Top 2024 kids’ Halloween costumes for spooky fun

If you ask my kids what their favourite time of year is, Halloween will be up there alongside their birthdays and Christmas.    

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Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to dress up as your favourite things and get heaps (and heaps) of lollies?

Halloween culture might not yet be as engrained as for our American friends, but it’s definitely on the rise. The proof? Our kids waking up every day with a new idea of who (or what) they want to be.

But every now and then, they’ll take our suggestions too.

These are our favourite children’s Halloween costumes for 2024. Topical, easy-to-make, and insanely adorable (hold back your cuteness aggression) we know your family will love these.

Top kids Halloween costume ideas for 2024

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1. Bluey and Bingo

For younger kids who aren’t quite ready for the spooky side of Halloween, Bluey is the perfect kid’s costume option. This beloved Aussie character from the hit TV show Bluey has taken the world by storm, and it’s an ideal choice for little ones who want to join in on the fun without anything too scary.

Bluey costumes are available at Big W and Target for around $30–$40, and they come with comfortable fabric perfect for toddlers who need to move freely while they trick or treat. You can also find Bingo costumes for a fun sibling duo, making these adorable costumes for families with little ones. Complete the look with a pair of soft shoes and a wagging tail, and your child is all set for a night of Halloween magic.

2. The Descendants

If you’ve got tweens at home, chances are they’re obsessed with The Descendants. This Disney series follows the children of classic villains like Maleficent and the Evil Queen as they navigate life in the kingdom of Auradon. A Descendants costume hits the edgy and preppy tween look right on the head, so your kiddo will look and feel super cool.

Characters like Mal, Evie, and Uma are popular picks for kids to channel their inner villains (or heroes!). These costumes can be purchased online from CostumeBox or Amazon Australia, ranging from $40 to $60. Add some dramatic makeup and accessories like pirate hats or crowns to bring the look together. This theme is perfect for Halloween parties or if your child wants to coordinate with their friends for a group look.

3. Monster High

Monster High is back and bigger than ever, especially for tweens who love a mix of spookiness and fashion in their kid’s costumes. Characters like Draculaura, Frankie Stein, and Clawdeen Wolf bring a fun, spooky-chic vibe to Halloween. These costumes combine gothic elements with bold pops of colour and cool accessories like platform shoes, wigs, and makeup.

Monster High costumes are ideal for kids who love a dash of fright but want to steer clear of more scary Halloween costumes. You can find these costumes for kids at Costume Super Centre and Spotlight, starting at around $40. Top it off with some ghoulish makeup – think dramatic eyeliner and monster-inspired face paint—to really make the costume come to life.

4. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

A favourite for decades, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have made a massive comeback thanks to the latest film, and kids everywhere are excited to become their favourite turtle. Whether your child relates most to Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, or Raphael, this costume is a fantastic choice for siblings or groups of friends who want to coordinate.

The ninja turtle costumes are bright, fun, and come with easy-to-wear masks and turtle shell backpacks. Available at Big W and Costume Box for $40–$60, these costumes are versatile enough for younger children as well as older kids. Add in some foam ninja weapons, and your little heroes are ready for action!

5. Princess Costumes

The magic of Disney princesses never fades, and in 2024, princesses like Ariel, Moana, and Rapunzel remain as popular as ever. Perfect for girls who love fantasy and adventure, these princess costumes combine beauty and comfort. And with Moana 2 due in cinemas next month, the timing couldn’t be better.

These costumes are available in stores like Big W and Kmart for around $30–$50. Complete the look with a tiara, glittery shoes, and maybe even a princess wand for the full royal treatment. Plus, purchase them for Halloween, and they’ll probably end up wearing them to preschool every day anyway!

6. Superhero Costumes

Every child dreams of becoming a superhero, and with 2024’s array of superhero blockbusters, it’s no wonder this theme is as popular as ever. From Wonder Woman to Batman and the ever-classic Superman, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Younger fans of Spider-Man will love the latest Spider-Verse costumes, while older kids might opt for characters like The Flash or even the latest version of Black Panther. These costumes are available at CostumeBox, Target, and Amazon Australia, with prices starting at $30 for simpler designs and going up to $80 for more elaborate, movie-accurate styles. Add some props like capes, masks, and shields to complete the look.

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When you don't want to go all out

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Sure, if you’re going trick or treating, or just heading to a Halloween party, you’ll want to go all-out. But many daycares and schools give kids the opportunity to do something a little fun for Halloween each year without going ‘full dress-up’. These moments call for some creative hair-dos, hats, face paint, and even socks!

1. MADMIA Socks costumes

If your little one is ready to add a splash of fun to their kid’s costumes, why not check out the adorable Halloween-themed socks from MADMIA? These silly socks are the perfect way to sprinkle a bit of spookiness to any outfit, (or even a whole costume) while keeping tiny toes cosy and stylish.

MADMIA’s Halloween socks feature everything from playful pumpkins to mischievous ghosts, making them a fantastic accessory for trick-or-treating or Halloween parties. They even have glow-in-the-dark Mickey-mouse skeleton socks which are extra fun after dark.

They’re crafted from soft, stretchy materials, so even if your kids have sensory aversions, they’re a comfy fit for little feet all night long. Your kids will want to wear them forever! Available from $23, the socks are currently on sale. So go check them out!

2. Ghost hair buns

Reimagine a regular hairstyle into something a little spookier with ghost hair buns. Simply create two buns on the top of your head and cover them with small pieces of white fabric (like a lightweight scarf or even a tissue), securing them with clear elastic bands. Use a black marker or felt to create little ghost faces on the fabric, turning your hair into adorable ghost buddies. This quick and easy idea is perfect for little kids, teens, or even adults who want to embrace the Halloween spirit without a full-on costume.

3. Cat ears and makeup

Channel your inner feline with a pair of cat ears and some simple makeup. All you need is a headband with cat ears and a quick flick of eyeliner to create whiskers and a cute cat nose. For an added touch, throw on an all-black outfit, and you’re ready to go! This add-on is timeless, effortless, and works for both kids costumes and adults.

4. Vampire fangs and a cape

If you want to bring a bit of spooky drama without going all out, grab a set of vampire fangs and a simple black cape. These items are easy to throw on over your regular clothes or a school uniform at the last minute. Add a dab of red lipstick (or fake blood if you’re feeling bold) to complete the look. The best part? Your kids can stay comfortable in their normal clothes while still looking Halloween-ready with minimal effort! This is a great one for kids who might have sensory aversions but still want to get involved.

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Group and family costume ideas for Halloween 2024

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One of the most fun ways to celebrate Halloween as a family is by coordinating your costumes. Group and family costumes are a huge trend in 2024, offering a chance to get everyone involved—from toddlers to parents!

Here are some exciting group costume ideas for families to consider this Halloween:

1. The Incredibles Family

Channel your inner superheroes with The Incredibles! This classic family-friendly superhero squad is perfect for parents and kids. You can dress Dad as Mr Incredible, Mum can suit up as Elastigirl, and the kids as Violet, Dash, and even Jack-Jack for the little one. Add masks and capes for the full effect, and you’ll be the ultimate superhero family. You can find these costumes at HalloweenCostumes or CostumeBox, with prices ranging from $30 to $60 per costume.

2. Star Wars

For families who love to adventure in a galaxy far, far away, a Star Wars theme is a fantastic option. Parents can cross to the dark side as Darth Vader or Princess Leia, while the kids dress as Luke Skywalker, Yoda, or even a mini BB-8. With so many iconic characters to choose from, this theme offers flexibility for families of all sizes. Add light sabres and space-age props for extra fun! Costumes are available at Big W and Kmart with prices starting at $25.

3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

As we mentioned earlier, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a huge hit this year. This theme is perfect for siblings or friends, but it also works brilliantly for families. Mum and Dad can join the fun by dressing as Splinter or April O’Neil, while the kids become the pizza-loving turtles—Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael. The bright costumes and fun props like foam nunchucks will have everyone feeling like a hero in a half-shell.

4. Harry Potter

For the Harry Potter obsessed families, dressing up as characters from Hogwarts is an awesome way to celebrate Halloween. Mum or Dad can be Professor McGonagall or Dumbledore, or Molly and Arthur Weasley while the kids become their favourite Hogwarts students like Harry, Hermione, or Ron. The only problem we have in our house of girls is that everyone wants to be Hermione.

Don’t forget the wands, robes, and house scarves to really complete the look. These costumes can be found almost everywhere, at CostumeBox and Amazon Australia, with robes and accessories starting at $25.

5. Bluey and Family

If you have little ones, dressing up as Bluey and her family from the beloved Aussie show is a heartwarming group option. Parents can go as Bandit and Chilli, while the kids take on the roles of Bluey and Bingo. These costumes are perfect for a wholesome night of Halloween jokes, tricks and treats.

For families with more than 2 kids, add characters like Muffin and Socks. They’ll probably end up wearing them all the time anyway! The adult-size costumes can be found at Target, Amazon and CostumeBox with prices ranging from $15 all the way to $95.

Choosing the best Halloween costumes

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Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your child’s costume is perfect for the big night:

1. Comfort first

While it’s tempting to make your child’s costumes look as cute as humanly possible – comfort is key. They’ll probably be wearing their costume for several hours, whether they’re trick or treating, at a Halloween party, or just showing it off to their friends. Opt for costumes made from soft, breathable materials, especially for toddlers and younger children. And make sure they can have a boogie in it.

2. Safety matters

Safety should always be a priority. Make sure your child’s costume doesn’t have long, dragging pieces that could cause tripping, and if you’re out at night, consider adding reflective accessories or glow-in-the-dark elements. Face paints and ghoulish makeup are a great alternative to masks, which can sometimes block vision.

3. Involve your kid in the decision

Get your kid excited about their costume by involving them in the process. It’s also a great way to avoid last-minute meltdowns! Let them pick their favourite character or theme – it could be skeleton costumes, Darth Vader, or even a classic princess costume. When they love what they’re wearing, they’ll have even more fun on the day.

4. Budget-friendly options

Halloween doesn’t have to be expensive. Stores like Kmart, Target, and Big W have so many affordable costumes for kids that won’t break the bank. You can also check out online marketplaces like Catch or Amazon for some second-hand or reduced-price finds.

Sometimes, a DIY costume can be even more memorable, so consider pulling together pieces you already have at home or using simple props to create a one-of-a-kind look. A

lso, a great option is to hang on to your costumes each year and add them to a costume box. Then each year, you can repurpose previous outfits (or just re-wear them) saving you dollars, and also reducing your impact on the planet! The only thing scarier than Halloween is climate change.

Wrapping it up

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This Halloween, let your child’s imagination run wild with the endless costume ideas available. Whether they want to be a superhero, a spooky skeleton, or a Disney princess, there’s no shortage of fantastic kids Halloween costumes for 2024.

Dressing up is always fun but remember, it’s not just about looking great – it’s about feeling great too. So, choose a costume that’s comfy, safe, and most importantly, fun! Then it’ll be one of the best costumes of all time (the GOAT, if you will).