Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Ring in the new school year with ‘Back to The Yards’ giveaway event

Lancer Photography, 2020. All rights reserved.

The Yards, DC’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping, and relaxing, is ringing in back-to-school with Back to The Yards! While this school year looks different for many students and parents, The Yards will be giving away FREE boxes of fun school supplies curated for younger Yards guests when they dine-in or pick up take-out from any Yards Restaurant on Friday, September 25th from 5:00-8:00pm.

Back to The Yards boxes will contain fun, colorful essentials for back to school (or homeschool), wherever that may be! Boxes are limited to one per family, while supplies last, for pick-up at The Yards Park.

Back to The Yards boxes will include festive supplies like: pencils, notebooks, colorful post-its, stickers, highlighters and more fun. Special boxes with fun school supplies are free to each family with a receipt from any Yards restaurant. All participating restaurants can be found here – meaning a receipt from one of these restaurants will allow you to pick up a free back-to-school box from Yards Park. We hope the start of the school year has been okay for everyone.

Boo drive thru at the Smithsonian National Zoo

Start your engines and prepare for some spooky fun during Boo Drive Thru, October 24 & 25 from 4:30pm-9:30pm. This is a special edition of the beloved children’s trick-or-treating event. Pack your car full of ghouls, ghosts, princesses and superheroes and cruise down the Zoo’s North Road, all in support of Friends of the National Zoo. Supernatural sights await along your drive—and so do treat bags stuffed with M&Ms, Twix and more!

In order to ensure that everyone stays safe this year, Boo Drive Thru is a special 2020 version of Boo at the Zoo, in which kids (and their parents) get Halloween entertainment and candy from the comfort of their own cars.

When purchasing your car pass, you will be able to choose a drive thru time and reserve up to six treat bags. All cars will enter through the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance and follow a mile-long path along the side of the Zoo. Only family-sized vehicles will be permitted to enter Boo Drive Thru.

On your drive, you will see witches, vampires, Count Pandula and other spooky sights — and get a fun photo opportunity — before receiving your treat bags at the end. After you receive your bags, you will be able to exit at the lower end of the Zoo.

Friends of the National Zoo members can purchase car passes now. Non-members can purchase car passes beginning Wednesday, Sept. 23. Each car can reserve up to six treat bags while purchasing car passes.

FONZ members: $45 per car pass
Non-members: $55 per car pass

Fall bucket list

Fall is just around the corner which will welcomes even more opportunities to be with your family while also being outdoors. We invite you to click the links below to gather more info as well as add to our bucket list in the comments!

Apple + pumpkin picking
Haunted house at American Plant (River Road location)
Fall festival
Volunteer opportunities
National Arboretum
Fall foliage
Hikes

Fall festivals, farms, orchards and events in and around Washington, DC

It’s that time of year when the weather is beginning to cool, fun fall outfits await, PSL’s are back and kids are hoping to start jumping in leaves soon. It also means making memories at local apple orchards, fall festivals and picking pumpkins. Be sure to check websites as protocols have certainly changed this year. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
In the past there have been so many attractions including; a twisted pumpkin corn maze, corn box, hayrides, straw maze, corn hole, giant slides, pumpkin coach, jump in the hayloft, visit barnyard buddies, pumpkinland, pedal tractors, playground, pumpkin cannon, pony rides, face painting, kids crafts, pick your own pumpkins, festival food and a farm market as you exit the Orchard. More info to come soon on their website. Children under 24 months are free. September 26 & 27 $13.00/person October 3 & 4 $13.00/person Peak Dates October 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, 25 $15.00/person. October 31 $13.00/person. Nov 1 last call for fall $13.00/person. Cash only at gate.  ATM on site or purchase tickets at the market with your Visa or MasterCard.

Winterbrook Farms (13001 Creagerstown Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788)
Visit September 26-November 1 from 11:00am-6:00pm to visit the Fall Festival.  They are a 4th generation family farm that has been offering a fall festival for over 20 years! There is something fun for all ages at the farm with over 25 activities to enjoy. With over 9 acres of 20+ different varieties and colors of U-Pick Pumpkins, free Hay rides, Maryland’s Largest Corn Maze, an interactive farm animal area, a Pumpkin Jump Pillow, Mini Beeline Ziplines, Round Bale Rollers, Giant Corn box, Apple Cannons & much more! Also to enjoy, Freshly made Apple Cider Donuts, Local Apple Cider, Kettle Corn, Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, Delicious BBQ & more! NEW for 2020! A Farm Market full of fall decor and goods to take home from the farm. Click here for COVID-19 protocols.

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Ln. Frederick, MD 21703)
Open in the Fall each year with an old-fashioned Fall Festival from September 19–Nov 8. Purchase tickets here. The farm features a 12 acre corn maze, pumpkin patch, more than 45 activities, live weekend music, fireworks, finger-lickin’ good food and lots more!

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, MD 20837)
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, live animals to see and browse market goodies such as apple cider, mums and honey.

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open through the first Sunday in November, closed on Mondays. On Saturdays and Sundays in late September and October, they offer hayrides during the day which fords the stream, goes through the woods and includes a stop at the pumpkin field where everyone selects their favorite pumpkin. The straw maze, built with over 1000 bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The boo barn is designed for children ages 4–6. It is a dark passage in the bottom of the red barn and is filled with animated, not too scary ghosts and goblins. Apple fritters and food trucks weekends in October.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Open through November 3, Tuesday-Sunday. Purchase tickets here. Petting farm animals, hayrides, cow train rides, pony rides, birthday parties, educational tours, enchanted pine tree forest, special weekend events, enchanted forest attractions (from an old theme park) and fall season pumpkin patch.

Gaver Farm (5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy, MD 21771)
September 4–November 3, 2020 is the fall season at Gaver Farm featuring a farm market, pick your own pumpkins and sunflowers, farm fresh food and Fall Fun Days! Tickets are required for Fall Fun Days daily admission and can be purchased here. If you are visiting the farm for pick your own, hayrides, food stands or the Farm Market, you do not need an admission ticket. These areas of the farm do not required a ticketed wristband for entry.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135)
Open daily for apple picking and corn maze from Sept 1-30. Purchase tickets here. Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival is from September 28-October 31 & Pumpkin Chunkin taking place November 1-3. Celebrate with tastings of this season’s best ciders and demonstrations of antique cider press. Pick your pumpkins and apples, fire pumpkins from a cannon, enjoy cider donuts, get lost in a corn maze and visit with the pumpkin princess while at the pumpkin harvest festival.

Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175)
Pumpkin Village is open September 19-November 3. Purchase tickets here. There is also a Halloween costume contest on Oct. 31. Enjoy the giant hill slides, hay wagon rides, pet and feed animals, free apple and cider snack with admission, free mini-pumpkin, kids maze and live entertainment, pedal carts, bounce pillow and live music. Specials on weekends include camel rides and live entertainment.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville, VA 22611)
Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday’s from September 26-November 1. Whether you are head there to find the perfect pumpkin for carving Jack-o-lanterns, to find your way through the 10-acre corn maze, or to take in the scenery of their grounds while the kids enjoy all of our activities, Wayside Farm has something for everyone!

Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, VA 20152)
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA 20120)
CLOSED FOR THE SEASON
Visitors can take a self driven hayride and even load up on apple cider donuts and kettle corn to enjoy on the ride.

Readers also recommend:
Montpellier Farm
Weber’s Cider Mill
Pumpkin Playground at Burke Nursery

Festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Virtual September 12-13, 2020
H Street Festival: Virtual the month of September
Fall for Fairfax KidFest: October 2-3, 2020
Frederick Oktoberfest: Carry out & delivery October 3, 2020
Weiner 500 Oktoberfest at the Wharf: October 3, 2020
Barracks Row Fall Festival: Cancelled
Piketoberfest: TBA

Adults only:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest: Tickets coming soon
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Six Flags Fright Fest

Fall classes {virtual & in-person} in and around Washington, DC

Fall classes look a lot different this year! Most of our favorite places however have gone virtual with their classes, while some are in person.

Adventure Theatre:  Join a musical theater class designed for children in grades K-5.

Anna Banana Arts and Crafts:  Offering small group art classes for children ages 4-8.

Bach 2 Rock: Weekly music and movement classes for toddlers.

Brazilian–American Cultural Center: What once offered Capoeira for youth and adults as well as Portuguese language classes, yoga, various types of Brazilian dance, youth art classes and more is now hosting neighborhood learning pods.

Brit-Am Soccer Academy: Small group soccer classes and lessons starting with toddlers and going up to 12th grade.

Children’s Art Studio: Virtual classes for children ages 4-13.

Dance & Gymnastics classes can be found here!

DC Stoddert Soccer: Soccer program starting at age 3 going through high school.

District Dabble Lab: DabbleBox is their newest endeavor. The first box ships out in September. This will be your child’s favorite extracurricular activity! A monthly subscription arts + crafts kit for your child to have a creative outlet and to fulfill the need for art in your child’s life during these isolated times. Plus they will be instructed by Emily via streamed video…it’s just like being in class at the DabbleLab! Find out more here.

Happy Little Art Studio: Join for six weeks of art exploration. Each week you will receive a box of supplies and links to a video with easy to follow instructions. No zooms. No stress. Students can work at their own pace.

Imagination Stage: For 40 years, Imagination Stage has offered programming that inspires youth to grow as artists and innovators. Their virtual arts education is no exception! Coming off of a successfully reimagined summer, they’re excited to bring interactive online classes into the fall semester Registration is now open! Click the search button below to browse online fall class options for all ages.

International School of Music: Offering in-person and virtual music classes.

Kicks are for Kids: Small group soccer classes at various locations.

Miss Amy’s Music Makers: Offering virtual class as well as class at an outdoor park for children under the age of 6.

Red Panda Art Studio: Virtual art class for children ages 1.5 to age 8. All supplies included— and organized by class.

Squash on Fire: Whether you are a beginner or an advanced player, the coaching staff has the talent and experience to help you improve your squash game.

Tinkergarten: Online circle time for families with children ages 0-8. A new Tinkergarten activity from this season’s Creativity curriculum will be revealed in each session, inspiring kids to reconnect with the outdoors and enjoy healthy, playful learning all week long. Each week, parents and caregivers get a how-to guide and see a demonstration of the activity, ask questions and get expert help on how to support their child.

Tunes 4 Tots: Music classes for a variety of ages.

Washington DC JCC: Just because we can’t gather in person doesn’t mean we can’t have some fun with music and movement this fall!  Join us via Zoom for any or all of the live classes listed above.  All ages are welcome, but classes are geared towards the 0-4 year old crowd.  Session registration includes one weekly live class and also access to the recording of that class to watch anytime your kiddo wants. 

Indoor gyms:
My Gym Bethesda & Potomac
BusyBees offering neighborhood learning pods
Gymboree free first month of virtual classes
MoCo Movement offering limited in-person sessions

Related posts:
Yoga with your Bambino
Year-round classes

Don’t know if you want to commit your child to a session of classes? Pearachute allows you to drop-in to various classes, events, camps and they even have vouchers for gift cards. You can use the app to drop-in or make changes to your reservation; most places allow you to cancel your drop-in up to a few hours before the class so if you have a sick child or one who just doesn’t want to go to the class, try again a different day with no penalty.

34+ ways to survive Daylight Savings in and around Washington, DC

Most of us dread that date in Fall that creeps up and turns our strict routine into havoc; Daylight Savings. For parents, it’s a few months where our time spent outdoors comes to a halt and we wonder how to occupy the remainder of the evening (that used to be so sunny) with our children. And contrary to popular belief, the answer is not an earlier bedtime. Let’s be honest, you can only put on an afternoon movie so many times. Here are a few ideas I’ve compiled from readers as well as my own DST adventures to help you get out of the house with your Bambino(s) this Fall & Winter. Don’t forget to check out our Indoor Fun Guide for even more options!  

Ideas for fun outside of your home:

1. Go for a dip at Wilson, Marie Reed or any of DC indoor swimming pools or sign up for swimming lessons at an indoor pool.

2. Bloombars has evening classes, events and performances.

3. Drop by a pet store to observe the animals and maybe see some dogs getting groomed.

4. DC Library holds late afternoon family programs and events. Reserve a room at a public library and have a play date with friends. DC Library is open until 9pm Mon-Thur.

5. Isn’t Target obvious?! (Try not to buy everything).

6. Grab a lane and try for a strike at Pinstripes or Bowlero. Dinner is served alongside bowling. Locations in Georgetown, Rockville & Bethesda.

7. Walk around Union Market, dining and shopping. Politics & Prose is now located here which is a bonus– get lost in a book or two.

8. Hotel lobbies can be fascinating, especially around the holidays. Plus, they have bathrooms and heat.

9. Get creative at Treehouse Atelier, Red Panda Art Studio, District Dabble Lab, Little Loft Art, Anna Banana or All Fired Up.

10. Child’s Play and Politics and Prose can be great places for your kids to check out new toys and books. Child’s Play has many toys out and welcome kids to play with them. Again, try not to buy everything =)

11. Go out to dinner at one of these DC restaurants that offer entertainment for kiddos.

12. Speaking of dinner, there are so many restaurants that offer KIDS EAT FREE throughout the week and weekend.

13. Grab a flashlight and go on an adventure walk. Bonus if you have time to create a scavenger hunt and if not check out these.

14. Check the bus route and take a random ride. All DC Circulator rides are $1. Metro is also a fun option!

15. Fairmont Hotel has a piano and a pretty garden, is fairly tolerant of children climbing up and down the stairs and enjoying the lobby’s holiday decorations.

16. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage has free, daily shows that begin at 6:00pm. Catch the show or just part of it, explore and walk the long foyer and look at the mirrors, ramps, etc. Be sure to take a look at the new addition; REACH. Go outside onto the terrace and watch the cars on the bridge or boats on the water.

17. Lace up those skates and go ice skate! (will update to 2019 soon)

18. Enroll in a winter class (will update to 2019 soon) or playgroup.

19. Dare I say, grocery shop….but my kids love making lists and my youngest loves pushing the cart while I pick up everything she knocks over with said cart. Bonus if you know of a store with a fun kid-car or kid-cart (Giant grocery stores are all I can think of).

20. Go see a movie! Splurge for some popcorn and a late bedtime.

21. Drop into a Pearachute class or event without committing to an entire session.

22. Happy Hour doesn’t have to wait until 5pm….Early dinner or apps (see #11 & #12).

23. Head to a Mall; head to the Apple store, food court or movie theatre. This Mall has a great family area. Chevy Chase Pavilion is a 3-story mall that will keep little kids attention with flashy lights and escalators and even has an underground tunnel that will take you across Wisconsin Ave. to more stores. Of course Tyson’s Corner is the mecca for shoppers but a trek for most of us.

24. Drop-in and play at Lemon Tree on Mondays-Thursdays from 1-5pm!
Register in advance for Open Play.

25. One of these indoor spaces is a great option but check their hours.

Ideas for fun in your home in case you can’t escape:

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s). Get some ideas from Bistro Petite, Tiny Chefs and Together We Cook while you’re looking, sign your Bambino up for a cooking class.

2. Get bath paints or crayons and let your child get artsy and messy in the bath– bonus they can get clean while having fun. Bath bombs are also a hit especially these with surprises inside!

3. Buy this slime kit so you have it on hand! Make your own play doh or slime. While you’re at it, create a sensory box.

4. Arts and crafts can provide endless fun and messes (put your OCD tendencies aside). This is a great starter box that has plenty of supplies.

5. Put on a play, get out that old camcorder and record them– your iPhone will suffice too.

6. Download some educational apps on your device and set a timer.

7. Have your child help organize/fold socks when you’re doing laundry. My littlest loves to “wash” dishes; fill the sing with plenty of soap and give them a sponge or brush and have them wash those dishes that may have piled up.

8. Make a fort, add pillows and blankets and watch a movie, grab a flashlight and/or read stories.

9. Playdates help the time go by, (unless the kids don’t play together) and in that case you’d rather be doing one of the above mentioned activities.

Ultimate guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

October 3-27 (various times): Jack’s Pumpkin Glow
Experience a lovely fall evening by creating memories and treasuring Jack’s Pumpkin Glow with family and friends. Also enjoy our pumpkin patch, live carving demonstrations and tasty fall food & beverages. This pumpkin wonderland is sure to be an unforgettable fall spectacular.

October 4-27: Eye Spy Train at Wheaton & Eye Spy Train at Cabin John Regional Park
All aboard the Cabin John Eye Spy Halloween Train! This “not so scary” train ride is fun for the whole family – it’s all about fun, not fright! Each child will receive an Eye Spy card before boarding the train. As you ride through the woods of Cabin John Regional Park, look all around to find Halloween friends hiding there, and mark them off the Eye Spy card. They’ll also show free Halloween movies inside the Train Station Party Room and have other fun Halloween activities for the kids. Costumes are encouraged! Please bring a canned food donation for your neighbors in need – they’ll donate them to Manna Food Center. Trains will run Fridays from 4 – 6p, and Saturdays and Sundays beginning October 4 and ending October 27, 10a – 6p.

October 10-on: DC Library Halloween events
Modify your search for your local DC Library if you desire.

October 11-31- 6:00pm-10:00pm: Dark Nights & Frightful Heights at Summit Ropes
From October 11 until Halloween night every Friday & Saturday night from 6pm – 10pm Summit Ropes turns into a haunted ropes course.  There will be scavenger hunts and candy. Scary Fun for the whole family.  Limited availability.  BOOK NOW to ensure your spot is reserved. 

October 18-20– 5:30pm-8:30pm: Boo at the Zoo
The spooky season is almost here! Kids can go trick-or-treating at the wildest spot in town during Boo at the Zoo. Celebrate Halloween early with more than 40 treat stations, a dance party and kids’ karaoke. This frightfully fun evening is a magical time for the whole family.

October 18, 19, 25 & 26 (various times): Soul Strolls in Congressional Cemetery
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried here through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October – in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of our “Dozen Decent Docents.

October 19-20–9:00am-5:00pm: Fall Harvest Family Days at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon celebrates the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music.

October 20– 2:00pm & 4:00pm: NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular at Kennedy Center
Enjoy spooky fun for the whole family at this annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when our ghoulishly attired musicians perform new and old classics to celebrate Halloween. Nicholas Hersh leads this exciting concert experience, which features music from Harry Potter and more. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Ages 5+

October 25- 3:00-4:00pm or 5:45-6:45pm: My Gym Potomac & My Gym Bethesda Halloween Party
Looking for not too spooky family fun this Halloween season? Find it at My Gym’s Halloween Party! Join us for ghostly games, music, treats, and loads of fun!  Kids can dress up for the party!  Book your spot today! Members $15, Non-Members $20, Siblings get 20% off

October 25– 5:30pm-7:30pm: Hilloween at Eastern Market
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St. Count on moon bounces, hay rides, treats, face painting and many, many costumes.

October 25- 5:30pm-8:30pm: BOOtanica
Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award winning storyteller Gary Loyld present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young telling tales more funny than scary. Space is limited. Register children ages 3–12, parents are free.

October 25- 6:00pm-9:00pm: Not-So-Spooky Parents Night Out at Busy Bees
calling all lil monsters, super heroes, princesses & knights. With Halloween just around the corner, we thought of adding some Not-So-Spooky fun into our Date Night! Bring your kids in costume: they will enjoy some awesome fun in our playscape, have a pizza dinner and Halloween cupcakes & milk for dessert! Your lil’ goblin will be ready for a great night sleep after so much fun! Space is limited, so go on and reserve your spot today. You know you deserve a lil’ break! Bonus: your kids will have a blast, guaranteed!

October 26– 10:00am-1:00pm: Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Get into the Halloween spirit! Explore the Tudor Place garden as the seasons change, and trick or treat throughout the site. Make your own superhero bracers and festive owl decoration. Play traditional outdoor games, enjoy face painting, and paint your own pumpkin to take home. Costumes suggested but not required. 

October 26- 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm: 6th Annual Pumpkin Hunt at Lee-Fendall House
The Lee-Fendall House Annual Halloween Pumpkin Hunt returns to Alexandria! Alexandria’s ghosts and goblins will fill the museum’s garden with hundreds of colorful toy-filled Halloween objects for local children to discover. Other activities include crafts, games, refreshments, spooky stories, and a costume parade. Every participating child will receive a toy pumpkin. All children of elementary school age or younger are eligible to participate in the Halloween Pumpkin Hunt. Older children and adults are welcome to enjoy all other activities. Tickets are available for sale through Eventbrite. Advance tickets are $15 for participating children, and $5 for adults.

October 26- 11:30am-3:00pm: Día de los Muertos Family Day at American Art Museum
Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with SAAM! Enjoy Mexican folk dance performances throughout the day, a live Mariachi band, and face painting! Leave your handmade ofrendas (offerings) including paper marigolds, calaveras (skull masks), and paper monarch butterflies on our beautiful Day of the Dead altar.

October 26–12:00pm-5:30pm: Air and Scare at National Air and Space Museum (Virginia Location)
Explore the spooky side of air and space at Air & Scare, our annual Halloween event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating.

October 26-12:00pm-2:00pm: Spooktacular Family Day Piano Show
Need an excuse to dress up? Nope, we didn’t think so. But…. don’t miss an afternoon Halloween party that’s not to be missed. Come down to the National Harbor for some serious FUN! They will combine 2 hours of all request live music with a costume contest, a lunch buffet, fountain drinks, and of course encouragement of singing along and wiggling in your seats!

October 26– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Fall Fest at Market Commons
Pumpkin decorating, family photos, kids’ crafts & activities, tricks & treats, dog costume contest and more.

October 26– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Glen Echo Park Partnership’s annual Halloween-themed family event. It’s open to the public, and visitors of all ages are invited to the Park to explore the arts through hands-on crafts, Halloween activities, trick-or-treating and visiting open studios. It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! See schedule of events online. The Halloween celebration will conclude with a costume parade through the Park at 3:30pm.

October 26– 2:00pm-6:00pm: Pumpkin Rock n Roll at Warner Circle Park
The park will be transformed into a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Participate in a fun costume contest and parade, and enjoy family-friendly attractions including festival-style musical performances, food trucks, inflatable rides and slides and a rock wall. The main event is a derby race of Halloween pumpkins-turned-boxcars! Admission is free.

October 26- 2:00pm-5:00: Día de Los Muertos at District Wharf
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf. We’re taking over Pearl Street for a memorable afternoon with live music by La Unica, beer stations, street food, a photobooth, and more. Want to get creative yourself? Decorate a sugar skull or get your face painted. Plus, we’re giving out prizes for the best self-painted faces. 

SOLD OUT October 26– 3:30pm-6:30pm: Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft in this unforgettable evening. Come and see wool carding, spinning, and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. In order to burn off all the extra excitement, try 18th-century dancing in the upper garden. Historic chocolate-making demonstrations and chocolate tastings will take place. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begin at 5 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes! Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon takes place rain or shine. Purchase Tickets.

October 26– 4:00pm-8:00pm: Haunted Garage and Day of the Dead Festival at Oyster Adams Bilingual School
Join for a walk through the haunted garage and for traditional Day of the Dead activities such as decorating sugar skulls. Wear your costumes. There will be an inflatable obstacle course, pumpkin painting, spooky cake contest and a fortune teller.

October 26- 4:00pm-8:30pm: Pumpkins in the Park + Free Screening of Hocus Pocus
Pumpkins in the Park is back for its sixth year with a cauldron full of spooky new surprises! The Capitol Riverfront BID has brewed up an evening of wicked good times that are sure to have mischief-makers of all ages howlin’ at the moon. Bring your little monsters out to decorate their own pumpkins, play in the moon bounce, and get their faces painted (all for free)! For the kids-at-heart: come make insta-worthy leaf wreaths, enjoy beer, wine, and cider (for purchase), and get your cards read by a real life fortune teller! At the witching hour (6:00 pm), hop on your brooms and head across the street to catch a free screening of Hocus Pocus in the North Block. And for an extra treat, some bites will be available for purchase courtesy of Smorgasburg DC!

October 26– 6:30pm-7:30pm & 7:30pm-8:30pm: BOO-stravaganzaat Frying Pan Park
Celebrate the Halloween season with this variety event at Frying Pan Farm Park. This year, the event is outside at the Kidwell Farm. Attendees enjoy a variety of themed games, go trick-or-treating to animals, and enjoy a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag for the road.

October 27 & 28 (various times): Witches & Wizards at B&O Railroad
Young witches and wizards can head to the B&O because wizarding school is now in session! Learn simple science in potions class and explore the history of railroading in our “magical objects” display! Grow your own plant buddy in herbology class plus run through our magical maze to enter a raffle to win a railroading storybook and a free cone card from The Charmery! All of this and more awaits you at Witches & Wizards weekend!

October 27– 1:00pm-4:00pm: Harbor Halloween
Bring kids 12 and under to this free event with Trick-or-treating, National Harbor chefs pumpkin carving contest, movie Hocus Pocus, and more!

October 27- 2:00pm: 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade
Don your best Halloween costume and march in the 23rd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade, which historically has attracted thousands of participants. Awards will be given for best pet costume, best decorated business, best decorated home, and best decorated stroller. Awards will be presented in a brief ceremony after the parade, along with refreshments and goodie bags for the children. Adults, children and dogs are all welcome to join and for free. Goodie bags for children are handed out. There is live musical entertainment provided by Mars Rodeo. There will be Goblin Games and activities for the children.

October 27- 3:00pm-5:00pm: Not So Spooky Halloween Party at Busy Bees Fairfax
Dress up in your awesome costume & join us for our  “Not So Spooky Halloween Bash!” There will be unparalleled fun in the playscape, followed by a lil’ parade leading us to a party room, where each child will try their hand at becoming the next great baker: Cake Time! will be teaching how to decorate your very own SPOOKTACULAR cupcakes! One FREE birthday party to the BEST FAMILY COSTUME!

October 27- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Annual Halloween Parade in Sherman Circle
Rain or shine! Sherman Circle, NW

October 31-10:00am-2:00pm: Fall Festival at Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
Bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy free Halloween festivities including: hay bale maze, face painting, pumpkin decorating with Blick, candy giveaways, costumed characters, DC Public Library Book Bike, music, food vendors, and so much more! Bring your family, friends and co-workers to enjoy free fall festivities in downtown DC.

October 31– 4:00pm-6:00pm: Spooktacular Trick or Treat along Connecticut Ave
Sponsored by the businesses along the Avenue. Kids can safely walk up the street “trick-or-treating” as the businesses are set-up outside. Starting at Livingston St and going up towards Chevy Chase Circle.

October 31- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Pumpkin Painting at the LINE DC
It’s Halloween, and The Cup We All Race 4 is teaming up with artist Kasey O’Boyle for a favorite spooky season activity: pumpkin decorating on the front steps of the LINE DC. All paint and supplies provided. The Cup will be serving up hot apple cider and sweet treats. RSVP required to reserve your pumpkin it’ll be held until 4:30pm before releasing to the ghouls and goblins.

October 31- 4:00pm-6:00pm: Lobby Trick-or-Treating at Brothers And Sisters at the LINE DC
The team at Brothers And Sisters welcomes ghouls and goblins of all ages to the lobby this Halloween: join us for a family-friendly hunt for treats from. Keep your eyes peeled throughout Brothers And Sisters for all manner of Halloween goodies from Pastry Chef Pichet Ong (and maybe a few tricks, too).

October 31- 5:00pm: Ballston Quarter Celebrates Halloween
Halloween is coming to Ballston Quarter! Kids and families are invited to trick-or-treat throughout the mall for fun goodies and special Halloween treats! Favorite movie characters including Spider-Man, Black Panther, Merida, and Wonder Woman, and local mascot Slapshot from the Washington Capitals will also be available for special spooky photos. The evening will be capped off with a showing of Hocus Pocus beginning at dusk in the Plaza, where viewers can enjoy food and drinks from Quarter Market and Ballston Quarter while they watch this favorite throwback movie.

November 1- 6:00pm: The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Kennedy Center
The REACH will transform into Halloween Town with a FREE screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas on a video wall. Plus a Halloween themed dance lesson. Now this is Halloween! With a gorgeous score by Danny Elfman featuring tons of catchy tunes like “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?,” you can’t help but get into the Halloween spirit. Directed by Henry Selick with all the hallmarks of Tim Burton’s legendary films, this stop-motion animated musical is the perfect movie for a night of frights and fun.

November 2 & 3: Smithsonian Sleepovers: Spend a night at the Natural History Museum!

November 2 & 3- 10:30am-5:00pm: Día de los Muertos Weekend Festival at National Museum of the American Indian
Artist Lilia Ramirez (Nahua) will create an interactive mural featuring La Catrina, one of the most iconic images drawn by Mexican illustrator and printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada. Visitors can honor your loved ones by making paper marigolds, the bright flowers that decorate family ofrendas (altars) set up for the Day of the Dead. The Day of the Dead is a festival celebrated by people in Mexico, parts of Central and South America, and many Latino communities across the United States as a way to honor family and friends who have passed away.

2019 guide to Fall festivals, farms and orchards in and around Washington, DC

Date Nights:

October 21- 6:00pm-9:00pm: Boos & Brews at National Building Museum
Join the National Building Museum for an evening to eat, drink, and be scary! Boos & Brews will feature scary ghost tours around the famous landmark, a costume contest, a monster mash-up of songs by DJ EPX, games, devilishly delicious food, and wicked good beer from various breweries including Port City and Right Proper.

October 25- 7:00pm-10:30pm: Night of the Living Zoo
A dark carnival is approaching … and will arrive for Friends of the National Zoo’s annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo. The Smithsonian’s National Zoo, ghouls and goblins will enjoy craft beer, fare from popular D.C. food trucks, a DJ dance party, a spooktacular costume competition, hosted by Science on Tap, and more. It’s a wicked night of fun that would be scary to miss!

October 25-26 & November 1 & 2- 7:30, 8:30, and 9:30pm: Grief and Ghost Tour at Lee Fendall House
Celebrate Halloween with a look at Victorian mourning traditions coupled with stories of tragic deaths and mysterious occurrences at the Lee-Fendall House. Customs such as draping the mirrors after a death, funeral practices, hair jewelry, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark. Tickets are $10 through Eventbrite. These tours frequently sell out so the purchase of tickets in advance is strongly recommended. 

October 29- 7:00pm-10:00pm: 17th Street High Heel Race in DuPont Circle
The High Heel Race is one of Washington, DC most unique events with a rich history of “Crossing The Line Since 1986”. On the Tuesday before Halloween, thousands of spectators pack the Dupont Circle Neighborhood to watch hundreds of costumed drag queens show off their extravagant outfits and race down Historic 17th Street, NW.

Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Shocktober
Six Flags Fright Fest

Family friendly events at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

Listed below are some great events being held by the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute through December. Being a member of the zoo has great perks so check that out as well; it would make a great gift too!

What: Ticketed event: “Conservation Discovery Day”
When: Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian Conservation and Biology Institute: 1500 Remount Rd. Front Royal, VA

Details: Designed for sixth-graders to under-grads, Conservation Discovery Day at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute includes hands-on activities, research demonstrations and TED-style presentations on hot topics in conservation. Career panel discussions with conservation biologists, field ecologists, research scientists, veterinarians and animal keepers will open doors and minds to the professional possibilities within the conservation field. Oct. 5 is the one day this one-of-a-kind research facility located in scenic Front Royal, Virginia, is open to the public. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website

What: Ticketed event: “Boo at the Zoo”
When: Friday, October 18 – Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Trick or treating has gone wild at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s annual Halloween celebration: Boo at the Zoo, sponsored by Mars Wrigley Confectionery. This not-so-spooky event, which takes place Oct. 18, 19 and 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., invites visitors to enjoy the Zoo’s festive decorations as they trick-or-treat among 40 stations brimming with tasty goodies. New this year, ghouls and goblins are invited to “boo-gie” at a family-friendly dance party and liven up the atmosphere with some frightfully fun karaoke tunes. Be on the lookout for special Zoo animal encounters throughout the party, as well as meet-and-greets with Frankenpanda and Count Pandula. Guests can enjoy after-hours access to animal houses and exhibits, including Elephant Community Center, Small Mammal House, Reptile Discovery Center, Think Tank, Great Cats and Kids’ Farm. Tickets are $20 for Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) members and $30 for non-members. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: Sloth Day
When: Sunday, October 20, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Celebrate life in the slow lane at Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s sloth-themed Animal Discovery Day, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Small Mammal House. Visitors will have an opportunity to see a southern two-toed sloth up close during special demonstrations, explore sloth-related artifacts, take part in family-friendly activities and learn how they can help save these charming critters in the wild. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Ticketed event: “Night of the Living Zoo”
When: Friday, October 25, 2019 from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: A dark carnival is arriving at Smithsonian’s National Zoo Oct. 25 for Friends of the National Zoo’s (FONZ) annual adults-only Halloween party, Night of the Living Zoo. From 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., ghoulish guests will enjoy a wicked night of fun, including a spooktacular costume contest, amazing oddities, performance artists, a DJ dance party, craft beer and fare from popular D.C. food trucks. Tickets are $30 for FONZ members and $40 for non-members. Parking passes are sold separately and are $15 for FONZ members and $25 for non-members. Guests must be at least 21 years old and present a valid photo ID. This event will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: Orangutan Caring Day
When: Thursday, November 14 , 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Hang out at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo’s Great Ape House and Think Tank exhibits Nov. 14 in honor of Orangutan Caring Day. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., visitors can watch orangutans enjoy special enrichment items, speak with keepers about what it takes to care for these great apes, and take part in family-friendly games and activities. Zoo staff will also share tips on how visitors can support orangutan conservation efforts in the wild. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: Free event: ZooLights
When: Nov. 29 through Jan. 1 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31)  from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Join the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in celebrating the holidays with its annual free lights festival: ZooLights, powered by Pepco. The Zoo will be illuminated for 31 nights — from Nov. 29 through Jan. 1, 2019 (except Dec. 24, 25 and 31) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Over half-a-million brightly colored environmentally friendly LED lights and animal-shaped displays will transform the Zoo’s trees, walkways and buildings into a dynamic and colorful winter wonderland. ZooLights is hosting its third-annual GRUMP holiday market — a European-style outdoor market featuring the work of local artisans. The market features unique gifts for all ages, from handmade clothing and accessories to artwork, handcrafted toys and sweet treats. GRUMP will be located at the Zoo’s Connecticut Avenue entrance Dec. 6, 7 and 8 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. ZooLights is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website.

What: International Cheetah Day
When: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Smithsonian’s National Zoo: 3001 Connecticut Ave. N.W.

Details: Smithsonian’s National Zoo is spotlighting a charismatic and charming cat Dec. 4: the cheetah! Celebrate International Cheetah Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cheetah Conservation Station, featuring special animal demonstrations and family-friendly activities. Visitors can learn about the fastest animal on four paws from Zoo researchers and chat with keepers about what it takes to care for these cats. The Zoo’s three male cheetahs—Justin, Donnie and Copley—will receive special enrichment throughout the event. This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine. For more information, visit the Zoo’s website

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