Tag: halloween

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!

The First 60 Minutes of Littlewood

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Littlewood…

Do you want to play the rest? 

The First 30 Minutes of Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Potion Craft: Alchemist Simulator…

Do you want to play the rest? 

The First 30 Minutes of Witchy Life Story

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Witchy Life Story…

Do you want to play the rest? 

The First 60 Minutes of Luigi’s Mansion 3

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 60 minutes of Luigi’s Mansion 3…

Do you want to play the rest? 

The First 60 Minutes of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 60 minutes of Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD…

Do you want to play the rest? 

The First 30 Minutes of Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake

Have you ever been undecided on what to play next? 

Should you buy that game? Should you install that game?

I’ve been there, and sometimes you just need to take a look at the graphics, hear the music, and learn a little about the plot to see if it resonates with you before taking the next step. I’m here to help! I am creating the first 30 to the first 60 minute videos of games; indie and mainstream, new and old!

This week let’s take a look at the first 30 minutes of Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake…

Do you want to play the rest? 

Family Friendly Halloween Children’s Books – Ages 2 to 8

Welcome to the boo-tiful month of October my friends!

To inspire you and your little ones into the Halloween mood, I’ve curated a list of Halloween-themed books for ages 2 to 8! These selections are festive, without frights or scares that could upset a younger audience.

If you’re looking for a list of family friendly halloween children’s books for children under 5 years of age, I’ve created a list for that too! You can find that list here.

If you have a favorite Halloween book for children ages 2 to 8 that you do not see here, please let me know! I would love to add it to this list!

DIY Crochet- Halloween Chevron Blanket

Welcome back friends! Do you crochet? I dabbled in crochet off and on for a few years, always fascinated, but never fully catching on. I kept at it, and suddenly, it clicked! I feel calm and cozy when I’m crocheting, and fiercely proud whenever I complete a project.

It’s that time of year for autumn and Halloween decor, so let’s create a chevron Halloween blanket! I thought it would be creative to make a candy corn color pattern framed by black on either side. Mine is the size of a lap blanket, but you can use this pattern to create any size you choose!

SUPPLIES
  • Crochet hook (size 6.5mm)
  • Medium yarn (size 4) in black, yellow, orange and white
  • Scissors
  • Yarn needle or small crochet hook
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Starting with the black yarn, create a slip knot and then chain stitches in increments of 27, then add 5 extra stitches to whatever amount you choose. I chained 216, plus five came to a total of 221 stitches.
  2. Turn your chain around and single crochet (sc) into the back-loops of the second and third stitch from the hook, then skip the next stitch.
  3. Single crochet into the back-loops of the next 12 stitches.
  4. After completing the 12th sc, put three single crochets together into the back-loop of the next stitch (this will create the peak of our chevron).
  5. Single crochet into back-loops of the next 12 stitches, then skip the following two stitches after that (this will create the valley of our chevron).
  6. Now we’ve reached the start of our next chevron and we are going to repeat steps 3 through 5 until we have 3 stitches left in our chain.
  7. When you have 3 stitches left in the chain, skip the next stitch after your hook and sc into the last two stitches in the chain. Chain 1 and turn your blanket around.
  8. For the rest of the blanket, we will be working in both loops.
  9. Repeat steps 2 through 7, for the next 6 rows, then we’ll change colors.
  10. To change colors, halt halfway through your final single crochet of the row when two loops are over your hook, hook onto your new color (yellow), and pull it through. Cut off the previous color of yarn and weave the tail into the blanket with a yarn needle or small crochet hook to secure it.
  11. Chain 1 with the new color and turn your blanket around.
  12. Repeat steps 2 through 7, for the next 7 rows, then we’ll change colors to orange and do seven rows, then white and then back to black. We’ll keep going in this pattern until we’ve created the length of blanket we desire.
  13. When you’ve reached the end of your last black row, chain two and rotate the blanket 90 degrees. Begin single crocheting down the side of the blanket.
  14. At the end of this side of the blanket, chain 2 and rotate the blanket 90 degrees. Single crochet along the starting chain of the blanket, following the chevron rules from above (steps 3 through 5) over the peaks and valleys.
  15. At the end of the starting chain of the blanket, chain 2 and rotate the blanket 90 degrees. Single crochet down this side of the blanket.
  16. At the end of this side of the blanket, chain 2 and rotate the blanket 90 degrees. Single crochet along the top row of the blanket, following the chevron rules from above (steps 3 through 5) over the peaks and valleys.
  17. Repeat steps 13 through 16 until you are happy with the width of the blanket’s borders (I did 6 passes around).
  18. Cut the yarn and pull the loose end through your last loop, then weave the tail into the blanket with a yarn needle or small crochet hook.
  19. Place in your house, cuddle up under it and enjoy!

How to Play – Monster Mash

Part of the fun in raising Zoey is finding things that delight and educate her; I want to find fun, creative board games to play with her during our family game nights! This week we played Monster Mash by Parker Brothers (and others) for up to 4 players! 

If you can’t tell from the packaging, this is a game from my childhood that my mom saved because we loved it so much! There are newer versions being sold now (like this one by Cra-Z-Art), but the premise is the same; press the button on the monster-maker, then find the matching monster and claim it before the other players do!

Let’s play!

IN THE BOX
  • A monster-maker machine
  • 27 monster cards
  • 4 thwacker hands with suction cups
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Remove everything from the game box, and set the monster-maker machine on the playing surface so that everyone can see the monster that appears on it.
  2. Spread the monster cards face-up in the middle of the playing area so that no cards overlap and everyone can easily reach them.
  3. Each player takes a thwacker hand and the player closest to the monster-maker machine will press the button to start each new round.
  4. The monster-maker machine randomly selects and shows one monster for all the monster hunters to mash and capture. Look closely at the monster on the machine when the button pops up!
  5. Quickly all the players try to find the face-up monster card that matches the monster on the machine and mash it with their thwacker hand so that the suction cup picks up the card (if two players slap the monster card at the same time, the player whose thwacker hand is at the bottom of all the thwacker hands captures the card).
  6. If a player picks up the wrong monster card, he or she simply returns it face-up to the middle of playing area and everyone keeps hunting.
  7. The player who picks up and captures the correct monster card places it face-up in front of him or her. This ends the round everyone stops hunting.
  8. To start a new round, press the button on the monster-maker machine.
  9. If the monster-maker machine shows a monster that has already been shown and captured, players can try to capture it from the player that has it in front of him or her, unless that player mashes it first with his or her thwacker.
  10. Game play continues until one player captures 5 monsters, the first player to do this is the monster mash winner!

ENJOY!