Sometimes the presentation isn’t all that impressive though, which is when you need to bring in a few of their favorite flavors.

If they have a sweet tooth, a fun sweet party snack is the way to go. If they prefer more of the savory flavor, a good Halloween-themed everyday snack might work.

Whether your tween enjoys the sweet or the savory snacks, these fun Halloween party snacks for tweens are sure to be a hit at the party.

Halloween Party Snacks for Tweens

Make your tween's Halloween party memorable with these cute, sweet and scary delights to serve up.

Halloween Air Fryer Mummy Dogs

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

A fast and fabulous Halloween snack idea to feed the hungry troops. Hot dogs and crescent roll dough with decoratively placed eyes is all you need to make this crowd-pleasing savory snack.

Get the instructions

Halloween Chex Snack Mix Recipe

Photo Credit: www.devourdinner.com

You can't go wrong with an easy Chex mix when it comes to a tween party snack. This tasty Halloween party snack is something your tween can munch on throughout the festivities.

Get the instructions

Halloween Jalapeno Poppers

Photo Credit: www.mommymadethat.com

If your tween loves snacking on spicy foods, these Halloween-themed jalapeno poppers will make the perfect Halloween party treat.

Get the instructions

Halloween Mini Mummy Pizza Recipe

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

Pizza at a kids' party is always a good idea! These mini pizzas only take minutes to make with mozzarella cheese slices for mummy bandages and cute olive eyes

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Spooky Frankenstein Monster Guacamole

Photo Credit: onmykidsplate.com

This Frankenstein Guacamole platter will make the perfect snack for your Halloween party! It'll also impress your tween and their friends as they enjoy the celebration.

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Halloween Popcorn Balls

Photo Credit: theshortordercook.com

Popcorn balls are often a staple at Halloween parties, and these easy spooky Halloween snacks are the perfect mix of sweet and salty.

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Monster Rice Krispie Treat Balls

Photo Credit: budgetfriendlyfamily.com

If you are looking for a Halloween party snack that's easy to make and fun for Halloween, these monster rice krispie treat balls will be a hit that your tween can join in with making.

Get the instructions

Halloween Buffalo Chicken Dip

Photo Credit: twokidsandacoupon.com

Another Halloween party snack that'll add a bit of kick to your party, this buffalo chicken dip is easy to make and delicious to snack on.

Get the instructions

Flaky and Fun Spooky Fruit Hand Pies

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

Make your own fun spooky shapes from pie crusts and fill with fresh blackberries for a gruesome sweet bite that will look awesome on your Halloween dessert tabe.

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Deviled Egg Eyeballs

Photo Credit: organized31.com

Who says deviled eggs can't be a party snack? These fun Halloween-themed deviled eggs will make the perfect single-serve party treat the kids can eat throughout the day.

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Pepperoni Skull Cheese Ball

Photo Credit: sulaandspice.com

A little spooky and a whole lot of fun, this pepperoni cheese ball is shaped like a skull for some extra Halloween flair.

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Healthy Halloween Muffins Recipe

Photo Credit: intheplayroom.co.uk

Want a fun, healthy Halloween party snack for the tweens to pig out on? These Halloween-themed muffins are both delicious and healthy - have your tween help to decorate.

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Spooky Homemade Halloween Pop Tart Recipe

Photo Credit: mamalikestocook.com

Pop tarts aren't just for breakfast! They also make the perfect snack for tweens, and these spooky homemade pop tarts will add some fun to your tween's Halloween party.

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Jack-O-Lantern Pepper Bowls

Photo Credit: www.5minutesformom.com

Adding a bit of balance to your spread, serve these cute mini Jack-'o-Lanterns with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have the perfect healthy Halloween party snack for tweens.

Get the instructions

Halloween RoTel Dip with Baked Tortilla Chips

Photo Credit: 3boysandadog.com

RoTel dip is an easy-to-make party snack, and this recipe shows you how to make it perfect for your Halloween party.

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Banana Monster Pops

Photo Credit: www.lanascooking.com

Easy to make, adorable, and fun for Halloween, these banana monster pops will be the perfect addition to your Halloween party.

Get the instructions

Halloween Muddy Buddies Recipe

Photo Credit: chickenscratchny.com

If you want to make that Chex Mix snack a little more sweet, you'll definitely want to try this Halloween Muddy Buddy recipe!

Get the instructions

Spooky Graveyard Dirt Cups

Photo Credit: littlepartypixie.com

These mini graveyard dessert cuos add the perfect sweet finish to your preteens party spread - still cute and kooky and filled with their childhood favorites but with a more grown up scary theme.

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Looking for more tween Halloween party inspiration?

You may also want to check out:

How to host an awesome tween Halloween party
The best tween-appropriate scary movies for Halloween
Try these cool Halloween costume ideas for tweens

The post Horrifyingly Fun Halloween Party Snacks For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Tweens are also at an age where trick-or-treating is no longer fun. They may still go with their younger siblings, but it’s more about attending Halloween parties and gatherings with their friends, where cool cred points count.

No matter what the reason is your tween is dressing up, these Halloween costume ideas for tweens will be a fun way for them to celebrate the spooky season in style.

Best Tween Costumes For Halloween 2026

Disclosures: We participate in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs, including HalloweenCostumes.com, earning a commission on qualifying purchases.

Inflatable Alien Costume For Kids

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Your preteens searching for a kooky costume idea for Halloween this year will love this inflatable alien. The smaller size will fit your tween up to a height of 55 inches/1.4 meters. (Needs 4 x AA batteries!)

Find it on Amazon

More Fun Inflatable Costume Ideas

Wednesday Addams

Looking for a cute Halloween outfit for a tween girl? You can’t get much more on-trend than this Wednesday Addams get-up. Complete with her signature plaits, belt, and stockings, this will undoubtedly be a go-to costume for girls in 2026!

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Mysterious Mummy

A pullover tank top with a mesh base layer, this Mysterious Mummy costume features torn strips on the top and pants, creating a bandage-like appearance. An ideal tween Halloween costume if you want to stick with creepy and scary but advance beyond a few wraps of toilet roll!

Find it on Amazon

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Sassy Devil

Even the Devil can be stylish! This fun Halloween costume is bright, colorful, and cute for tween girls. Unlike many adult devil costumes, this one remains modest and entertaining, making it a great choice for a pre-teen girl’s Halloween costume.

Find it on Amazon

Eleven from Stranger Things

Stranger Things made Retro totally cool again! Cute as a button, Eleven on her skate date will be fairly recognisable to your older tweens. Could also be paired with Mike of Max Mayfield for a dynamic yween girl duo

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Five Nights at Freddy’s

If your tween is into the Five Nights at Freddy’s game, this Halloween costume is the perfect look for boys. It’s especially designed with tween and teen sizing in mind, which can be tricky with full-body costumes.

Find it on Amazon

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Assassin’s Creed – Ezio

This Ezio Halloween costume will make the perfect outfit for video game-loving tweens who enjoy the Assassin’s Creed series.

Find it on Amazon

Sinister Jester

Ready to give them a little spooky scare? This sinister jester Halloween costume is a fun and spooky Halloween outfit for tweens.

Find it on Amazon

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Cosplay Jumpsuit Costume

No products found.

A take on the costume from a popular tv series that many saw on Netflix, this jumpsuit Halloween costume is perfect for sharing a spooky Halloween night.

Find it on Amazon

Groot Costume

It can get pretty chilly by Halloween, right? Long-sleeved and padded, your tween can show off their love for their favorite Marvel character while staying warm on Halloween night with this awesome Groot costume, including mask and shoe covers.

Find it on Amazon

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Twilight Huntress

Is your tween looking for something a little more grown-up and adventurous but still in keeping with their tween image? This Twilight Huntress outfit could be just what she’s after for something a little more mysterious and brave.

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

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Violet from Incredibles

If you’re looking for a fun family combo, then Violet and the Incredibles could be just the costume your tween girl will jump at!

Find it on HalloweenCostumes.com

Zombie Cheerleader

An oldie but a goldie, this can be a lot of fun and a relatively cheap costume idea. The Zombie Cheerleader is an ideal group costume for tween girls, or could also be a mixed tween group to have some fun with makeup and an introduction to more gruesome horror.

Find it on Amazon

More Zombie Costume Inspiration

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Grim Reaper Costume

The classic Grim Reaper never goes out of fashion when it comes to seriously creepy tween boy Halloween costumes.

Find it on Amazon

Hocus Pocus Costume

Want to keep it fun and playful? Dress up as Winifred from the classic Hocus Pocus movie! The perfect size for tweens, this dress is both comfortable and light, making it ideal for Halloween.

Find it on Amazon

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Superhero Halloween Costume

Superhero fans will love heading out for a night of trick-or-treating with this costume. Your tween girls will be on trend with this Ms. Marvel costume – or boys can’t go wrong with a classic Captain America or Thor.

Find it on Amazon

More Super Hero Inspiration

Edward Scissorhands

Edward Scissorhands was a classic movie that seems to come to life each year during Halloween. This costume is perfect for tween girls, including everything they need to recreate the Edward Scissorhands look.

Find it on Amazon

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Kids’ Barbie Box

Something cute, creative, and on point for 2026; if you’re looking for Middle School Halloween costumes for your kid to stand out from the crowd, your very own Barbie box could hit the spot. (Spirit Halloween selling via Amazon has plenty more officially licensed Barbie costume ideas!)

Find it on Amazon

More Barbie & Ken Inspiration

More Halloween Inspiration For Tweens

Looking to make this the best Halloween yet for your tweens? In-person parties are back so why not check out:

How to host an awesome tween Halloween party
The best tween-appropriate scary movies for Halloween
Superbly scary snacks to try at your tween Halloween party

The post 30+ Tween Costume Ideas to Slay Halloween 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Pre-Made Boo Baskets for Tweens

Halloween Gift Basket for Girls

This carefully curated boo basket comes pre-filled with everything a tween girl could want for Halloween. Complete with beauty items in spooky packaging, Halloween-themed accessories, and just the right amount of seasonal treats, it takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect boo surprise.

The mix of practical and fun items ensures she’ll have goodies to enjoy long after Halloween night passes.

Find it on Etsy

Halloween Boo Basket for Boys

Designed specifically with tween boys in mind, this pre-made basket focuses on cool Halloween accessories, fidget toys, and treats that appeal to their developing tastes.

No overly cutesy items here – just genuinely fun Halloween-themed gear that they’ll actually want to use and show off to their friends.

Find it on Etsy

DIY Boo Basket Ideas for Tweens

If you’d prefer to create your own spook-tacular surprise, these Halloween gift ideas are perfect for putting together a customized boo basket that matches your tween’s personality:

Halloween-Themed Candy Bouquet

Skip the basic candy bowl and create something Instagram-worthy with a Halloween candy bouquet. These artistic arrangements feature popular tween favorites like Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, and Reese’s beautifully arranged in spooky packaging.

It’s a creative twist on traditional Halloween candy that looks as good as it tastes, perfect for tweens who love aesthetic treats.

Find it on Etsy

Personalized Halloween Stickers for Mini Popcorn Bags

Transform ordinary snacks into special treats with custom Halloween stickers. These personalized labels can feature your tween’s name, favorite Halloween characters, or spooky sayings, making simple popcorn bags feel like a thoughtful, customized gift.

It’s an affordable way to add a personal touch that shows you put extra thought into their boo basket.

Find it on Etsy

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Halloween Peeps Candy Bundle

These aren’t your basic Easter Peeps! Halloween Peeps come in spooky shapes and colors that tweens find more appealing than traditional marshmallow treats.

The seasonal packaging and variety of characters make them a fun addition that feels more mature than typical kiddie candy, perfect for tweens who want Halloween treats that match their growing sophistication.

Find it on Amazon

Glow-in-the-Dark Cotton Candy

Add some magic to their boo basket with cotton candy that literally glows in the dark. This unique treat combines the nostalgic fun of cotton candy with the cool factor that tweens crave.

It’s perfect for Halloween parties, sleepovers, or just enjoying a glowing snack while watching scary movies with friends.

Find it on Amazon

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Spooky Castle Cookie Decorating Kit

Give them a creative Halloween activity with this cookie decorating kit featuring spooky castle designs. It’s more sophisticated than basic sugar cookies but still hands-on enough to be engaging.

Perfect for tweens who enjoy baking or want to create Instagram-worthy Halloween treats to share with friends.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Butter Slime in Pumpkin Bucket

Slime remains incredibly popular with tweens, and this Halloween version comes in a reusable pumpkin bucket. The butter slime texture is satisfying to play with, while the seasonal packaging makes it feel special.

It’s a gift that serves double duty – entertainment now and a cute Halloween decoration they can keep.

Find it on Amazon

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Monster Mash Mad Libs

Perfect for tweens who love wordplay and humor, these Halloween-themed Mad Libs provide screen-free entertainment that’s perfect for car rides, sleepovers, or family Halloween parties.

The spooky themes are age-appropriate while still being genuinely funny, making them a hit with both tweens and their friends.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Card Games Collection

Upgrade their game night with Halloween versions of classic card games like UNO and Go Fish. These themed games add seasonal fun to familiar favorites, making them perfect for Halloween parties or family game nights. The holiday packaging makes them feel special while the familiar gameplay ensures they’ll actually get used.

Find it on Amazon

Find it on Amazon

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Ghost Hunters Puzzle Game

Challenge their developing problem-solving skills with this focused cognitive game featuring spooky themes. It’s designed to be engaging without being too difficult, perfect for tweens who enjoy brain teasers.

The Halloween theme makes it seasonally appropriate while building valuable thinking skills.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Temporary Tattoos for Kids

These aren’t your basic temporary tattoos – they feature sophisticated designs with ghosts, bats, and skeletons that tweens will actually want to wear.

Perfect for Halloween parties, school spirit days, or just expressing their spooky style, these tattoos let tweens participate in Halloween fun in an age-appropriate way.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween LEGO Ghost and Pumpkin Building Set

No products found.

LEGO remains popular with tweens, and this Halloween-themed set lets them build seasonal decorations for their room.

The ghost and pumpkin designs are cute without being babyish, and the finished models make great Halloween decorations they can proudly display and use year after year.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Pop-it Fidgets and Stress Balls

Fidget toys are hugely popular with tweens, and these Halloween-shaped versions in pumpkin and bat designs combine stress-relief benefits with seasonal fun.

Perfect for school, homework time, or just keeping hands busy, they’re practical gifts that happen to be Halloween-themed rather than toys that only work for one holiday.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween Notepad Collection

These Halloween-themed notepads are perfect for tweens who love to write, doodle, or organize their thoughts. The spooky designs make note-taking more fun, whether they’re using them for school, journaling, or leaving notes for friends. They’re practical gifts that celebrate the season while serving a real purpose.

Find it on Etsy

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Scratch Art Activity Set

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Perfect for creative tweens, these scratch art sets feature Halloween designs that reveal colorful images underneath. It’s a screen-free creative activity that’s relaxing and satisfying, producing finished artwork they can be proud of.

Great for quiet time, parties, or when they need a creative outlet.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween Diamond Painting Craft Kit

This trending craft activity combines the satisfaction of puzzles with the creativity of art. The Halloween themes make it seasonally appropriate while building fine motor skills and providing hours of engaging, screen-free entertainment.

The finished pieces make great room decorations they’ll want to display.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Friendship Bracelet Bead Sets

Friendship bracelets never go out of style with tweens, and these Halloween-themed bead sets let them create seasonal accessories to share with friends.

The orange, black, and purple color schemes are perfect for Halloween while the bracelet-making activity provides quality time with friends and develops fine motor skills.

Find it on Etsy

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Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Wall Decals

Transform their room into a spooky sanctuary with these removable wall decals featuring bats and other Halloween creatures.

They’re easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for tweens who want to decorate their space for the season without permanent changes. The glow-in-the-dark feature adds an extra cool factor.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Novelty Socks Collection

Cozy and fun, these Halloween socks featuring ghosts, cats, and candy corn designs let tweens show their seasonal spirit in a subtle way. Perfect for school, sleepovers, or just lounging at home, they’re practical gifts that happen to be festive.

The fun designs make wearing them feel special rather than like a boring necessity.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween Glow Necklaces and Bracelets

These aren’t just party accessories – they’re safety gear that happens to be fun! Perfect for trick-or-treating, Halloween parties, or just adding some spooky glow to their evening activities.

Tweens love the cool glow effect while parents appreciate the added visibility during evening Halloween festivities.

Find it on Etsy

Halloween Hand Sanitizer Collection

Make hygiene fun with these spooky-scented hand sanitizers. The Halloween packaging and seasonal scents (like pumpkin spice or apple cider) make something practical feel like a treat.

Perfect for school bags, lockers, or keeping in their room, they combine necessity with seasonal fun.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween Nail Art Stickers and Press-Ons

Perfect for tweens who love nail art, these Halloween-themed nail decorations feature spiders, pumpkins, and other spooky designs. They’re easy to apply and remove, making them perfect for trying out seasonal nail looks without commitment.

Great for Halloween parties, school spirit days, or just expressing their spooky style.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween-Themed Lip Balm Collection

Keep their lips moisturized with lip balms in cute Halloween packaging. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice or apple cider make lip care feel like a treat rather than a chore.

The themed packaging makes them perfect stocking stuffers or small additions to larger boo baskets.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween Sleep Masks

Add some spooky fun to their bedtime routine with sleep masks featuring pumpkin faces or bat designs. Perfect for sleepovers, travel, or just making bedtime more fun, these practical accessories combine utility with Halloween spirit.

The cute designs make them gifts tweens will actually want to use.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Phone Grips and PopSockets

Help them accessorize their most important possession with Halloween-themed phone grips. These practical accessories make holding their phone more comfortable while adding seasonal style.

Perfect for tweens who love customizing their tech with fun accessories that reflect their personality and interests.

Find it on Amazon

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Halloween AirPods Case Covers

Protect their earbuds in style with Halloween-themed case covers. These accessories combine protection with personality, letting them show their Halloween spirit while keeping their tech safe.

Perfect for tweens who want their accessories to match their seasonal style preferences.

Find it on Amazon

Halloween Laptop and Water Bottle Stickers

Let them personalize their belongings with high-quality Halloween stickers perfect for decorating laptops, water bottles, or lockers. These waterproof stickers feature fun Halloween designs that let tweens express their seasonal spirit while customizing their favorite items.

Great for creating a cohesive Halloween aesthetic across all their accessories.

Find it on Amazon

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“You’ve Been Booed” Printable Cards

Complete the boo basket tradition with these editable printable cards that explain the booing tradition and encourage them to pass the kindness forward.

Customizable with their name and a personal message, these cards make the gift feel more special while teaching the important lesson of spreading joy to others.

Find it on Etsy

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“We’ve Been Booed” Door Signs

Give them something to proudly display after they’ve been booed with these festive door signs.

Perfect for hanging on bedroom doors, lockers, or the front door, these signs let everyone know they’ve participated in this fun Halloween tradition while adding to their seasonal decorations.

Find it on Etsy

Boo Baskets are such a fun way to surprise tweens with a mix of spooky and sweet treats. Whether you’re filling them with Halloween-themed goodies, cozy accessories, or fun crafts, they’re sure to bring a big smile.

For more seasonal inspiration, don’t forget to check out the other Halloween gift and party ideas on the blog!

The post Spook-tacular Boo Basket Ideas for Tweens: Halloween Gift Guide appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

From gentle ghost stories for sensitive readers to more thrilling adventures for brave tweens, these books offer just the right amount of scare factor without crossing into truly frightening territory. Get ready for goosebumps, giggles, and plenty of page-turning excitement!

Best Halloween Scary Books For Tweens in 2026

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Gentle Scares (Ages 8-10)

The House You Pass on the Way

By Jaqueline Woodson – Reading Age 8-10

Fourteen-year-old Staggerlee feels different from everyone around her, especially during a summer visit from her cousin Trout. While not traditionally scary, this beautifully written story explores themes of identity and belonging with subtle mysterious elements.

The “haunting” comes from Staggerlee’s internal journey as she questions who she is and where she fits in the world around her.

Find it on Amazon

Scary Stories for Young Foxes

By Christian McKay Heidicker – Reading Age 8-11

Seven young foxes gather around to share spine-chilling tales that blend adventure with just the right amount of spookiness. Each story features brave animal characters facing supernatural challenges, from ghostly owls to mysterious forests.

The scares are perfectly calibrated for sensitive readers—thrilling without being truly frightening, making it an ideal introduction to horror for younger tweens.

Find it on Amazon

The Wild Robot

By Peter Brown – Reading Age 8-12

When robot Roz awakens on a remote island after a storm, she must learn to survive in the wilderness. While not traditionally scary, the book has suspenseful moments and themes of isolation that create an atmospheric tension.

Roz faces dangerous predators and harsh weather, but the focus remains on friendship, survival, and finding one’s place in the world rather than genuine scares.

Find it on Amazon

Doll Bones

By Holly Black – Reading Age 9-12

Zach, Alice, and Poppy have been playing an elaborate fantasy game for years, but when Zach’s father throws away his action figures, everything changes. Their friend Alice claims she’s been visited by the ghost of a girl whose remains are inside an old china doll, and she needs their help to lay the spirit to rest.

This atmospheric tale blends friendship drama with supernatural elements that are spooky but not overwhelming.

Find it on Amazon

Medium Chills (Ages 10-12)

The Graveyard Book

By Neil Gaiman – Reading Age 10-12

Nobody Owens is raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered when he’s a toddler. As Bod grows up among the supernatural residents of the cemetery, he learns their customs and gains special abilities, but the human world above ground holds greater dangers.

Gaiman masterfully balances genuine scares with warmth and humor, creating a coming-of-age story that’s both spooky and deeply moving.

Find it on Amazon

Coraline

By Neil Gaiman – Reading Age 10-12

When Coraline discovers a door to an alternate world where everything seems better—including parents with button eyes—she initially thinks she’s found paradise. But this other world harbors dark secrets, and Coraline must use her wits and courage to escape before she becomes trapped forever.

This modern classic delivers genuine chills while celebrating bravery and the importance of family, even when they’re imperfect.

Find it on Amazon

The House With a Clock in Its Walls

By John Bellairs – Reading Age 10-12

Ten-year-old Lewis goes to live with his uncle in a creaky old mansion that literally ticks with mysterious clocks. When Lewis accidentally awakens the dead sorcerer Isaac Izard, he and his uncle must stop an apocalyptic spell.

This classic combines supernatural thrills with humor and heart, featuring magical battles, mysterious potions, and plenty of atmospheric mansion scenes that will keep readers on edge.

Find it on Amazon

Small Spaces

By Katherine Arden – Reading Age 10-13

Ollie discovers a mysterious book that warns her to “avoid large spaces at night, stick to small spaces.” When her school bus breaks down near a cornfield and her classmates start disappearing, Ollie realizes the book’s warnings were real.

She must navigate a nightmarish world of scarecrows and twisted reality to save her friends and herself. This page-turner delivers genuine scares while celebrating quick thinking and loyalty.

Find it on Amazon

Thrilling Adventures (Ages 11-13)

The Monstrumologist

By Rick Yancey – Reading Age 12-13

In 1888, twelve-year-old Will Henry assists his guardian, Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a “monstrumologist” who studies and hunts monsters. When grave robbers disturb a cemetery, they unleash carnivorous creatures called Anthropophagi on a New England town.

Will and the doctor must track down these deadly monsters before they devour everyone. This Victorian-era horror is genuinely frightening but maintains focus on Will’s growth and his complex relationship with his mentor.

Find it on Amazon

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

By Ransom Riggs – Reading Age 12-13

After a family tragedy, sixteen-year-old Jacob discovers clues that lead him to a mysterious island and an abandoned children’s home. There he meets children with extraordinary abilities who are hiding from terrifying creatures called Hollowgasts.

Using vintage found photographs, Riggs creates a haunting visual narrative that blends time travel, supernatural threats, and the very real horror of World War II.

Find it on Amazon

Lockwood & Co.: The Screaming Staircase

By Jonathan Stroud – Reading Age 11-13

In an alternate London where ghosts are a deadly reality, teenage ghost hunters Lucy, Anthony, and George form their own psychic investigation agency. Their first major case involves a haunted mansion where previous investigators have died or gone insane.

This series combines supernatural horror with detective work, humor, and great character development, making it perfect for tweens who want genuine scares with engaging protagonists.

Find it on Amazon

The Replacement

By Brenna Yovanoff – Reading Age 12-13

Sixteen-year-old Mackie has always known he’s different—he’s actually a changeling left in place of a human baby. When children in his town start disappearing, Mackie must confront his origins and enter the dark underground world he came from to save them.

This dark fantasy explores themes of belonging and identity while delivering genuinely creepy supernatural elements and emotional depth.

Find it on Amazon

Graphic Novel Frights (Ages 9-13)

Anya’s Ghost

By Vera Brosgol – Reading Age 9-12

Unpopular Anya thinks finding a friendly ghost might solve her problems, but her new supernatural companion has a dark agenda. This graphic novel perfectly balances typical teen concerns with supernatural horror, exploring themes of friendship, identity, and being careful what you wish for.

The artwork enhances the spooky atmosphere while keeping the scares age-appropriate.

Find it on Amazon

The Prince and the Dressmaker

By Jen Wang – Reading Age 9-12

While not traditionally scary, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel has mysterious elements as it follows Prince Sebastian and his secret life as the fabulous Lady Crystallia.

The “horror” comes from the fear of discovery and societal rejection, making it a perfect gateway for tweens who prefer emotional depth over supernatural scares. The gorgeous artwork and themes of acceptance make this a standout choice.

Find it on Amazon

Hilda and the Troll

By Luke Pearson – Reading Age 8-12

Hilda is a fearless blue-haired girl who encounters supernatural creatures in her everyday adventures. While not genuinely scary, the series features trolls, ghosts, and other mysterious beings that create atmospheric tension.

The beautiful artwork and Hilda’s brave spirit make these graphic novels perfect for tweens who want adventure with just a touch of spookiness.

Find it on Amazon

Ghosts

By Raina Telgemeier – Reading Age 8-12

Cat and her family move to a Northern California town where the fog brings more than just mist—it brings ghosts. When Cat’s younger sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis, becomes fascinated with the supernatural residents, Cat must overcome her fears to protect her.

This touching graphic novel deals with serious themes while delivering gentle supernatural elements and beautiful artwork.

Find it on Amazon

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Tips for Halloween Reading Success

Start Small: If your tween is new to scary stories, begin with the gentle scares category and work your way up based on their comfort level.

Read Together: Consider reading some of these as family read-alouds, especially for younger or more sensitive readers.

Create Atmosphere: Reading by flashlight or during a thunderstorm can enhance the experience (safely, of course!).

Discuss Afterwards: Talk about what made the stories scary and how the characters overcame their fears.

Know Your Child: Every tween has different tolerance levels for scary content. Trust your instincts about what’s appropriate for your child.

These spine-tingling selections offer the perfect blend of chills and thrills for the Halloween season, ensuring your tween will have plenty of goosebump-worthy reading ahead! Whether they prefer supernatural mysteries, ghostly adventures, or monster encounters, there’s something here to make their Halloween reading absolutely spooktacular.

Don’t forget to check out our guide to the best tween books series to devour this summer and our recommendations for chapter books perfect for your 5th Grader to get them enthusiastic about reading.

And for Halloween fans, we have plenty more seasonal fun for the family from the best tween costumes this Fall to the spookiest family-friendly Halloween Movies to try.

The post Halloween Books for Tweens: From Gentle Chills to Hair-Raising Thrills appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

While these pre-adolescents are eager to embrace the thrills of a spooky movie night, it’s essential to strike a balance between fun frights and age-appropriate content. Finding films that captivate their budding sense of adventure without delving into excessive horror ensures a memorable and enjoyable viewing experience.

Whether your tween loves a good scare or is just dipping their toes into more intense storylines with suspenseful twists, these scary movies for tweens are a must-watch this Halloween.

10 Best Scary Movies for Tweens – Halloween Classics

Use your discretion in determining whether your tween is ready for some of the more mature themes that may be portrayed in these movies. We’ve split our list for older and younger tweens as some of our picks are classified as PG13 

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Hocus Pocus

PG

Maybe not a truly scary movie, but it’s a great classic to kick off the spooky season as all the family can enjoy this one together during the Halloween holiday.

Starring Bette Midler, three witches have returned to Salem from the 17^th century only to be welcomed by some unexpected pranksters who accidentally brought them into the current year.

Find it on Prime Video

Poltergeist

PG

Directed by Tobe Hooper and produced by Steven Spielberg, Poltergeist is a quintessential haunted house tale that has captivated audiences for decades.

Strange things start happening once a family moves into a house they find out was built over a cemetery in this classic thriller movie. Malevolent spirits invade their home, and the central storyline focuses on the mysterious disappearance of their youngest daughter.

For tweens ready to venture into the world of supernatural horror, “Poltergeist” provides an accessible entry point. The spine-tingling scares and strong emphasis on family bonds are balanced appropriately.

Find it on Prime Video

Frankenweenie

PG

Directed by Tim Burton, Tim Burton, Frankenweenie offers an ideal blend of gothic charm with a heartwarming narrative that resonates strongly with tweens, perfect for

The film’s central theme of resurrecting a beloved pet tugs at the heartstrings, while it’s monochrome palette and quirky characters add layers of eerie allure without being overwhelmingly dark.

“Frankenweenie” strikes the right balance between spine-chilling moments and heartfelt revelations, perfect for a Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

Goosebumps

PG

Based on the extremely popular R.L. Stine books, Goosebumps brings all of the spooky characters from the books to life as they terrorize a town. The perfect blend between chills and chuckles, the humor helps keep the scarier moments palatable for a younger audience.

With a mix of fantastical creatures, intriguing plot twists, and relatable characters, “Goosebumps” offers the perfect gateway into the world of light horror, ensuring thrills without the nightmares its an excellent choice for a tween Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

Halloweentown

PG

Marnie, along with her grandmother and siblings, take a trip to Halloweentown where they come across some spooky characters.

As a Disney Channel original, you know it will strike that balance between spooks without being scary with a little Halloween magic thrown in.

After you’ve watched the first Halloweentown, be sure to check out the sequels if you want a Halloween movie marathon.

Find it on Prime Video

ParaNorman

PG

Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire

PG

Annabelle Hooper and the Ghosts of Nantucket

PG

One of the best Halloween movies for tweens, a young mystery writer, Annabelle, is searching for a story and finds a 200-year-old mystery with the spooky story she has been looking for.

The film avoids intense horror or dark themes, favoring a more whimsical and adventurous tone, making it suitable for Halloween viewing for the pre-adolescent crowd.

Find it on Prime Video

The Boy Who Cried Werewolf

PG

Ghostbusters

PG

It simply can’t be the spooky season without a dose of Ghostbusters in our household. A supernatural comedy, a team of parapsychologists start a ghost-catching business in New York City.

As they tackle a series of spectral nuisances, they stumble upon a plot that threatens the entire city, leading to a climactic confrontation with powerful supernatural entities.

Ghostbusters is generally considered suitable for a younger audience with comedy dominating, though it does include some mild scares and suggestive content, perfect for a Halloween movie night.

Find it on Prime Video

If your tweens are struggling to get their heads around the 80s-era special effects that make it such a pop culture classic, you can try the 2021 Ghostbusters:Afterlife (rated PG-13, but we think it still works with your older tweens).

8 Best Scary Movies for Mature Tweens

Parents should gauge their tween’s readiness for the following selection of scary movies for tweens – we always suggest you watch anything described as a horror movie first before screening in front of a bunch of preteens, no matter how ready they think they are!

Horror movies for tweens may not be appropriate because of excessive violence and gore. We have based the following section on movies we feel blend elements of comedy, paranormal, and suspense in an approachable way.

The Ring

PG-13

Moving up the maturity scale, this is a truly scary movie that starts with an urban legend. The Ring is a story about a scary videotape that causes anyone who watches it to die seven days later unless certain conditions are met.

It’s not full of gratuitous gore but has eerie visuals and a detective-style narrative. The intriguing storyline will appeal to those who prefer puzzle-solving and suspense over horror.

Find it on Prime Video

The Others

PG-13

Arachnophobia

PG-13

A thriller-comedy that centers around a deadly Venezuelan spider, which is accidentally transported to a small American town, where it breeds, leading to a terrifying spider infestation.

There’s a good blend of both humor and suspense, but also some genuinely creepy moments, so you’ll need to judge this on your child’s ability to handle creature-based horror, as it could result in a nightmare or three for your true arachnophobes!

Find it on Prime Video

The Village

PG-13

The Village unfolds in an isolated 19th-century hamlet where residents live in fear of creatures inhabiting the surrounding woods. The community abides by strict rules to avoid provoking these entities. When a few of the residents must leave to help save a friend, they disobey the rules to find out what really awaits outside of the town.

The film combines romance, mystery, and suspense elements, using atmospheric tension rather than graphic horror. It should be considered moderately chilling and best for your more mature tweens with a pension for suspense.

Find it on Prime Video

The Visit

PG-13

When a brother and sister, Becca and Tyler, are sent to live at their grandparents’ farm in a remote area in Pennsylvania, they notice increasingly strange behavior before discovering that their grandparents are involved in something disturbing and scary.

This found-footage style horror-thriller is recommended for mature tweens and teens as there’s some disturbing imagery and suspenseful sequences.

Find it on Prime Video

Insidious

PG-13

After a mysterious accident in the attic, Dalton falls into a coma, and his parents try to find help for him. As they try to get the help that is needed, they explore the paranormal by rediscovering the past.

Note that this movie is quite intense, with a series of jump scares, chilling music, and eerie visuals, which might be too much for younger viewers but a great introduction to the genre for your more mature pre-teens.

Find it on Prime Video

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

PG-13

Scary Movies to Tell in the Dark is based on one of the scariest children’s book series by Alvin Schwartz. Set in the 1960s, it tells the tale of a group of young teens who must solve the mystery of the sudden deaths in their small town.

The movie blends historical elements with supernatural horror, presenting a series of eerie, interconnected narratives.

While it is crafted with a younger audience in mind, some of the film’s sequences can be genuinely frightening, especially given the vivid creature designs and suspenseful scenarios. We’d only recommend this one for preteens and teens who are fans of supernatural tales and are accustomed to moderate horror.

Find it on Prime Video

Happy Death Day

PG-13

If your tween enjoys the scary movie with a bit of a slasher twist, Happy Death Day might be a good one to check out.

The plot of the movie tells the story of a woman who relives the day of her murder over and over. With each repetition, she gains more clues about her killer’s identity and must solve her own murder to break free from the time loop (think a spooky version of Ground Hog Day).

The film does contain some intense moments, jump scares, and themes of violence, albeit with a comedic undertone. It lacks the heavy gore typical of many horror movies, but there are thematic elements and occasional strong language that render it inappropriate for younger tweens.

Find it on Prime Video

Do you think your tweens can handle this group? Do you have any other Halloween classic movies that your preteens love? Let us know in the comments.

Don’t forget if you’re looking for more Halloween-themed inspiration, we can help you with that too:

Check out our complete guide on how to host a seriously spooky tween Halloween party
Serve up these creative and delicious Halloween snacks
And don’t forget some awesome Halloween costume ideas for your tweens

The post 18 Scary Movies for Tweens – Perfect For Tween Halloween Sleepovers appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Begin by considering current pop culture trends, movies, or book series that have captured their attention. Think about the likes of magical worlds, popular video games, or even TikTok challenges turned spooky! However, ensuring the theme isn’t overly juvenile or too mature is crucial.

Seek feedback by brainstorming with your preteen or conducting a quick poll among potential partygoers – a haunted house of spider webs and spooky music never fails to please, but equally, seeking a modern theme can give your tweens more costume creativity during the spooky season.

Remember, it’s about balancing the thrill of nighttime festivities with the practicality of school nights and weekend schedules. So, as the clock ticks, make every moment bewitchingly unforgettable by sticking to a schedule.

Suitable Snacks and Halloween Party Food and Drinks

When hosting a Halloween party for tweens, the snack table isn’t just about satiating hunger; it’s an extension of the party’s spine-chilling atmosphere and an opportunity to dazzle with creativity.

Tweens crave a mix of familiar treats with a twist of the unexpected. So, whether you’re aiming for playful and eerie edibles or indulgent desserts with a dash of spookiness, curating the perfect spread requires a careful balance.

Some simple Halloween snacks that are not just a feast for the stomach but also a spectacle for the eyes include:

• Halloween Charcuterie Board – This board can be filled with holiday treats from hot dogs to gummy worms. It’s easy enough for the older kids to help you put it together. If you want to sneak in some fruits, you can cover them in chocolate or serve them up with ghastly names (don’t forget to label items in case of any allergies!).
• Ghoulish Guac – Serve your traditional guacamole and your favorite bowl, but add a sour cream spider web on top and serve with blue tortilla chips
• Weird-shaped cookies – You can purchase spooky-looking cookie cutters and have a blast decorating them with your tween to create an amazing finish.

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• Dry ice punch – You’ll need a spooky drink for a Halloween party to entertain your tween guests. So smoky drinks or regular punch bowls with a skull or something spooky will work – there are a few more excellent mocktail ideas over here if you want to get super creative with your drinks!
• Brain-shaped jello or cake- If you have a Brain Gelatin Mold sitting around, it’s time you put that to work. You can use it to create a Jell-O or cake with it, and it will be a great centerpiece for your tween Halloween party.

There are plenty more ideas on keeping the troops fuelled for your Halloween party with this selection of tween Halloween party snacks.

Add A Superb Selection of Suitably Scary Movies

Playing scary movies at a tween Halloween party can set the perfect spooky ambiance, making the experience all the more memorable. However, it’s essential to choose films that are age-appropriate, offering chills without being overly intense or graphic on your tween’s first scary movie night.

A balance between fun and fright will keep the tweens entertained without causing nightmares later on!

Some not-too-scary movie ideas for tweens include:

• Goosebumps – Based on the popular book series, R.L. Stine’s monsters come to life in this fun adventure.
• Hocus Pocus – the tale of three witch sisters resurrected in modern-day Salem.
• The Boy Who Cried Werewolf – Inheriting the spooky Wolfsberg Manor in Romania, a freak accident turns Jordan into a werewolf.
• ParaNorman – A boy can speak to the dead and must save his town from a zombie invasion.

We have a much more detailed selection of the best Halloween movies for tweens over here.

It’s always a good idea to be familiar with the content or check reviews for any movies to ensure they align with the comfort level of your party guests and their parents!

2. Mummy Games

There are two common mummy games you can indulge your tweens in. One classic game involves wrapping the mummy, while the other involves racing using a rolled-up mummy.

So, to play Wrap the Mummy, you must divide the guests into teams. Each team will choose a mummy, and once you say “GO,” they will wrap their mummy either a roll of toilet paper, tissue paper, bandage wrap, or plastic wrap (when using plastic wrap, ensure the teams avoid wrapping the mummy’s face).

The first team to have their mummy wrapped without any skin but their nose and mouth showing is the winner.

When it comes to the mummy race, you will play this one differently as it’s longer. After each team has their mummy wrapped (preferably in plastic wrap), they will lower the mummy gently to lie on the ground, and once you say “GO,” they will roll the mummy to the finish line.

The game can end at the finish line, or you can make it longer by ensuring each team unwraps their mummy once at the finish line.

For an even longer race, once the mummy is unwrapped, the mummy can run back to the team, then the team will start wrapping up a new mummy in a relay race. The game continues until all team members have been wrapped and rolled over the finish line.

4. Halloween Treasure Hunt

Depending on what your tween loves, you can plan a Halloween treasure hunt in so many ways. You can turn the treasure hunt into a torchlight Halloween hunt or Halloween egg or pumpkin hunt. So, let’s talk about how to play a torchlight scavenger hunt game.

You can wrap sweets in tissue paper or cellophane to play this game. You could coat the wraps with glow-in-dark paint or stickers and hide them around the house or in your garden. When it’s time to play, hand each of your guests a spotlight and a basket or bag, switch off the lights, or put them in dim if playing indoors so the race can begin.

You can play it a little differently in the Halloween egg hunt or pumpkin hunt. Fill plastic eggs or pumpkins with candy and hide them all around the house or outdoors. You can use the early night by letting people search for these in the dark or let them play this game during the day. Either way, it will be a fun tween Halloween experience.

5. Guess the Name

This game can be all-inclusive since you can involve the guests in creating it. Ask your Halloween guests to write down the names of a couple of famous Halloween characters on a piece of paper.

These names can be from spooky films or stories. They can be named like a ghoul, ghost, goblins, etc.; you can tear these papers and fold them in half, then place them in a bowl or something spooky like a witch’s hat.

Now that the first part of the game is done, it’s time for the fun to begin! Divide your guests into teams (they could be two or more teams). Now, each team can take turns playing the game.

When the team picks a person, they pick a piece of paper from the bowl or hat; then, you can set a timer as they start giving their team members clues to the name.

You can set rules to this game, like giving too much information, like what the names start with. If they guess the name correctly, the team can take up another go at guessing it.

Let’s say you have a timer for 45 seconds; this means that the team playing can guess as many names as they can in those seconds. You can also give the teams one chance to pass around the paper so another team member can help out.

Once the timer goes off, the teams have to switch up until there are no more words in the hat; then, you can check their scores to determine which team has won.

6. Create a Crime Scene Murder Mystery

You can create a fake crime scene at your party for this murder mystery game.

All you have to do is gather up objects one can find at a crime scene, but don’t use dangerous ones like knives or ropes. You can use items like certain fruits, wooden spoons, magnets, or even stuffed animals.

Divide your guests into teams and let them create a crime scene using the items you gave them. This is a fun activity for kids at a Halloween party for tweens.

7. Pumpkin Carving Contest

You can also indulge your guests in this amazing Halloween-appropriate game; your creative tweens will appreciate it, and it works well with a larger group to entertain. You can create different categories such as spooky, scary, funny, cute, or classic designs, so there’s more than one winner and different creative directions they can take.

You can also let them draw on the pumpkins if you don’t want them to carve or you feel they’re too young and irresponsible to handle carving without causing an accident (not all preteens are as mature as each other!)

Either way, this is one of those classic Halloween party activities you can’t miss off your agenda if you’re having a traditional spooky season event.

8. Pinata

Of course, every tween will love the idea of whacking something until a treat falls out. So, why not get an appropriately spooky pinata for your tween’s Halloween party?

To hold this game in a Halloween theme, ensure you purchase a Halloween-themed pinata. It could be something like a pinata shaped like a skull, a bat, a Frankenstein head, or other amazing options you’ll find in the store.

Fill the pinata with an array of Halloween candies and treats for your tween guests to enjoy. The great part about Pinata is younger children can join in too

9. A Halloween Twister

Making a twister game fun during Halloween involves you making some printouts of monsters. You could attach each monster to a twister color that looks similar to them.

For example, you can stick Frankenstein to the green dots and Dracula to the red dots. You can also help your tween decide which monster should represent the various colors.

You’ll play the game similarly to the classic Twister, except the board will have monsters instead of colors.

Party Favors For a Tween Halloween

It’s always nice at the end of your tweens party to send your guests home with a keep sake. Choosing Halloween gifts for tweens can be a bewitching task; honestly, there’s no limit to the creativity you could use if you’d like to give out party favors.

Whilst our tweens might have just about had their fill of sugar and bags of candy by the end of the night, why not choose something that resonates a little deeper and won’t just end up straight in the trash?

• Try adding some scary novels they can devour later, like The Graveyard Girls, or the latest release Venus Fly Trap from the Ghoul School series, ideal for 9 to 12-year-olds.
• A super gross chemistry set would be a fun touch for your guests to continue their ghoulishly gross ideas at home.
• These Halloween crafting kits are ideal for older children who can undertake tasks independently.
• Or add a simple glowing Halloween bucket for them to complete their trick-or-treat, an easy win that never grows old.

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We hope this has inspired you and your tween to plan a Halloween party that definitely won’t be considered too lame or babyish but perfectly brews their maturity and personality for a memorable night.

The post Halloween Party Ideas For Tweens: Games, Snacks, Movies & More! appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.