Adult Trick-or-Treaters

[Jennasis]

Well, ok, I will add one more point. True it isn't gold. But you stated yourself you don't have kids. Well , I have 3 and they are very expensive. I don't want to spend money and yes I spend quite a bit, to give to adults. Sorry, but I have a hard enough time giving a few extras to my kids and other kids without giving candy to adults. I think it is rude and tacky. And when I am paying for it, I get to say who gets what. And yes sI think they should be shamed. sorry, but it is the way I feel. I WILL NOT supply adults with candy.

Ah, now there's an opinion with feeling!

It should be noted that DH and I do not trick-or-treat on Halloween...but in the interest of full disclosure, we did at MNSSHP two weeks ago. In fact, so did my 60+ year old parents, my 40+ year old sis and her DH, and my 28 year old sister.

We had a blast. And I would and will do it again.

 

[CathrynRose]

I don't see what the big deal is, adults, teens, kids - who cares? It's candy.

I remember a few years ago seeing a group of boy high schoolers. They must have borrowed their younger siblings old costumes. It was hysterical - imagine a 15 year old boy, in a too small purple fuzzy unicorn costume - leg bottoms ending at his calves. .

I think it's great, and I'll hand out candy to anyone who comes knocking. In fact, odds are the little ones candy is getting eating by mom and dad. When the teens come, you know they're in HEAVEN and probably eating their entire pillow case. And thrilled to pieces about every single bite.

I hear it mentioned so often how "kids grow up so fast" and we want to make some sort of cut off age on Trick or Treating? It's sad.

 

[mhsjax]

Ah, now there's an opinion with feeling!

It should be noted that DH and I do not trick-or-treat on Halloween...but in the interest of full disclosure, we did at MNSSHP two weeks ago. In fact, so did my 60+ year old parents, my 40+ year old sis and her DH, and my 28 year old sister.

We had a blast. And I would and will do it again.

Yes but at WDW all bets are off, everyone is a kid a WDW. I did tot at wdw, I loved the party. But to me that is different.

Also should be noted with me, that sure if I know you (not you literally)and you come up with your kids or are just waling around being social, sure I would probably give out some candy. I can't say the same with random adults out cruising to get candy. And after all the little guys had come through and all the younger teens, then yep, I will gladly dump my candy on you, I can't have it around.

I just get this mental vision of random adults dressed up going door to door of people they don't even know asking for candy, and I just can't do that one.

 

[Mama-san]

I'd be much more inclined to give candy to an adult who was in costume than a child who wore no costume. That drives me nuts!!

 

[cats7494]

This was the first year that we actually had two adults who were dressed up trick or treat at our house too. They were with a group of kids and they also asked for candy. I just thought it was a little odd but funny. I gave them candy and just laughed. No big deal.

I dressed up and went around with my daughter but didn't ask for candy.

 

[Buckeye Princess]

We get a number of adults in our neighborhood who hold out their bag along with their kids. The worst part is none of them are even dressed. I often offer ccandy to parents who get dressed up and into it. I think that is wonderful. I even don't mind teenagers if they too dress up and are polite. I figure trick or treating is a bit like Disney. It's for all ages, and if you put in the effort and are in the spirit then that makes me happy and I'm thrilled to give back. Plus I'd rather see teens out trick or treating than getting into trouble.

 

[hereyago]

Where I live it is a Class 4 misdemeanor for anyone over the age of 12 to TOT. So no, I better not have an grown up come to my door next year when my DD who will be 13 can't.

 

[Luv Bunnies]

I had a guy who was probably in his 40s trick or treat at my house. He came all alone and was wearing devil horns along with his regular clothes. When I opened the door, I must have looked at him funny because he said, "Hey! You're never too old!" I gave him a Tootsie Pop so he would be on his way. He was definitely a strange one!

 

[design_mom]

I've had adults come to the door in costume while accompanying their kids. I often *offer* them candy, but I've never had any ask for it! (Well, except for one neighbor, but he's an...um... "interesting fellow" anyway.) That's weird!

 

[sunnyday123]

We encountered a Dad trick or treating last night. At first I thought it was a really big kid, but nope it was Dad. He was running the legs off his kids, and was a tad bit obnoxious. He kept yelling, "Let's go, we have to hit all the houses in here!" And when he got to a house and they were giving candy, he'd say, "Don't forget Dad, I need some too!" At one point his son-who was about 4-ish-complained that his legs hurt and said he wanted to go home.

Dad yelled, "No way, we're not stopping now!" The kid was running after him.

 

[C.Ann]

Where I live it is a Class 4 misdemeanor for anyone over the age of 12 to TOT. So no, I better not have an grown up come to my door next year when my DD who will be 13 can't.

Where the blue blazes do you live? I've never, ever heard of such a thing - unless possibly it's a convicted sex offender.. I would love to see a link to that to see exactly how it reads..

But back to the original question, as long as you're in costume and polite, no problem.. I've had them in the past in my old neighborhood - and in the previous neighborhood where my DD and her family lived before moving..

It's a holiday - a time for people to have fun (parents, grannies and grandpa's included - if they want to dress up and walk around) - so I'm okay with it.. It's just a piece of candy - and bought on sale, at the right time, can be very, very inexpensive..

 

[Momvic5]

I don't see what the big deal is, adults, teens, kids - who cares? It's candy.

I remember a few years ago seeing a group of boy high schoolers. They must have borrowed their younger siblings old costumes. It was hysterical - imagine a 15 year old boy, in a too small purple fuzzy unicorn costume - leg bottoms ending at his calves. .

I think it's great, and I'll hand out candy to anyone who comes knocking. In fact, odds are the little ones candy is getting eating by mom and dad. When the teens come, you know they're in HEAVEN and probably eating their entire pillow case. And thrilled to pieces about every single bite.

I hear it mentioned so often how "kids grow up so fast" and we want to make some sort of cut off age on Trick or Treating? It's sad.

I totally agree....in fact, teenagers are my favorite trick or treaters. They can be a lot of fun if you can look past their size and off sense of humor. Welcoming them at your door is a great way to make a connection with them, and I had much rather see a teenager at my door over a mom or dad holding a 6 month old baby-you know the baby isn't eating the candy. I once knew a wise little lady - she lived in a very poor area. Many of the teenagers in her area were unsupervised and caused trouble for everyone....except for her....she baked them cookies every Halloween and Christmas.

 

[design_mom]

Where the blue blazes do you live? I've never, ever heard of such a thing - unless possibly it's a convicted sex offender.. I would love to see a link to that to see exactly how it reads..

I'm not sure where the poster you quoted lives, but apparently there are similar age limits in a number of cities. (It's usually a city ordinance.) Here are a couple of news stories:
http://www.sunherald.com/2010/10/22/2576705/some-spooked-cities-ban-teenage.html
http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-belleville-trick-treaters-age-limit-102810,0,3134424.story

 

[hereyago]

Where the blue blazes do you live? I've never, ever heard of such a thing - unless possibly it's a convicted sex offender.. I would love to see a link to that to see exactly how it reads..

But back to the original question, as long as you're in costume and polite, no problem.. I've had them in the past in my old neighborhood - and in the previous neighborhood where my DD and her family lived before moving..

It's a holiday - a time for people to have fun (parents, grannies and grandpa's included - if they want to dress up and walk around) - so I'm okay with it.. It's just a piece of candy - and bought on sale, at the right time, can be very, very inexpensive..

I live in Newport News Va. There is also a crazy law here that is obviously never enforced from way back that kids aren't allowed to TOT on Halloween. But I really didn't know about the Class 4 thing until this year.

 

[torinsmom]

I heard a cute story on the radio today about the repeat visitors. A group of 3 kids came to a certain house 3 times, on the 3rd visit the man handing out candy said "I think I've seen you before, how come you keep coming back?" thinking he was going to be told "you have the best candy" he was quite amused to have the youngest say "Mom said we had to stay on our street but she didn't say how many times we could go up and down our street" LOL I think I would have given bonus candy for that story. LOL

We had some parents in costume but none asked for candy or came close enough to get any. Our basic house rule is anyone in costume can get candy, I don't care how old you are but please put some effort forth and try to "be" something. Some of the best costumes I've ever seen are teenagers who just invent something. Not that I would ever turn anyone away who was out and about but at least try to come up with something.
DD10 and DD14 both went with friends last night, DD14 got a lot of candy, a lot more then DD10 did.

DS16 and his friends did that last night. DS was Lenny Kravitz with an afro, shades and a tie dye shirt, with his guitar, his friends were Zorro and cowboys and another was a redneck. DS did not collect candy, but walked around with the others(who were ages 14-16) At each house, "Zorro" struck a pose and DS played the Zorro theme song. Everyone offered him candy, but he refused.

Where I live it is a Class 4 misdemeanor for anyone over the age of 12 to TOT. So no, I better not have an grown up come to my door next year when my DD who will be 13 can't.

It's very sad that a 13 yo is not allowed to ToT. I think as long as teens are respectful and dressed up, they should be encouraged to enjoy a night of harmless fun. Think of the other things they COULD be doing, you know?

 

[Diznygrl]

Nobody is sitting on a street corner begging for candy. It's Halloween! Why is it not okay for adults to trick-or-treat? I think the world would be a bit merrier for it.

What other things are adults not allowed to do? Ride Dumbo? Watch cartoons? Color with crayons and a coloring book?

I just don't see why it's unacceptable. Different? Sure! But nothing bad or nefarious.

As a Disney fan, I always appreciate any adult who still retains that childlike spark that so many have lost a long time ago. If they're having fun trick or treating, being polite and not being a jerk, more power to them.

If a teen came to the door and said, "My mom said I'm not allowed to trick or treat", I know for sure my mom would totally give that kid a big handful of candy too!

 

[C.Ann]

I'm not sure where the poster you quoted lives, but apparently there are similar age limits in a number of cities. (It's usually a city ordinance.) Here are a couple of news stories:
http://www.sunherald.com/2010/10/22/2576705/some-spooked-cities-ban-teenage.html
http://www.kplr11.com/news/kplr-belleville-trick-treaters-age-limit-102810,0,3134424.story

I live in Newport News Va. There is also a crazy law here that is obviously never enforced from way back that kids aren't allowed to TOT on Halloween. But I really didn't know about the Class 4 thing until this year.

That is absolutely insane.. Great way to encourage 13 year-olds to be out doing something even worse on Halloween.. We complain about young teens smoking, drinking, doing drugs, teen pregnancies, etc. - but the law jumps right in there and flat out says, "If you are over 12 years old, you are no longer a child and therefore or no longer allowed to trick-or-treat.."

Great move.. How about we start putting "age limits" on toys too? "Oh, you're 5? Sorry, no Barbie Dolls for you - and here's your $100 fine for being caught with one.."

 

[MickeyMomOfThree]

I get alot of that!!!!!! Or the ones that their baby his home sick or the baby is not even old enough to have candy. But last night I had a new one. I have a lot of steps to my front door.Well a women in her late 70's on a walker. No child with her and saying trick or treat.

We had an elderly lady last night too. No kids for several minutes before and after her. It was snowing/sleeting terribly at the time, just drenching and freezing. She walked up not with a walker but with a cane, no costume and no kids in sight. I told my DH it broke my heart. You can only imagine she needed the food to be out in such awful weather. We have several parents a year but this was the first time to have an adult on their own. Later we had another as well. She was less sympathetic, but I still gave her candy.

I have never had an adult trick-or-treater before last night. She was dressed in a costume and had a teenage son with her. He seemed a little uncomfortable, but I had no problem with it.

I must say that all the high school age kids who came to my door last night were extremely polite and respectful. I wish I could say that about some of the late elementary age and middle school age ones. (Note: I'm not saying all kids that age were disrespectful, but there were plenty that were very rude and obnoxious, especially if they didn't have a parent with the group.)

I agree, we had some little kids say "only on piece?" and "how about more then that?" That annoyed me so badly, but when DD16 and her friends came to the house they had such nice manners. I told them I appreciated that and hoped they were being as polite at every house, they assured me they were.

Where I live it is a Class 4 misdemeanor for anyone over the age of 12 to TOT. So no, I better not have an grown up come to my door next year when my DD who will be 13 can't.

That to me is jsut sad. I love that my DD16 still has enough kid in her to dress up and go out Trick or Treating. She has enough adult stuff on her with school and learning to drive and work, I am thrilled to have her enjoying some kid stuff!

That is absolutely insane.. Great way to encourage 13 year-olds to be out doing something even worse on Halloween.. We complain about young teens smoking, drinking, doing drugs, teen pregnancies, etc. - but the law jumps right in there and flat out says, "If you are over 12 years old, you are no longer a child and therefore or no longer allowed to trick-or-treat.."

I agree, how sad that is. DD16 had a bunch of friends who were not alloed to go out last night, their parents said they were too old. I know many believe this, but not me. Like a PP said, I'd rather give it to a teenager who is out having fun and will enjoy the candy then an infant being dragged out in the cold and in our case last night WET to get candy they can't even eat. We had suckers for the babies and a few parents said no, it's OK, they will have the Reese's and Snickers. I've had 3 kids, I know that babies probably can't even have a sucker let alone peanut butter and nut filled candies.


Last night we had 119 ToTers, including about 20 adults. We usually have over 200 but the weather didn't cooperate last night. We had plenty of candy and didn't turn down anyone (we never do.) But the weather sure did make everyone out there earn their treats!

Great move.. How about we start putting "age limits" on toys too? "Oh, you're 5? Sorry, no Barbie Dolls for you - and here's your $100 fine for being caught with one.."

 

[disneychrista]

OMG! I am so glad we weren't the only ones. I had at least a dozen adult (mid20's - 40+) ToT. And a couple dozen young mom's (17 - 22) with baby's in the stroller (not old enough for candy). I think this is why I went through so much more candy this year and ran out 30 mins before we had a last ToT last year.

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I live in Newport News Va. There is also a crazy law here that is obviously never enforced from way back that kids aren't allowed to TOT on Halloween. But I really didn't know about the Class 4 thing until this year.

Is this a law that they enforce?

Or is it one of those laws that no one ever pays any attention to? Such as, here in Idaho it is illegal to frown in public but I highly doubt anyone is going to get arrested because of it.

If it is something that is enforced then I can guarantee I won't be moving to VA anytime soon. When my daughter is over 12 I want her to be able to do something as innocent as ToT if she wants to.