Free Spooky Halloween Word Search Printable for Older Kids
Get ready to unravel some spooky word mysteries with our thrilling Halloween word search printable!
This mind-boggling game will have the kids hunting for 13 spooky hidden words! It’s more than just a word search it’s a spooktacular history lesson!
This Halloween printable is great for the classroom and at home.
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Spooky word search puzzle
This word search free printable is a fantastic way for kids to have fun while learning, and our Halloween edition is no exception!
This word search has a spooky twist, with words hidden horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and even backward—adding an extra challenge for students of all ages.
Tip: Use a highlighter or circle the letters when you find a word, rather than crossing them out. Some letters may be used in more than one word!
Find these 13 Halloween words:
- Poltergeist
- Reformation
- Allhallowtide
- Paranormal
- Paganism
- Familiars
- Witchcraft
- Salem
- Bonfires
- Divination
- Druids
- Gaelic
- Samhain
We love including educational word games like this in treat bags for neighbors. It’s a nice change from candy, and parents appreciate the thoughtful alternative!
Check out all of our free printable Halloween word games!
Halloween words for kids to learn
Some of these Halloween words won’t be familiar to the children, so this is a perfect way to bring in a history lesson.
Familiars
Existed in British folklore for many hundreds of years.
Familiars are animals that serve a witch in various ways, whether as servants, messengers, or spies. The book The Familiars is a great magical reading book all about a cat.
Reformation
Reformation Day (October 31) commemorates Luther’s posting of his 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany on October 31, 1517.
This act triggered the Reformation, as they were immediately translated and distributed across Germany in a matter of weeks.
Allhallowtide
Allhallowtide is a special time for children, encompassing the three consecutive days of All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween), All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. Where people celebrate the memories of departed loved ones, indulge in sweet treats, and enjoy the playful traditions of dressing up in costumes.
Have fun with our free October word search too.
Divination
They may know this word from Harry Potter, but it is the practice of seeking knowledge of the future or the unknown by supernatural means.
Druids
Druids were members of the high-ranking class in ancient Celtic cultures and were religious leaders.
Samhain
Learn more about that at History.com, but in short, Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
Poltergeist
A poltergeist is a playful but mischievous spirit, often causing objects to move mysteriously, adding an eerie element to ghost stories. However, please note that it’s not directly related to Halloween.
Paranormal
The term “paranormal” encompasses mysterious and unexplained phenomena, such as ghosts and UFOs, which can make spooky stories even more fascinating.
Paganism
Paganism represents an ancient belief system that honored nature and multiple gods, contributing to various Halloween customs and traditions.
Witchcraft
Witchcraft involves the use of spells, rituals, and magic, adding an enchanting and mysterious dimension to Halloween folklore.
Check out even more fun Halloween activities for middle school!
Salem
Salem is famous for its historical witch trials, making it a spooky location often associated with Halloween.
Bonfires
Bonfires are large, roaring fires that were once lit during Halloween to ward off evil spirits, a significant part of Halloween history and tradition.
Gaelic
Gaelic refers to a group of Celtic languages and cultures, including Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx. It is associated with some of the ancient traditions that influenced modern Halloween.
You can continue the festive fun with our free Dia de los Muertos word search, perfect for learning about this vibrant holiday!
Other free Halloween printables
Looking for more fun Halloween middle school activities?
Check out our Halloween word scramble printable and Halloween acrostic poem templates, perfect for engaging teens in some spooky, educational fun!
For an extra challenge, try our Halloween photo scavenger hunt free printable, a great way for teenagers to explore and capture the spirit of the season.
If you’re feeling creative, don’t miss our free printable Halloween coloring pages, a fantastic way to enjoy some spooky, artistic fun!
Need to print later? Add this to your Pinterest board or share it on Facebook. You’ll have it handy whenever you’re ready to use it!
Get the free printable Halloween word search here!
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More fun word printables
If you enjoyed the Halloween word search, you might also like these other themed activities:
- Halloween Mad Libs: Get creative with spooky stories using our Halloween Mad Libs.
- Christmas word search printable: Prepare for the holidays with a festive word search activity.
- Star Wars themed word search: Perfect for young fans of the galaxy far, far away!
- Thanksgiving word search printable: A fun way to celebrate and learn about Thanksgiving traditions.
Last Updated on 8 April 2025 by Clare Brown