🎃 Halloween Fun: Spooky Stories and Calming Techniques for Kids
Halloween is full of thrills—costumes, candy, and just the right amount of spookiness. But for little ones, all that excitement can feel overwhelming. Between sugar rushes and sensory overload, it’s easy for big emotions to creep in like a ghost in the night.
At Books by Rimes, we believe the holiday should be fun AND peaceful. With the right balance of engaging stories and simple calming tools, your child can enjoy Halloween without the meltdowns. Here’s how you can weave spooky fun and soothing mindfulness into your celebrations this year:
👻 1. Start Storytime with Spooky but Silly Tales
Choose Halloween books that bring just enough “spook” to be exciting without being scary. Some favorites include:
Room on the Broom by Julia Donaldson
Click, Clack, Boo! by Doreen Cronin
Five Little Pumpkins by Dan Yaccarino
Our Halloween Unit book list from Books by Rimes—perfect for ages 3–4 with fun, friendly ghosts and pumpkins.
Tip: Turn storytime into a cozy event. Dim the lights, grab a blanket, and use a flashlight to create a “campfire story” vibe. This makes reading feel special while keeping kids calm and engaged.
🌬️ 2. Try Pumpkin Breathing Before Trick-or-Treating
Big emotions can bubble up before heading out for festivities. Use Pumpkin Breathing, one of our fall mindfulness activities:
Imagine holding a big pumpkin.
Take a deep breath in through your nose, like smelling a pumpkin pie.
Blow out slowly through your mouth, pretending to cool a hot pumpkin pie.
Repeat 3–5 times until your child feels ready to go.
(Download our free Pumpkin Breathing poster in the Books by Rimes store to make this a fun visual activity.)
🦇 3. Build a Calm-Down Corner with a Halloween Twist
Designate a small area with soft pillows, a flashlight, and a favorite stuffed animal where your child can rest if they feel overwhelmed. Add a few Halloween-themed sensory toys, like squishy pumpkins or soft fabric “spiderwebs,” for tactile comfort.
🕯️ 4. Wind Down with a Soothing Story Before Bed
After a night of candy and costumes, it’s tough for little ones to settle down. A quiet story can signal the end of the excitement. Pair a comforting book, like Goodnight Goon by Michael Rex, with Star Breath—a calming breathing exercise where your child imagines their star shining brighter with every exhale.
🍂 5. Make Mindfulness Part of the Fun
Throughout the day, sprinkle in mini mindfulness moments, like counting fall leaves during a walk, listening to the sound of rustling costumes, or stopping to take a “witch’s breath” (big inhale, long sigh). These little pauses help balance the highs and keep kids feeling grounded.
🧡 A Halloween to Remember
Halloween can be magical without the chaos. By mixing fun spooky stories, pumpkin-themed breathing, and a few simple calm-down tools, you can create a holiday that your child remembers for all the right reasons.
For more Halloween fun and mindfulness activities, explore our Halloween Pre-K Unit, packed with story suggestions, calming exercises, sensory bin ideas, and hands-on crafts—everything you need for a stress-free spooky season!
