A story like 'Bluebeard' can be scary for kids. The idea of a man with a secret room full of his previous wives' bodies is quite disturbing. 'Rumpelstiltskin' also has an element of fear as the girl has to guess the strange little man's name or face dire consequences. And 'Snow - White' can be a bit scary too when the evil queen tries to kill Snow - White with the poisoned apple.
One classic is 'The Tell - Tale Heart' by Edgar Allan Poe. It has a spooky atmosphere as the narrator becomes obsessed with an old man's 'evil eye'. Another is 'The Monkey's Paw' which has a sense of dread and unexpected consequences. Also, 'Hansel and Gretel' can be quite scary for kids with the idea of being lost in the forest and the witch who wants to eat them.
One classic scary story for kids is 'The Three Little Pigs'. The big bad wolf is a menacing figure. Another is 'Hansel and Gretel' with the evil witch in the forest. And 'Little Red Riding Hood' also has some scary elements, like the wolf disguising as the grandmother.
A great scary kids bedtime story is 'The Graveyard Book'. It's about a boy who grows up in a graveyard among ghosts. There are some spooky elements like the ghouls that come out at night. 'The Girl with the Green Ribbon' is also a good one. The mystery around the girl's green ribbon around her neck is quite eerie. And 'Scary Mary' which is about a haunted doll can be really spooky for kids at bedtime.
One classic scary kids bedtime story is 'The Big Bad Wolf'. In this story, the wolf tries to blow down the houses of the three little pigs. It's scary because the pigs are in danger, but it also has a happy ending when the pigs outwit the wolf. Another is 'The Headless Horseman'. The idea of a rider without a head chasing someone is really spooky for kids. And 'Bloody Mary' is also quite well - known. However, this one might be a bit too scary for very young kids.
There's the 'Bloody Mary' story. Kids gather around the mirror and say 'Bloody Mary' three times. Supposedly, a ghostly figure will appear. It often involves a vengeful spirit that is very scary. The idea of something coming out of the mirror in the dim campfire light can send shivers down your spine.
A popular free scary story for kids is 'The Green Ribbon'. It's about a girl who always wears a green ribbon around her neck and when it finally comes off, there's a spooky surprise. These types of stories are good because they introduce a bit of fear in a controlled way, and kids can enjoy the thrill while not being overly frightened. You can find them on websites that curate children's horror - lite stories.
The story of 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears' can be considered not - scary in a friendly retelling. Goldilocks enters the bears' house while they are out. She tries their porridge, chairs, and beds. When the bears come back, she runs away. It can be a fun way to teach kids about respecting others' property.
Another one is 'The Haunted House'. It usually involves a spooky old house that kids enter, either by accident or out of curiosity. There are strange noises, moving objects, and maybe even a ghost or two. It plays on the fear of the unknown and the idea that there could be something lurking in a dark, empty place.
Well, 'Room on the Broom' can be a bit of a spooky read aloud for younger kids. The witch and the various creatures she meets along the way create an eerie atmosphere. Then there's 'The Graveyard Book' which is set in a graveyard and has a boy raised by ghosts. It has some tense moments that can be a bit scary. And don't forget 'The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything'. The rhythmic text and the spooky things that follow the old lady are quite exciting to read aloud to kids.
The story of 'The Three Little Pigs' can be made into a short and slightly scary version for kids. The idea of the big bad wolf trying to blow down the houses can be a bit spooky. Another one is 'The Gruffalo'. It has an element of fear as the mouse has to outwit the scary - looking Gruffalo. And 'Hansel and Gretel' is also a good one. The idea of the witch in the forest and the kids being trapped can be a bit frightening but in a kid - friendly way.
One classic is 'The Babadook'. It's about a mysterious pop - up book that brings a terrifying creature into a child and his mother's life. The illustrations in the book seem to come alive and the Babadook itself is a very spooky figure that haunts them.