I been trick or treating since 3 years old..now I know why people at their door give me a weird look...I'm 63 now....but love trick or treating.

Last year went out as Brittany Spears..this year as Anne Romney. I like scary costumes.

Wanted to go as Honey Boo Boo...but my dog is dressed up as her.

Eighth grade was the cut off when I was a kid (back in the 60's). That seems reasonable to me. Teens should have supervised costume parties to keep them off the streets and out of trouble. I finally turned off my light when, for two years in a row, all I had was teenagers without costumes knocking on my door.

They had bad ages in the poll. Should have been "11-12", "13-15", "16+". I think up to 14 or 15 is appropriate. But, yeah they need to be in costume. People also need to remember that even kids of the same age, say 15, with the same physical build may be very different in mental maturity. The 15 year old may be fairly socially sheltered and is really just an innocent kid having great fun trick or treating. Whats the big deal throw 'em a couple mini-Snickers.

I have already told my 11 year old that this is the last year for her. Next year we are going to have a Halloween party for her to invite tweeny friends over. They'll have fun, junk food, dancing and giggles and my husband can take the boys out.

Ba Hum Bug!

lola3, you will find that many of your child's friends will still be going trick or treating, and he/she will feel left out. Too young in my opinion. Let them be kids, don't worry about what other people think.

I don't care how old they are; as long as I give out all the candy I bought, I'm happy.

I'm wondering: would the age cut-off apply 2 the mentally challenged (Down's syndrome) also? Since they R such innocent people, how would that made them feel? Pretty crappy, I'm sure.

As far as "normal" teens.......ask yourself this: would U rather have them knocking on your door 2 get candy or slashing your tires 'cuz U R 2 mean 2 allow them good, clean, wholesome, American fun?

Knock on my door; I'll give U candy; I like my car/truck/tires undamaged-& my house 2.

@TFNJ,

Afternoon, dawg & well said. Let them B kids.

Isn't everybody always screaming about how kids grow up 2 fast?

Yes! That's what I'm saying. I can't see myself looking at a 11 year old (still a kid) and telling them they cannot go trick or treating. Hec my kids are 15 and 17 and they can go if they want. I leave it to them. Matter of fact, I may join them.

People are too PC

We don't get trick-or-treaters (nor do I do it myself) because my street is very dangerous to walk on, but if people showed up in costume, I'd give them candy no matter if they're 6 or 60. You're never too old to have fun!

I stopped giving out candy because I was sick of all the teenagers coming and grabbing handfuls of candy. Sorry they ruined it for everyone. Had they only taken one a piece, it might not have bothered me so much. I was 11 the last time I trick or treated.

Katy, and see what it did to you..

In my neighborhood, it seems that most kids stop trick or treating around age 11 or so. However, then it picks up again with the high schoolers. However, that may be because I live near the local high school. The local fire department also has a parade every year that goes past our house. I have to make sure that I have a supply of candy for the kids, although some years we get practically no one. I do keep some loose change around, especiallly as it gets later. Some kids prefer getting a few coins for UNICEF or some other charity.

BTW, I dress up to answer the door. The kids seem to enjoy that.

Katy. Another 1 that is probably fun at parties.

:-P

TFNJ,

Yep. It made me not want to give handfuls of candy to rude teenagers so that there wasn't any left when the little kids came. I'd rather just not give candy to anyone under those circumstances. Polite teenagers--fine. But, none of the teenagers that I know personally and are polite go trick or treating.

I do not think there should be a legal age limit and I certainly do not think that 13 or 14 year old kids who want to go trick or treating should be banned. It is one night of fun for the kids to get dressed up and collect some candy. So long as a kid is in costume they will get candy from me, regardless of their age.

she’ll give candy to anyone next week, regardless of age, as long as they make a good faith attempt at a costume

Sounds like this lady has her head on straight.

The ones complaining sound like the type of person that walks around with a ruler to make sure your grass isn't more than 1.5 inches high.

Katy, if it had not made you curmudgeon, you would just simply handed out the candy instead of letting them grab. But you immediately leaned toward the "bah humbug" reaction. That is what I mean. I don't mean to treat you like the ghost of Ebeneezer Scrooge, but its not to late to relax and see things in a more fun way.

Ever hear the philosophy that you get what you give? You surely have negative tones in the way you confront people, so that's how they treat you. I have tons of teenagers in my neighborhood, and they all act respectfully to me. Authority does not equal grumpiness.

Wow, this actually offends me.. a law to prohibit people from celebrating a holiday.. where will it end? Will the government start putting limits on how much we can spend on gifts for our family, or maybe we won't be allowed to give an easter basket to our children over 12.. ? It is simple: If someone comes to your door who you think is too old or not dressed up, DON'T GIVE THEM CANDY. Seriously people, you need the government to step in and do this for you?

What happens when a teen shows up to get candy after a law is passed? Are you going to call the police?? "911, what is your emergency?" "A 13 year old just showed up at my door and said 'trick or treat'!! I think my life is in danger!! send the police quickly!!"

If you feel that an older teen showing up is putting you in danger, do you REALLY think that a law prohibiting someone that age from trick-or-treating will actually stop him from coming to your house to rob you or rape you or harm you?? If the FELONY doesn't stop them, why the hell do you think the misdemeanor will??? Seriously, grow some common sense and simply don't answer the door if a teen without a costume shows up, or don't hand the whole bucket of candy to them to take what they want, or even better, TELL THEM TO LEAVE! Not rocket science here people..

And BTW, I went out until I was 16.. and starting at age 12 I started making my own costumes and each year they got better and more intricate.. to the point that people would invite me in to take pictures.. I NEVER ONCE had anyone tell me that I was too old. Oh, and I get adults in costume at my door every year and many are asking for candy.. when I look to the street I see their spouse holding a young one who is tuckered out from the excitement and the parent is collecting for them.. Not that it matters, I enjoy people coming to the door dressed up and I enjoy giving out candy.. if you don't, then turn off the light and close the door..

I think 12 is fine. I think the cut off in my hometown was 14? Then Halloween was a nothing holiday for me until college. Once you outgrew Trick or Treating, the teenagers in my town had no where to go and nothing to do except troll the neighborhoods in groups tp-ing houses and egging cars, some vandalism, etc., of which I was not allowed to participate. Glad my parents were "the bad guy" on that one - seems every year one of those kids got into a car accident, fell from a tree, got arrested.......

Oh, and my 14 and 15 year olds will go out again this year, and the 14 year old is super excited.. and she doesn't even get to eat most of the candy because of her type 1 diabetes.. At least half of the people I will get this year will be between 12 and 16..

"Wow, this actually offends me.."

Get 'em, Dave.

KatyM,

Why do you let them take the Candy? I put the candy in all the kids bags myself. If Teenagers come to the door and not waring a costum I tell them no Costom no Treat! If they come to the door with their street clothes on and like a wig and a lame costum I give them one small piece of candy. I save my good stuff (Full Bars) for the best costums! But I don't let any kid just grab Candy, that's just asking for trouble!

It certainly does seem like there are a lot more teenagers (13+) trick-or-treating these days. When I was a kid back in the 60’s there were far fewer teenagers doing it, particularly those of high school age, and I have personally always thought that 12 should be the cutoff. I don’t remember if my parents told my not to trick-or-treat after age 12 but I do remember that I would have felt too embarrassed to go as a teenager. I also think that Halloween is not nearly as fun for kids as it was when I was a kid. Back then, seeing a parent accompanying his kids was even more rare than seeing a teenaged trick-or treater. Occasionally we would see parents taking their toddlers around when they didn’t have any older brothers or sisters to tag along with but that was about it. I can’t even begin to imagine what a total DOWNER it would be to have to go from house to house with my parents on Halloween. Being on our own however we could sprint from house to house and would easily hit all of the nearly 200 houses within the area we were allowed to trick-or treat in and this meant ending up a pillow case nearly jam packed with candy. Sadly those days are long gone though. And its not because trick or treating is any more dangerous for kids today, because its not. Its simply because parents are a lot more paranoid about such things today. You know, even without all the admittedly great electronic gadgets we have these days I still think it was a lot more fun being a kid back then.

TFNJ - I'm way ahead of you. Our girls' moms and I have already spoken with our girls and they all agree that they would have more fun with a party than going trick-or-treating. She won't be left out. She'll be having a great time.

let kids be kids! society is making children grow up way too fast anymore...

When I was a kid in the late 80s the only high school kids who went trick or treating were losers. Respectable people went for the last time in 6th grade. Guess it's just different in different parts of the nation.

12 is ok but its really meant for little kids but whatever. but 14-16? 17 or older? if i see a teen asking for candy ill cuss em out and shut the door. stop looking for a handout.

I'm taking my 2 year old trick or treating and I'm dressing up as the Terminator to go with her. I'm also taking her to the block party. Last year I dressed up as a Ghostbuster with a hand made proton pack I built with parts from Lowes for our yearly party. I don't give a damn what anybody thinks.

These days, you never if a kid might pull out a Tec-9 on you if you don't give them something.

This shows people have run out of important things to be worried about !

Speaking of TEC9s I was going to build a prop of the minigun from the 2nd movie using plans from the internet. You know...for accuracy. Would be kind of hard to carry it and a toddler though.

I think it's perfectly fine for a teenager to dress up and chaperone a little brother/sister.

If they're trick or treating with a younger sibling because their parents are at a party, then it would seem silly to deny a responsible young adult a piece of candy for making sure their siblings stay safe.

Trick or Treating is a rite of passage in America, a time to confront fears and reap rewards and find out the world isn't as scary as people make it out to be. Might I suggest the GOP put on costumes and start knocking on doors... On the second thought, don't, they'd scare the bejesus out me with a bowl full of candy gone flying. Trick or Treat!!!!

My kid voluntarily gave up trick-or-treating when he was 12 because he found it more fun to dress up, hide out and scare the kiddies as they came to the door. That's m' boy!

Most people go trick or treating up until they are about 14. At 15, is when you start going to all the halloween parties..... and all the haunted houses for fun.

Whatever happened to the "Oh the lights off! They must have run out of candy!" etiquette? The only problem I have with teenagers trick-or-treating are the ones who show up at 9:30 at night, when my light is off, banging on my door like its a stick-up.

Back when I was a kid, we used to have hobos come to our door (grown men) and as long as they attempted a costume, dad would laugh at them and hand them a piece of candy.

It's all about how people act. The 3 year old babies that come around at 7 are cute as hell, and the teenagers that put effort into a costume are cool in my book too. Just don't be rude, come late in the night, or knock my halloween decorations over when I don't answer my door because it's bed time!

At my house- I don't care how old you are. As long as you're in a costume, as long as you say trick-or-treat, and as long as you don't egg my house...

You're getting candy.

I think it is absurd that a city will put an age limit on trick or treating. Halloween is my family's favorite holiday, we love to dress up. My 17 year old daughter still enjoys going "all out" in developing her costume, as my 9 year old son follows suit. As long as they put forth the good effort of dressing up, then quit being such cheap, grumpy old farts and let them be kids for as long as they can. As long as they are not being destructive, then there should be no problem!

I went out Trick or Treating till I was about 14 or 15. But then again I was still paying child's rate at the movies till I was about 16 or so. Today it's different. You can't tell the ages on kids today. Girls are physically developing at 9yrs old and boys are 6ft tall at 12.

What are they doing to do in the towns where they want to restrict it by age? Ask for an ID to prove you're under 12?

So long as the kids are in costume and just getting into the fun of the holilday I don't see a problem with the older kids going out. Actually, they should give Mom a break and take out their younger siblings. That at least would give them an excuse. That's what I did when I was too old. I would take my younger brother out. I got just as much candy that way.

We dress up for the kids and hand out candy from 4:00-8:00. Then we take our glasses and in costume go to the neighbors for "liquid treats". it is tradition in our neighborhood. Soime stay home just to host treat time.

I wouldn't fault a 75 year old man for trick-or-treating if he had put together a costume.

I quit trick-or-treating because I had better things to do on Halloween. If you don't, it's sad, but I'll still give you some candy.

Really, are you begrudging a dollar, two, maybe five max?

This year the kids wont be getting candy. I will be giving out tofu and veggie sticks along with a small bag of school supplies.

It is sort of more for little kids who get more into the real spirit of the season. And once the kids are teens really? As if they can't buy their own candy, especially the day after Halloween when it's 75% off! Probably better choice as would then get exactly what they want too. But - if they prefer to go door to door, who cares? Halloween candy comes in ridiculously large amounts, I sure as heck would rather pass it out to a teen than be stuck with it myself. If so many teens were coming to my door that I didn't have enough for the little kids, I would have no problems giving them nothing so the little kids could have the candy - or passing them out an apple instead, lol - but that has never happened. We always have more than enough to keep handing it out to whoever comes by. And so the only rule I really stick to is - lights are out and the shop is closed by 9pm (as by then it is for sure only older kids out). But if it's 9-10pm, and people still have their lights on, then I don't blame the teens for knocking to see if they can score some treats as like I said before - probably if the household has anything left they are more than happy to pass it on than be stuck with it or be throwing it out anyway!

You are never to old for free candy!!!

When I was a kid we would go trick or treating and the adults would hold out the bowl of candy. We would pick out one piece, put it in our bag and say thank you. The little kids still did that a few years ago. But, the teenagers grabbed handfuls. I'm not a curmudgeon. I'm not a grump. I just choose not to participate in the event anymore. I am not saying who can or can't go trick or treating at the other houses that are left doing it. But, there are a bunch who quit handing out for the same reason I did.

I luuuv trick or treating. Haven't gone out since I found an easier way to get much, much more. I dress up like scrooge and make up a couple bricks to look like candy bars and when they start knocking with fuller bags, I chuck a candy bar through the bottom of their bag while screaming to get the hell off mah propurty!!

first of all i will deny any1 over 12. thats just ridicuous and taking atvantage of holloween. throw raw eggs at my house i got survalience i will call the police. and bro 37 and still dressing up and goofing around in the streets? i mean grow up dude.

Are you carding? Or ASSuming how old someone is?

"Are you carding?"

LOL!

It's not like gangs of teens 15 and older are out trick or treating so it's really not a big deal. If you're dressed in costume and say trick or treat, then it's ok by me.................... oh yeah and remember to say THANK YOU! It's one night................ if you are going to question a kid's age or motives, then turn your porch light out and don't participate.

rc4121-998 you sound like a complete A-hole. Hope to Christ you aren't my neighbor. You'd better get out your "age detector" - LOL - oh wait, you appear to be the "all-knowing" so I am sure you can firgure it out. And guess what jackass? I'm 55 and I am dressing up for Halloween, so KMA. Just from reading your post, it appears you are a judgemental and apparently uneducated cretan. I hope someone DOES egg your house. Good luck trying with your surveillance seeing through their costume. ROFL

Okay...really people?? first of all, im 16 and im definitely going trick or treating. i dont even like candy that much,i just love the holiday and getting dressed up. I've been working on my costume for almost a month now and have sewn together a poptart body so i can dress up as nyan cat. i've always had to make my own costumes growing up and theyve been getting better. i absolutely love this holiday. i apologize on behalf of my generation for being so selfish and dumb. i have never egged anyones house or slashed tires or anything like that, so we arent all bad. but surely, you all were teens once and hated that old fart who refused to give u candy or didnt want to drag ur siblings around everywhere. even if u chose not to go trick or treating, that was ur decision. everyones different. quit trying to shove your beliefs down peoples' throats. there is not age limit on when u can or cannot have fun. if u don't want to deal with teens, u can ignore them or make them go away. u dont have to hate them for trying to have fun. now, if they arent dressed up, then they r being selfish. but i take great time and care to prepare for halloween so i hope you all realize it's not just for little kids (who, when u think about it, are just like teenagers because, they dont care about the meaning behind the holiday, they just want candy too).

Way to go RayRae

You go Rayrae, I couldn't agree with you more. All these people so concerned with people's age need to lighten up!

My neighborhood is the same. We all have a lot of fun in our block. I frequently setup an amp and play my saxophone for the neighborhood for some entertainment as the people go by. We make it a fun occasion and I pass out the treats to all, parents too. Even so, I have been limiting my kids to about 14-15 for trick-or-treating.

I do however, like Wednesday Adams costume, "I'm a homicidal maniac, they look like everyone else".

"Halloween is my neighborhood is fun"

The way it is in my area also, people just having fun. Age among friends is just a number, enjoy it. Before my mother in-law passed she was in a wheel chair. She went as Raymond Burr/Ironside, hit of the party. Good memories.

"I frequently setup an amp and play my saxophone for the neighborhood for some entertainment as the people go by."

Auntie: "Play something.....tragic."

;-)

Agreed SweetPetite91. I love this holiday. Anyone willing to come to our door gets a handful of candy. Last year we had over 150 kids. I do not try and determine the ages. It's up to each parent to decide that with their children.

Trick or Treat!!!

I agree, as long as the kids are well behaved. My teen girls have gone out trick or treating even though they are in high school. For them, it's nostalgic. When they were little, they had to be accompanied by a parent. When they were older, they were allowed to go just in our neighborhood by themselves. And now, they can go wherever they like. But, they don't cause trouble and usually wind up trick or treating right back at my own door.

Lots of older teens trick or treat in my neighborhood. I have no problem with it. Of all things teens could be doing while out at night, trick or treating is a good choice.

Also, the teens tend to come later at night, so if you don't want them, turn your porch light off after 9:30 or so and that ends the knocking at the door.

I 100% agree with Annette!!! She said it perfectly!!!!

Same here! I love halloween and always hope for visitors out here in the boonies!

Halloween is for everyone, no matter what the age! Our neighbors and we take our kids trick or treating in our neighborhood; my husband & I take our son's ATV wagon along with the thermos filled with adult beverage and have a good time taking the kids through the neighborhood. Sometimes the adults dress up, but we don't T&T.

However, in past years the older kids like to do T&T solo without the gang of parents following them around, and now my son just turned 13 and is on the fence about T&T. (little boy growing up, mommy sad) He'll make that decision that day, and if he wants to go out he'll have to throw a costume together as I will not be making another costume for him this year (ran out of time due to his indecision)!

What I don't like about Halloween is the older kids who show up at our door not dressed up, and they are not polite about the candy thing. While we're out in the neighborhood, we leave a bowl of candy out with a sign that says to please take one, and of course, there's never anything left when I go back. I am sure the teenagers just dump the bowl into their bags and leave nothing for the little goblins. Last year, they even took my sign and someone left me a handwritten note reading 'Thanks for nothing!" This year, there will be no bowl left outside - I just don't like the rudeness and mean-spirit that these kids display. The trick & treaters will have to wait until I get back from our rounds!

You think there aren't 8 year olds who won't take your bowl of candy?

I'm sure there are, but most 8 year olds I know T&T with their parents, who, as adults, will not allow them to take my bowl or all of the candy. (Gosh, I hope they won't allow that anyway!!)

But thanks for your concern, Freddie.

My best friend, my future husband & I all dressed up when we were like 25 & went trick or treating. We all looked young, though & I was a ladybug. I always give candy out because it's the spirit of Halloween! I love holidays! You are only as old as you feel! BTW, our daughter, who is 10 & in 4th grade has asked not to trick or treat this year because it is"so immature". No wonder she is an honor student & I was not! Ha! Happy Halloween!!!

Contessa - I believe usually those are kids who live in rural areas and don't really have any houses to go to, so their parents take them to housing developments so they can participate in the night as well. I know that is what happens in my community.

Where I live, in the suburbs, aside from the usual young ones, high schoolers, and fire parade marchers, we get a number of older kids from a Church group home. These kids scare us because most of them are in these homes because they have criminal records. The group home is not close to our neighborhood, but the workers drive them in the van to various neighborhoods to trick or treat.

I think it really depends on the effort put forth. If you build an awesome costume then yes, go have fun. If you aren't wearing anything then @!$%# off or go to the block party.

We get carloads of kids. Lots of them. They hit the ground like a swarm running from house to house, get as much as they can, and load up to go to the next subdivision. It isn't one parent bringing their own brood in from the country (not that there really is any 'country' around Houston), it's literally as many kids as you can cram into a vehicle. Usually these are the kids you see when it starts getting late, the local kids have already quit for the night.

Why doesn't anyone say, "Trick Or Treat" anymore??? If kids knocked, I use to open the door, tell them to YELL, "Trick or treat", close the door, wait for them to yell it, then open the door and hand out copious amounts of candy.

Little kids are just looking for free candy too! It's all about the fun, the crazy costumes, ringing neighbors' doorbells, and getting candy. It's a fun social event. Free candy is a huge part of it, at any age.

Again ..doorbells ? Doesn't anyone yell, "Trick or Treat" anymore? --(I live out in the country now..no trick-or-treaters ..sad..)

I personally don't believe in halloween anymore for various reasons, but my own feelings are that if you participate, between ages 3 and 12. No younger, no older. It always bothered my mom to see tiny children who would still be liable to choke on the candy and could barely walk (sometimes not at all) to be out trick or treating, and it also always bothered her to see 'kids' and adults out. The last year I went out I was 14, and I felt too old. By that time I was babysitting for several families in the area and it was too awkward. I only celebrate halloween now in an 'official' capacity. Halloween is a great time to advertise when you are a music teacher...

But at this time in my life, if I have kids, we will not be participating in trick or treating. Other things perhaps such as having fun carving pumpkins and even doing a costume parade or something. But the notion of going door to door, asking strangers for loads of sugary junk just goes against a fair number of my core beliefs.

This, a hundred times this. Let the teens have at it as long as they're not causing trouble and doing it in good fun. What else is a tongue-in-cheek hipster teen to do on a Halloween night?

I am glad you agree!

johnfsteph- thanks for making me laugh out loud..

my favourite b-day/halloween card has a picture on it of 3 kids in ghost costumes, one laying on the ground with tire tracks accross his back, and one kid saying, "this is going to slow us down a bit, isn't it"...

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you too!!!

...you're fun..

AMEN!!!!!

....I'll be right over!!!!......

Im on my way too and Im 74!

I would love to have an 80-year-old trick or treater! That would be awesome.

I'd give 'em a pumpkin beer.

Amen, peope are so grumpy. In my town everyone has fun, adults and kids. Candy for everyone. And yes jason, a nice Sam Adams Pumpkin beer. lol

@Buffy,

"If an 80 year old man showed up on my doorstep with a costume on he would get candy...good candy...not crap candy.:-)"

Farther down the page, U write:

"Adolescence starts at 13..."

I'm just trying 2 understand where U sit on this issue. R U saying that no 1 between the ages of 13 & 80 R allowed at your door?

I'm with you 100% on this issue Buffy. It's a holiday for crying out loud. It should be a time that unites the community if fun, laughter and togetherness. We should all indulge our "inner child" once in a while and enjoy one another. Imagine how much more fun it would be for the younger children if they saw more adults participating. I say that there should be no age limit placed on having fun. If people are having a good time...go for it! There is more than enough hatred, meanness and division between people these days. It would be nice if there was one day/night every year where we could just have fun and enjoy sharing life on this little blue planet, just one day when we can all be young again. Cheap and selfish people can just turn off their lights...they burnt out long ago anyway.

I'm stopping by Jason's place for a beer, and I'll wear a costume too.

WHY DO SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO RUIN EVERYTHING FUN??!!

It used to be fun to plan a great costume and go to the Castro on Halloween, but nooo, some blow-it had to ruin it for everyone and now they've put a stop to it.

So I say, If any adult came to my door wearing a costume -especially those that had the task of taking their kids trick-or-treating, they would be getting the 'good' candy, and quite possibly a glass of wine.

Just so you know, 13 is barely adolescent. I would say life-long adolescence shouldn't be worried about until a kid is 18 or so.

I am 40 years old and in our neighborhood we trick or treated until 10th grade. No one had a problem with it

It doesn't matter. At 50 you should TrickO'Treat as long as you want. Just wear a costume, otherwise it's lame.

Lu, I had that same thing happen to me. I was tall..and 11..and someone who was giving out candy asked me if this was my last year? (subtle eh?). I never forgot it..and it was my last year..but she no doubt thought I was older...so one really shouldn't "assume". But I don't think older teenagres have any business trick or treating. No costumes and somtimes rude is what some of them are..like we OWE it to them..excuse me..treat giving is VERY optional. And yet another pet peeve...mothers with their OWN bag when taking little kids around..I"m sorry..why are they holding a bag out???? Thats ridiculous..are they that hard up? Cause you can score candy at TONS of places....cheapskates and no shame.

I was 5'4" at age 8, 5'8" at 11 and eventually 6' at 14. I got the "aren't you too old?" at a very young age, and started wearing a scary mask so people couldn't tell I was a girl. Somehow it was more acceptable to appear to be a boy than be a tall girl.

My mom was a high school teacher and we had a lot of older kids. As long as they wore a costume they got candy. :)

catwoman22- When I lived in the busiest trick-or-treating neighborhood, I offered candy the the parents, even before they had a chance to say anything. IT'S HALLOWEEN FOR PETE'S SAKE! Have some fun!

Your to old . I don't want my kids around a 25 year old dressed up like who the hell knows what. Knock on my door Ill call the police.

Call the police???

....and tell them what??? That some one came and knocked on your door looking for candy on Halloween???

I hope they laugh in your face.

Ray, when did you stop being a kid? When society said so? relax and have fun. I get older kids showing up at my door, and some without a costume. Late teens doing it to be funny. But so what, should I be grumpy? I just laugh and give them something.

Alan, come to my house. I got Snickers and Milky Ways

Mmmm....Snickers! You have the GOOD stuff!

@Ray,

"Lighten up, Francis."

Mmmm....Snickers! You have the GOOD stuff!

Oh yeah, I don't go buying the giant bag of cheapo candy. I got gourmet stuff. LOL

I C so few trick-or-treaters that I'm thinking this year I'll buy the full sized candy bars.

Maybe word will get around & I'll C more cuties next year.

@Ray,

I'll bet U R fun at parties. :-P

No one is forcing people to participate in Halloween, if they don't want to serve candy to people, they can just leave their light off. Is it really the government's job to put an age limit on trick-or treating? That seems like a slippery slope to me.

isto: I agree. But wow, what a relief to know that all of our other problems are solved to such a degree that a city government now has time to decide for me what the proper cut off age for trick or treating is. I mean, whew, what a load off of my shoulders. Of course, you'll notice that the two examples where they cited city ordinances, were in Illinois and Maryland: Bastions of liberalism where many people think it's the job of the government to be the parent, so I have no doubt that many in those cities probably don't have any problem with it at all.

But for me, I'll be damned if the government is going to decide for my 12 year old son what the age limit is for trick or treating. I'll be the one to decide that. Thankfully where I live, (while the government is far from perfect), they at least have sense enough to know there are other far more pressing issues for them to worry about.

Not for everyone, I'm afraid. I knew a girl with Williams Syndrome who started developing when she was 8 or 9. Mentally she'll always be a little kid. Whey shouldn't she get to go out and trick or treat with other kids, just because she looks older?