Kids Zombie Costume
Transform old clothes into a classic, creepy-cute undead look for kids.
The kids zombie is a Halloween classic because it is incredibly fun to play, highly customizable, and easy to make on a budget. This look relies on tattered everyday clothing, realistic faux blood splatters, and simple undead makeup. It is the perfect mix of spooky and playful for trick-or-treating or school parties.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- ~45 min
- Budget
- $15–40
Try it on
See yourself as Kids Zombie
One clear photo of yourself; we render you in this costume — face untouched, full body, about 20 seconds.
One render, $1. No account needed — if it fails you're not charged. Pricing.
Your photo is sent to Google's Gemini API to make the render and isn't used for training. Renders are AI-generated and labelled.
Want a different costume on this photo, or a whole group in costume? Open the Try-On Studio.
What you need for a Kids Zombie costume
Short on time? Buy it ready-made
Spirit Halloween sells the complete Kids Zombie costume — one box instead of 5 pieces.
Old t-shirt or button-down shirt
An oversized shirt in a light color like white or grey to make fake blood and dirt stains stand out.
DIY: Use an old, stained shirt from the back of the closet that you don't mind ruining.
Tattered jeans or pants
Denim jeans or dark trousers with pre-made rips, frayed hems, and dirt smudges.
DIY: Take an old pair of jeans and use scissors or sandpaper to fray the knees and pockets.
Faux blood
Non-toxic, washable red liquid or gel fake blood for splattering on clothing and skin.
DIY: Mix corn syrup, red food coloring, and a drop of blue food coloring.
Face paint kit
A kid-safe makeup palette featuring pale green, grey, white, and black colors.
Dark sneakers
Comfortable, scuffed-up sneakers or boots that match the worn-out aesthetic.
DIY: Use an old pair of play shoes and smudge them with real dirt.
Rather not assemble it? See ready-made Kids Zombie costumes at Spirit Halloween ↗
How to put it together
- 1
Find an old shirt and pants that can be permanently altered and stained.
- 2
Use scissors to cut jagged slits into the sleeves, collar, and pant hems, then rub sandpaper over the edges to fray them.
- 3
Dab real dirt, potting soil, or dark brown paint onto the clothing to create a 'just dug up' appearance.
- 4
Splatter red fake blood across the front of the shirt, collar, and pants, letting it drip naturally, then allow it to dry completely.
- 5
Apply a thin layer of pale green or grey face paint to the face and neck, avoiding the eyes.
- 6
Use dark grey or purple eyeshadow or face paint around the eyes to create sunken, tired sockets.
- 7
Dress the child in the prepared outfit and comfortable scuffed sneakers.
Makeup & hair
Apply pale green or white face paint as a base, with dark purple or black circles smudged around the eyes. Mess up the hair by backcombing it slightly and adding a touch of baby powder or white hair spray for a dusty, unkempt look.
Kids Zombie for couples, groups, kids & more
- couples
- Pair with another kid zombie as an undead sibling duo.
- group
- Create an entire 'zombie apocalypse' squad of different professions, like a zombie athlete, zombie doctor, and zombie student.
- kids
- This guide is specifically tailored for kids, prioritizing comfort, warmth, and washable materials.
- Plus size
- Use oversized adult t-shirts cut down to size for a loose, comfortable, and highly adjustable fit.
- pet
- Add a simple tattered bandana with red fabric paint splatters for a matching zombie dog look.
Tips
- Layer thermal underwear or a long-sleeve shirt underneath the tattered clothes if trick-or-treating in cold weather.
- Make sure all fake blood used on skin is labeled 'washable' and test a small patch on the arm first to check for sensitivity.
- Keep the rips and tears away from seams and joints so the clothing doesn't fall apart completely while walking.
- Carry a plastic brain prop or a tattered trick-or-treat bucket to complete the undead theme.
Kids Zombie costume FAQ
- How do you make a quick DIY kids zombie costume?
- Take old clothes, cut jagged rips into them, rub them in dirt, and splatter them with washable fake blood. Finish with quick pale face paint and messy hair.
- What is the best way to get fake blood out of skin?
- Use warm water, mild soap, and a washcloth. For stubborn stains, a small amount of baby oil or makeup remover will help break down the pigment.
- Is this costume comfortable for school?
- Yes, because it uses regular, loose-fitting clothing. Just skip the wet fake blood on hands and face for school hours to avoid messes.
Did you know? The modern pop-culture zombie was popularized by George A. Romero's 1968 film 'Night of the Living Dead,' which established the slow-walking, brain-hungry archetype we love to dress up as today.