Scary stories for kids! A collection of short, slightly chilling story ideas
Have you ever found yourself wanting to read scary stories to your child but wanting to avoid anything too intense? A little shiver while still being fun—that level of spookiness is just right, isn’t it? In this article, we’ll introduce scary stories that are perfect for kids.
We’ve gathered a wide range, from tales that send a chill down your spine to ones with punchlines that will make you chuckle.
They’re great for sleepovers and nighttime fun at camp, so be sure to check them out!
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Scary Stories for Kids! A Collection of Short, Slightly Spooky Story Ideas (11–20)
Top 5 Scary Stories of GamesNEW!
Introducing a special feature that gathers slightly spine-tingling ghost stories for kids.
You can enjoy thrilling, mysterious tales by theme—“The Boy Who Played in the Graveyard,” “The Prankster at the Conveyor-Belt Sushi,” “The Girl Who Stayed Out at Night,” “The Gamer Boy,” and “The Kappa Boy.” They’re scary but safely crafted, so you can fully immerse yourself in the world of the stories while savoring the nighttime chills and excitement.
Beyond simply enjoying the thrill of encountering something scary, these stories also nurture curiosity and teach the importance of being careful in play and everyday life.
Have fun with just a little bit of heart-pounding suspense!
left behindNEW!
Two boys are talking about going fishing.
One of them says, “Let’s go to a secret pond I was told about recently—it’s insanely good for catching fish,” and the next day they head to the secret pond.
After pushing through an overgrown area, they arrive at a pond with a sign that reads “Oitekebori” (“Abandon here”).
Though unsettled by the eerie atmosphere, the fish keep biting and the two start having fun.
When they decide it’s about time to head home, a creepy voice from somewhere whispers, “Oitekeee… leave it behind…” A terrifying girl appears before them, then a long-haired woman, and even the mother waiting at home—only for all of them to be faceless noppera-bō! The next day, when they wake up, the fish are gone.
Apparently, the friend who told them about the pond had the same experience.
What on earth was that pond…?
For Elementary School Kids! Scary Stories for SummerNEW!
A special feature on slightly chilling stories performed as short skits by elementary school students.
They recreate classic ghost tales as they act, like “Don’t Look Back!”—where you might see something if you turn around on a dark night—“Mary,” the ghost in red, and “Zashiki-warashi,” invisible spirits said to bring good fortune to a home.
There are scary moments, but having children perform them adds a sense of comfort, letting you enjoy both thrills and excitement.
How about creating your own original skits to safely enjoy with friends and family on a summer night?
After-School ClownNEW!
A clown with thick white makeup, sharply defined brows and eye lines, and strikingly red, oversized lips and nose gives off an eerie vibe because it’s so hard to read its expression, doesn’t it? Here’s a scary story about such a clown.
One day after school, a boy is walking down the street when he runs into a clown.
When he asks, “Do something fun,” the clown reaches out and pulls a balloon from inside the boy’s head.
With a snap of the clown’s fingers, the balloon sparkles with a loud bang like fireworks and bursts.
Again and again, the clown pulls balloons from the boy’s head—bang!—and they pop.
Finally, the clown says, “The reason these balloons shine is because your dreams are inside them.” And it ends with the line: “Another balloon was gone.” Gives you the chills, doesn’t it?
A spine-chilling scary story: The WrigglerNEW!
When I was in elementary school, there were two brothers playing at a summer camp.
While they were catching crayfish in an irrigation canal, they spotted something strange in the distance—white and writhing.
As they drew closer, they realized it wasn’t like any ordinary creature; it was an eerie presence said to bring irreversible consequences if you looked at it.
The older brother became captivated by what it really was, and soon their grandfather and the rest of the family were drawn into a mysterious and slightly scary experience.
The usual summer fun turned into a chilling memory.
Curiosity is exciting, but it’s important not to approach things you shouldn’t look at.
Scary stories can hide hints that teach us caution and courage!
In conclusion
We introduced many scary stories for children. They ranged from gently chilling tales to ones that spark the imagination. There were all kinds of spooky stories, weren’t there? There are many ways to enjoy them—reading aloud together as a family or sharing them with friends. We hope you make unforgettable memories through those slightly heart-pounding moments!