Hi there,
Halloween asks a lot of kids: a costume that feels different, a dark street, strangers at the door, and a night that breaks every routine. A little preparation goes a long way.
So we made nine free Halloween social stories you can read together today. Pick the one closest to your child's age.
🎃 Going trick-or-treating
What happens step by step: walking to a door, knocking, saying "trick or treat", taking one piece of candy, saying thank you, and what to do if something feels too scary. It's okay to stop after a few houses.
- Trick-or-Treating with Dad · ages 3–5
- Aisha Goes Trick-or-Treating · ages 4–6
- Oliver's Trick-or-Treating Walk · ages 7–9
👻 Wearing a costume
How a costume might feel (itchy, tight, warm), trying it on before tonight, and that it's okay to wear just part of it, or none at all.
- My Dinosaur Halloween Costume · ages 3–5
- Amir's Dinosaur Costume · ages 3–5
- Kai's Halloween Costume · ages 10–12
🍬 Staying home and handing out candy
For kids who'd rather stay in: the doorbell, costumes at the door, and taking turns with the candy bowl.
- Handing Out Halloween Candy · ages 3–5
- Emma Hands Out Halloween Candy · ages 3–5
- Rohan's Halloween Trick-or-Treaters · ages 7–9
See all nine Halloween stories →
How to use them tonight
- On a phone or computer: open any story and read it together. It works on any screen, so you can reread it in the car or on the sidewalk.
- As a printed booklet: tap Print PDF on a story for a print-ready booklet (standard or foldable) your child can hold, color in, or carry in their treat bag.
- Read it twice: once now, and once right before you head out.
- Practice at your own door: knock, say "trick or treat", take one piece, say thank you. A rehearsal makes the real doors feel familiar.
- Plan the route and a number: pick a few houses you know and agree how many before heading home.
- Pack sensory helpers: headphones for noise, a flashlight, or a comfy layer under the costume.
- Agree on a "done" signal: so your child knows they can end the night whenever they need to.
- Make a candy plan: decide ahead how many pieces are for tonight.
Why Halloween can be hard, and what helps
Costumes that itch, sudden scares, doorbells and strangers, and a late night all at once: for kids with autism, ADHD or anxiety, Halloween can stack up sensory and social surprises. Our guide covers why, and how to break the night into small, doable parts.
Read the Halloween guide: costumes, trick-or-treating and sensory tips →
Want a version with your child's name, their costume and your own street? Create a Halloween story in a minute →
Happy Halloween, Adam