It's spooky season, and with it comes a host of fun Halloween activities for the kiddos.
There's trick-or-treating, carving jack-o'-lanterns, dressing up and watching Halloween movies, all of which make it one of the most frightfully fun times of the year.
But the arrival of Halloween can bring a bit of scary, and for the youngest members of the family, it can sometimes be too much, including Halloween songs, which can have some pretty adult themes.
To help keep the season age-appropriate, we've collected the best Halloween songs for kids to add to this year's playlist.
In the collection below, you'll find time-honored tunes like “Thriller,” “Monster Mash,” and “I Put a Spell on You.”
Along with those Halloween classics, you'll also discover charming sing-a-longs for preschoolers including “Six Little Ghosts” by Super Simple songs, “Five Little Pumpkins” by the Kiboomers and "Too Spooky For Me" by Kids TV 123.
We'll leave it up to you to decide which tunes are best-suited to your gang. But, rest assured, there's a little something here for everyone.
With your kids' Halloween songs playlist squared away, it leaves you plenty of time for other things, like figuring out how to sneak a few of those Halloween treats out of the bowl and into your mouth.
“This is Halloween” by The Citizens of Halloween
This crowd pleaser from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is essential on every Halloween playlist. Even though the lyrics are slightly spooky (“Trick or treat till the neighbors die of fright”), it’s all in good fun.
“Six Little Ghosts” by Super Simple Songs
Everyone knows that ghosts say “Boo.” And boy do they ever boo in “Six Little Ghosts, a catchy preschool pleaser by Super Simple Songs that riffs off of the old classic “Six Little Ducks.”
“Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett
“Monster Mash” has been the “hit of the land” for decades, making it one of the most popular Halloween songs of all time. We’re not sure exactly what the monster mash is (outside of being a graveyard smash), but either way we’re totally down for it.
“Too Spooky for Me” by Kids TV 123
If your little ones don't particularly like all the scary things associated with Halloween, then they'll love this song that totally validates that witches, ghosts and things hiding under the bed really are just too darn spooky. Period.
“The Purple People Eater” by Sheb Wooley
Although Sheb Wooley never intended this novelty song to become a Halloween classic, this catchy tune about “the one-eyed, one-horned, flying, purple people eater” still deserves a spot on the best-of list.
“Five Little Pumpkins Sitting on a Gate” by The Kiboomers
The Kiboomers take an old nursery school song to the next level for Halloween by singing all about everyone's favorite October fruit – the pumpkin! Yep, pumpkins fall into the fruit family, a Halloween fact you probably didn't know.
“Them Bones” by Caspar Babypants
Simply put, this toe-tapper from the former lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America is so much fun. Kids will love this updated version of the old spiritual “Dry Bones.” It's not only catchy, it imparts an anatomy lesson at the same time.
“Time Warp” by Teddy Rock
It's just a jump to the left and then a step to the right! This classic Halloween tune from the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” gets a kid-friendly makeover in this Teddy Rock version of “Time Warp.”
“Great Pumpkin Waltz” by Vince Guaraldi
If you haven't already watched "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" this Halloween season, it's not too late. The classic animated special is iconic along with Vince Guaraldi's soundtrack, which includes this sweet instrumental.
“The Candy Man” by Sammy Davis Jr.
Who can take a sunrise and sprinkle it with dew? The Candy Man, of course. This 1972 tune by the legendary Sammy Davis Jr. is a sweet addition to your Halloween playlist.
“Wooly Bully” by Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
With two big horns and a wooly jaw, you can't take any chances with the Wooly Bully. What does “Wooly Bully” even mean? Who knows? Either way, it's a spirited addition to your Halloween kids' song collection.
“Trust in Me (The Python's Song)” by Sterling Holloway
This hypnotic song from the classic 1967 movie “The Jungle Book,” has all the trappings of a Halloween song, starting with the fact that it's crooned by a snake! Short, but totally spooky, this one definitely makes the cut.
“The Munsters” theme song by Jack Marshall
The Munsters are just like everyone else on the block, except they're monsters. But, really, who isn't? The kids'll love this old-school TV theme song from 1964.
“Bones (Inside of You) by Count Von Count (Sesame Street)
Count Von Count does what he does best, counts! There are a lot of bones (bones, bones, bones) in your body. Count them all in this spirited Sesame Street song. Ah! Ah! Ah!
“We Don't Talk About Bruno” from “Encanto”
With talk of premonitions and spooky prophecies, not to mention rats (oh my!), this Disney hit from the movie “Encanto” is the perfect not-so-scary addition to this year's Halloween playlist.
“Halloween Stomp” by Bounce Patrol
Your little witches and ghosts will be marching around the living room as they listen to the “Halloween Stomp,” an infectious kids' Halloween song by Bounce Patrol.
“It's Halloween Night” by Boom Buddies
It's officially Halloween in this catchy little tune by Boom Buddies. Little ones will love this ditty that takes the scary out of trick-or-treating, monsters and other spooky things associated with the holiday.
“Strange Magic” by Electric Light Orchestra
With all its talk of magic, this classic ELO song from 1975 evokes thoughts of spells and charms, making it just perfect for your Halloween playlist.
“What's This?” by Jack Skellington
Is this a Christmas song? Halloween song? We're not entirely sure, but since it's sung by the unearthly Jack Skellington in “The Nightmare Before Christmas” we're going with Halloween. Either way, your kids'll love it.
“Halloweentown Theme” by Mark Mothersbaugh
Fans of the Disney made-for-TV movie “Halloweentown” will love being reminded of Marnie (Kimberly Brown), Aggie (Debbie Reynolds) and the rest of the gang from this 1998 classic. Even if the kids haven't seen this fun throwback flick, they'll enjoy the theme song all the same.
“The Witches Are Back” by Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy
The witches everyone loves to hate are back with a new tune in “Hocus Pocus 2.” Composed by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, “The Witches Are Back” is a toe-tapping good time.
“Oogie Boogie's Song” by Ed Ivory and Ken Page
While Jack Skellington is the star of the show in Tim Burton's “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” Oogie Boogie, the evil villain, gets his moment in the spotlight in this delightfully dark song.
“Halloween” by The New Fangles
Channeling a ‘60s surfer song, “Halloween” by The New Fangles is a total toe-tapper. After just one listen, you'll be haunted by it's earworm refrain, “Halloween, it's the spookiest thing you've ever seen.”
“Monster Party” by Super Simple Songs
The only thing better than a Halloween party is a monster party! Everyone cha-chas in “Monster Party,” a spirited salsa-inspired tune by Super Simple Songs.
“Who Let the Ghosts Out” by The Hit Crew Kids
We all know who let the dogs out, but what about the ghosts? They've escaped on Halloween night and whoever's responsible “really blew it,” according to this sing-along song by The Hit Crew. Was it you? Boooo!
“Casper the Friendly Ghost” by The Golden Orchestra
This blast from the past by The Golden Orchestra is guaranteed to make children and adults smile with its charming nostalgia and old-timely lyrics devoted to Casper, the friendliest ghost around.
“The Skeleton Dance” by Super Simple Songs
Rattle their bones with this popular preschool tune by Super Simple Songs. “The Skeleton Dance” will have your little goblins up and moving while providing an anatomy lesson at the same time. The foot bone's connected to the leg bone. The leg bone's connected to the knee bone and, well, you can probably guess the rest.
“Cruella De Vil” by Selena Gomez
This classic villan tune from “101 Dalmations” gets a rock 'n' roll makeover from Disney alum, Selena Gomez. Sure, Cruella is pure evil, but kids love to hate puppy-stealing diva.
“Down By the Spooky Bay” by Super Simple Songs
“Down By the Bay” gets a makeover for pint-sized trick-or-treaters. You already know the tune and it won't take long to learn the Halloween-themed lyrics.
“It's Halloween” by Paul James Band
“It's Halloween” sounds like something that belongs in a Disney Halloween movie, even though it's actually an R&B tune by Canadian blues guitar player Paul James. Kids (and adults) will totally love the jazzy vibe and lyrics all about ghosts, goblins and monsters.
“Witch Doctor” by Alvin and the Chipmunks
“Ooh, eeh, ooh, ah, aah, ting, tang, walla, walla, bing bang!” Try repeating that one a few times fast. Follow Alvin and the Chipmunks' lead in this infectious cover of the 1958 tune about seeking the help of a witch doctor to cure a bad case of love.
“Heffalumps and Woozles” by The Disney Studio Chorus
Who knew Winnie the Pooh could be so spooky? This catchy song from the 1977 animated feature, “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” is a little dark, but kids will enjoy dancing along ... even if it gives parents nightmares.
“Grim Grinning Ghosts” by The Melomen
If you've been on the Haunted Mansion ride at Disney theme parks, then you know this one. “Grim Grinning Ghosts” kicks off with a spooky narration by a “ghost host” before launching into a frenetic sing-along. All the ghouls join in before this one's over.
“The Blob” by The Five Blobs
Once upon a time there was a horror movie in the 1950s about a giant, gelatinous blob that killed people by oozing them to death. Though the movie's probably too scary for kids, its theme song certainly isn’t. Recorded by The Five Blobs (how fitting), “The Blob” is as silly as it gets.
“Friends on the Other Side” by Randy Newman
From the 2009 Disney film “The Princess and the Frog,” Randy Newman’s “Friends on the Other Side” is a ragtime-y song about voodoo, magic and all things supernatural. Even though it's mildly sinister, it's not too scary.
“Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker, Jr.
It’s not officially Halloween until you’ve heard “Ghostbusters” at least once. And chances are good you’ll hear it a lot more than that before Halloween is all said and done. One of the most popular Halloween songs of all time, it’s a perennial favorite of kids and adults alike.
“Spooky, Scary Skeletons” by Andrew Gold
Spooky, scary skeletons send shivers down our spine — and so will this trippy tune. Once you've heard this Andrew Gold classic, you won't be able to get it out of your head. Don’t say we didn't warn you.
“The Spooky Bus” by Pinkfong
Set to the theme of “Wheels on the Bus,” this toddler-friendly song swaps out the regular lyrics and replaces them with ghosts and witches. No scares here, except for parents who may not want to listen to it on repeat.
“Lumos! (Hedwig's Theme)” by John Williams
Whether they’re a Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, press play on “Lumos! (Hedwig’s Theme)" from “The Prisoner of Azkaban” and let your kids pretend they're partying at Hogwarts with Harry and friends.
“I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin' Jay Hawkins
We totally aren't lyin' when we say this Screamin' Jay Hawkins will have you and the boo crew under its spell in no time flat.
“Under My Bed” by Recess Monkey
Recorded by a trio of former school teachers, “Under My Bed” is a jaunty little song about every child’s nightmare: a monster hiding under the bed. Luckily, it’s just a lonely monster looking to make friends.
“Thriller” by Michael Jackson
With ghouls and monsters crawling out of their tombs to seal your doom (and terrorize your neighborhood while they're at it), Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video isn’t for the faint of heart. That said, the song is totally family-friendly and a staple on any Halloween playlist.
“Disney Villains Medley” by Peter Hollens feat. Whitney Avalon
Take the best Disney villain songs of all time, put them together in an a cappella mashup and you get this epic song. Here, beloved villain ditties from “The Little Mermaid” to “Beauty and the Beast” come together in a five-minute medley that kids will adore.
“Jump in the Line” by Harry Belafonte
If you’ve seen “Beetlejuice” you’ll remember Harry Belafonte’s “Jump in the Line” as the song Lydia Deetz dances to at the end of the movie. Sure, it’s not a Halloween song per se, but through the years it’s been embraced as one and its spirited calypso beat makes for a great Halloween singalong.
“Halloween is Almost Here” by Pinkfong
If your little ones are counting down to the big day (Halloween!), then this earworm is just right for them. Adults and older kids probably won’t be able to listen to it more than once or twice, but that’s totally OK since this song is intended for younger kids and tots.
“Jack's Lament” by Danny Elfman
Jack Skellington longs to be something more than just the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town. Before he finds something more fulfilling, he sings “Jack’s Lament,” an enchanting, dissonant song that kids and adults both love.
“Somebody's Watching Me” by Rockwell
Back in the ‘80s, this song about being seriously paranoid received a ton of airplay on the radio — before, during and after Halloween. Perhaps, it's because of Michael Jackson's guest appearance.
“Disney Halloween Medley” by Jon Cozart and Voctave
Hear “Grim Grinning Ghosts” and “This is Halloween” in a whole new way. This a cappella medley wraps up with an eerie invitation to hurry back. Yikes!
“Double Trouble” by John Williams
Something wicked this way comes in John Williams' choral piece from the “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” soundtrack. It’s short, but spooky and features the oft-repeated phrase from William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth": "Double, double toil and trouble."
“ABC Boo” by Super Simple Songs
This one's for the youngest trick-or-treaters in your boo crew. It's a fun way to celebrate the spooky season and learn the alphabet at that same time.
“Spooky” by Classics IV
Neither a kid’s song nor a Halloween tune, “Spooky” by the Classics IV still manages to strike the right tone. And a marriage proposal on Halloween? There's nothing cuter.
“The Addams Family” by Vic Mizzy
“The Addams Family” theme song is creepy, kooky and altogether ooky, which is exactly why we love it. Add this one to your kids’ Halloween playlist and everyone will be snapping their fingers in unison.
“Halloween Spooks” by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross
Lambert, Hendricks & Ross find a way to jazz up the spooks of the season in this throwback tune. Ask kids to mimic the Halloween noises — or if that's too challenging, to freestyle their own.
“Guess Who?” by Pinkfong
Halloween can be a scary time for little monsters, but this song by Pinkfong will help take the edge off by introducing them to friendly, non-threatening witches, ghosts, skeletons and monsters.
“Day O (Banana Boat Song)” by Harry Belafonte
Fans of “Beetlejuice” are sure to remember the iconic dinner party scene in which the guests become possessed and perform a haunted (and hilarious) dance to the song “Day O (The Banana Boat Song).” The Harry Belafonte tune has become Halloween standard in the years since the movie’s release.
“Clap for the Wolfman” by The Guess Who
“Clap for the Wolfman” sounds like it was written about werewolves, but it’s actually about a disc jockey nicknamed “Wolfman Jack." The song, however, is totally on-theme and its catchy lyrics guarantee it’ll be a family favorite.
“Werewolves of London” by KIDZ BOP
Whether you add this KIDZ BOP version or the original Warren Zevon recording of "Werewolves of London" to your kids songs playlist, this song is mandatory.
“I Want Candy” by Bow Wow Wow
This song isn’t about Halloween or even dogs for that matter. But it is all about candy and kids will love it for that very reason.
“Chumbala Cachumbala Dance” by Pinkfong
Kids will love this upbeat song that not only features dancing skeletons, but also a bit of number counting, which is never a bad thing. Good luck getting this catchy earworm out of your head.
“Spooks” by Louis Armstrong
Though "Spooks” was recorded back in 1954, it still holds up today as a snazzy Halloween song for all ages. It starts off with a creaky door and screams, but kids will forget all about it once Louis starts crooning.
“Skin and Bones” by Raffi
This spooky 1996 acoustic Halloween tune by Raffi will have everyone singing along, especially with all the fun “ohhhs” throughout the tune.
