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.
Throw a PBS KIDS Halloween Party!
Grades PreK-3
Get together with family and friends dressed as your favorite PBS KIDS characters and celebrate Halloween with a party. Make haunting decorations, bake terrifying treats, and scare your guests with spooky party favors!
Happy Halloween! 6 Tips to Prep Kids for Trick-Or-Treating
Grades PreK-3
Halloween is a time when we participate in spooky activities. Here’s how to prepare your kids for an evening of Halloween fun.
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!
What Is Fear? | Spot on Science
Grades 3-8
Why do scary movies make you jump? Or snakes make you run? Margaret’s got the details on why we have fears and how our body responds to scares.
The Real “Doctor Frankenstein” | It’s Okay to Be Smart
Grades 6-12
When it comes to science, is there a monster in us all? Explore the monster mash that is Mary Shelley’s scientific influences, the nuts and bolts of medicine during her time, and some shocking real-life experiments that her story, Frankenstein, inspired.
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.
Could NASA Start the Zombie Apocalypse? | PBS Space Time
Grades 9-12
We’re just as fascinated as the rest of you with predicting how the ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE will start. One surprisingly real scenario is that it could start in SPACE! Especially given the crazy effects space has on bacteria and viruses, and the difficulty of sterilization.
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 Haunted House
Grades K-3
Draw spooky creatures in the windows of your own lift-the-flap haunted house with this fun Halloween craft!
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!
Secret Message Pumpkins
Grades K-5
Make an assortment of Halloween themed message containers with this easy DIY craft. Using a little imagination (and some paint) you can make pumpkins, mummies, witches, Frankenstein, werewolves, vampires and more!
U,2! Beals Science | Chemistry: Dry Ice Experiments You Can Try at Home
Grades 6-12
Dry ice is really cool, especially around Halloween time! Using a few household materials, chemistry teacher Craig Beals plays with dry ice and explores the chemistry behind five simple, yet dazzling, dry ice experiments that you can try at home or use in your classroom.
Masks, Costumes & Pumpkin Carving
Daniel Tiger Watch
Your child can make her very own Daniel Tiger watch out of toilet paper rolls and cardboard.
No-Sew Elinor Costume
Many children enjoy dressing up for Halloween, but half the fun is coming up with the costume. Your child can dress just like Elinor by wearing clothes similar to her recognizable outfit in red and purple. The magic of this costume is really in the accessories that your child can help you make.
DIY Odd Squad Costume
Assemble this budget-friendly, zero-fuss DIY Odd Squad costume for your little one!
Halloween PBS KIDS Character Masks
Be your favorite PBS KIDS character for Halloween with printable masks! Find character masks from Arthur, Nature Cat, Pinkalicious & Peterrific, 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!