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However, there are a number of games that manage to ride that line, while also offering a genuinely creative and fun experience. These are games that tend to have tamer, more kid-friendly themes, and dial back the horror excess, but can still be subtly spooky.
Updated December 29, 2022, by Stephen LaGioia: It’s become apparent that just like their parents, many kids enjoy getting a bit spooked from time to time in an entertaining fashion. One need only look to the recent reboot of the kid-classic horror Are You Afraid of the Dark for evidence of that. This is true whether it’s listening to scary stories, exploring a haunted house, riding amusement park rides, or playing creepy games. Thanks to the advent of platforms like Roblox and consoles like the Nintendo Switch, parents can now find a growing number of suitable-yet-spooky games for their kids.
20 Goosebumps: Dead Of Night
R. L. Stine’s iconic book series Goosebumps has both captivated and spooked kids for decades, with countless tales of things that go bump in the night. With that said, the franchise hasn’t often translated too well to other mediums, including video games. Yet Cosmic Forces somewhat bucks this trend with a first-personal survival game that’s surprisingly competent, especially in terms of its plot.
Overall, Dead of Night is engaging, yet tame and simple; a safe bet for children seeking scares. In terms of the stealth gameplay, it’s more passive, with much of the fear factor coming from the creepy atmosphere while roaming the dark, desolate mansion. Still, there are some startling jumpscares that come courtesy of Graveyard Ghouls and other classic Goosebumps monsters, so younger kids may want to skip this.
This game can be played on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and Windows.
19 School History (Roblox)
Roblox user TubPong (creator of the platform hit The Apartment) delivers again with this similarly eerie venture through a desolate school. Players will utilize just a dim candle, exploration, and problem-solving skills as they scour the seemingly empty building, discovering and unlocking the secrets within.
School History favors an unsettling vibe via shrouded areas and a disquieting atmosphere rather than graphic detail. Even so, this crude, minimalistic visual style actually works well and makes for a suitable kid-friendly game that still keeps players on the edge of their seats. It’s also quite short and stripped down in terms of material, making for a palatable experience for youth.
With that said—there are still a few jump scares to be had, along with some rather chilling noises that echo throughout the building, which may rattle some very young gamers.
18 Hide And Shriek
Not to be confused with the over-the-top ‘88 slasher, this colorful game is a rare horror romp that kids can enjoy with their friends. The game allows young players to act out their fantasies as they take the role of mischievous kids sneaking into school after midnight.
While doing this, they’ll be tasked with spooking their friends in one-on-one face-offs by almost any means necessary. These actions include turning invisible, setting traps, and casting spells for ambushes—many of which provide points to the trickster. The game mixes heart-pounding tactical bouts with wacky, laugh-out-loud party gameplay. While some additional maps would have been useful to mix things up, Hide And Shriek brings enough deep, unpredictable gameplay to ensure that it’ll be tough to put down.
This is a free-to-play game on Steam/Windows.
17 Piggy (Roblox)
This Roblox romp manages to be both over-the-top and a bit unsettling (especially when it comes to the off-kilter Antagonists). The game plays with fun survival horror elements and is given a kid-friendly motif and visual style, with creator MiniToon reportedly drawing from the British cartoon Peppa Pig for much of its design inspiration. Players are dropped inside various unique maps and are forced to escape with little information at hand.
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They’ll need to play around with different abilities, along with keys and other tools to bust out, all while staving off creepy animalistic foes that are after them. The zany blocky, cartoon style ensures visuals won’t get too scary, though there can be some pretty intense moments as gamers scramble to navigate the locales and make their way to freedom.
Beneath its crude, simple exterior is a surprisingly involved game, which not only has loads of fun multiplayer content, but also clever design and even a full-fledged narrative for more interested players to explore.
16 Little Nightmares 2
Opening this one with a disclaimer—despite its cartoony style and seemingly subdued nature, Little Nightmares 2 is definitely a game meant for older kids (13 and up). It features some rather dark imagery and morbid elements that younger children won’t likely want to be exposed to. At least for the young teen demographic though, this sequel to the Tarsier Studios sleeper hit should prove alluring with its thick atmosphere, clever puzzles, and rewarding exploration.
This time around, players won’t feel quite so vulnerable, as they’re given a grab ability that allows for item tossing, which can smash objects and stave off at least smaller baddies. With that said, players will need to rely on wits—and the cover of darkness—to evade the bigger, more ominous foes.
This game can be found on Switch, PS4, PS5, Windows, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
15 Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins Of The Moon
Fragile Dreams is a rather obscure game for Wii that’s become a bit of a cult hit amongst a subset of horror and RPG fans. It’s a bit lacking when it comes to action and complexity, favoring storytelling, exploration, and eerie ambiance instead. But while this may turn off some more experienced gamers, it’s suitable for children, especially since the game itself is largely thought to be underrated.
This gripping post-apocalyptic journey is set in the dark ruins of Tokyo which is populated by ghosts; a setting which, while subtly spooky shouldn’t terrify younger players. The game greatly conveys that youthful sense of wonder and adventure too, as players search the world for other living humans while mostly wielding a flashlight. Fragile Dreams also mostly utilizes more kid-friendly weapons than most horror games, but they’re still satisfying to wield, including slingshots and golf clubs.
14 Addam’s Family Mystery Mansion
While PIXOWL INC. may be stretching it a bit with claims of this being among the “spookiest games ever!”, this ‘19 game proves impressively detailed and addictive for a mobile title. The game draws from simulation classics like The Sims and Theme Hospital while lacing it with the zany, creepy motifs of the iconic Addams Family.
Players can collect classic characters like Uncle Fester, while designing a spooky home and decorating it with Halloween flair. There’s also a steady stream of updated stories and events, including a hunt for bones to assemble a lost cryptid. While it may be a bit complex for younger kids, the intuitive touch screen function and whimsical themes should prove suitable for the 8-12 age demographic.
13 Slender: The Eight Pages
Though it errs on the creepy side, this free-to-play PC game from 2012 makes for a great horror romp for older children. It offers plenty of spooks, and an eerie atmosphere minus all of the blood and gore.
In this game, based on the creepy folklore of the Slender Man, players find themselves in a desolate forest at night, where they must seek out eight pages of notes. The kicker? The unnamed protagonist is pursued by the silent Slender Man wielding only a flashlight. This ominous figure grows closer and is increasingly shrouded in fog as each page is gathered. As scary as this dark journey can be—even for older gamers—The Eight Pages offers a simple, minimal scavenger hunt for brave kids to enjoy.
12 Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon
The 3DS may be taking something of a backseat to Switch these days, but it does offer one of the best co-op multiplayer games to grace a handheld; Luigi’s Mansion: Dark Moon. This spooky sequel to the GameCube launch game offers a fun platform for kids and their friends to team up and have fun, with a clever blend of puzzles, exploration, and action.
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Of course, there’s much to enjoy when playing solo as well. The campaign entices players with colorful Pixar-esque cutscenes, engrossing 3D visuals, and the neat mechanic to suck up ghosts with Luigi’s trusty ghost vacuum. This feature has been honed and fleshed out compared to its predecessor, which — along with new ghost types — makes ghost-busting more satisfying than ever.
11 Little Nightmares
As is often the case with indies, Little Nightmares innovates and captivates with a unique blend of genres. Tarsier Studios offers a bit of platforming, puzzle, adventure, and horror, rounding out a memorable experience.
This 2.5 D adventure often feels akin to a kid-friendly Metal Gear Solid,minus available attacks. Players take the role of a little girl who must sneak across distinct, dark areas that seem to be ripped from a bad dream (or Tim Burton short). The rich environments, eerie ambiance, and diverse gameplay make for a gripping, unsettling game. It’s a chilling journey of hide and seek which both kids and adults alike can get lost in.
The game is available for Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, Stadia, and mobile.
10 Castlevania Anniversary Collection
Konami’s action series Castlevania has spent its long, rich history establishing itself as a horror hit for older and younger gamers alike. The former can certainly appreciate the grueling difficulty and retro nature most games in the series adhere to. At the same time, the Halloween themes, ample action, and straightforward gameplay should resonate with kids too.
This 2019 bundle is perhaps the best way to revisit this Gothic classic, with games that include the NES original, Castlevania III, Super Castlevania IV, and Bloodlines.
This appealing collection can be played on PS4, Xbox One, PC,and Switch.
9 Hello Neighbor
Hello Neighbor tasks players with breaking into their neighbor’s home and solving puzzles to access his basement and discover an apparent secret. The catch? The player will need to elude the astute and swift neighbor, hiding and retreating when necessary.
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Don’t be fooled by the tame, cartoony nature of this suburban horror. It’s a cat-and-mouse game that can be pretty intense—given the speedy, adaptable AI neighbor who hunts down the player. The stealth gameplay of this survival horror—and the relentless pursuer within—gives the vibe of a kid-friendly version of Resident Evil 7. While a bit rough around the edges, this 2018 indie thrives in its experimental concepts and exciting gameplay.
This game has been released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Switch, PS4, Stadia, and mobile.
8 Maximo: Ghosts To Glory
The PS2 has seen many unique, colorful titles for all ages, as this cheesy action-horror from Capcom illustrates. Residing in the Ghosts ’n Goblins universe, the game stars a Roman troop-inspired fighter named Maximo, who’s tasked with slaying monsters.
The sword-wielding hero will spend much of his time hacking and slashing his way through various creatures and ghouls, traversing fun locales in the process. These include the ominous Boneyard and the ghoulish Realm of Spirit. The arcade-style gameplay of this 3D romp gives it a nice blend of retro and modern elements, yielding a wide appeal. Unfortunately, there’s no multiplayer in this otherwise solid title, meaning parents and children will have to opt for trading off that Dualshock.
7 Ghosts ‘N Goblins Resurrection
This resurrected classic is a great way to introduce children to the darker, spookier side of video games—while getting a tour of the 16-bit glory days. This is an especially great choice given the more forgiving, customizable difficulty settings compared to its grueling predecessor. It even offers handy checkpoints regardless of the difficulty setting.
Coupled with this change, the Ghosts ’n Goblins adheres to straightforward, sidescrolling action, which should make it easy for kids to get into. It doesn’t hurt that this is one of the more enjoyable platformers from 2021, with its solid mechanics, appealing visuals, and fun horror themes.
This game is available on Switch, Windows, PS4,and Xbox One.
6 Costume Quest
While it’s far more of a kid-friendly RPG than chilling horror, this colorful game has the distinction of being among the most heavily Halloween-themed games out there. With Costume Quest, Double Fine creatively taps into the childlike joy and thrills of trick-or-treating, and crafts a surprisingly gripping RPG quest around the premise.
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With its colorful visuals, amusing dialogue, and flashy fights based on timed hits, the game is akin to a slightly spookier version of Paper Mario. At the same time, it’s uniquely charming and imaginative, with fairly detailed gameplay and satisfying combat that can appeal to all ages.
Costume Quest is available on several platforms, including PS3, Xbox 360, Windows, Mac OS X, and mobile.
5 Zombies Ate My Neighbors
There’s a good chance mom or dad will be assisting in this one, given its rapidly escalating difficulty. The good news is, with its pleasing co-op feature, parents can do just that. Still, LucasArts and Konami do balance the toughness of these relentless neighborhood foes with pretty straightforward gameplay.
The goal of this child-oriented shooter is to survive and rescue oblivious neighbors while fighting through neighborhood settings; using Uzi water guns, weed-whackers, and explosive soda cans. Zombie-slayers will also square off against some wild bosses and nab keys to access better goodies and new areas. Thrilling action, solid mechanics, and a catchy soundtrack round out this hidden gem on SNES and Genesis.
4 Five Nights At Freddy’s
Residing in a sort of twisted version of Chuck E Cheese, this indie survival horror has the player take the role of a security guard who must evade killer animatronic characters in a kid-themed pizza place. Despite youthful themes, this one skews a tad older—on account of intense jump scares, creepy creatures, and generally cryptic bouts.
But between a somewhat lighter tone and passive point-and-click elements, Five Nights At Freddy’sshould prove suitable for older children around 12 and up. At the same time, its detailed set design, creative premise, and highly tense moments should lure some parents as well.
The game is available for several platforms, including Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X/S, Switch,and mobile.
3 Costume Quest 2
Much like the candy that plays such a big role in the game, Costume Quest has proven both delightful and addictive, which is why it’s only natural that Double Fine Productions would churn out an even more satiating follow-up to its 2010 hit. This RPG expands on the charming formula of the first game and brings an even more rewarding experience that’s a few hours longer than its predecessor.
The battle system of rock-paper-scissors rules, counter moves, and abilities are further refined and expanded upon here, making combat more fun than ever. Complementing the cute visuals this time are some more dynamic characters and a more gripping plot, which should entertain older kids and young teens.
This game can be played on Windows, OS X, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Wii U.
2 Plants Vs Zombies
Of course, this cartoony tower defense hit from PopCap isn’t overtly scary, though the growling of sauntering zombie hordes could prove at least a bit creepy for younger kids. As such, Plants vs. Zombies is a great introductory horror for little ones by way of its passive-yet-appealing gameplay.
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There’s something super fun and satisfying about fending off waves of undead with pea-pelting Repeaters, flaming Torchwoods, and Gatling Peas. The classic mobile rendition is a particularly great option for kids, with intuitive touch controls that provide simpler, seamless gameplay.
The game is available on several platforms, including mobile, Windows, Mac OS, DS, Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, and Switch.
1 Luigi’s Mansion 3
While still just a few games deep, this franchise has come a long way since its simpler, obscure origins as a GameCube launch game. The original broke ground with an innovative, kid-friendly take on survival horror that excelled with cartoon themes and fun vacuum-sucking mechanics.
The DS sequel filled in some detail and added multiplayer, while this 2019 Switch rendition fleshes out the formula with a vast hotel locale and fun online challenges as well as competitions. Kids can enjoy exploring the intricate mansion and take on the ghost-busting solo, or team up with friends or family by way of great co-op features.
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