Trick-or-Treating: Cringe or Classic?

From collecting candy to haunted forests and Halloween parties, Blake students weigh in on whether high schoolers are ever too old for Halloween.

For many of us who grew up celebrating Halloween, trick-or-treating is a core childhood memory. Going out at night, seeing creepy house decorations, catching the sweet scent of candy and hearing the rustling of a bag filling up with treats, it’s a tradition that many look forward to all year!

But once you get to high school, things get a little more complicated.

Suddenly, going door-to-door can feel embarrassing, dressing up might seem childish, and everyone starts/stops doing stuff for halloween

Are we really too old to trick-or-treat, or is everyone just making that up? How old is too old?

There is no official age when someone becomes “too old” for Halloween, but opinions about when to stop trick-or-treating vary. While some people believe the tradition should be reserved for younger children, others argue that anyone who wants to participate should be allowed to enjoy it.

According to a 2024 Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) Poll, Americans believe children should stop trick-or-treating at an average age of 13.5. However, the results were not unanimous: 25% of respondents said children should trick-or-treat for as long as they want, while only 3% opposed the practice at any age.

The findings suggest that although many associate trick-or-treating with childhood, a significant portion of the population believes there should not be an age limit. Younger respondents were more likely to support trick-or-treating at any age than older respondents.

At Blake, students seem even more willing to keep the tradition alive.

In a student survey conducted for this article, the majority of students agreed that the age people should stop trick-or-treating should be from 13 to 19, with 18 and 19 being the most common answers.

The general consensus was that dressing up should never have an age limit, even if trick-or-treating as an adult can seem unusual.

Christian Kim, a Blake senior, said he still plans to trick-or-treat this year with his cousin and dress up as Bane, a character from DC Comics.

When asked whether high school students are too old to trick-or-treat, Kim responded with “I don’t think so.” After all “Halloween initially started with kids our age, teenagers.” Kim added.

Still, he acknowledged that the tradition has become more associated with younger children, making it somewhat embarrassing to walk around a neighborhood in costume as a teenager.

For Kim, however, the possibility of free candy makes the experience worthwhile.

When asked about the age people should stop trick-or-treating, he jokingly suggested that 30 would be reasonable.

Maks Ramirez, an 11th grader, also plans to trick-or-treat this year, although he intends to go with his younger sisters.

“I honestly feel like there’s no age if you’re trick-or-treating with your friends,” Ramirez said. “I feel like Halloween is for everyone.”

For Ramirez, having younger siblings makes the experience more comfortable. He admitted that going alone might feel different, but he does not believe that embarrassment should prevent people from enjoying Halloween.

His perspective reflects a distinction that came up repeatedly in the student survey: dressing up is fun at any age, but trick-or-treating alone as an adult can feel socially awkward. Going with younger siblings, on the other hand, seems much more acceptable to students.

Is it socially acceptable to trick-or-treat in high school?

The answer depends on who you ask.

For some students, trick-or-treating in high school might feel like holding onto a part of childhood that everyone else has already left behind. Others see it as an opportunity to enjoy a holiday without worrying about what anyone thinks.

A 2025 Yahoo Lifestyle report explored how some teenagers continue trick-or-treating despite receiving judgment from adults who believe they are too old. The article also highlighted how Halloween traditions are changing as teens find new ways to celebrate.

Growing up often means gradually moving away from childhood activities, but that does not necessarily mean those activities stop being enjoyable.

Ramirez said he enjoys dressing up, even though he sometimes gets made fun of for it.

“It doesn’t matter, because I’m having fun, so it’s fine,” he expressed.

Kim also believes dressing up at school is a good way for students to express themselves, as “[He] thinks it’s fun to do.” He continues to say how “It shows a different aspect of your personality.”

Their responses suggest that, at least among these Blake students, the bigger issue is not necessarily age itself but the fear of being judged by others.

There is a difference between choosing to stop trick-or-treating because you no longer enjoy it and stopping because you are worried that someone might think it is childish.

Ultimately, no one needs to give up a harmless tradition simply because they reach high school. At the same time, students who prefer parties, movies or other Halloween activities should not feel pressured to keep trick-or-treating just because they used to enjoy it.

Where should Blake students go trick-or-treating?

There is always the lingering debate over which neighborhood has the best Halloween decorations, the most generous candy-givers and the most festive atmosphere.

For Blake students looking to explore somewhere new this year, responses to the student survey offered several local suggestions.

Some of the areas mentioned included:

• Rainbow Drive
• The area around Briggs Chaney Middle School
• Stonegate
• Good Hope Road
• Fairland
• The neighborhood near Galway Elementary School, Ramirez specifically recommended this area, explaining that many families with children live there and that residents often decorate their porches for Halloween.

Ramirez shared how “there’s always people who have their porches up because so many kids live there,” about the neighborhood near Galway Elementary School.

These suggestions reflect Blake students’ experiences and opinions rather than an official ranking of local trick-or-treating destinations. Conditions can vary from year to year, so students should check that neighborhoods are participating and plan a safe route before heading out.

For students who would rather stick closer to home, familiar neighborhoods can be just as enjoyable. Sometimes the best Halloween experience is not about finding the perfect location, but it’s about spending the night with friends and making memories along the way.

But what if trick-or-treating isn’t your thing?

Around this time everyone’s asking the same question: What are the plans for Halloween night?

Not everyone wants to spend Halloween walking from house to house collecting candy. Fortunately, trick-or-treating is only one of many ways to celebrate.

Blake students suggested several alternatives, ranging from relaxed nights with friends to activities designed to get everyone’s adrenaline going.

1. Have a Halloween movie night.

For students who prefer a quieter night, watching scary movies with friends is an easy way to celebrate. Add Halloween snacks, blankets and a few decorations to create a festive atmosphere without having to leave home.

2. Host a Halloween party or sleepover.

Parties and sleepovers were among the most frequently mentioned activities in the student survey. Students suggested hosting small get-togethers, playing Halloween-themed games, telling scary stories and dressing up together.

A Halloween party can also give students an opportunity to show off their costumes without having to go trick-or-treating.

3. Visit a haunted attraction.

For students looking for something scarier than a movie, Maryland has several haunted attractions worth considering.

According to an October 2026 report from The MoCo Show, Markoff’s Haunted Forest in Dickerson was ranked the No. 1 haunted attraction in the country by The Scare Factor, an independent haunt review organization. The attraction earned a 9.72 rating, while Laurel’s House of Horror ranked No. 10 nationally.

Markoff’s is known for its haunted trails and elaborate Halloween experiences, making it a potential option for students looking for a more intense Halloween outing. Check current admission requirements, hours and age guidance before visiting.

4. Bake Halloween treats or make crafts.

Halloween does not have to be all about candy collected from strangers. Students can bake themed cookies, decorate cupcakes, carve or decorate pumpkins, and make Halloween crafts with friends.

These activities are particularly good for anyone who wants to celebrate without committing to an entire night of trick-or-treating or partying.

5. Go out with friends.

Some survey respondents suggested walking around town in costume, visiting a pumpkin patch or simply meeting up with friends. Others recommended bonfires and outdoor gatherings.

Regardless of the activity, students should make responsible choices, arrange transportation when necessary and make sure everyone feels comfortable with the plans.

And for those who would rather stay home, handing out candy to younger trick-or-treaters can be another way to participate. It allows older students to remain part of the tradition while also continuing the Halloween experience for the next generation. It also keeps the spirit of Halloween alive!

As students get older, Halloween can look different from how it did when they were younger. Instead of spending the entire night collecting candy, some may prefer parties, haunted attractions, or movie nights. Others might decide that trick-or-treating is still one of their favorite traditions. Neither choice is wrong.

The FDU Poll from earlier suggests that many Americans believe children should stop trick-or-treating around their early teens, but Blake students’ responses show that the tradition can remain appealing well into high school and beyond.

Perhaps the real question is not when people should stop celebrating Halloween, but how they want to celebrate it. Whether it means putting on a costume, walking through a neighborhood with friends, watching a scary movie or collecting candy with younger siblings, Halloween offers plenty of ways to have fun. And if there is one thing Blake students seem to agree on, it is that dressing up should never have an expiration date.

So this Halloween, don’t worry too much about whether you’re too old. Find something you enjoy, spend time with the people you care about and make the most of the night because eventually, those memories will become the stories you look back on.