28 Kids Halloween Costumes
Halloween sneaks up on us every year, doesn’t it?
One minute, you’re scrolling Pinterest for pumpkin carving ideas, and the next, you’re scrambling to find a costume because your kid decided they don’t want to be a ghost anymore—they want to be a glow-in-the-dark unicorn ninja.
Yep, kids keep us on our toes.
If you’re in the same boat (and let’s be honest, we all are), I’ve rounded up 31 kids Halloween costumes that are cute, funny, spooky, and most importantly—practical enough that your kid can still snag candy without tripping over a too-long cape.
Ready? Let’s dive into the pumpkin bucket of ideas.
1. Classic Witch
A pointy hat, a black dress, and maybe a broomstick for flair. Witch costumes never go out of style. Plus, they’re easy to DIY if you’re in a pinch.
2. Friendly Ghost
Cut two eye holes in a white sheet, and boom—done. But pro tip: hem the sheet so your kid doesn’t faceplant on the sidewalk.
3. Pumpkin Kid
Orange hoodie + green felt leaves = instant pumpkin. Bonus: it’s cozy, so no complaints about being cold.
4. Vampire
Capes make everything better. Throw in some fake fangs and slicked-back hair, and you’ve got yourself a mini Dracula.
5. Mummy
Wrap your kid in strips of fabric or bandages. Just don’t make them too tight unless you want a cranky mummy halfway through trick-or-treating.
6. Black Cat
A headband with ears, whiskers drawn with eyeliner, and a tail. Easy, affordable, and adorable.
7. Skeleton
Glow-in-the-dark skeleton suits are a hit. Plus, they double as super cool PJs after Halloween night.
8. Princess or Prince
Whether it’s Cinderella, Elsa, or some made-up royal, kids love the “I rule the kingdom” vibe.
9. Superhero
From Spider-Man to Wonder Woman, superheroes always win. And let’s be honest, you’ll feel safer with Batman by your side.
10. Pirate
Eye patch, bandana, and a “yo-ho-ho” attitude. Throw in a plastic sword if you trust your kid not to whack their sibling with it.
11. Dinosaur
Inflatable dino costumes exist, but IMO, the plush hooded onesies are way more kid-friendly (and bathroom friendly, too).
12. Zombie
Tear up some old clothes, add face paint, and let your kid practice their best zombie shuffle. Easy + creepy = win.
13. Unicorn
Sparkles, rainbow tulle, and a unicorn horn headband. Kids love it, and honestly, who doesn’t? 🙂
14. Astronaut
NASA suit, helmet, and maybe a bag of “space rocks” (aka candy). The perfect look for kids dreaming big.
15. Harry Potter
Robe, wand, glasses, and maybe a lightning bolt scar. If your kid already has the books memorized, it’s basically destiny.
16. Mermaid
Shimmery fabric for a tail and seashell details. Just make sure your little mermaid can still walk to get that candy haul.
17. Alien
Green face paint, antenna headband, silver outfit—boom, extraterrestrial cuteness. Ever wanted a space buddy? Here’s your chance.
18. Firefighter
Helmet, boots, jacket—done. Bonus points if they insist on “rescuing” everyone’s candy.
19. Doctor
Scrubs, stethoscope, and maybe a clipboard. FYI, this doubles as “career day” attire later.
20. Fairy
Wings, glitter, and a wand. The only downside? You’ll still find glitter around your house by Christmas.
21. Scarecrow
Plaid shirt, overalls, straw accents, and some face paint stitches. Rustic, cute, and totally fall vibes.
22. Knight
Suit of armor (foam, of course), sword, and shield. Chivalry is alive and well on Halloween night.
23. Ninja
All black outfit + headband = stealth mode activated. Just watch out—they might try to sneak more candy than allowed.
24. Clown
Fun or spooky? That’s up to you. A colorful wig and oversized bow tie can make it funny instead of frightening.
25. Robot
Cardboard boxes painted silver + duct tape. Throw in some flashing lights if you want bonus parent points.
26. Ladybug
Red and black polka-dot outfit with little wings. Simple, sweet, and instantly recognizable.
27. Cowboy / Cowgirl
Boots, hat, flannel, and maybe a lasso (just… not near the chandelier). Perfect if your kid already loves Toy Story vibes.
28. Vampire Bat
Bat wings attached to a hoodie—way less hassle than an actual cape dragging around. Bonus: it works for school parties too.
Tips for Picking the Perfect Kids Halloween Costume
Okay, now that we’ve got 31 ideas floating around, let’s get real. Picking a Halloween costume for kids isn’t just about cuteness overload. You’ve got to think about:
- Comfort: If your kid can’t sit, walk, or breathe in it, it’s a no-go.
- Weather: Will your Elsa freeze in 40-degree weather? Layer up.
- Mobility: Capes, tails, and giant cardboard robot arms sound fun… until they need to use the bathroom.
- Durability: The costume has to survive trick-or-treating and the school Halloween parade. Good luck.
Final Thoughts
Halloween costumes for kids don’t need to break the bank or cause last-minute stress (though, let’s be honest, they usually do). From classic witches and superheroes to quirky DIY boxes, there’s something here for every little ghoul, goblin, or glitter-loving unicorn.
At the end of the night, the best costume is the one your kid feels amazing in—because when they’re happy, you’re happy (and you get first dibs on the Reese’s from their candy stash).
So, which one are you going for this year?
