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Are Kids Ever Too Old for Trick-or-Treating? The Halloween Age Debate

Have an opinion on this subject? Vote in our Instagram poll!

By Macaroni KID October 14, 2024

As Halloween approaches and pumpkins pop up on porches, and the eternal debate reignites: Are kids ever too old for trick-or-treating? More than 90% of our Instagram voters in a national Macaroni KID poll believe there’s no age limit on Halloween fun! But not everyone agrees…

What Parents Think About the Halloween Age Debate

Many parents believe you’re never too old to enjoy trick-or-treating. "No one is too old. If they show up, they get candy!!" wrote Pam H. on a Facebook post about the issue in a sentiment echoed by many.

Others, like Laura T., agreed, but noted older trick-or-treaters should remember how magical the day is for younger kids. "As long as you’re being respectful and mindful of the smaller ones around you, (age) doesn’t really matter to me," she says.


Where do you stand on whether kids are ever too old for trick-or-treating? 
Head on over to our national Instagram poll, if you're on mobile, and vote now!


Creepy Encounters and Where Some Draw the Line

Not everyone shares the “no age limit” view. Karrie W. recalled a creepy experience that made her go ewww: "One year, I had a middle-aged guy show up wearing only an adult diaper and announce he was a baby… that experience and a few others that year really soured me on handing out treats."

Inclusion and Halloween Spirit: The Heart of Trick-or-Treating

For Katie B., the Halloween spirit is all about inclusion. "I think anybody should be able to trick-or-treat if it’s in their heart to do so… I also think people should not withhold candy because someone does not have a costume. There are many reasons that person may not have one. It could be financial, sensory, etc. Same goes for why some kids may not say trick or treat. They may be nonverbal, they may be shy, etc." She gets straight to the heart of Halloween spirit: "Just give out the candy and enjoy the night!"

Our poll even got some moms thinking. "OK, well, I’m 42 but really short, so if I wear a mask, I think I could get away with it 🤣," joked Michelle N.

Poll Results: Is There Really an Age Limit for Trick-or-Treating?

Where do you stand? Does the sight of teens — or even adults — ringing doorbells for candy make you cringe, or do you think Halloween is for everyone? The debate is on!

According to our Instagram poll, more than 90% of respondents say there shouldn’t be an age limit for trick-or-treating, but 8% firmly believe there should be a cutoff. Is your vote the one that tips the scales?

Cast Your Vote in the Halloween Age Debate!

👻 Join the Halloween age debate now! If you're on mobile, head over to our Instagram poll and vote. Are we ever too old to don a costume and collect candy? Cast your vote, and don’t forget to share your own trick-or-treat stories in the comments!

Don’t just vote — stay in the loop! Follow our national Macaroni KID page on Instagram for all things Halloween and beyond. Whether you believe there’s no age limit for trick-or-treating or think there should be a cutoff, your opinion matters! 🎃

Follow our national social channels and join the conversation:







This article got a little help from ChatGPT, because even AI agrees — you’re never too old for free candy!