Halloween is right around the corner. Did you buy all your candy and arrange your plans for trick-or-treating yet? The week before Halloween is such an exciting time for kids of all ages. It's when mom and dad are getting all the last little odds and ends for costumes and party supplies. The excitement is picking up!

While I would love if all NJ towns pushed trick-or-treating to the weekend to allow more fun to be had by all, that's not likely to happen between now and next Thursday. So, parents should pay attention to the hours their town has set for trick-or-treating this year.

SoJO 104.9 FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Most towns have about three to four hours set aside for kids to go door to door for candy. Some places aren't as explicitly definitive with trick-or-treating hours as others. However, there is a rule of thumb that all of small town USA should abide by if times aren't specified.


via GIPHY

Official Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Curfew 2024

A poll has determined that, as a whole, kids in the US typically stop trick-or-treating by 9 p.m. I'd have to say that's pretty accurate. While some towns ask that children all be inside by 8 o'clock, the older kids are usually still hitting up houses for candy after all the little ones have called it a night.

Ultimately, it's important to abide by the curfew set by your town.


via GIPHY

Curfews are put in place every year to ensure the safety of kids and families. As it gets darker, visibility decreases, making it harder for drivers to see trick-or-treaters. Staying within designated hours helps reduce the risk of accidents. Some residents may not want to be disturbed late at night, and respecting the curfew shows consideration for your neighbors. Also, it makes it easier for police and community safety officers to monitor and keep the area safe.

When in doubt, have the kids done trick-or-treating by 9 p.m.

5 Worst Things Kids Can Find in Their halloween Trick or Treat Bags

Delicious NJ Foods We Wish We Could Trick or Treat for

If it were socially acceptable for adults to trick-or-treat, we'd want these NJ foods in our bags.

Gallery Credit: Diana Tyler