Make Halloween fun for the grandkids with AI

3 min readHalloween 🎃

A not-too-scary story with their names in it, an easy afternoon at your place, and a video call that works even from far away.

Grandkids remember the little things: the story you told, the pumpkin you made together, the call where you wore a silly hat. You don't need to be crafty or good with phones. An AI chat app like ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude can help you plan it in a few minutes.

Step 1: A gentle Halloween story with their names

Tell AI who the story is for and how scary is too scary.

Example: "Write a short Halloween story for my grandkids Ava, 5, and Leo, 8. A friendly ghost who's afraid of the dark. Not scary at all, with a happy ending. About 3 minutes to read out loud."

If you like it, ask for a version with the dog in it, or a shorter one for bedtime. You can read it on a video call or print it and mail it with a card.

Step 2: An easy afternoon at your place

Tell AI their ages, your space and how much energy you have.

Example: "My grandkids, ages 4 and 7, come over Saturday afternoon for 3 hours. I'm 74 and can't do much bending. Suggest a calm Halloween plan with pumpkin decorating (no knives), a small treat hunt in the living room, and an easy snack."

Ask AI for a costume they can make from your closet too, like a scarecrow from a flannel shirt and a straw hat. Our main Halloween guide has more costume and party ideas.

Step 3: A Halloween video call when you live far away

Plan it like a little show.

Example: "My grandkids live 600 miles away. Plan a 20-minute Halloween video call: a costume parade, a riddle game, and me reading a short story. Give me a simple list of what to have ready."

Ask their parents to pick a time before the costumes come off. If video calls are new to you, ask AI for step-by-step help on your phone, or ask the family to call you.

Things to know

Keep the scary level to what their parents are happy with. Check before you read a new story.
If you share a photo or the kids' names in an AI chat, think about what you're comfortable sharing. Each app has its own settings for what it keeps.
Want to keep the memory? Our guide to recording family stories helps you save the story you told. More ideas for when the family visits are in our holiday family activities guide.