31 Halloween Writing Prompts

Halloween night the streets were filled with children in costumes wearing masks that were trick or treating, and nearby ghostly images watched.

The month before Halloween, beginning October 1 is an ideal time to use Halloween writing prompts with children.

This holiday has an intriguing history that is associated with trick or treating, costumes, pumpkins, black cats, ghosts, bats, bobbing for apples, skeletons, haunted houses, and candy.

The wide range of topics associated with Halloween inspires creative writing with children. Writing prompts about Halloween can break through writer’s block, produce excitement about writing, and create new ideas.

How To Use Writing Prompts For Halloween

You can use writing prompts twice weekly to write a short one or two-page story about Halloween. After you finished, the children can read the stories aloud. The writing time can be from 30 minutes or more.

Each week you can focus on Halloween themes black cats, ghosts, haunted houses, or pumpkins, for example.

Teach children research skills by providing a topic and letting them research and write a short paper. Use online sources and books for research material.

Provide your class with a list of Halloween writing prompts about a topic and let each child choose one to write about.

The black cat with yellow-green eyes appeared on the doorstep on Halloween morning snarling and hissing. Write a story about a black cat that brings bad luck to the family that crosses its path.
Their black cat Shadow disappeared on Halloween. What happened to their pet Shadow? Write a story about this.
Write about a fun Halloween party that you would like to plan. What type of food, decorations, and activities would the party have?
She saw her neighbor an ugly old woman with warts and wrinkles on her face wearing a long flowing black robe climb on a broomstick and fly away. Write a story about an ugly evil witch.
Sharon observed a young woman who had a black hat, green eyes, blond hair, fair complexion, light green robe, and carried a broom. Write a story about a beautiful young good witch.
Create a scary ghost for Halloween and write about what it looks like and how it scares people.
Research the history of trick or treating in the United States. Write a short one or two-page paper on the topic.
A witch creates a potion and puts it in candy. What happens to those kids that eat the candy?
You’re at a Halloween party and walk into an empty room and see what seems to be a ghost. Write a story about this.
What happens in the local graveyard on Halloween night when ghosts and ghouls are out and about?
You dream about a fiend in the attic or cellar of your home. What happens when you’re left alone one night for the first time.
Research All Soul’s Day and write about how it relates to the Halloween tradition of trick or treating.
What is your favorite Halloween candy? Research the topic and write about the history of this candy.
What is the worst Halloween candy you ever ate Describe it and why it is so terrible!
Research the history of the Halloween costume in the 1900s. Write a short paper on what you learn.
Create a frightening Halloween costume of a witch, devil, monster, or clown. Write about the costume and what the person wearing it does.
Write a story about a neighbor that hands out creepy candy eyeballs, creepy fingers, bags of blood, or spiders. Write about what happens when the kids go to that house on Halloween.
A ghost haunts a house in your neighborhood. Write a story about the ghost and what happens when a group of kids visits that home.
Write a short poem about the fun activities you can do on Halloween. It does not have to rhyme.
A harmless bat scares kids on Halloween night because it is flying around or gets in a house. Write a story about what happens.
Research vampire bats or other kinds of bats and write a short paper about what they eat, how they find their prey, and their habitat.
A werewolf is loose on Halloween night and there is a full moon. Children are out trick or treating – write about what happens.
You dream about a monster in the basement or attic of your home. What happens when you’re left alone one evening.
What happens in the graveyard on Halloween when ghosts and ghouls lurk about and children visit it at night?
What happened to the kid that disappeared one Halloween night without a trace?
Create a new candy with magical powers. Describe what it looks like, the ingredients, how it tastes, and what it does.
Write about what you would do when all Halloween events are canceled.
Create a creepy Halloween recipe other than candy. What is it called, and what are the ingredients?
Devise a clever Halloween trick to play on family and friends.
Write about your favorite Halloween recipe or food.
Write about your favorite way to spend Halloween.

Looking for more ideas?

Looking for more ideas for writing prompts on different subjects? Please explore our site as we have many unique ideas and resources for you.

You might like to try out our prompts about cats – or how about our visual prompts to inspire even the most reluctant writer!

Please share these ideas with family, friends, parents, and teachers – and if you have ideas on other resources please let us know!