10 Spooky-but-Safe Shows Kids Love Watching in October

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, but it’s important to find shows that keep kids entertained without the scares. From animated specials to live-action classics, there are plenty of family-friendly options that bring the Halloween spirit without any frightful moments. Whether it’s a silly ghost or a playful pumpkin, these shows offer the perfect blend of fun and spooky for children of all ages.

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Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest

Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest is a fun and light-hearted film that captures the essence of Halloween without being too scary for young viewers. The lovable little monkey joins his friends to explore the spooky festivities at the pumpkin patch, where he stumbles upon mysteries and exciting adventures. Kids are drawn to George’s curious nature and his efforts to make the Halloween celebration extra special. The film’s playful tone and colorful animation make it a safe choice for families looking for an entertaining Halloween story.

The combination of gentle humor and easy-to-follow plotlines makes this movie ideal for younger kids. The Halloween setting adds to the charm without introducing any frightening elements. Curious George always manages to find fun in every situation, and this Halloween special is no different, making it a perfect pick for children who want to experience the season’s magic without any scares.

Spookley the Square Pumpkin

Spookley the Square Pumpkin tells the story of a pumpkin who doesn’t quite fit in with the others at the pumpkin patch. While the traditional round pumpkins get all the attention, Spookley’s unique shape teaches kids that it’s okay to be different. The story is heartwarming and filled with positive messages about self-acceptance and kindness. Spookley’s journey to find his place and be recognized for his special qualities offers a feel-good story perfect for the season.

The animation style is bright and colorful, keeping children engaged without introducing any scary elements. The musical numbers and lively characters further enhance the movie’s appeal. This special is a wonderful option for families looking for a Halloween film with a message of inclusivity, making it a beloved classic for younger viewers.

Toy Story of Terror!

Toy Story of Terror! brings the beloved characters from the Toy Story franchise into a Halloween-themed adventure. The toys are trapped in a spooky motel, and they must work together to uncover the mystery behind the strange happenings. The movie blends familiar characters with a thrilling, but non-scary, plot that keeps kids on the edge of their seats without being too frightening.

Kids enjoy the Toy Story series because of its memorable characters and adventurous spirit, and this Halloween special is no different. The sense of suspense adds excitement without any overly dark themes. The humor and warmth from the characters ensure that it remains light-hearted, making it an ideal choice for families wanting to share a spooky, yet safe, Halloween experience.

Hocus Pocus

Hocus Pocus is a Halloween classic that has been loved by kids and adults alike for years. The story follows a group of children who accidentally bring three witches back to life on Halloween night, causing chaos in their town. The film’s lighthearted approach to witchcraft, combined with its humor and memorable performances, makes it both spooky and fun.

The witches, played by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, offer a perfect mix of mischievousness and comedic charm. While the movie does have a few slightly spooky moments, its playful tone and humorous dialogue make it suitable for older kids. The movie’s celebration of Halloween traditions and its quirky characters make it a must-watch for families looking for a fun Halloween film.

Casper

Casper, the friendly ghost, offers a heartwarming story about friendship, kindness, and learning to embrace differences. When a new family moves into a spooky mansion, they encounter Casper and his mischievous ghost uncles. While the ghosts’ antics may be slightly spooky, the film focuses on Casper’s desire to make friends and show his true, kind nature.

The light-hearted nature of the film, combined with its positive message, makes it suitable for children. The special effects and ghosts may add an element of surprise, but the overall tone of the movie is gentle, ensuring it’s not too frightening for young viewers. Casper’s charm lies in his quest for friendship, and that emotional connection is what keeps the story fun and family-friendly.

The Little Vampire

The Little Vampire tells the story of a young vampire who befriends a human boy. Together, they team up to solve the mystery surrounding the vampire family’s curse. While the film features vampires and spooky elements, the focus is on the characters’ friendship and their efforts to help one another.

The movie blends light suspense with heartfelt moments, making it a suitable option for older kids who can handle mild spooky themes. The vampire setting provides enough Halloween charm without any excessive scariness, ensuring it remains family-friendly. The Little Vampire offers a perfect balance between spookiness and warmth, making it an enjoyable watch for families during the Halloween season.

Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania introduces viewers to Count Dracula and his monster hotel, where he tries to keep his daughter safe from humans. The mix of humor, adventure, and quirky monster characters makes this film a great Halloween pick for kids. While there are plenty of spooky monsters, the plot is light-hearted and funny, ensuring there’s no real threat.

The colorful animation and fun character dynamics make it an entertaining option for families. The underlying themes of love and family are easy for kids to connect with, making it more heartwarming than frightening. Hotel Transylvania is a great choice for kids who want a Halloween story with a lot of laughs and a touch of spooky fun.

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is a beloved Halloween special where the Peanuts gang celebrates the holiday with their unique, quirky take on the festivities. The main storyline focuses on Linus’s belief in the Great Pumpkin, while Charlie Brown deals with the challenges of trick-or-treating. The gentle, classic animation and calm pacing make it a soothing watch for children who enjoy the lighter side of Halloween.

While the movie involves some classic Halloween elements, it doesn’t venture into the spooky or eerie territory. The lovable characters and timeless humor keep kids entertained while delivering wholesome messages about hope, friendship, and the importance of family traditions. It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, remains a staple Halloween favorite for younger viewers, offering a cozy and nostalgic feel.

The Haunted Mansion (2003)

The Haunted Mansion offers a fun, family-friendly take on the spooky mansion theme, following a family who finds themselves trapped inside a haunted estate. While there are plenty of ghostly happenings, the film maintains a humorous and adventurous tone. The story revolves around the family’s efforts to lift a curse and free the spirits trapped inside the mansion.

The lightheartedness of the film, combined with a touch of mystery, makes it a perfect pick for older kids. Eddie Murphy brings charm and humor to the lead role, ensuring the movie feels more like a fun adventure than a truly frightening experience. The spooky mansion setting and ghostly characters are more playful than chilling, making it suitable for family viewing.

Room on the Broom

Room on the Broom is a charming animated story about a kind-hearted witch who shares her broom with several animals. As they face challenges together, they learn the value of cooperation and friendship. The Halloween setting is perfect for younger children, with its friendly witch and amusing animal characters.

The animation is bright and inviting, and the story is lighthearted enough to make it enjoyable without any fear factor. Room on the Broom’s themes of kindness and sharing resonate well with kids, making it a fun Halloween pick. The light-hearted plot keeps it fun, and its enchanting illustrations ensure it’s a hit for young viewers.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.