Halloween is a nostalgic and exciting holiday for those both young and old. While there are different traditions, arguably the most iconic is Trick-or-Treating. Whether it be going for the first time decked out with an orange pumpkin bucket, attempting to get the most candy possible with the help of a pillowcase, or passing the torch by taking younger family members out, there are many different ways to enjoy Halloween’s most prominent event. 

However, the question has to be asked at some point: Are you too old to go Trick-or-Treating?

Matthew Studenny, a science teacher at Arvada West, shares that “I think by the time you’re a freshman in high school you’re starting to push it a little bit” but “I would never tell a kid that comes up that I’m not giving you candy because you’re too old. I might be thinking it inside, but I have never said no.”

He further explains, “In the neighborhood I’m in, for some of these kids depending on how they’re growing up and what their lives are like, Halloween candy might be their only dessert for the next couple of weeks.”

While Studenny moved on from Trick-or-Treating long ago, he finds ways to stay involved in Halloween. Specifically, he is a sponsor for Arvada West’s branch of National Honors Society, which organizes and runs Arvada West’s annual Trick-or-Treat Street. 

Reflecting on the event, he states, “It’s awesome. It’s one of my favorite events we put on. To the kids who attend, it gives them a safe, dry, warm place to Trick or Treat.” 

Studenny adds, “A big part of high school, especially when I look at freshmen four years from now becoming seniors, is a slow release from some of the less mature things they used to participate in. It’d be tough if that was all taken away.”

Ella McGregor, a junior at Arvada West, shares her perspective on Halloween, stating, “Sophomore year in high school would be a great cut off for trick-or-treating age. By the time you are no longer a sophomore, you often end up doing other things on Halloween like parties, watching horrors, or passing out candy.”

McGregor adds “I had a tradition where I would go trick or treating with my sister and some neighbors. My dad would push a red wagon around with a speaker blaring Halloween music while we went door to door. Now I stay home and pass out candy or watch Halloween movies.”

While opinions matter, the old cliche is that actions speak louder than words. And in some towns, that meant making Trick-or-Treating a crime.

Parents, an organization concerning all things involving, well, parents, explains, “A nationwide ‘official’ trick-or-treat age limit is a fraught issue with no clear answer. Municipalities with age-restricting laws say it’s in the interest of public safety, but many parents of tweens and teens disagree.”

The website shares four specific examples of Halloween-related policies, which are included below.

Chesapeake, Virginia: The city of Chesapeake limits trick-or-treating to kids 14 and under, and older trick-or-treaters can even be charged with a Class 4 misdemeanor. Other cities in Virginia have similar trick-or-treat age limit laws in place, including Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Suffolk, and Norfolk.

Upper Deerfield Township, New Jersey: Upper Deerfield Township has had a trick-or-treat age recommendation for over 30 years that advises against trick-or-treating for kids over 12 (though action has never been taken).

Belleville, Illinois: Bellville has a law called “Halloween Solicitation,” which forbids children over age 12 from wearing a mask. Those in 9th grade or above can’t “appear on the streets, highways, public homes, private homes, or public places in the city to make trick-or-treat visitations.”

Charleston, South Carolina: Charleston restricts trick-or-treating for teens over 16, who also aren’t allowed to wear a mask in public places.

While these are rather extreme examples, they highlight the ongoing discord concerning how old is too old to trick-or-treat. Although there are numerous opinions on the topic, one thing is true: the decision ultimately lies in your hands.

And while Colorado has no limits on trick-or-treating yet, take advantage of the time you have. You never know when things will change.