how old is too old to go trick or treating?

[JustDave]

Once you get a cell phone, driver's license or facial hair, you're too old to be trick or treating.

[FrugalFish]

I'm of the mindset that trick or treating should stop around age 12 or 13.

We took DD (3) to a large social function, and then to a friend's house afterward. I was surprised at how many older kids were coming around to their place, so maybe that's the trend these days. When DH and I left our friend's house, we saw a couple of high school girls in very skimpy costumes being followed by the angriest looking Dad we'd ever seen, LOL. Lots of skimpy costumes on the under 18 crowd this year too...

[disneysteve]

Once you get a cell phone, driver's license or facial hair, you're too old to be trick or treating.

You've just knocked out half the elementary school kids since cell phones generally start around 8 or 9 today. Our daughter got hers at 11.

[creditcardfree]

My daughter is 12. She wasn't planning to go out this year. Then she heard her friends were going! She went in a last minute costume. I would probably let her go another year if she wanted, but I do tend to think junior high/middle school is a good cut off.

[Goldy1]

I am on a much stricter budget this year so I only gave one and sometimes 2 pieces per kid. Not a lot of people giving on my street. I thought it was unfortunate.

I thought I was ok with big kids coming but I didn't like it too much. The older kids all said thank you though. I hated it when groups of 10 kids came at once. IT made me feel like "why am I doing this?" lol

Kids at 13 can look 18 so you never know.

Chocolate candy was pricey this year so I bought licorice. I used to give out chez it packages from sam's but no one seemed to like that.

[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]

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]

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?