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Spooky but Not Scary: Halloween Drawing for Little Kids

Little kids love Halloween but can get scared. Friendly ghost drawings let them enjoy spooky season safely. Tips for gentle Halloween art with toddlers.

By Kevin Coulston, author and illustrator of 88 children’s art books · · 2 min read

For young children, the best Halloween drawings are spooky but not scary: smiling ghosts, cute pumpkins and silly monsters. Drawing friendly versions of spooky characters lets little kids enjoy Halloween while staying in control of how scary things get.

Halloween can be overwhelming for little ones. Masks, decorations and older kids' costumes can be frightening. Drawing helps young children enjoy the season on their terms.

Why friendly characters matter

Young children are still learning the difference between pretend and real. Friendly, cartoony characters show them that Halloween can be fun. And when they draw the characters themselves, they decide how they look.

A whole book of friendly ghosts

How to Draw: Cartoon Ghosts is a whole book of friendly ghosts. Ghosts are one of the easiest shapes for young children: a rounded top and a wavy bottom. Kids can give them happy faces, silly hats and funny jobs.

Gentle Halloween drawing ideas

  • Ghost family. Draw a mommy ghost, daddy ghost and baby ghost.
  • Pumpkin feelings. Draw pumpkins with happy, silly and surprised faces.
  • Monster tea party. Friendly monsters having a picnic.
  • Ghost pets. What kind of pet would a ghost have?

Help with fears

If something scared your child, draw it together and make it silly. See draw the monster under the bed.

Let them choose

Some little ones love spooky; others do not. Let your child decide how spooky their drawings are. There is no wrong way to enjoy Halloween.

Questions parents ask

How can I make Halloween less scary for toddlers?

Focus on friendly characters, draw silly versions of spooky things and let your child set the level of spookiness.

What is an easy Halloween drawing for preschoolers?

A friendly ghost is one of the easiest: a rounded top, a wavy bottom and a happy face.

Should I let my young child draw scary things?

If they want to, yes. Drawing scary things can help them feel in control. Keep an eye on whether it upsets them.

More in holidays and seasons, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.

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