Every Halloween, this question makes its way around parenting groups and neighbourhood chats: how old is too old to go trick or treating? Should kids stop trick or treating at a certain amount of years old? The answer, honestly, might be simpler than you think.
Is There An Age Limit for Trick or Treating?
Every year around October, the same question fills up mom groups everywhere. Worried moms post things like “is 13 too old to trick or treat?” or “my son is 12 but he’s really tall – do you think he’ll get a bad response at the door?”
Others chime in wondering “is 14 too old to trick or treat?” or even “is 15 too old to trick or treat?”
You’ll see threads hundreds of comments long with everyone debating the trick or treating age limit and sharing memories of their own teens still heading out with friends. Some even joke about the classic That ‘70s Show episode or quote “too old to trick or treat, too young to die,” because it’s something we all relate to – that in-between stage of not wanting to grow up too fast.
Whether someone’s asking “is 17 too old to trick or treat?” or even “is 20 or 22 too old to trick or treat?”, the heart of the question is always the same: how old is too old to go trick or treating, and when exactly do we stop letting our kids be kids?
When a teenager shows up at your door with a pillowcase and a plastic mask, you might do a double take. They seem so tall, so grown, standing next to the tiny Elsas and superheroes. Sometimes even the size of adults. But pause for a moment. Because for us moms of teens, it feels like just yesterday that they were the ones wobbling up the steps in costumes two sizes too big, clutching our hands and squealing over every chocolate bar.
The truth is, there’s no age limit on joy, imagination, or community. Trick or treating isn’t just about the candy – it’s about belonging, about taking part in something playful and innocent, about holding onto that last little flicker of childhood before the world asks them to grow up too fast.
For parents of toddlers, these tall kids in hoodies might look intimidating, but remember, they’re someone’s baby too. They’re the ones who were once as small and wide-eyed as your little one, and their moms are standing at home wondering where the time went. Maybe those teens had a rough week at school. Maybe they’re choosing to walk the streets with friends instead of sitting behind screens. Maybe, in a world that can feel so complicated, they just wanted one night to be kids again.
So when that teen rings your doorbell, even if their costume is just a hastily-thrown-together hoodie and a mask, smile. Instead of wondering if there is an age limit for trick of treating, drop some candy in their bag. Tell them they look great. Because they’re choosing something wholesome. They’re choosing tradition. They’re choosing to stay young at heart for one more Halloween.
And honestly, isn’t that what we want for all our kids? To hold onto wonder for as long as they can?
So this year, when your doorbell rings, welcome them all, from the tiniest pumpkin to the tallest teen. There’s no “too old” for trick or treating. There’s only “still young enough to believe in a little magic.”
Let’s celebrate that while it lasts.
More Halloween Posts
If you loved this reminder about keeping the magic of Halloween alive, you’ll enjoy our other Halloween posts filled with fun ideas, creative costumes, and sweet traditions for families of all ages. From crafts to games to thoughtful parenting moments, there’s something for everyone.
- Why Every Parent Needs the Switch Witch Tradition for Halloween Candy Swaps (With Free Printables)
- Halloween Jokes Printable Cards
- These Wicked Costumes for Boys Are Melting Hearts Everywhere
- The Top 20 Halloween Bike Costumes Ever
- Halloween Pixel Art Printables
- 30+ Amazingly Spooky Halloween Crafts For Kids
- Coloring Pages from Coco Wyo Spooky Cutie
- 13 Free Printable Halloween Signs
- Halloween Costume Voting Ballot Printables!
If this post touched your heart, please share it with your friends and in your mom groups. The more we spread this message, the more we can make Halloween a night of kindness, connection, and community for kids and teens everywhere.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.