How old is too old for trick or treating?

[Clairenlea]

If there is a ‘too old’. Just your opinion please.

How many do you make up?

I still think its very cheeky to drive to other areas nothing and nobody will convince me otherwise. Very cheeky.

If you decorate with pumpkins and lights then yes.

Because that is the structure surrounding celebrating Halloween.

Guising, or trick or treating is an integral part of celebrating Halloween.

I don't really understand why this confusing.

I agree what is the big deal- it is one night that actually transpires to be about 3hrs around here and all the sweets have gone. And yes, there are lots of trick or treaters.

@Dinoteeth

I just have two large bowls of sweets, lollies, packets of haribos and a couple of bags of fun size chocolates. The majority of the time the kids take one and I often prompt them to take another. You might think it’s cheeky and I am certainly not trying to convince you if that’s your opinion but I really don’t care two hoots if the kid is from my area or from Timbuktu. If they knock my door with a lit pumpkin outside they’re welcome to some sweets.

But no, it’s not something I would let bother me in the slightest and all this talk of giving to kids who’s parents you know etc. Well A) you don’t necessarily give to receive and B) I’m 99 percent certain other parents aren’t keeping tabs on who has gave their kids sweets or not. Like I said some people really don’t give it that much thought.

I actually think there are way too many young ones doing it, people parading kids in pushchairs and pre schoolers. I think late primary should be the age to start and should go through to teens. Way too may events get infantilised now

I’m not sure. I wouldn’t turn away anyone trick or treating at my door that was dressed up. Developmentally delayed or not, I think it’s just a bit of innocent fun and it’s nice to see them enjoy themselves. It’s harmless.

I agree, though I'd say 4 as a lower limit. They should be old enough to be able to go in a group or with siblings with a parent on the pavement if needed. If parents need to escort them door to door then I think the child is too young.

Year 7

Probably 12/ year 7 of high school - having said that, they've tried to stop trick or treating in my town and now the council puts on an event in the evening and the shops provide sweets etc. it's more inclusive as later on there's stuff for teenagers

In the village, we have roughly three waves of trick or treaters:

1. Tiny ones, with parents
2. Approximately 8-12 years old
3. 13+.

The idea is that it is somewhat reciprocal I think, and treats are awarded to celebrate the inventiveness of the costumes.

However, one year I was floored by a teen who wasn’t remotely in costume, who came to the door quite late. We had the following exchange when I opened the door:
Teen: trick or treat!
Me: hold on, aren't you supposed to dress up?
Teen: (indignantly) I am dressed up, this is my best dress!
Me: no, I mean scary.
Teen: RAAAAAAAAH!

Mumsnetters, she got her treats.
I think she will go far…

Beyond primary school I would say, unless a child is doing it with a younger sibling or friend

Yes, I agree with those saying it is more suited to older children, I can't recall little children and toddlers dressing up at all in my neighbourhood growing up in London and kids did dress up. All this demonising of teens and if you think about it, the horror films, Halloween is much more suitable for someone who is a teen. My DC when small were petrified and they didn't like trick or treating until about 10.

"But the people who's doors are knocked are LITERALLY asking for it"

Do you think I asked for the eggs thrown at my window?