Halloween is coming soon. All the displays in the stores tell us this is true. And, I know that the next month will fly by as we keep busy with all life throws at us. I thought it would be a great time to share some of our favorite family friendly shows for Halloween.
Family Friendly Shows for Halloween: Preschool & Early Elementary
These shows are great for all ages, including your preschool and early elementary aged kids. Some of them are enjoyed even by the older ones in the house.
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown is THE must watch Halloween themed show in our house, at least for my younger boys and I. I grew up watching it on TV and am thrilled to have the Peanuts Holiday Collection which contains it.
Cailou’s Halloween is one that is gentle and the characters really resonate with my youngest son.
Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest is one that my youngest has enjoyed recently. He’s actually on a Curious George kick these days, both for videos and having stories read aloud.
Toy Story of Terror has our favorite characters getting spooked.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken is a classic Don Knotts film for families. Some of the younger kids might not appreciate the humor, but by early elementary age they most likely will enjoy it.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is a Disney version of the classic story. Some preschool kids might find it a bit too spooky, but early elementary aged ones might not.
20 Halloween Stories – Scholastic Storybook Treasuresis a great way to bring stories to life as they are ‘read’ via the video.
What’s New Scooby-Doo, Vol. 3 – Halloween Boos and Cluesbrings episodes from different decades together under a common theme. My younger boys adore Scooby-Doo as do I. The classic ones always have the revealing of the perp behind the mask which makes it more fun than scary.
Nicktoons – Halloween – Tales of Fright has shorts from several favorite shows.
Dreamworks Spooky Stories is a compilation of three shorts, 2 with Shrek and one with Monsters & Aliens. My boys love this one. If you want to buy, your best option is to purchase access to the streaming video as the price for a physical copy is crazy high.
Family Friendly Shows for Halloween: Tweens & Teens
Sometimes the older kids want something a little more spooky to watch. While I’ve known some people who allow the little kids to watch scary shows, we’ve typically held off as long as possible. No one likes being kept up at night because a child got spooked and wouldn’t sleep.
Halloweentown / Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge and Return to Halloweentown are shows that my aunt introduced the boys to a few years back. I’m putting it for tweens as that is really their target audience, but don’t be surprised if a slightly younger child gravitates towards it.
Hotel Transylvania is one that we saw in the theater and still love.
Parents can relate to the struggle of their child wanting to grow up and kids chuckle over the antics a slightly overprotective parent will do. We are eagerly awaiting the release of the second one and hope it is as entertaining as the first.
Addams Family/Addams Family Values are the movies inspired by the classic TV show. I haven’t watched the movies in years, but plan to soon.
Frankenweenie, ParaNorman and Monster House are all animated films that aren’t as high up on the list for my guys, but still provide entertainment under the umbrella of Halloween shows. Monster House is the scariest of the three.
The Haunted Mansion was just watched by my younger boys last year and they loved it. It does get a little scary at times, but overall it is a fun, spooky movie. You can also find it in the Disney 4-Movie Collection: Thrills and Chills (Haunted Mansion, Tower Of Terror, Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Country Bears)
Beetlejuice is one that we haven’t watched in a while. It’s a crazy ride to be certain with Micheal Keaton at the healm.
Another film I have not seen in years, but the boys and I thoroughly enjoyed is Hocus Pocus. The trio of Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy works perfectly together in this spectacular fun to watch.
If there is one movie that I hesitate to mention, it is Practical Magic. I am NOT an advocate for witchcraft by any means. And, as much as I like watching this movie (the actresses are wonderful), I will admit that I get goosebumps every single time.
For more Fall and Halloween themed ideas, visit a few of my favorite bloggers:
- Best Halloween Mysteries by In Our Spare Time
- 5 Halloween Movies for the Whole Family by Mom Does it All
- Have a Spooky Good Time With These Kids’ Halloween Shows by Views from the Ville
- Halloween Books for Kids by Better in Bulk
- Are Corn Mazes Dog Friendly by Two Little Cavaliers
- 30 Spooktacular Halloween Board Books for Toddlers by Mom on the Side
- Fun Family Halloween Movies that Kids Can Watch too by Our Family World
- Top 7 Scariest Books That Will Make You Want to Read With the Lights On by My Kids Guide
- Spooky Fun Halloween Apps for All Ages by Pretty Opinionated
- 13 Nights of Halloween by MommaDJane
- Halloween Movie Quotes by Style on Main
- Halloween Movies that aren’t Gory by How Was Your Day?
What is one of your favorite Halloween shows?
This post was originally published on Sep 21, 2015.
The post Get a Little Spooky | Family Friendly Shows for Halloween appeared first on Day By Day in Our World.