Playlists & MusicNo. 5377 · The 2026 edition
The Best 30+ Halloween Songs for Kids Playlist (that parents will like too)
Spooky tunes the whole family can groove to—no nightmares, just fun!
Our own summary of the original — the full post and photos live at merrimentdesign.com.
This playlist features over 30 kid-friendly Halloween songs that are catchy enough for parents to enjoy too, blending classic spooky themes with upbeat melodies perfect for a Halloween party or car ride.
About this
A ranked list of 30 kid-friendly Halloween songs curated by Kathy and her daughter Elise, aimed at families who want festive without the freaky. The roughly 1.5-hour playlist is pitched as perfect for pumpkin carving, costume making and kid Halloween parties. Each entry includes the song, artist and a short personal note explaining why it made the cut.
The list
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01
Monster Mash
Artist: Bobby "Boris" Pickett. Described as festive, silly and universally loved by kids.
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02
Grim Grinning Ghosts (from Disney's Haunted Mansion)
The Mellomen, Betty Taylor, Thurl Ravenscroft, Bill Lee, Paul Frees. Author's all-time favorite; teaches big words.
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03
Great Pumpkin Waltz (from Charlie Brown)
Evokes Linus waiting in the pumpkin patch and Lucy bringing him inside.
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04
Dead Man's Party
Oingo Boingo. Recalls the film Back To School.
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05
I Wanna Scare Myself
Tigger. Tigger is always a favorite.
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06
Lullaby
The Cure. Adds 80s flavor; spooky lyric about Spiderman for dinner.
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07
Little Ghost
The White Stripes. Upbeat tune about falling in love with a little ghost.
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08
Werewolves of London
Warren Zevon. Elise loves it and it causes no nightmares.
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09
The Addams Family Theme
Victor Mizzy and his Orchestra. Elise wants to learn to snap.
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10
I Want Candy
Bow Wow Wow. Not really about candy but preschool friendly and fun to sing.
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11
This is Halloween (from Nightmare Before Christmas)
Veers on too creepy, but no nightmares yet.
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12
Scooby Doo, Where Are You?
Classic 70s Saturday mornings; pairs well with a bowl of Fruit Loops.
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13
Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life For Me
Dominik Hauser. Pirates are unusual Halloween music but author thinks they fit.
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14
Witchcraft
Frank Sinatra. Frank can pull off anything.
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15
Time Warp
Glee Cast Version. May lean PG; parents should judge by age. Rocky Horror memory.
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16
Prologue (Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone)
Mystical and a bit eerie; just the right kid-friendly Halloween vibe.
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17
Ghostbusters
Ray Parker, Jr. "I ain't 'fraid of no ghost."
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18
They Don't Scare Me
Mickey Mouse. A kid-friendly Spotify find sung by Mickey himself.
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19
Devil Inside
INXS. Praised for its Aussie guitar intro and 80s sound.
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20
Ghost Town
The Specials. Reggae-infused; not really about a ghost town but close enough.
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21
Munsters Theme
The Horror Theme Ensemble. Instrumental version.
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22
(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Blue Oyster Cult. More cowbell; about accepting death's inevitability.
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23
Casper The Friendly Ghost
Cartoon theme. The friendly ghost kind to every living creature.
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24
Heffalumps and Woozles
Winnie The Pooh. Pooh's honey-induced dreams make silly, spooky fun.
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25
Trick or Treasure
The Never Land Pirate Band. Watch out for Captain Hook, kids.
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26
It's the Rumpelstilskin Show (skit from Shrek)
Author calls it a stretch, but the "sing it, witches!" line cracks her up.
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27
Violet Stars Happy Hunting!
Janelle Monae. Aliens from outer space are after you.
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28
Witch Doctor
David Seville, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Prefers the old 50s version over the rap-intro one.
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29
Thriller
Michael Jackson. Perennial Halloween classic; author bought the vinyl at Woolworth's.
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30
Beetlejuice Main Titles
Danny Elfman. Say it three times with me.
Where to watch: Spotify: G Rated Halloween for Kids Playlist (by the author)
