the only age that is too old is when it stops being fun.

My dad was telling me about how one Halloween he and his younger brother were out driving around and saw kids trick or treating. They wanted some candy, so they stopped and Jim (dad's brother) got out of the car and rang a doorbell. No costume or anything - maybe college age? - he got some candy.

(Jim and his wife are now missionaries in Cyprus.)

[LuxLiving]

I'd say the normal time frame when most kids would want to stop is the 11-13 year olds.

When my kids were small we went to some parties, and later held parties at my home but I was never a big fan of my kids going door to door to beg candy.

[boosami]

I think the decision should be up to the kids as long as they are respectful and make an effort to have a costume. I wouldn't want my kid to be left out of a group of friends going trick or treating if he or she wanted to go.

The last year I went was around 12 or 13. It was my decision to stop going door to door. Since then I participated by watching scary movies and handing out candy from home. I still dress up I was a gladiator this year.

[Kris10Leigh]

I'm coming in a bit late, but we had a rule growing up that sixth grade was it. We'll carry that out with our children as well. Our fourth grader is already lamenting that he has only two years left.

That said, though I don't like seeing teenagers in street clothes particularly, I would never say a thing to them! Every parent has the right to make up their own rules. There certainly is no age limit on trick-or-treating.

For instance...parents who trick-or-treat with a two month old. I get walking around with the two month old because they're so darn cute in their warm little bunting costumes. But who's getting the candy?

[Blue Leader]

We had a lady in her lower 30's and what looked like her 45 year old friend show up at our door this year. I just looked at them and said,"no kids?" (I was thinking in my head, "Come back when you are 8.")

[myrdale]

Your too old to trick or treat when you'd rather sit at home and hand out candy.

[irmanator]

Originally Posted by myrdale

Your too old to trick or treat when you'd rather sit at home and hand out candy.

lol then i guess i am too old.....

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by myrdale

Your too old to trick or treat when you'd rather sit at home and hand out candy.

How about if you'd rather sit at home and eat the candy?

[creditcardfree]

Originally Posted by disneysteve

How about if you'd rather sit at home and eat the candy?

That would be me. But I did walk the kids around the neighborhood. It was very cold out that night. I wish DH would have gone!

[LuxLiving]

Dating myself here, but I remember 'the old days' when we children took ourselves alone thru the neighborhoods! I can vividly remember the FREEDOM to go up and down the street was a big part of the excitement of my 2nd grade Halloween experience. Of course, some Mom's &/or Dad's stood around talking at one end of the block while the kids made a loop of that block.

[disneysteve]

Originally Posted by LuxLiving

Dating myself here, but I remember 'the old days' when we children took ourselves alone thru the neighborhoods!

Same here. My mom might have come when I was really small, like 3 or 4, but after that, a bunch of kids went together. Mom was home giving out candy at the door. Plus, it was dark when we went out. We would have never even though about going out before sundown.

[Saving_spree]

My vote goes to 18...