Fall – Page 2

12 family-friendly activities to do in October in and around Washington, DC

September 30, 2022

In addition to checking things off our fall bucket list, there are plenty of exciting events happening in October that will allow families to experience Washington, DC. Don’t miss out on a fall favorite– apple and pumpkin picking!

Frederick Oktoberfest Sept. 30 – Oct. 1

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf Sept. 30 – Oct. 2

Master Chef Junior Live! Oct. 7

Creepy climb at Summit Ropes coming October 7th

National Air & Space Museum re-opening Oct. 14

Fall Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park Oct 14-16

Open House at The Kreeger Museum Oct. 16

Jacqueline & Jason’s Block Party Oct 16

Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon Oct 22 – 23

Día de los Muertos at the Wharf Oct. 23

Día de los Muertos Family Day at Smithsonian American Art Museum Oct 29

Order new seasonal treats from Milk Bar. Taking the classic fall favorite, apple cider doughnuts, and remixing it with a uniquely Milk Bar spin, a brand new cake and truffle combo is meant to transport you to your favorite fall memory.

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

September 10, 2022

It’s that time of year when the weather is beginning to cool, cute 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. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!

Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open – November 6
Gaze across the fields dotted with thousands of orange pumpkins, each one waiting to become a jack-o-lantern for your porch. The farm is decorated for Halloween with ghosts and goblins to delight and scare you. The fields are laden with crisp, succulent vegetables. The orchards are bent down with apples. It’s the last harvest to reap before the cold winter sets in. And fall is the perfect time to enjoy a tall glass of freshly squeezed sweet apple cider. Reservations required for pumpkin and evening hayrides. The Straw Maze, built in a confusing pattern with large round bales of straw, is a delightful place to get lost. The Straw Maze is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. The Boo Barn is 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. The Boo Barn is open every day the farm is open in late September and October. Apple fritters and Food trucks on Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Rd., Bluemont, VA 20135)
September 1 – November 7
Open daily for apple picking and corn maze from Sept 1-30. They also have flashlight family nights through the corn maze September 10, 17, 24, 2022. On Saturdays & Sundays, they add in live music, marshmallow roasting, pig races & cider pressing demonstrations. Check out the Zurschmeide Family’s antique 1865 Cider press. Sample freshly pressed cider and see how it used to be produced! Fall Pumpkin Harvest Festival is from October 1-31 & Pumpkin Chunkin taking place November 5-6. Purchase tickets online.

Gaver Farm (5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy, MD 21771)
September 2 – October 31
Enjoy fall on the farm by conquering the twists and turns of the corn maze, bouncing on the jumping pillows, petting and feeding the farm animals and cruising down the giant slides. There are over 60 attractions, appropriate for any age including 2 jumping pillows, Chicken Show, farm animals, mini mazes, playgrounds, duck races, ball games, photo centers and so much more! Purchase tickets online.

Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042)
Open – November 6
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. You can purchase tickets when you arrive.

Homestead Farm (15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville, MD 20837)
Open 7 days a week
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, live animals to see and browse market goodies such as apple cider, mums and honey.

Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Ln. Frederick, MD 21703)
September 17 – October 31
Admission includes 45+ fall fun activities. For a full schedule of special events, visit the Entertainment page. For a complete listing of activities available at Summers Farm, visit the Attractions page.

Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175)
September 17 – November 6
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 Entertainment.

Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA 20120)
September 17 – 18 & then the Fall Festival will be open Thursday through Monday from Sept. 24 through Nov. 7, plus Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The Fall Festival is filled with family-friendly entertainment and TONS of attractions including slides, swings, animals, hayrides and more.

Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
September 24 – October 30
Admission to pick your own pumpkins, hayrides, hilltop hop jump pads, tractor pull, jump in the hayloft, visit barnyard buddies, twisted corn maze, live music on weekends, playground, spiderweb, play in the corn box, straw maze, swoop down the giant slides, corn hole games & pedal tractors. Open Wednesday-Sundays, reservations are highly recommended.

Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville, VA 22611)
September 24 and then open Thursday – Sunday & Columbus Day (Oct 10)
September 24 – October 30, 2022
Watch the pig races, get lost in the maze or sit under the tree, head to the playground or animals and play pumpkin checkers. There is a hay mountain and hayrides too. Get lost in the 10-acre corn maze. This year the maze pays homage to our amazing medical professionals who work to keep us all healthy and safe.

Loudoun Fall Farm Tour
October 15 and 16
Over two dozen locations are part of this exciting tour through rural Virginia.

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

Fall festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: August 27 – October 23
Oktoberfest at The Boro: September 17
H Street Festival: September 17
Oktoberfest at the Wharf: September 30 – October 2
PIKEtoberfest: October 2
Volta Park Fall Festival: October 15
Fall for Fairfax KidFest: TBD
Frederick Oktoberfest: TBD
Barracks Row OctROWberfest: TBD

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

Food:
Order seasonal treats from Milk Bar. Taking the classic fall favorite, apple cider doughnuts, and remixing it with a uniquely Milk Bar spin, a brand new cake and truffle combo is meant to transport you to your favorite fall memory.

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

November 17, 2021

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 Daylight Savings 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 such as yoga and Bollywood for kids.

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.

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, grab dinner and shop. 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, The Loft Collective, 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 laid 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. (updating this soon)

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, DC Students (with Kids Ride Free SmarTrip^® Card) – free to school and school-related activities and children under 5 – free (with paying adult rider). 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 2021 soon)

18. Enroll in a winter class.

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 & Trader Joes grocery stores are the only one I can think of).

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

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

22. 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.

23. Drop-in and play at The Lane.

24. One of these indoor spaces is a great option but check their hours before heading out.

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

1. Bake or cook something with your Bambino(s). Get some ideas or sign up for a class with Tiny Chefs and Together We Cook.

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.

10. Listen to a podcast or subscribe to Pinna.

Fall foliage in and around Washington, DC

November 1, 2021

Smoky Mountain fall foliage prediction map is a helpful guide to ensure you don’t miss those colorful landscapes {anyplace in the US}. Now is the time to head out to see the colors– before we know it they will be gone.

Getaways worth the drive:
Skyline Drive in Virginia offers 75 overlooks

Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia will leave you (get it?!) in awe of the 200,000 acres of scenic countryside traversed by more than 500 miles of trails

Blue Ridge Parkway is 469 miles through Virginia and North Carolina

Deep Creek Lake in Maryland spans over 1800 acres and some readers recommend taking a boat ride to see the foliage

Local areas, closer to home–
Maryland:
Seneca Creek State Park
Cunningham Falls State Park
Sugarloaf Mountain

Virginia:
Three Lakes Park & Nature Center

Washington, DC:
Rock Creek Park
U.S. National Arboretum
C&O Canal

West Virginia:
Harper’s Ferry

Places that have good backdrops for photos:
Georgetown
National Cathedral
Arlington Cemetery
Tidal Basin
National Mall

Day off camps for November 2, 4, 5, 11

October 25, 2021

November 2, 8:30am-3:30pm: The Loft Collective
November 4, 8:30am-3:30pm: The Loft Collective
November 5, 8:30am-3:30pm: The Loft Collective
If your child follows the DCPS traditional school calendar, sign up with us on these upcoming school days off: They’ll have art programming and outside play for grades K-5. See sample schedule and registration info in the link above.

November 2, 8:45am-4:00pm: Nature Up Close: Using Microscopes
November 5, 8:45am-4:00pm: Examining and Mapping Seed Dispersal
November 11, 8:45am-4:00pm: Find Your Niche! Local Food Webs and Ecological Niches
Urban Adventure Squad (UAS) is a Washington, D.C.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit education organization. They support schools and school communities with neighborhood-based, hands-on learning programs that focus on the outdoors. They also offer full-day programs during out-of-school time, such as on professional development days and federal holidays, as well as during school breaks. Location: Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th St. NW

November 2, 9:00am-3:00pm: CityDance
November 5, 9:00am-3:00pm: CityDance
November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: CityDance
No School Day Camps for Pre-K through 2nd graders. Have a fun day dancing, crafting and learning a little dance appreciation. A capacity is 15 students. Virtual camp is an option as is aftercare.

November 2, 9:00am-3:00pm: Mini Camp at Hoop ED
November 5, 9:00am-3:00pm: Mini Camp at Hoop ED
November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: Mini Camp at Hoop ED
Sports overload for girls and boys ages 5–13 with option for after care. Various locations.

November 2, 9:00am-3:00pm: Soccer camp with DC Way
November 5, 9:00am-3:00pm: Soccer camp with DC Way
November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: Soccer camp with DC Way
DC Way is excited to start One Day Camps every Wednesday, short holidays, and most teacher workdays during your child’s day off of school! DC Way’s camps provide a fun, positive, safe, and competitive environment for all players. Their philosophy is that players learn best when they are having fun. They use simple and engaging games to challenge players and teach them essential skills. They develop both physical and cognitive skills through fast-paced fun drills and games.

November 4, 9:30am-3:00pm: Guitar & Ukulele with the National Conservatory of Arts
November 5, 9:30am-3:00pm: Guitar & Ukulele with the National Conservatory of Arts
Offering year around music and art camps for ages 6 thru 14, the National Conservatory of Arts has no-school/out of school camps, winter camps, and spring break camps. Camps feature real music instruction, as well as arts and crafts.

November 4, 8:45am-5:00pm: Audubon Naturalist Society
Do you want your children to be outside in nature learning and having fun on their day off from school? Then send them to School’s Out Camp! They’ll explore the Woodend Nature Sanctuary, get muddy in the pond, build forts, and play games. REGISTER HERE for Days Off Camps for grades K-5.

November 4, 8:30am-4:30pm: Silver Stars Gymnastics
Gymnastics camp is appropriate for the beginner, intermediate and advanced gymnast.

November 5, 9:00am-3:00pm: CREATE Arts Center
November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: CREATE Arts Center
Campers spend the day working on a variety of art projects, including painting, drawing, sculpture, collage, and more!

November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: DC Soccer Club (formerly known as DC Stoddert)
Camp will be run by professional soccer coaches who focus on creative dribbling and attacking, shooting, defending with confidence, and physical fitness. Veterans Day Camp is open to players in 1st through 6th grade with all levels of experience. It will be held at Alice Deal Middle School with both half-day and full-day options available.

November 11, 9:30am-1:30pm: Red Panda Art Studio
School is out, art is on! Join us on 11/11 for an all outdoors magical creatures-inspired art workshop at Westmoreland Hills Park! They will have access to the Little House for bathroom use. Workshop is weather dependent. Masks are required and distancing procedures will be in place. Ages 5-10.

November 11, 9:00am-3:00pm: The Lane
Schools closed for Veterans Day but The Lane is open! If you still need to work, they’ve got you covered. Send them to The Lane for a full day of fun including open play and structured activities. Kids must be potty trained to participate. Please send lunch, snack and a water bottle. Masks are required, as always. Sign up here.

DIY Halloween crafts and experiments from Kiwi Co

October 18, 2021

You’ve seen us post several times about our love for Kiwi Co and the amazing boxes we have ordered. Recently a new theme was added to their selections; cooking! Kids can unlock the science of cooking to help kids gain confidence in the kitchen with family-friendly recipes and hands-on STEAM activities. You can order just one box and see which line you like best or subscribe to receive one each month. Boxes range from exciting STEM crafts to a doodle crate and everything in between. I love saving our Kiwi boxes for rainy or cold days to keep the Bambinos entertained and learning. A few crates my kids have loved are soap making and creating a paint pendulum as well as the Atlas crate where they learned about other cultures. You can save $10 by using this link to place an order.

Check out these fun 15 at-home ideas for making Halloween crafts & experiments. My kids are eager to make the leaky pumpkin and spider launcher. Extend the at-home crafts with these fall ideas too! There are plenty of Halloween

Related post:
Halloween guide
Subscription boxes for children
Fall foliage

Holidays at the B&O Railroad Museum

October 14, 2021

The spooky season is upon us and to celebrate, the B&O Railroad Museum has lots of fun family events planned. Keep reading because there is a winter event you can plan ahead for now, that always sells out!

Maryland STEM Festival: Railroad Bridge Engineering Workshop: October 15 from 1:00pm – 2:00pm
As part of the Maryland STEM Festival, the Museum is offering a special educational workshop for kids & families! In this workshop, participants will learn what it takes to be a railroad bridge engineer by designing and building a railroad bridge that will be able to withstand the weight of a train car. This workshop is included with regular Museum Admission, and participants are welcome to drop in any time from 1-2 PM!

Tails on the Rails: October 16 from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Welcoming four-legged friends to the B&O! Dogs will have a blast during this afternoon of exploration and play at the B&O Railroad Museum — and don’t worry, there are plenty of treats for owners too! Hit up a photo booth, including props, to take pictures with your pups that you’ll cherish forever, take a train ride to a puppy play date at Carroll Park, and finish off the day with a Yappy Hour under the B&O’s spacious outdoor pavilion! Tickets include one free beer or wine during Yappy Hour! 2-2:45 PM: Take pictures at Photo Station with props, 2:45 PM: Owners and dogs board train for train ride, 3:15-3:35 PM: Puppy Playdate at Carroll Park, 3:45 PM: Train Ride back to the B&O, 4-6 PM: Yappy Hour.

Pumpkin Patch Express: Beginning October 17 through October 30
Take a Halloween-decorated train ride out to the B&O’s pumpkin patch, located at the site of the First Mile Stable, kids will select a pumpkin, tour the stable and meet the horses. After returning to the B&O, kid’s will decorate their pumpkins, play carnival games, win prizes, enjoy a fall snack, and receive tokens to use on our children’s rides.

Halloween Toddler Time: October 21, 2021
Celebrate Halloween with the B&O! Enjoy spooky story time and a trick-or-treating parade. Costumes encouraged! Story: The Spooky Express Maryland by Eric James Activity: Trick-or-Treating

Plan ahead:

The Polar Express Train Ride: November 19-21, 26-28 & December 2-5,10-12
Cold weather may be just around the corner, but so is The Polar Express! Don’t miss out on the journey of a lifetime as scenes from this celebrated holiday classic come to life before your very eyes! The conductor will punch your golden tickets and make sure you make it to The North Pole right on time, but not before you’ve enjoyed hot chocolate, cookies, and receiving the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus himself!

About the B&O Railroad Museum:
The B&O Railroad Museum, a full affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of American railroading and its impact on American society, culture and economy. The Museum is home to the oldest, most comprehensive collection of railroad artifacts in the Western Hemisphere including an unparalleled roster of 19th and 20th century railroad equipment. The 40-acre historic site is regarded as the birthplace of American Railroading and includes the 1851 Mt. Clare Station, the 1884 Baldwin Roundhouse and first mile of commercial railroad track in America. In 2019, the Museum welcomed guests from all 50 states and 40 countries. For further information on the B&O Railroad Museum, please call 410-752-2490 or visit here.

Ultimate guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

October 13, 2021

We have it all– dogs parades, date nights including frights and of course family-friendly Halloween events! If you are looking for orchards and fall festivals you can find that here. We have been crossing off items from our fall bucket list and hope you are starting to enjoy the fun that comes with fall too.

Halloween and fall events:
Creepy Climb at Summit Ropes: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October
Special Halloween Night Event Sunday October 31 and BONUS Days just added for November 1 & 2. Over 120-HAUNTED obstacles and special effects. 1-hour or 2-hr Passes available with a 15-min Harnessing & Training session.

DC Party Box: spooktacular drive-in movies through October 31

Movies on the Potomac: Featuring Halloween favorites on Sundays through October 31

Witch Wartsmith’s Halloween Spooktacular at The Puppet Co: through October 31

Eye Spy Halloween Trains: through October 31
Saturdays & Sundays in October mean the popular Eye Spy Trains are back for Halloween. Great for families of all ages, Montgomery Parks’ Cabin John Miniature Train and the Wheaton Miniature Train will take a ride through “Trainslyvania.” Purchase tickets for Cabin John’s Eye Spy Trains or Wheaton’s Eye Spy Trains.

Halloween Hunt at The Mansion on O Street: October 14 -31
Have fun searching for Autumn & Halloween themed items found only at The Mansion. They have over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors (yes 70!). They guarantee you can see at least 60 of our legendary rooms — but be warned secret doors are tricky to find — if you find 2 or 3 you are an above average sleuth. Includes self-guided tour through our themed rooms and secret doors.

Soul Strolls: Twighlight Tours at Congressional Cemetery: October 15-16 and October 22-23
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 own. Soul Strolls take place over four nights, October 15-16 and October 22-23. Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 10 pm.

Halloween Toddler Time at B&O Railroad: October 17, 22, 23, 24, 20, 30 & 31
Take a Halloween-decorated train ride out to the B&O’s pumpkin patch, located at the site of the First Mile Stable. After choosing their pumpkin, touring the stable, and meeting the horses, kids will take the train back to the B&O, where they can decorate their pumpkins, play carnival games, win prizes, enjoy a fall snack, receive tokens to use on our children’s rides! Trains are boarded 15 minutes prior to train ride time, so it is recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes early.

Mystery Mansion: October 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and 31
A ten-room haunted house packed with chills, thrills, and a smidge of Maryland history, Mystery Mansion has scares that are just right for younger children. This is a 100% “No Contact” haunted house! Older students and adults will enjoy the stories, special effects, and devious characters. If you are 10 years or older (no exceptions) you can visit The Crypt, a slightly scarier experience for those who dare. Before and after Mystery Mansion, enjoy Bonfire Bash! Bonfire Bash is a Fall Festival with fire pits, Halloween movies, live entertainment, food, beer & wine, face painting, and s’mores! Mystery Mansion & Bonfire Bash take place at 7931 Connecticut Avenue, one mile inside the beltway. Free parking is available behind the club house. Tickets are available now on the web site. Plan ahead and enjoy Mystery Mansion!

Halloween Festival at Confetti: October 22 & 23 from 5:00pm-8:00pm
It’s spooky season and the party is brewing at Confetti! Get your child’s costume ready – they’re launching a series of community holiday parties with a fun filled Halloween Extravaganza! Kids will enjoy an evening full of creating memories with friends, sugar cookie decorating, pizza and spooky snacks (enjoyed outside), age-appropriate Halloween games, a costume contest, and a glow-in-the dark dance party. Costumes are strongly encouraged! This drop-off event has two sessions, one for ages 6+ and one for ages 10+.

DPR Halloween Events: October 22-30
Movies, haunted houses, trick or treating and more!

Barracks Row OctROWberfest: October 23
Come out to support our local businesses this October to celebrate Munich-style. Join for live music from a traditional Oompah band and more fun.

Halloween in the Garden: October 23 from 10:00am-4:00pm
Join for a family-friendly Halloween festival at the beautiful 30 acre park. With timed-entry tickets and activities spread out across the park, there will be lots of room for everyone. More than 50 local businesses and organizations will be there handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more! Dress up the whole family and come enjoy a spooktakular day at Annmarie! THIS IS A MASK-ON EVENT; masks are required for all guests over the age of 2. Click here for detailed event and safety information and register in advance.

Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon: October 23 & 24
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon. Explore the Farm. Meet General Washington. Purchase food freshly made in an 18th-century-style oven. Watch an 18th-century cooking demonstration. Visit with the colonial surveyors to see how surveying was done. Witness an 18th-century Cooper and Wheelwright perform their craft. See how horseshoeing was performed in the 18th century with the Farrier. Watch 18th-century spinning demonstrations. Learn about 18th-century textiles and how they were dyed.

Día de los Muertos at the Wharf: October 24 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
Celebrate the Day of the Dead at The Wharf with live music, street food, a beer garden, face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more to District Pier in partnership with Modelo and Fiesta DC. Plus, they will be giving out prizes for most authentic outfit!

Mask making at The Loft Collective: October 24 at 3:00pm or 4:00pm
They’ll supply the basic mask, fur and feathers, paint and pastels, glitter and glue. You bring your ideas! Ages 4-10, parent attendance encouraged with younger children. COVID safety policies in effect: please pre-register so we can manage numbers, and masks are required indoors at all times.

34th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race: October 26 from 6:30pm-9:00pm
You’re invited to join Mayor Muriel Bowser and The Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs for the District’s 34th Annual 17th Street High Heel Race hosted the Tuesday before Halloween. The High Heel Race is one of DC’s most unique events with a rich history. Join in as thousands of spectators pack the Dupont Circle Neighborhood to watch hundreds of costumed drag queens show off their extravagant outfits & race down 17th Street, NW. The event will be lively with entertainment, a parade, and much more! Parade Begins: 6:30 p.m Race Time: Begins at 9:00 p.m

Bethesda Row Trick or Treat: October 27 from 5:00pm-7:00pm
Bring your ghosts and goblins for an evening of fun, treats, bites and retail scare-apy. Tickets are required per child (not adult) and all proceeds go directly to Manna Food Center

Glow in the Park: October 29 & 30
Glow in the Park at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is available on select dates but some are sold out. 2 hours of climbing & ziplining, additional 40 minutes for the initial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.

Story Pirates Halloween Party and Costume Contest: October 29 at 3:30pm
Creator Campers are hard at work this month creating the New Halloween City, and you’re invited to visit during our FREE virtual Halloween party on October 29th! Wear your costumes for our Zoom parade and see what costumes the Story Pirates are wearing while we play games and celebrate at the silliest Halloween party there is! You can join at 3:30pm.

Hill-O-Ween: October 29 from 5:30pm-7:30pm
Capitol Hill celebrates Halloween as a community each year in front of Eastern Market on 7th St.

Spooktacular at Color Burst Park: October 29 from 6:00pm-8:30pm
For one evening, The Merriweather District will be transformed into a festive Halloween space for the whole family to enjoy! Some of the Spook – tivities will include: Pick your own pumpkin at our very own pumpkin patch and give it a spooky makeover. Trick-or-Treat around Color Burst Park. Enjoy a Halloween themed movie night featuring Hocus Pocus complete with popcorn and candy. Costumes are highly encouraged! This event is free and family-friendly. Bring your picnic blanket and snacks to enjoy movie night.

Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House: October 30 from 10:00am-3:00pm
Enjoy some seasonal family fun in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during the Fall Frolic! Put on your Halloween costumes and join for activities catered to children ages 3-12. Activities include a “ghost” hunt, crafts, and a costume parade. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance.

Haunted Halloween Hunt at Tudor Place: October 30 from 10:00am-11:00am
Experience Halloween at Tudor Place with a spooky one-of-a-kind scavenger hunt. Wear your costume and come with your friends and family. Create a creepy craft to take home, then explore the garden to discover bats, spiders and other outdoor Halloween secrets. Scavenger hunt finishers will receive a special prize. Suggested Ages: 7 – 12 years old. Pre-registration is required. Capacity is limited.

PIKEkids Trick-or-Treating: October 30 from 10:00am-12:00pm
PikeKIDS annual Trick or Treat is back! Bring your little ones for a fun morning of Trick or Treating around the neighborhood and stay for brunch. Tickets required and all proceeds benefit Manna Food Center.

Air & Scare at Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center: October 30 from 10:00am-5:00pm
Air & Scare Outside will feature: Trick or treat stations with free candy and snacks. Creepy crafts, spooky experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities for family members of all ages. Special story times and puppet shows for the youngest Halloween revelers. Photo opportunities with your favorite Star Wars characters. This year many of our Star Wars friends can also be visited at activity stations. A chance to enter a costume contest to win sweet prizes (get all the details and rules). Can’t join the fun in person? Check out the Air & Scare at Home virtual activities.

Día de los Muertos Virtual Family Program: October 30 from 11:00am-12:00pm
The National Postal Museum is delighted to collaborate with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) to create a virtual family program that celebrates Day of the Dead | Día de los Muertos. The United States Postal Service (USPS) is issuing its first-ever Día de los Muertos stamps in 2021, and these Smithsonian museums are commemorating this special issue by bringing unique educational content to a virtual audience. This program includes an author reading of Dia de los Muertos by Roseanne Greenfield Thong. Educational staff from the Postal Museum and NMAI will lead the audience through some special connections between the book, the holiday, and their collections, and the program will conclude with a craft demonstration. This program is recommended for ages 3-7 but all are welcome!

BlackRock Center for Arts Lil Pumpkins Festival: October 30 from 11:00am-6:00pm
Explore, celebrate and engage in the arts at BlackRock with a day of spooktacular celebration of family programming with free pumpkins, improv workshops, exhibits, trick-or-treating, visual arts, haunted hip-hop, The Rocky Horror Picture Show beginning at 11:00am. From 2:00 – 6:00pm Lil’ pumpkin festival: free pumpkins for ages 11 and under, photo booth (Time TBD), Lil’ pumpkin painting, and Mommy Daddy beer garden! From 2:00 – 5:00pm – LIL’ pumpkins festival trick or treating at 3:00pm, 4:00 pm, and 5:00pm Lil’ pumpkins festival costume parade. All persons must be masked when entering BlackRock’s facility, and all persons ages above the age of twelve entering the facility must show proof of vaccination.

Nightmare on Elm Street Urban Park: October 30 from 1:00pm-4:00pm
You won’t find Freddy Kreuger here, but come out to Montgomery Parks’ FREE Nightmare on Elm Street Halloween event at Elm Street Urban Park for some spooky, silly fun! This FREE event will feature fun events for the whole family! No registration is required. Bring your appetite, because O’Boy Pizza and Ice Cream will be on-site to provide delicious food, along with a great Halloween disc jockey to get you in the spooky spirit! They will also have a fantastic “Trick or Treat Trails” scavenger hunt, lots of lawn games, and plenty of picnic seating. There will be tons of great Halloween props and decorations for you to snap pictures with.

Trick or Treat at Mount Vernon: October 30 from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. Collect candy in your special Mount Vernon treat bag around the historic grounds. Watch Halloween-themed Punch & Judy shows at 2:30 & 4:00 p.m. on the Bowling Green. Watch and Learn about 18th century magic in the Upper Garden at 3:30 & 5:00 p.m. See an 18th-century chocolate-making demonstration and sample a chocolate treat (while supplies last) in the North Grove. Learn about 18th-century Wool Carding along the South Lane. Watch sparks fly at the Blacksmith Shop. Enjoy musical entertainment on the Bowling Green. Find out about our Hog Island sheep, a breed dating back to Washington’s time, at the Stables.

OFC’s House of Terror and Family Trunk or Treat: October 30 from 5:00pm-10:00pm
The Old Firehouse is transforming the inside of the center into the spookiest, scariest, walk-through experience in McLean. The House of Terror will be divided into two time slots:• No Scares 5–7 p.m.: Participants can walk through the lighted path and view our actors and actresses with no jumps, scares or fears.• All Scares 7:30–10 p.m.: The effects are on, the lights are off, and the actors and actresses are out of sight and ready to surprise. Trunk or Treat: Saturday, Oct. 30, 6–9 p.m. Free for kids of all ages; preregistration is not required. If the House of Terror isn’t your thing, no worries! Outside, the OFC’s Trunk or Treat will have some music, fun and themed vehicles with Halloween candy to share while supplies last.

Halloween Spooktacular: October 30 from 6:00pm-9:00pm
The St. James Halloween Spooktacular is a great way to enjoy a fun-filled, safe Halloween evening. Bring your own blanket for socially-distanced family movie night in The St. James Field House. 6:00-7:00 PM: Trick-or-Treating. Pre-wrapped candy will be distributed with gloves. Masks required for all employees and unvaccinated guests. 6:30 PM: Field House open for blanket set up, food pick-up and candy sorting. 7:00-8:30 PM: Kid friendly movie (TBD) begins in the Field House 8:30-9:00 PM: Costume Contest – (Winner wins a free SAA birthday party!).

DC Party Box: October 30 & 31
DC Party Box is bringing back a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville. Take a drive-thru a spooktacular village with plenty of stops for treats (and tricks) along the way. They’re bringing the thrill to the whole family, with excitement and scares to delight all spook levels. Purchase a “treat” ticket for all individuals in the car that would like candy, and/or purchase a “trick” ticket for all individuals who are just along for the spook of it. EVERYONE in the car must have a ticket and stay in the car.

Rumpus Room Family Dance Party, Halloween Special: October 31 from 11:00am-1:00pm
The Rumpus Room, DC’s only daytime dance party for families, returns for Halloween! This October we’ll be getting (slightly) spooky, outdoors under the sun, so put on your costumes and come dance with us! Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ghosts, goblins, witches, dragons, and pumpkins of all ages. Relive your night-life glory days and show off those rusty moves with your little ones in tow. The soundtrack for the day will be a family-friendly mix of dance floor and Halloween classics, all at a kid-friendly volume.

Laurie Berkner’s Virtual Halloween Concert: October 31 at 12:00pm & 5:00pm
Ready for a spooktacular Halloween experience? Beloved children’s musician Laurie Berkner invites families to stop in for a spell HERE. For double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to both livestreams. For kids who are all dressed up with nowhere to ghost, Laurie’s shows will give the season of costumes, candy, and jack-o’-lanterns a real “BOO-st.” Laurie hopes families will join her in displaying their pumpkins, putting up their Halloween decorations, and getting decked out in their Halloween costume finery.

Spooktacular on Connecticut Avenue: October 31 from 2:00pm-5:00pm
The Chevy Chase Citizens Association is reviving Spooktacular – to be held on Connecticut Avenue in Chevy Chase, DC. Restaurants and store owners will provide goodies for costumed trick-or-treaters.

The Station at Riverdale Park’s: No info
My Gym Halloween Party: No info
Metropolitan Police Department Halloween Safe Haven District Events: No info
Drive thru at the Zoo: Cancelled
Rockville Peekaboo Halloween: Cancelled

Corn mazes:
Liberty Mills Farm
Winterbrook Farm
Summers Farm
Montpelier Farm
Wayside Farm

Date nights:
Grief & Ghost Tours at Lee-Fendall House: October 22 & 23 from 7:00pm-9:00pm
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 mementos, mourning clothing, and séances will be explored. These tours offer a rare opportunity to see the house after dark! Tickets are $15 per person. Tours groups will be limited to 10 participants and tickets must be purchased in advance.

Halloween Hayride & Haunted Bonfire: Oct 23 from 7:30pm-11:30pm
Enjoy a tractor driven hayride in the darkness with demons and devils. You will then gather around a HAUNTED bonfire where you can enjoy roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s’mores (all will be provided and included in the ticket)! Sing songs, play games, tell frightening stories or just socialize and enjoy the stars and the open night air. Other dates and times available.

Adults only:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Six Flags Fright Fest
Shocktober
Laurel’s House of Horror

Pups:
Howl-O-Ween at Gateway’s Interim Dog Park!: October 22 from 3:00pm-7:00pm
The Rosslyn BID and the Rosslyn Dog Owners Group (R-DOGS) are teaming up for a Halloween themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats and fun in celebration of Rosslyn’s new Interim Dog Park at Gateway Park West. Rosslyn’s pet community is invited to enjoy local pet-themed vendors, speakers, a social media dog costume contest and giveaways! Plus, raffle tickets will be sold to help raise funds for the addition of agility features to our dog park!

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration: October 23 from 3:00pm-5:00pm
Hightail it to Hillwood Estate, Museum & Garden with your four-legged friend for some Halloween fun! Inspired by Marjorie Post’s affection for dogs and the memorial dog cemetery she created at Hillwood, we welcome you and your four-legged friend to join us for Halloween fun! Explore the gardens and participate in the annual costume competition. Strut your mutt and size up the other canine contestants.

Hirshhorn Howl-o-ween: October 30 from 9:30am-11:00am
The Hirshhorn is hosting its first-ever dog-friendly event, just in time for Halloween. Join with (or without) your dog for a morning of costumes and coffee in the Hirshhorn’s outdoor Sculpture Garden. Dress up your pup, and if they’re feeling fierce, sign them up to strut their stuff in our furry fashion contest ($25 to register, free for Hirshhorn Insiders) for the chance to win a few special prizes. Local experts District Dogs will be there to keep the dog party going with free activities like peanut butter portraits. This event is open to all ages, and kids are encouraged to join in on the fun with Hirshhorn-inspired creative projects geared toward little artists.

sPETacular Halloween Parade: October 30 at 12:00pm
The Shepherd Park Citizens Association (SPCA) is hosting its First Annual sPETacular Halloween Parade and Costume Contest at Noon at the Parks at Walter Reed proves Halloween is for furbabies too! Prizes are generously donated by One Leg Up Pets, Big Bad Wood Pet Store, and other vendors will be awarded by celebrity judges Carin Ruff of Dog-Friendly Shepherd Park, Vickie Davis of Hines Urban Atlantic, and Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis-George. Register your dog for FREE or come to cheer on your favorites. The event opens at Noon on 10/30/21 at the Parks at Walter Reed Dog Park. Enter at the Butternut gate and please wear a mask.

Halloween Best in Show at The Boro: October 30 from 1:00pm-3:00pm
The Boro, Tyson’s premier destination for luxury urban living in the heart of Northern Virginia, is calling all furry friends to grab their favorite costumes for Best in Show at The Boro! Celebrate the spookiest day of the year with festive treats and activities for the whole family on Hallow’s-eve. Best in Show at The Boro will include a live DJ, themed photo booth, arts-and-crafts, trick-or-treating, and everyone’s favorite lawn games stationed around the park. In the feature event, guests can enter their pups for the ‘Best in Show Costume Contest’ for a chance to win baskets filled with Halloween-themed dog goodies! Owners can then reward their pets at the Bone Bar, a booth offering a festive selection of yummy treats meant for your four-legged friends.

Bark Social Fall Fest & Puppy Parade: October 31 from 11:00am-2:00pm
Fall fest will include activities such as: Duo donut grab with you and your pup, bobbing for apples, ring toss, straw bale pyramid, pumpkin calligraphy, cookie decorating, and much more! There’s something for everyone — you’ll be sure to leave the park with a a bag full of goodies. Silver Branch Brewing and Frankly Vodka will be giving out drinks as well for the adults. Afterwards, get the pups in a row and parade around Pike & Rose. Yes, prizes will definitely be given out to best dressed in three categories: (1) Best buddies joint costume (you + your dog), (2) Best dog costume, and (3) Best group costume (2+ humans and dogs).

Bonus:
Order new seasonal treats from Milk Bar. Taking the classic fall favorite, apple cider doughnuts, and remixing it with a uniquely Milk Bar spin, a brand new cake and truffle combo is meant to transport you to your favorite fall memory.