Halloween stories for kids - Spooky bedtime stories

A season intertwined with cobwebs, memories and a pleasing shiver down your spine? Halloween and All Souls’ Day or the Day of the Dead have their own unique atmosphere. And you can immerse yourself in that atmosphere already by reading! Spooky bedtime stories are a great way to have fun with your children around Halloween time and to show them the magic of this season. If you fancy a bit more inspiration, you might also like to read this article that answers 6 questions kids might ask about Halloween, All Souls’ Day, or the Day of the Dead.

Stories that draw you in

We have a range of spooky bedtime stories ready for you to choose from. They'll spice up your evening reading with excitement while providing a great opportunity to talk about the upcoming season with your children. Both Halloween, with its carved pumpkins, dark costumes and baskets of candy, and the Day of the Dead, cloaked in a quiet and thoughtful atmosphere, have inspired all kinds of spooky tales.

Too spooky? 

It's important to choose stories that are age-appropriate for your children. Mysterious creatures, enchanted dark forests and creepy monsters may be fascinating, but taking anything too far can be harmful. Some of our stories, such as The Scary Monkey's Paw Story, are pretty scary and are recommended only for children aged 11 or older. If your children are still young or you know that they are easily frightened, choose one of our less scary stories. Don’t forget that every story on Readmio comes with a reader-age recommendation, so you can easily select stories suitable for your child.

Enjoy the atmosphere

With just a little preparation, you can create a truly magical atmosphere in which to read ghost stories. A few candles dotted around the edges of the room can add to the feeling of the story (pay attention to fire safety or use LED candles). You will see that your children (and not only them) will be delighted!

Which of our spooky fairy tales will you choose? Plunge yourself into a world of fantasy, where every story is full of suspense and magic, and let yourself be drawn into the atmosphere of the autumn holidays! 🎃👻

Mummy on the Loose

This year, as always, the town is hosting its autumn costume parade. But things take an unexpected turn when a visitor—over five thousand years old and fresh from the museum—joins the festivities. If you enjoy exciting halloween stories for kids, this one is perfect for you!

A Magical Night‍

Tonight is a special night. After a whole year apart, Grandma, Grandad, and their dog Perrito get to reunite with their relatives, catch up on all the latest news, and savor some delicious food together. Do you know in which countries do people celebrate this special evening? Read more in our spooky bedtime story!

The Monster

When a group of friends with children heads to a cottage, it seems like a promising adventure awaits. In the early evening, the kids enjoy a lively game of monsters. But later at night, strange sounds suggest that a real monster might be lurking deep within the forest...Are you feeling scared, or will you be brave enough to read this spooky story on?

Baba Yaga Next Door

We all probably know a bookworm like Andy - he spends every day immersed in reading, captivated by tales of mystery and magic. He's become so absorbed in his book that he hasn't realized one of his neighbors is, in fact, a witch...

The Snow Monster

Do you like winter? Elizabeth loves it! She enjoys making snowballs and building snowmen. However, one day she hears something that fills her with fear about them. Fortunately, she trusts her father, who helps her understand. This is a heartwarming story for very young children about how to face and overcome fear.

A Story from the Underpass

When a family of spiders return from their vacation, they discover that their home has been swept away with a broom. Determined to persuade people to stop destroying their homes—they face a challenge: how can they communicate their message if no human understands spider language?

The Monster Bulgasari

This spooky bedtime story from Asia tells the story of a monk on the run who accidentally creates a fearsome, metal-eating monster. Discover how the entire Kingdom of Korea is thrown into chaos, all because its king unjustly persecuted the monks.

Scary Story About Monkey’s Paw

This is undoubtedly the spookiest bedtime story available in our app—perfect for the bravest of the brave! Tailored for children who enjoy a good scare, it features a mysterious monkey's paw with the power to grant any three wishes. But beware: this fairy tale carries an important lesson: every magical wish comes with a cost. Is wealth worth the risk to our loved ones’ health?

Tips on how to help children cope with fear

• Create a comfortable atmosphere. Use candles or lamps to banish dark shadows. A pleasant environment will help children feel safer.
• Be a role model: Children often respond to our emotions. If you feel calm and comfortable, your children are likely to feel better too. Show them that scary stories are just fun.
• Talk about the story: Before reading, talk briefly with your children about the story. If you know that some parts might scare them, explain that it's just fiction and that none of it is real.
• Encourage open communication: Encourage children to share their fears with you. If they are afraid of something specific, talk about it and reassure them that they are safe.
• Use humour: If some parts of the story seem too scary, try to lighten them up with humour. Laughter can be an effective tool to ease fear.
• Offer comfort: If a child is really scared, be prepared to offer comfort. Keep a favorite stuffed toy, blanket or other object handy that can provide them with a sense of security.

Advice for parents

• Consider individual needs: Every child is different. What is exciting for one child may be too scary for another. Observe your child's reactions and tailor your choice of stories to their needs.
• Be patient: Teaching children to cope with fear can take time. Be patient and open and remember that the most important thing is to make the children feel safe and comfortable.
• Discuss after reading: After reading the story, talk to your children about their feelings. Ask them what they liked about the story or what scared them. This can help children process their emotions.