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 Chilling Story Ideas (1–10)
The Classroom with an OgreNEW!
Mr.
Onihara is usually kind.
However, one day after school, Ito returned to the classroom to fetch something she had forgotten and saw, in the red glow of the setting sun, the teacher eating a large hunk of meat, his hands soaked scarlet, and horns sprouting from his head.
It turns out Mr.
Onihara was an ogre who eats people! As the ogre’s hand slowly approached, Ito’s heart pounded.
The next day, a new transfer student arrived and was assigned to that seat, and strange, suspenseful days continued for the class.
It shows that even people who seem gentle usually may have a side you don’t know.
It also teaches that it’s important to stay calm, observe the situation carefully, and act safely.
mouth-sewing ghostNEW!
This is a story about a boy who is rough and always says mean things.
Ren loves verbal abuse and keeps saying hurtful things to his friends.
But when he won’t stop with the insults, a mysterious ghost appears.
This ghost has a slightly scary power that can sew up a person’s mouth, and it teaches Ren to “think about how you use your words.” Through this experience, Ren realizes that harsh words and insults hurt others, and he gradually starts to use kinder words.
It’s a suspenseful yet enlightening story.
It teaches us that words can hurt others but can also give them strength—a slightly chilling, yet important tale.
A Very, Very Scary Story: “The Monkey’s Paw”NEW!
It begins when an old friend visits Mr.
White’s home.
The friend brings a mysterious “mummified monkey’s paw” he found in India.
It is said to have the power to grant any wish.
Thinking of his son, Mr.
White struggles to decide what to wish for.
The next day, however, his son is killed in a workplace accident.
Grief-stricken, the mother begs Mr.
White to use the monkey’s paw to bring their son back to life.
When Mr.
White touches the paw, a cold wind blows, and their son’s figure vanishes and never returns.
And yet, in the end… It’s an uncanny tale that makes you reflect on the responsibility that comes with having wishes granted, and on life and the feelings of family.
A Little Bit Scary: The Dark SchoolNEW!
This is the story of the “Mirror Ghost,” a hot topic at the school Tanaka-kun attends.
He spots a girl in a white kimono reflected in the large mirror on the stair landing and, startled, turns around—only to find no one there.
The next day, when he sees the girl in the mirror again and steps closer, he suddenly loses his way into a dark world.
It’s a school for ghosts, where children in kimonos gather.
Ever since then, Tanaka-kun’s figure has sometimes appeared in the stairway mirror too—a strange and slightly thrilling tale.
Just like Tanaka-kun, having curiosity is fun, but it’s also important to be careful about dangerous things.
It’s a story that lets you enjoy a scare while also learning the importance of safety and caution.
Who’s Not Sleeping?NEW!
This is a story for children who stay up late.
If they keep playing instead of sleeping, yokai will come to their room.
A red-faced yokai and one with huge hands appear one after another, trying to lead the children who are playing into a mysterious world.
It’s scary, but the children snap wide awake at the sight.
While staying up late can be fun, this slightly thrilling and instructive tale teaches that getting proper sleep is important.
With the appearance of yokai adding a touch of spookiness to enjoy, it helps children learn the importance of sleep and good habits—perfect for parents and kids to read aloud together.
A Scary Tale from Long Ago: “The Story of Cat Mountain”NEW!
This is a story about a girl who works at a landlady’s estate and sets off for “Cat Mountain” in Kyushu to look for a missing cat.
On Cat Mountain live monster cats with human bodies and cat faces, and they plot to eat the girl.
Though terrified and trembling, the girl is able to speak with the monster cats in a nostalgic feline voice and learns how to handle them.
Furthermore, when she shows them a picture of a dog inside a white bundle, the monster cats become unable to attack.
The girl escapes unharmed, and while her heart pounds at the cats’ ferocity and mysterious power, she overcomes the crisis with wisdom and courage.
It conveys that even when you encounter frightening things, you can overcome them with bravery and ingenuity.
Who’s the bad kid of Anpanman?NEW!
A story where Anpanman enjoys playing hide-and-seek with his friends.
When Anpanman tries to hide in a dark, abandoned building, a ghost appears before him, leading to a heart-pounding turn of events.
There are some scary moments, but it’s safely made for children and gently teaches the importance of avoiding dangerous play and following rules.
It’s portrayed with warm, soothing animation that even babies who won’t stop crying can enjoy with peace of mind.
While letting kids experience a little bit of a test of courage and ghostly elements, it’s a work you can read aloud with smiles.
In addition, it includes educational elements that can be learned through play—such as daily habits and how to interact with friends—helping children develop safety awareness and kindness while having fun.
A Scary Anpanman SkitNEW!
The Anpanman characters are so cute! Here are some slightly chilling scary story ideas.
“The Dirty Doll” is about a mysterious doll that seems to move its eyes at night.
“There’s Someone in the House of One!” is a tale where you’re alone at home, your heart pounding as you can’t figure out the source of the footsteps and noises.
“The Crime Email” is a suspenseful story about the creepy text in a message from a stranger.
“The Faceless Child” is about being startled by a child with no face you encounter on a night road.
And since “Anpanman,” who can put even those who dislike scary stories at ease, also appears, you can enjoy these with a little sigh of relief too.
A Hanako-san-of-the-Toilet-style scary story for children: “The Smartphone Cat”NEW!
A story about a girl who loves playing on a smartphone.
One night, unable to sleep, she secretly borrows her mother’s phone, and a black cat appears on the screen, saying, “Come play with me, nya.” As she navigates the black cat’s maze, she ends up standing in a dangerous spot on the balcony just before the goal, and as she’s about to jump, her mother saves her.
Only the black cat’s voice fades into the darkness, saying, “You were so close to the goal,” leaving the girl with a chill—but safe.
It’s a perfect bedtime read-aloud that gets your heart racing while also teaching about proper smartphone use and staying safe.
A story that isn’t scary, but is a little scaryNEW!
This is a compilation of slightly spine-tingling stories from a hugely popular series.
It’s not too scary, but it’s full of heart-pounding moments that kids and adults alike can enjoy.
It includes fan-favorite tales from the series as well as stories that feel like mysterious urban legends, making it great for read-aloud sessions or watching in video form.
There are scenes with ghosts and yokai, but they’re safely adapted for children, so no worries.
You can also enjoy the slightly mysterious aftertaste of “Whether you believe this story or not is up to you.” It’s a satisfying collection packed with stories that are a little scary yet thrilling and exciting.