Family Halloween Costume Ideas That'll Make 'Em Howl

By Marnie Brodersen
Posted Oct 14, 2021 Holidays Parenting Just For Fun

Whether you’ve been planning your Halloween costume since, well, last Halloween or you’re the type who wishes you could pull your covers over your head until November 1st, the holiday approaches with its steady and haunting drumbeat. Might we make a suggestion? Going the group route can be absolutely delightful, so how about you and the whole fam get matchy matchy under the full moon? And while The Incredibles family costume is adorable, it has a bit of a “been there, done that” vibe.

We’ve taken a deep dive into what’s sure to get ghoulish giggles this year to help you out. Check out our top picks for the best family Halloween costumes below and let the planning begin!

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

Photo Courtesy of the Richard Family

You might think this one is a bit played out but take one look at this bewitching photo and you’ll see it has plenty of life left in it. And it will make you the life of the party to boot. The Golden Ticket completes the whole picture, don’t you agree?

Trophy Kiddos

Trophy wife? How about trophy sons? All you need is gold paint and some sports gear and you’re practically good to go. Grab a few makeshift box stands at Michaels craft store to give the trophies their name plates. Of course, the box can’t go with you trick or treating but it makes for great photo opps. This isn’t the easiest to clean at the end of the night but it’s worth it for all those laughs - nay, cackles - you’ll surely get.

Cat Burglars and Their Mini Money Bag

Photo Courtesy of Joanna Dutra

Is there anything cuter than a baby in a Halloween costume? Yes. Yes, there is. And that’s when mom and dad come up with something to make it all the more clever. Check out these cunning cat burglars (could be cute with cat ears, too!) and their wee money bag. 

The Chimney Sweeps from Mary Poppins

Image Courtesy of Gabe and Anna Liesemeyer of In Honor of Design - https://inhonorofdesign.com

Easy and cute is the magic combination when it comes to family Halloween costumes, and this one gets the clean sweep when it comes to those standards. While the old timey clothes and scarves are fantastic, what completes the look is the soot on the cheeks. The only thing this family costume is missing is Mary Poppins, herself. Just a thought!

Go For it With Game of Thrones

 
Photo Courtesy of Edward Strennen

If you’re not scarred from the show, this one will be a good one for striking while the iron is on fire...sorry, had to. This is another one that’s perfect for a couple with a baby, as mom goes as Daenerys Targaryen, dad as Jon Snow, and the tiny trick-or-treater as Baby Dragon. Winter is *literally* coming. 

Incognito E.T.

Photo courtesy of Tara Schreiner

If you’re seeking something that’s high on entertainment but low on effort, look no further than this rendition of E.T. It’s so sweet and nostalgic and putting it together is, quite frankly, child’s play. There are other ways to do this as well, as parents can also be the scientists in the HazMat suits, and there’s always the iconic bike, red sweatshirt, and E.T. riding-in-the-bike-basket variation. Whatever you choose, the results will be out of this world. 

Creepy Clowns

With the IT film series in full force, it's safe to say that clowns are having a more-than-menacing moment. Whether you love them or hate them, there's no denying that this is a fantastic family costume, and it runs about low to medium on the effort scale. Bonus points for fully committed facial expressions. 

It's a Family Circus

Image Courtesy of Gabe and Anna Liesemeyer of In Honor of Design - https://inhonorofdesign.com

The Liesemeyers of In Honor of Design strike again with this costume...and for a photo that seems to perfectly portray the circus that is raising kids. Step right up to enjoy this one, as no animals were harmed in the making of these costumes.

The Most Wondrous Alice in Wonderland

Photo courtesy of Stephanie Shay (Instagram @_stephanie_shay)

This is another one that some think is overdone but if you go all out on it like popular Insta-Mom Stephanie Shay, everyone will want to go down the rabbit hole with you. With so many players in this story - from Alice and The White Rabbit to the King and Queen of Hearts - there are plenty of roles for even the biggest of families. No matter how you play your cards, this one's a winner, and you don't need the Cheshire Cat to make you believe that. 

Olive Oyl, Popeye, and Baby Spinach 

Photo courtesy of TheFitTrainersWife on Instagram

A-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah-gah! This costume is equal parts nostalgia and ridiculous cuteness. And when it comes down to it, it's not that hard to pull this one together, especially if you've got a wee one primed to play the part of the good greens. Some Popeye costumes come with a fake arm but apparently this dad has no need for that due to his time as a trainer!

Get Nostalgic With the Flintstones

Photo courtesy of the Richard Family

Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm steal the show with this one, but the rest of this modern Stone Age family are giving them a run - in a foot-propelled car - for their money. This is a great way to include the whole family as you stroll through your own version of Bedrock.

Father and Son Ratatouille Costume FTW

Photo courtesy of @alienwithnojob on Instagram

"Rats are never cute!" most people maintain, but we beg to differ after seeing this mini mammal. On top of huge bonus points for its clever nature, this costume is great for comfort and for keeping baby warm. Mom can even get on the act in chef clothes as feisty Ratatouille character Colette. 

Prego and the Helpful Chef

Photo courtesy of Marci Richard

Just because you're pregnant doesn't mean you can't wreak some Halloween havoc. In fact, being pregnant gives you some automatic leverage. From being an avocado and an eight ball to a pumpkin smuggler and Mother Earth, the pregnant costume possibilities are endless. We love this one for its simplicity and for allowing dad to noodle his way in.

If you're looking for some family-friendly activities to enjoy in between planning your family Halloween costume, check out our list of Seasonal Family Fun for some CertifiKID inspiration.

Tags: Halloween, costumes, family, family costumes, holidays

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