(Original 2024 Article is at the bottom of the updates on this page.)
Looking for the perfect costume for your child this Halloween? Google's 2026 Frightgeist kids list (released Oct. 14) is led by Dolly Parton, Ella Langley, Dumpling, Shakira and Oliver Tree. Below is our earlier 2026 kids roundup, based on the National Retail Federation's 2026 Halloween survey, Spirit Halloween's 2026 trend report and SheKnows' 2026 roundup, now updated to note where Frightgeist lands. From superheroes to anime singers and video game favorites, these costumes will make this Halloween memorable!
Spider-Man is the No. 1 kids' costume of 2026, with 4.6 million children planning to dress as the web-slinger, according to the National Retail Federation. That's double the 2.3 million going as a generic superhero. With Spider-Man: Brand New Day the biggest movie of the year, expect plenty of Spideys on your street.
Rumi was the top trending kids' costume on Google's 2025 Frightgeist, and KPop Demon Hunters is still a top trend in 2026, according to Spirit Halloween and SheKnows. Her long purple braid is the star of the look, so a costume that comes with a wig is the way to go.
Zoey was No. 3 among kids' costumes on Google's 2025 list, and her "space buns" were top trending in search. With her playful style and throwing blades, Zoey is a fun pick for kids who love to sing and dance.
Mira was No. 4 for kids in 2025, and she had the top trending "pink wig" and "yellow skirt" searches of the year. Siblings or friends can split up Rumi, Mira and Zoey for an instant HUNTR/X group costume.
Jinu and Baby Saja ranked No. 5 and No. 6 among kids' costumes on Google's 2025 list, and Spirit Halloween is selling Saja Boy costumes for kids again this year. It's a great pick for kids who want to be on the demon side of the stage.
Derpy the Tiger was No. 7 for kids in 2025 and the top trending tiger searched all year. This goofy blue tiger is a cozy, adorable pick for little ones, and it pairs perfectly with a big sibling dressed as Rumi.
Princess is the No. 3 kids' costume in the NRF's 2026 survey, with 2.2 million children planning to wear a crown this year. A light-up gown adds extra sparkle and helps them stay visible after dark.
Witch ranks No. 4 for kids in the NRF survey, with 1.6 million children planning to go. Elphaba from Wicked was No. 8 among kids on Google's 2025 Frightgeist, so a green-and-black Elphaba look is a fun way to put a twist on the classic witch.
Toy Story 5 crossed $1 billion at the box office this summer, and both Spirit Halloween and SheKnows say Woody, Buzz and Jessie are back in a big way. Toy Story is a winner for siblings and families who want to dress up together.
Minecraft is one of the most popular costume picks of 2026, according to SheKnows, and the Creeper was No. 10 on Google's 2025 kids' list, with the Chicken Jockey close behind at No. 12. Blocky, green and instantly recognizable, it's a favorite with gamers of all ages.
Toothless was No. 11 for kids on Google's 2025 list and the top trending "dragon costume" of the year. Dragons are also part of Spirit Halloween's 2026 fantasy trend, making Toothless a great pick for kids who want something cute with a little bite.
SheKnows says Bluey and her sister Bingo will be some of the most popular costumes for kids six and under this year. The costume is comfy, easy to wear and instantly recognizable to every parent on the block.
Pokémon has never been more popular with kids, according to SheKnows' 2026 roundup. Pikachu is the classic pick, and a friend dressed as a trainer with a cap and a Poké Ball makes a perfect duo.
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie made Mario one of the biggest names of 2026, and SheKnows lists Super Mario Bros. among the top kids' costumes this year. Mario and Luigi make a great pair for brothers, sisters or best friends.
For kids who like their Halloween a little spooky, SheKnows picks Five Nights at Freddy's as a top costume for 2026. Freddy Fazbear is the classic choice, and friends can join in as Foxy or Bonnie.
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Original 2024 Article:
Looking for the perfect costume for your child this Halloween? According to Google Trends, these are the hottest kids' costume trends of 2024. From iconic movie characters to fun and quirky looks, these costumes will make this Halloween memorable!
1. Red (from Descendants)
Red, the new character from the Descendants franchise, is the top-searched kids' costume this year. With her edgy style and magical heritage, Red is a hit with young fans. This costume is perfect for any child wanting to step into a fairy-tale adventure with a modern twist.
Dr. Doom is not just for adults anymore! Kids are loving this classic Marvel villain, and it's no surprise. With his green cloak, metal mask, and powerful presence, Dr. Doom is an exciting choice for kids who want to feel powerful this Halloween.
The kid version of Deadpool, known as Kidpool, is a popular pick this year. This costume has all the fun, humor, and style of Deadpool but is perfectly tailored for younger audiences. With a red jumpsuit and playful attitude, Kidpool is a fantastic choice for kids wanting a superhero costume with a twist.
Gojo from the anime Jujutsu Kaisen has been trending among kids who love anime. Known for his cool demeanor and powerful abilities, Gojo's costume, complete with his signature blindfold, is a favorite for young fans of the series. It's a great way for kids to bring their love of anime to life.
Wolverine continues to be a popular costume choice for kids. With his rugged style, retractable claws, and superhero attitude, Wolverine is perfect for kids who want to be a part of the X-Men universe and embody one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.
The Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland is a classic costume that has made a big comeback this year. With her red dress, heart motifs, and a little bit of villainy, this costume is perfect for kids who want to be both regal and commanding this Halloween.
Peely, the beloved anthropomorphic banana from Fortnite, is a fun and lighthearted costume for kids. With Fortnite continuing to be popular among younger audiences, Peely is a quirky and silly choice that will definitely bring smiles to everyone's faces.
Corpse Bride from Tim Burton's animated film is trending among kids who love spooky yet heartfelt characters. With her blue dress and ghostly charm, the Corpse Bride costume is ideal for children who want a costume that's both haunting and beautiful.
Minions are always a favorite choice for kids, and their popularity shows no sign of waning. The bright yellow Minion costume, with its goggles and overalls, is an easy and instantly recognizable look that brings lots of fun to Halloween.
Godzilla is a top choice for kids who want to be a larger-than-life creature. With the release of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire, this iconic monster is trending again, making it a perfect costume for those who want to make a big impression.
Who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! This classic costume is still going strong in 2024, and it's a great choice for kids who love ghosts, gadgets, and adventure. With the Ghostbusters jumpsuit and proton pack, your child can be part of the legendary ghost-hunting team.
M&M costumes are colorful, simple, and fun. Kids love dressing up as their favorite candy, and this costume is perfect for siblings or groups who want to coordinate their look. Whether it's red, blue, green, or yellow, there's an M&M costume for every child.
Taylor Swift has a huge fan base of all ages, and kids are joining in on the trend. A Taylor Swift costume lets kids dress up like their favorite pop star, complete with sparkly outfits and a microphone. It's a great choice for young Swifties who want to shine this Halloween.
Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas is a spooky yet friendly character that kids love. With his pinstripe suit and skeletal grin, Jack is a great choice for children who want a Halloween costume that embraces both the spooky and the whimsical.
The inflatable alien costume is a hit with kids this year. This fun and goofy costume makes it look like an alien is giving your child a piggyback ride, which is sure to get laughs and attention. It's a unique and playful choice that's perfect for kids who want something out of this world.
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Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. Read more articles by this author
Writer's Bio: Driven by a fascination with how young people learn, grow, and connect, Laura N. Larsson has spent years researching the role of play and social media in child and adolescent development. Since 2012, she has combined her ecommerce background with in-depth interviews of children and teenagers, producing insightful articles that explore the evolving interplay between play, communication, and online interaction. 
