Kids often enjoy being spooked, as shown by the popularity of, say, Halloween, as well as ghost stories around the campfire. And yet, there aren't many suitable options when it comes to horror in entertainment mediums for this demographic. Most parents would agree that it can be tough to find that balance between a quality work of horror that can be creepy without scaring the daylights out of their child.

RELATED: Best Horror Movies For Kids

However, there are a number of games that manage to ride that line, while also offering a genuinely creative, 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 on June 4, 2023, by Stephen LaGioia: Paralleling the movie scene, the horror genre is one that's grown more popular in gaming. This is largely thanks to hits like Resident Evil steadily churning out new games and remakes — but also platforms like Roblox and RPG Maker increasingly serving as a template for spooky games for kids. As developers experiment with different premises and mechanics, it's become more apparent that great games can be crafted that are creepy while remaining family-friendly.

25 Goosebumps: Dead Of Night

Goosebumps Dead of Night slappy dummy at dinner table in dark mansion

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.

24 School History (Roblox)

Roblox game School History holding candle in dark room with shadowy figure

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 secrets within.

School History has an unsettling vibe via shrouded areas and a disquieting atmosphere rather than graphic detail. Even so, this crude, minimalistic visual style works well and makes for a solid kid-friendly game that still keeps the intensity up. It's 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 young gamers.

23 Hide And Shriek

Hide and Shriek title and dark classroom with monstrous plant growth

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 any means necessary. These actions include turning invisible, setting traps, and casting spells for ambushes — many of which grant points to the trickster. The game blends heart-pounding tactical bouts with wacky, laugh-out-loud party gameplay. While a bit lacking in terms of maps, Hide And Shriek brings enough deep, unpredictable gameplay to ensure multiple playthroughs.

This is a free-to-play game on Steam/Windows.

22 Addam's Family Mystery Mansion

The Addams Family Mystery Mansion busy house interior

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 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.

21 Piggy (Roblox)

Piggy Roblox game glowing eye pig figure holding bat in dark coridor

This Roblox romp manages to be both over-the-top and a bit unsettling (especially concerning the off-kilter Antagonists). The game plays with fun survival horror elements and is given a kid-friendly motif and visual style, with MiniToon 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.

RELATED: Scary Horror Games You Can Play On Roblox (For Free)

They'll need to play around with different abilities, along with keys and other tools to bust out, while staving off creepy animalistic foes pursuing them. The zany blocky cartoon style ensures visuals won't get too scary, though there can be pretty intense moments as gamers scramble to navigate the areas and make their way to freedom.

Beneath its crude, simple exterior is a surprisingly involved game. The experience brings not just loads of fun multiplayer content, but also clever design and even a full-fledged narrative for more interested players to explore.

20 Little Nightmares 2

little nightmares 2 hospital level

Opening this one with a disclaimer — despite its cartoony style and seemingly subdued nature, Little Nightmares 2 is a game meant for older kids (13 and up). It features some rather dark imagery and fairly morbid elements. But at least for the young teen demographic, this sequel to the Tarsier Studios sleeper hit proves 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. This move 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, ominous foes.

This game can be found on Stadia, Switch, PS4, PS5, Windows, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

19 Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins Of The Moon

Fragile Dreams Farewell dreams of the moon in dark mansion with hovering spirit

Fragile Dreams is an 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 chilling 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 populated by ghosts; a setting which, while subtly eerie shouldn't frighten younger kids. The game greatly conveys that youthful sense of wonder and adventure, as players search the world for the living; while mostly wielding a flashlight. Fragile Dreams also stresses more kid-friendly weapons than most horror games, but they're still satisfying to wield. Examples include slingshots and golf clubs.

18 Stubbs The Zombie: Rebel Without A Pulse

Stubbs the Zombie in Rebel Without a Pulse ps5  Zombie with hat creeping towards player

Dubbed with the distinct tag "reverse horror", Stubbs the Zombie is a part action game and part zany homage to campy old thrillers. While zombies can be scary territory for young players, studio Wideload flips the script here — allowing gamers to wreak havoc as the undead.

Along the way, players can gain even more power by converting humans into fighting zombie companions, as well as piloting different vehicles. Despite its cartoony vibe, however, parents will want to exercise caution with this one. It contains some suggestive humor and violence, so Stubbs the Zombie is more suited for teenagers and older kids.

The game is available for Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, PS4, PS5, Stadia, and mobile.

17 Alone In A Dark House (Roblox)

Roblox Alone In A Dark House shadowy figure with red glowing eyes

Boasting a Bloxy Awards 2020 nomination for 'Best Single Player Horror Game', this eerie journey through a desolate house has quietly become a stand-out thriller on Roblox. The premise of Alone in a Dark House involves a private investigator, who stumbles upon this ominous residence — and the dark family secrets behind it.

RELATED: Scary Horror Games You Can Play On Roblox (For Free)

There is some moderate use of blood and violence here, though its simple, blocky visuals make it suitable for older kids. Still, the exploration horror romp can be surprisingly spooky, especially when opting for VR.

16 Limbo

The Boy And Giant Spider Enemy In Limbo

Playdead's cult indie hit offers a ride that's palpably eerie and atmospheric while sticking with a basic visual style. During the brief-yet-dense horror puzzler, players control a vulnerable, wandering boy in solitude. In an effort to reach his sister, he must tinker with organic and mechanical puzzles, often centered around machinery, gravity, and magnets.

With its straightforward design, minimal story, and artsy, silhouetted graphics, Limbo can be spooky for adults but also palatable for young ones. The dark, greyscaled assets keep things simple, but set the stage for some scares, as creatures may emerge suddenly and unexpectedly.

The game is available for Windows, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, PS3, PS4, PS5, Vita, and mobile.

15 Don't Starve

don't starve meaty stew

Like its stylized, storybook graphics, Don't Starve's moderate violence resides in the fantasy realm, making it suitable for older kids. But that's not to say Klei Entertainment's survival game can't be intense. Players are hit with random roguelike elements and, as its name implies, must fight tooth and claw to survive in the grey, hostile wilderness.

Gamers will fight against the clock, as well as creatures of the night, as they scramble to gather resources and cobble together shelter and weapons. The multiplayer feature takes some of the edge off and injects even more fun into the experience, but flying solo can be quite chilling indeed.

The game is available for Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Wii U, Switch, PS3, PS4, PS5, Vita, and mobile.

14 The Legend Of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Skull Kid using his powers in Majora's Mask

Like 2023's Tears of the Kingdom, Nintendo draws from the appealing foundation of a prior Zelda game — and paints it with a darker brush in the N64 cult-hit Majora's Mask. Branching from the epic Ocarina of Time, this 2000 sequel injects more shadowy themes and a sense of urgency, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

Link must explore a Hyrule parallel world called Termina, which sports a large, ominous moon on a crash course with the world. The hero must travel, fight, and solve puzzles with haste, as just three in-game days are granted to save Termina. While not 'officially' a horror game, Majora's Mask is perhaps the darkest Zelda to date.

13 Slender: The Eight Pages

Slenderman creeping behind tree with flashlight shone in Slender 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 folklore of the Slender Man, players find themselves in a desolate forest at night, where they must seek out eight pages of notes. 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 adults —The Eight Pages offers a simple, minimal scavenger hunt for brave kids to enjoy.

12 Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon

Luigi up close examining purple gem in Luigi's Mansion Dark Moon 3DS

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.

RELATED: Great Horror Games That You Should Play On The Nintendo Switch

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

Little Nightmares Leech Room Screenshot

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 journey.

This 2.5D adventure is 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 offer a gripping, unsettling experience. It's a chilling journey of hide and seek which kids and adults alike can get lost in.

The game is available for Windows, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, Stadia, and mobile.

10 Castlevania Anniversary Collection

promo art of castle and Dracula for 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 3, Super Castlevania 4, and Bloodlines.

This appealing collection can be played on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch.

9 Hello Neighbor

neighbor with flashlight peeking in car in 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.

RELATED: Free Horror Games That Are Just As Terrifying As Resident Evil

Don't be fooled by the tame, cartoony nature of this suburban horror. It's a cat-and-mouse game that can be quite 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 not flawless, this 2018 indie thrives in its experimental concepts and exciting gameplay.

This game has been released for Microsoft Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Switch, PS4, PS5, Stadia, and mobile.

8 Maximo: Ghosts To Glory

Maximo Ghosts To Glory Roman gladiator wielding sword near totem pole and skellies

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 Maximo, who's tasked with slaying monsters.

The sword-wielding hero spends much of his time hacking and slashing his way through 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 brings a nice blend of retro and modern elements, yielding a wide appeal. Unfortunately, there's no multiplayer in this otherwise great title, meaning parents and children will have to trade off that Dualshock.

7 Ghosts 'N Goblins Resurrection

Umbral Bee 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 version is a great choice given the more forgiving, customizable difficulty settings compared to its grueling predecessor. It even offers handy checkpoints regardless of the difficulty setting.

Ghosts 'n Goblins also 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, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S/X.

6 Costume Quest

Costume Quest Team Running and Hypnotized

While it's far more of a kid-friendly RPG than chilling horror, this colorful game can be counted 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 gripping RPG quest around the premise.

RELATED: Open-World Games That Are Suitable For Children

With colorful visuals, amusing dialogue, and flashy fights based on timed hits, it's akin to a slightly spookier version of Paper Mario. At the same time, Costume Quest's uniquely charming and imaginative. It boasts some fairly detailed gameplay and satisfying combat that can appeal to all ages.

Costume Quest is available on several platforms, including PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Windows, Mac OS X, and mobile.