Halloween dates back thousands of years to the Celtic people of ancient Europe, who recognized October 31st as the last day of autumn with crop harvesting and celebratory festivals. They also believed this was the time that the regular world and spirit world were most closely connected, so people wore masks and costumes to fend off unfriendly spirits.
Over time, the holiday has evolved into a secular one, with trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, scary movie marathons, and parades full of costumed revelers. Halloween is a great time to embrace your spooky—and silly—side with friends and family.
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Make Halloween a Real Treat for Little Ones
Make Halloween Fun, Not Frightening!
Grades PreK-3
There’s a lot that can make Halloween (and all the days leading up to it) a little scary for under-fives. If your preschooler is unsure about joining in the Halloween festivities, here are fun ideas to help make the month of October not (even slightly) scary.
No Tricks, Just Treats! Being a Good Neighbor at Halloween
Grades PreK-3
Halloween is a great time to help your kids feel a part of the community and learn to be a good neighbor.
7 Last-Minute Ideas for Halloween
Grades PreK-3
These seven last minute ideas for Halloween will have you covered, from treats to costumes, decor to activities, and more. Choose a few to try with your family and let the celebrations begin!
The Science Behind Scary
Halloween Spooky Science Special | Sid the Science Kid
Grades PreK-K
Bats may be spooky, but they’re also helpful creatures! In these Sid the Science Kid resources, children learn all about the amazing abilities of spiders, cats, skeletons and slime!
Why Am I Afraid Of The Dark? | But Why Podcast & Learning Guide
Grades PreK-5
Lots of people are afraid of the dark, including many kids who have shared that fear with the But Why podcast. In this episode, explore the fear of the dark with Daniel Handler, better known as Lemony Snicket, the author of the Series of Unfortunate Events books, and a picture book for young kids called The Dark. Then go on a night hike with Vermont Fish and Wildlife biologist Steve Parren, to talk about ways to embrace the darkness.
Creepy Crawlers | Know Ohio
Grades 3-8
Walking into a cobweb might give you the heebie jeebies but don’t run away screaming just yet! Take a look at some of Ohio’s biggest bugs with a list of creepy and crawly insects, including the American Burying Beetles, the Cecropia Moth, and the Carolina Wolf Spider. There’s so much to learn about their fascinating—and sometimes gross—adaptations.
This Video May Give You Goose Bumps | Braincraft
Grades 6-12
Learn about the weird and wonderful science of goose bumps… Hope you didn’t get the chills!
Gross Science | Is Fear Contagious?
Grades 6-12
Learn how fear may be contagious, in this video from NOVA’s Gross Science series. Animals give off bodily secretions called pheromones that can communicate information, such as potential threats, to other members of the same species. Similarly, humans release chemosignals in sweat when they are scared or stressed.
Activities, Books & More
Monstrously Good Books for Kids
Grades PreK-4
Some monsters seem scary, some sympathetic, while others can only be described as supremely silly. Whether they’re hiding under the bed, or going bump in the night, monsters may be all around! Get crazy with some monster madness using this list of recommended books for children ages 0-9.
Halloween Games to Play From PBS KIDS
Grades K-5
The weeks leading up to Halloween can be super exciting for kids — and grown-ups! If your family is already in the Halloween spirit, it can be hard to wait until October 31. So try playing some new Halloween-themed games from PBS KIDS!
Watercolor Resist Spider Webs
Grades K-5
Experiment with watercolor resist techniques while making some less-than-creepy Halloween decorations.
Candy Chromatography: Lesson Plan
Grades 3-12
Have you ever wondered how different the color pigments are in Skittles versus M&Ms? Explore candy chromatography in this fun science lab lesson for Halloween!
Gothic Tales | Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive
Grades 6-12
Explore the terror of gothic tales in this video from the American Masters film, Edgar Allan Poe: Buried Alive. Poe’s legacy centers on his horror stories and his ability to tap into the fears of his readers, like the fear of being buried alive. Engage students through discussion questions and teaching tips that ask them to explore why some literature is timeless, analyze the tales featured in the video, and to create their own dramatic reading of a famous Poe story.
Masks, Costumes & Pumpkin Carving
Easy Pinkalicious Costume Ideas
Let your child’s imagination run wild as you help them transform into one (or more!) of their favorite characters from Pinkalicious & Peterrific!
No-Sew Donkey Hodie Costume
What is your child planning to dress up as for Halloween? Your kid will love transforming into the playful and cheerful Donkey Hodie with this easy and “Hee-hawesome” craft activity.
Easy “Arthur” Costume Ideas
Quickly transform your child into their favorite character from Arthur with these costume ideas.
Halloween PBS KIDS Character Masks
Be your favorite PBS KIDS character for Halloween with printable masks! Find character masks from Sesame Street, Odd Squad, Wild Kratts, and more.
Pumpkin Carving Stencils
It’s time to get carving! Create unique PBS-themed jack-o-lanterns by printing out your favorite stencil, tracing it onto your pumpkin, and carving carefully using a kitchen knife. These templates will make carving Halloween pumpkins a breeze!
Looking for even more Halloween fun for your little ones? Visit the Happy Halloween Collection on PBS KIDS for Parents!