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 July 16, 2025, 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 Evilsteadily churning out new games and remakes— but also platforms like Roblox and RPG Maker increasingly serving as a template forspooky 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.
R. L. Stine’s iconic book seriesGoosebumpshas 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 Nightis 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 classicGoosebumpsmonsters, soyoungerkids may want to skip this.
This game can be played onPS4,Xbox One,Switch, andWindows.
24School History (Roblox)
Robloxuser TubPong (creator of the platform hitThe 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 Historyhas 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.
23Hide And Shriek
Not to be confused with the over-the-top ‘88 slasher, this colorful game is a rare horrorromp 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 Shriekbrings enough deep, unpredictable gameplay to ensure multiple playthroughs.
This is a free-to-play game onSteam/Windows.
22Addam’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 fora mobile title. The game draws from simulation classics likeThe SimsandTheme Hospitalwhile lacing it with the zany, creepy motifs of the iconicAddams 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 the8-12 age demographic.
21Piggy (Roblox)
ThisRobloxromp manages to be both over-the-top and a bit unsettling (especially concerning the off-kilter Antagonists). Thegame plays with fun survival horror elementsand is given a kid-friendly motif and visual style, with MiniToon drawing from the British cartoonPeppa Pigfor 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 justloadsof fun multiplayer content, but also clever design and even a full-fledged narrative for more interested players to explore.
20Little Nightmares 2
Opening this one with a disclaimer — despite its cartoony style and seemingly subdued nature,Little Nightmares 2is a game meant forolderkids (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 onStadia,Switch,PS4,PS5,Windows,Stadia,Xbox One, andXbox Series X/S.
19Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins Of The Moon
Fragile Dreamsis anobscure game for Wiithat’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 journeyis 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 Dreamsalso stresses more kid-friendly weapons than most horror games, but they’re still satisfying to wield. Examples include slingshots and golf clubs.
18Stubbs The Zombie: Rebel Without A Pulse
Dubbed with the distinct tag “reverse horror”,Stubbs the Zombieis 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 havocasthe undead.
Along the way, players can gain evenmorepower 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, soStubbs the Zombieis more suited forteenagersand older kids.
The game is available forWindows,Xbox One,Xbox Series S/X,Switch,PS4, PS5, Stadia, andmobile.
17Alone In A Dark House (Roblox)
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 onRoblox. The premise ofAlone in a Dark Houseinvolves a private investigator, who stumbles upon this ominous residence — and the dark family secrets behind it.
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.
16Limbo
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,Limbocan 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 forWindows,Xbox 360,Xbox One,Xbox Series S/X,Switch,PS3,PS4, PS5, Vita, andmobile.
