Why Trick-or-Treating Shouldn’t Have an Age Limit
Halloween is right around the corner, and with it comes the annual debate: “Aren’t you a little too old to be trick-or-treating?” But why are we so quick to cut off teenagers from the magic of Halloween? Who decided that there’s an age cutoff for fun? The teen years are already filled with so much pressure—to get good grades, to fit in, to figure out who they are and who they want to become. Letting them have a night where they can just be a kid again, even if they’re on the verge of adulthood, is a gift. One night of pure silliness, creativity, and community can do wonders for their well-being.
When teens are constantly encouraged to grow up fast, holding onto a little piece of childhood isn’t just OK—it's beneficial, even essential.
THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF STAYING CONNECTED TO CHILDHOOD
As teens grow up, they’re under pressure to act like adults and face new responsibilities. Trick-or-treating lets them take a break from all of that. For a few hours, they can be carefree and playful—something they don’t get to do enough these days.
Staying connected to childhood through traditions like Halloween can be grounding and reassuring. It allows them to reconnect with simpler times, which can reduce stress and ease anxiety. Embracing that magical, playful side reminds them it’s okay to not have everything figured out. They’re still growing and learning—and if dressing up and collecting candy helps them hold onto that for a little longer, why not?
HALLOWEEN AS A POSITIVE SOCIAL OUTLET
Teen years can be awkward, isolating, and tough to navigate. Trick-or-treating provides a positive way for teens to socialize with friends and community. It gives them an excuse to get together in costumes, laugh at themselves, and not take things too seriously.
Halloween gives teens a way to participate in something joyful and community-oriented, taking a break from social media and high school drama. Instead of scrolling on their phones, they’re outside, interacting with neighbors, and experiencing a sense of belonging. That’s a win for everyone.
For some teens, trick-or-treating is a beloved family tradition. Maybe they’ve dressed up with siblings for years or walked the neighborhood with their parents since they were little. Allowing them to continue trick-or-treating helps them hold onto traditions that make them feel grounded and connected. And for families, it’s a way to share quality time during a stage when teens naturally start to pull away.
BUILDING EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE AND IDENTITY EXPLORATION
Play is an essential part of development—not just for young children, but for teens and adults as well. Play helps build emotional resilience and flexibility by allowing people to try on different roles, use their imagination, and engage in activities without the fear of judgment or failure. By embracing this form of play, they learn to cope with stress in healthier ways.
Adolescence is a period of intense identity exploration, and Halloween offers a unique chance to experiment with different aspects of who they are. Wearing a costume and playing a character for the night can be a safe way for teens to explore different facets of their identity in a low-pressure environment. Whether they dress up as a superhero, a favorite character, or something funny or even scary, they get to express parts of themselves they might not show otherwise. This form of "identity play" is valuable as teens work toward figuring out who they are and who they want to be.
LETTING KIDS BE KIDS
Teens are still kids, but even if they weren’t—who cares? I’m a grown-up and find walking around with my kids on Halloween just as fun for me as it is for them. I love it, and I’m 40—so why are we expecting an 18-year-old to be “too mature” for trick-or-treating? Labeling a harmless, nostalgic activity as "immature" sends the wrong message. It tells them they need to hurry up and grow up, to shed anything that feels childlike.
But childhood magic doesn’t need to have an expiration date. If we let teens trick-or-treat without judgment, we’re telling them, "It’s okay to be yourself. You don’t have to be an adult overnight." We should be encouraging teens to take their time and enjoy the things that make them happy, not pushing them to put on a mature front before they’re ready.
Do we really want a world where teens feel embarrassed or judged for enjoying something innocent and fun? Responsibilities, deadlines, and obligations are inevitable. So is there really any harm in encouraging an activity that lets them let go, be whoever they want, and collect candy in the process?
Let’s drop the age-limit conversations because Halloween isn’t something anyone needs to “outgrow.” And this Halloween, if you see a group of teens on your doorstep with goofy costumes and big smiles, I hope it makes you smile to see them enjoying their youth for as long as they can. Hand them some candy, tell them to have a great night, and remember that we could all use a little more magic and fun in our lives.
