FILMS – Whole Heartily

Top Halloween Movies for Families: Spooky Fun Without the Scares!

Halloween is the perfect time for pumpkin carving, costume parties, and — of course — movie nights! But if you’ve got kids or just prefer a cozier, less creepy October, you’ll want films that are more magical than monstrous. Whether you’re snuggling up on the couch with toddlers or tweens, these family-friendly Halloween movies strike the right balance between spooky and silly.

Here’s our roundup of the best Halloween movies for families — no nightmares included!

**1. Hocus Pocus (1993)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 8+

This cult classic features three hilarious witches, a talking cat, and just the right amount of spooky Salem mischief. The Sanderson sisters are resurrected on Halloween night, and it’s up to a group of kids to stop their wicked plan. A little creepy, a lot funny, and full of Halloween charm.

Why it’s great: Bette Midler is iconic, the story is packed with laughs, and the Halloween atmosphere is pitch-perfect.

**2. Hotel Transylvania (2012)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 7+

Monsters have feelings too! In this animated hit, Count Dracula runs a hidden resort for classic monsters and just wants to protect his daughter — until a human stumbles into the mix. This one’s a winner for kids who love silly slapstick and monster madness.

Why it’s great: Fast-paced humor, great voice acting, and positive messages about family and acceptance.

**3. The Addams Family (2019 Animated Version)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 7+

America’s creepiest (and kookiest) family returns in this modern animated version. They’re quirky, macabre, and oddly heartwarming. Great for introducing younger viewers to the Addams Family without the darker tone of the original films or TV show.

Why it’s great: Wholesome weirdness, spooky visuals, and themes of being true to yourself.

**4. Coraline (2009)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 9+

This beautifully animated film tells the story of a curious girl who finds a secret door to an alternate version of her life — but things quickly take a dark turn. It’s more eerie than scary, but definitely better for older kids who enjoy a touch of gothic fantasy.

Why it’s great: Stunning animation, a strong female lead, and a story that feels like a creepy fairy tale.

**5. Coco (2017)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 6+

While technically centered around Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Coco is perfect for Halloween season. This Pixar masterpiece explores family, memory, and the connection between the living and the dead — all through vibrant animation and unforgettable music.

Why it’s great: Emotional storytelling, cultural richness, and a powerful message about honoring loved ones.

**6. The Witches (1990 or 2020)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 8+

Based on Roald Dahl’s darkly whimsical book, The Witches follows a boy who stumbles upon a convention of child-hating witches. The 1990 version is a little creepier, while the 2020 remake starring Anne Hathaway has a more modern feel and toned-down fright factor.

Why it’s great: It’s delightfully wicked and just scary enough to thrill older kids without going too far.

**7. Monster House (2006)**

Rating: PG | Ages: 10+

What if your neighbor’s house was actually alive? This animated adventure follows three kids as they investigate a spooky home with a terrifying secret. It’s a bit scarier than others on this list, so it’s better for preteens who like some edge with their animation.

Why it’s great: Clever storytelling, strong voice cast, and a real sense of Halloween danger — with heart.

Honorable Mentions:

Casper (1995): Friendly ghost fun with a bit of 90s nostalgia.
Frankenweenie (2012): Tim Burton’s black-and-white homage to classic horror — but with a dog!
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966): A gentle, nostalgic pick perfect for young kids.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re after witches, monsters, ghosts, or ghoulish giggles, Halloween movie night can be spooky and sweet. These family-friendly films are ideal for all ages and bring out the magic of the season — without the nightmares.

So grab the popcorn, light some jack-o’-lanterns, and enjoy a movie marathon that’s festive, fun, and just the right amount of fright!

How to Make Family Movie Nights Part of Your Weekly Routine!

Between busy schedules, schoolwork, and endless to-do lists, carving out meaningful family time can be a challenge. But one simple tradition can bring everyone together for connection, comfort, and fun: family movie night.

Whether you’re watching old favorites or discovering new classics, movie night is more than just screen time—it’s a shared experience, a chance to relax, and a great way to spark conversations. The best part? With a little planning, it’s easy to turn this into a weekly tradition your whole family will look forward to.

Here’s how to make family movie nights a cozy, can’t-miss routine in your home.

1. Pick a Consistent Night

The key to making anything a habit is consistency. Choose one night a week that works for everyone—Friday or Saturday nights are popular choices, but any day will do. Treat it like an appointment: same time, every week.

Tip: Mark it on the family calendar or set a reminder on your devices to build excitement and routine.

2. Create a Fun Movie Night Name or Theme

Give your weekly event a special name like “Friday Flick Night” or “Cinema Sunday.” You can even add fun themes:

Pajama Party Night
Popcorn & Pizza Night
Classic Movie Night
Animation Station
“You Pick” Night (one family member chooses the movie)

Why it works: A theme makes it feel like an event—not just another evening on the couch.

3. Rotate Who Picks the Movie

Avoid decision battles by giving each family member a turn to choose the movie. Use a rotation schedule or let a different person be the “Movie Boss” each week.

Helpful hint: Set age-appropriate limits or pick from a pre-approved list to keep things stress-free.

4. Set the Scene

Make your living room feel like a real movie theater (minus the ticket prices). Dim the lights, grab cozy blankets, bring out the beanbags, or even build a blanket fort. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a little effort creates a lot of magic.

Bonus idea: Designate someone as the “snack manager” to make popcorn, pass out treats, or choose a fun drink like hot cocoa or sparkling juice.

5. Keep the Snacks Simple (But Special)

Movie night is the perfect excuse for a few fun snacks. Try:

Classic popcorn (add flavors like cinnamon sugar or parmesan)
DIY snack mix
Candy or fruit skewers
Pizza or nachos for dinner-and-a-movie nights

Want to go big? Set up a “concession stand” and let kids use play money to “buy” their snacks!

6. Make It Interactive

If you want to take things a step further, add an interactive element to movie night:

Vote for next week’s movie with a simple ballot box
Pause for discussion: Ask a few fun or thoughtful questions during or after the movie
Rate the movie: Give it stars, thumbs up/down, or make your own movie review journal

Why it’s great: It turns passive watching into meaningful family time.

7. Stay Flexible and Keep It Fun

Not every movie night will go perfectly—and that’s okay. If someone’s tired, if the movie’s a flop, or if plans change, just roll with it. The magic is in the time spent together, not the movie itself.

Remember: The goal is connection, not perfection.

Final Thoughts

In the grand scheme of parenting, it’s the small, repeated traditions that kids remember most. Family movie night is one of those easy, cozy rituals that brings everyone together—even for just 90 minutes a week.

So pick a night, press play, and pass the popcorn. With a little effort and a lot of heart, movie night can become a highlight of your family’s week—and a tradition your kids will cherish for years to come.

How to Create a Family Media Plan That Works!

Let’s face it—technology is everywhere, and managing screen time has become one of the most common (and exhausting) conversations in modern parenting. But here’s the good news: creating a family media plan doesn’t have to feel like a battle. With a little structure and open communication, you can build a plan that supports healthy habits and keeps everyone in your home on the same page.

Here’s how to create a family media plan that actually works for your unique household.

What Is a Family Media Plan?

A family media plan is a shared set of guidelines that helps families manage how, when, and why media is used at home. It covers screen time, device use, content choices, and how tech fits into your family’s values.

Think of it as your household’s “tech mission statement” – designed to promote balance, protect mental health, and build trust between parents and kids.

Step 1: Involve the Whole Family

Before setting rules, include your kids in the conversation. Ask questions like:

What do you love doing online?
What shows or games make you feel good—or not so good?
How does screen time affect your sleep, school, or mood?

This opens the door to honest conversations and gives kids ownership in the plan, making them more likely to respect it.

Step 2: Set Clear (and Age-Appropriate) Limits

Every family is different, but here are some starting points to consider:

Preschoolers (ages 2–5): 1 hour per day of high-quality content.
Kids 6–12: Prioritize balance with homework, sleep, and play.
Teens: Encourage screen self-awareness and time boundaries.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just say “1 hour of screen time.” Be specific:
“30 minutes of games after homework, 30 minutes of YouTube before dinner.”

Step 3: Define Screen-Free Zones and Times

Boundaries work best when they’re simple and consistent. Try these:

📵 No phones at the dinner table.
😴 No screens 1 hour before bed.
🚗 No personal devices in the car (unless it’s a road trip).
🛋️ Family movie nights = no second screens.

Create tech-free zones in bedrooms, bathrooms, and family meals to encourage connection and reduce overuse.

Step 4: Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity

Not all media is created equal. Help your kids:

Choose educational and enriching content.
Watch shows or play games that align with your family’s values.
Avoid content with heavy advertising, violence, or negative messaging.

Use resources like Common Sense Media to check ratings and reviews before watching something new.

Step 5: Keep the Conversation Going

A media plan isn’t “set it and forget it.” As your kids grow, their interests—and responsibilities—change too. Set aside time every few months to revisit the plan and adjust together.

Ask:

Is this plan still working for us?
What’s changed in your school, friendships, or schedule?
Are there new apps, games, or shows we should talk about?

Free Tools to Help You Get Started

American Academy of Pediatrics Media Plan Tool
Printable Media Contract for Kids & Teens
App/Screen Time Trackers like Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link

Sample Family Media Plan Rules

Here’s an example you can edit:

Rule	Who It Applies To	Notes
No devices during meals	Everyone	Encourages family conversation
Screen time ends at 8 PM	Kids under 12	To protect sleep hygiene
1 hour of screen time on school days	All kids	Homework must be done first
Movies must be approved	Kids	Use reviews or previews first
Unlimited educational games	All	Must still include outdoor time

Final Thoughts

The goal of a family media plan isn’t to be overly strict—it’s to create a healthy, thoughtful relationship with technology. By setting expectations and checking in regularly, you can help your kids grow into mindful digital citizens and keep your household running a little smoother.

What Works for You?

Have you tried a media plan in your home? What rules or ideas helped your family the most? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your tips!

Wholesome Animated Shows for a Younger Audience!

I think we can all agree that there is an overwhelming amount of content out there to consume for all ages, and that a great deal of the content that is made for children can be incredibly stimulating. Now that’s not always a negative, yet I completely understand the necessity for wholesome and less stimulating shows for your little one(s).

I’ve created a list of wholesome and less stimulating shows for a younger audience. Please let me know if there are any of your family favorite shows I may have missed; I would love to add more as I find them!

Let’s take a look!

Family Movie Night: 90 Non-Disney Family Friendly Movies (Rated PG and Under)

Weekly family movie nights, now doesn’t that sound wonderful? Imagine it, getting into pajamas and snuggling up on the couch or pillow-strewn floor, munching on a special snack. There are many ways to create happy memories, and this is one of them!

We’ve already had three family movie nights this year and they were fun and relaxed. Our only rule is no screens except for the one the movie is featured on.

I’ve created a list of 90 non-Disney family movie ideas rated PG and under. I did not include many sequels for the sake of length, but most of the sequels are worth watching too! If you have any family favorite I did not include, please let us know!

If you’re looking for animated Disney movies, I’ve created a list of that too! Check it out here and enjoy!

Fun and Easy Non-alcoholic Butterbeer Recipe

Welcome back friends! With the release of Hogwarts Legacy, I am in a Harry Potter kind of mood, and craving some Harry Potter food!

Wowee, Butterbeer is sweet! It best enjoyed with something salty to counteract just how sweet it is! Another way to counteract the sweetness is to leave the whipped cream plain, no added sugar or sweetener, just the whipped cream. If you mix the whipped cream and the butterbeer it creates a perfectly balanced bite! Not too sweet!

Let’s make some!

INGREDIENTS

1⁄2 cup of butterscotch syrup
1⁄2 tablespoon of butter, melted
1 cup of cream soda
Heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Measure and pour the butterscotch syrup into a bowl.
Add the melted butter to the butterscotch syrup and whisk gently until combined.
Measure and pour the cream soda into the butter, butterscotch mixture and whisk gently again until combined, then set aside.
In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks.
Pour the butterbeer into mugs of your choosing, leaving room for the whipped cream topping.
Top the butterbeer with a few dollops of whipped cream and enjoy!

Our New Christmas Family Tradition

Have you ever intentionally created a family tradition? I haven’t, until now!

My family and I grew up watching the Charlie Brown/Peanuts holiday specials around this time every year with our parents; they all have a special place in my heart, but none more than It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and A Charlie Brown Christmas!

Continuing on with these good feelings and memories, embellishing it to make it our own, here is our new Christmas tradition:

The Friday before Christmas we will make our own marshmallows and hot chocolate, then sip it while we watch A Charlie Brown Christmas!

It’s simple, yet fun and heartfelt like any family tradition should be! Create happy feelings and the happy memories will follow! Feel free to use this idea for your own family tradition, or take it and change it to make it your own!

Family Friendly Christmas Movies and Specials – PG Rated

Welcome to the cozy and magical month of December my friends!

My family and I have created a list of family friendly Christmas movies and specials for you and yours! Christmas may be celebrated a little differently this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t kindle a little Christmas spirit!

This year we’ve decided to focus on movies and specials that are rated PG for parental guidance suggested; some material may not be suitable for children. If you are looking for movies and specials that are rated G for general audience and good for all ages, please visit last year’s list – Family Friendly Christmas Movies and Specials Rated G.

Please let us know if we missed or left out any of your family friendly (PG-rated) Christmas favorites you feel should be included! We’d love to hear from you!

Organized alphabetically by title:

Our New Thanksgiving Family Tradition

Have you ever intentionally created a family tradition? I haven’t, until now!

Continuing on with these good feelings and memories, embellishing it to make it our own, here is our new Thanksgiving tradition:

The Friday before Thanksgiving we will gather and/or create buttered toast, popcorn, pretzels and jelly beans, all the food the kid’s feast on in Thanksgiving Charlie Brown. We will snack on these treats while we watch A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving!

Our New Halloween Family Tradition

Have you ever intentionally created a family tradition? I haven’t, until now!

Continuing on with these good feelings and memories, embellishing it to make it our own, here is our new Halloween tradition:

The night before Halloween (or a few nights before), we will carve our pumpkins and light them for the first time. After, we’ll sip on cold or warm apple cider (depending on the weather) and watch It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown!