Sugarloaf Mountain & The Comus Inn
S’mores & bonfire
Fall festivals
Volunteer opportunities
BOO! friends
Pick your own pumpkins
Macy’s Day parade
Corn maze
Costumes
Fall festivals, farms, orchards and events in and around Washington, DC
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. Be sure to check websites as protocols have certainly changed this year, most require advanced reservations. Have a favorite place to add to our list? Let us know in the comments!
Butlers Orchard (22200 Davis Mill Rd., Germantown, MD 20876)
September 25th – October 31
Admission to pick your own pumpkins (pumpkins are $0.69/lb), hayrides, hilltop hop jump pads, tractor pull (NEW in 2021!), 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. For additional fees and weekends only: Pumpkin Cannon, $4.00/shot, October 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, Pony Rides (10:30 am – 4:30 pm), Face Painting, $4.00 and up & Pick Your Own Pumpkins, $.69/lb.
Winterbrook Farms (13001 Creagerstown Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788)
Weekends September 24 – October 31
There is something fun for all ages at this farm with over 25 activities to enjoy. There are 10 acres of 20+ different varieties and colors of U-Pick Pumpkins , Maryland’s LARGEST Corn Maze with over 5 miles of trails , an interactive farm animal area , a pumpkin jump pillow, mini beeline ziplines, round bale rollers, giant corn box, apple cannons & much more! Stop at the Concessions stand for freshly made apple cider donuts, freshly made kettle corn, freshly squeezed lemonade , and delicious BBQ. Pick up some Winterbrook Farms merch, fall decor, and local products at the Farm Market!
Summers Farm (5620 Butterfly Ln. Frederick, MD 21703)
September 18 – 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.
Larriland (2415 Woodbine Rd., Woodbine, MD 21797)
Open – November 7
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.
Clark’s Elioak Farm (10500 State Rte 108 Ellicott City, MD 21042)
September 18 – October 31
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.
Gaver Farm (5501 Detrick Rd., Mount Airy, MD 21771)
September 3 – 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.
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. 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 November 1, 2 6 & 7. Purchase tickets online.
Leesburg Animal Park (19270 James Monroe Hwy., Leesburg, VA 20175)
September 18 – November 2
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. Halloween costume contest on October 31.
Wayside Farm (5273 Harry Byrd Hwy., Berryville, VA 22611)
September 25 – November 7: Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, & Mondays
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.
Ticonderoga Farms (26175 Ticonderoga Rd., Chantilly, VA 20152)
Limited opening September 11 – October 24, Weekends for private reservations only
The activities that will be available are slides, swings and teeter totters, tetherballs, castle, cat dozer, Noah’s Ark play structures, miners sleuth, tot land and pillow.
Cox Farms (15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA 20120)
September 18 – 19 & September 25 – November 7
The Fall Festival is filled with family-friendly entertainment and TONS of attractions including slides, swings, animals, hayrides and more.
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.
The 28th Annual Loudoun Fall Farm Tour
October 16 and 17
Over two dozen locations are part of this exciting tour through rural Virginia. Of these many farms, Hope Flower Farm will be open and inviting guests to wander through the blooming dahlia fields, picnic and take photos on the lovely 25 acre farm.
Readers also recommend:
Montpellier Farm
Weber’s Cider Mill
Pumpkin Playground at Burke Nursery
Festivals:
Maryland Renaissance Festival: Now – October 24
H Street Festival: September 18
Fall for Fairfax KidFest: Cancelled this year
Frederick Oktoberfest: October 1 & 2
Weiner 500 Oktoberfest at the Wharf: October 2
Barracks Row OctROWberfest: October 23
Piketoberfest: TBA
Adults only:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Six Flags Fright Fest
Shocktober
Food:
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.
Volta Park Market & Fall Festival both perfect for families
Volta Park is full of good news and fun events this month. Perhaps you have been to the playground or the pool nestled in the quaint streets of Georgetown at 1555 34th St NW. With summer wrapping up, there is a lot to look forward to this Fall from a new farmers market to an annual fall festival; all perfect for families to enjoy.
Volta Park Market is a farmers market that will offer locally sourced produce and prepared foods, from independent growers and small businesses. The 2021 inaugural season will run from September 10th – December 17th every Friday afternoon from 3:00pm – 6:00 pm. Head to the market and grab dinner with a cold lemonade then enjoy the playground. Or invite a few friends to play basketball or tennis while enjoying a few tasty snacks from the market. Whatever you are craving on Friday, Volta Park Market has you covered.
Volta Park Fall Festival is BACK! Save the date: October 2nd 11:00am to 2:00pm. Bring your family and friends (and a blanket, if you would like to picnic in the park) to enjoy live music, food, carnival games, a bounce house, face painting and more.
Learn more about the rich history of Volta Park here. Please visit their website above for more information about the market as well as information on how to become a vendor. And be sure to follow the park on Instagram where they will have a spotlight for each vendor.
Current farmers market vendors & sponsors:
Georgetown Butcher |
Green Planet Microgreens |
Kinohi Poultry |
Winding Root Farm |
Lei Musubi |
Chef Ewa Creations |
Georgetown Main St |
Little Folks School |
Pickles DC |
Intown Playgroup |
Metropolitan Bakery |
OZFEKA Catering |
Pasta Ilgatto |
Dress It Up Dressing |
The FreshMobile |
Yufka Bakery |
Taim |
The Chinese Street Market |
Ana’s Twist |
Qualia Coffee |
J’aime Madeline |
Grateful Pizza |
Volta Park: 1555 34th St NW Washington, D.C
Thanksgiving books, crafts, games and volunteer opportunities for families
Thanksgiving themed books-
Balloons Over Broadway
Thank You, Sarah: The Woman Who Saved Thanksgiving
How To Catch A Turkey
The Great Thanksgiving Escape
The Story of Pilgrims
Would You Rather? Thanksgiving Edition
Thanksgiving on Thursday: Magic Treehouse
Thanksgiving Activity Book
Crafts & games-
We have added some fun activities and games to our Pinterest page to get your kids thinking about what they are grateful for. Our family will be creating a grateful tree and I love the idea of having them create a handprint runner and decorating it for our dinner on a long sheet of inside out wrapping paper. A few more of my favorites that are on our Pinterest page are:
-Disguise the Turkey
-Thankful Banner
-Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Need last minute Thanksgiving decor? Check out Caravan Shoppe for downloadable (send to a local print shop) interactive decorations!
Volunteer opportunities are a bit different this year but nonetheless more important than ever.
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Where to see fall foliage near Washington, DC
Smoky Mountain fall foliage prediction map is a helpful guide to ensure you don’t miss those colorful landscapes.
Washingtonian outlined some of the dates for us that are in close proximity to Washington, DC- Staunton: October 12, Luray: October 12, Winchester: October 12, Rappahannock County: October 19, Mount Vernon: October 19, Charlottesville: October 19, Shenandoah National Park: October 19, Old Rag Mountain: October 19, Harper’s Ferry: October 26, Great Falls Park: October 26, Frederick: October 26, DC Arboretum: October 26, Rock Creek Park: October 26.
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
Ultimate guide to Halloween and fall in and around Washington, DC
There are many orchards and fall festivals that are adhering to social distancing guidelines for those of you who want to pick a pumpkin or sip warm apple cider this fall. 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. Here are the guidelines DC recommends in regards to Halloween and Día de los Muertos.
Outdoor and drive-in Halloween themed movies:
Park Up DC: child and adult movies
DC Party Box: spooktacular drive-in movies October 9-25
Capitol Riverfront movie series: movies through October 30
Halloween drive-up movie night: October 30
Halloween and fall events:
DC Party Box is aiming to save Halloween 2020 with a contactless drive thru trick or treating Halloween experience in Rockville and drive-in movies, complete with trick-or-treating (get candy and give-aways for the whole family) and interactive exhibits (LED screens, live actors, etc).
Creepy Climb at Summit Ropes: October 10, 17, 24 & 31
Creepy Climb starts this Saturday, October 10th at 6:45pm. Our once a year event will be held every Saturday evening thru October 31st. This is truly a unique experience that combines the ultimate indoor adventure with a low-level light display featuring all of your favorite Halloween haunts! There are only 40 passes available each Saturday, and they are selling out fast! This is an event you don’t want to miss, so click the button below to book your reservation. Your reservation is 75 minutes, which includes training, harnessing and 60 minutes of ropes adventure time. This is only held once a year so Book NOW!
Soul Strolls at Congressional Cemetery: October 16-17 & 23-24
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.” Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes between 6 and 10 pm. Adult tickets are $35; children 12 and under are $15.
Glow in the Park: October 16, 24, 30 & 31
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 intial orientation. Tickets available every 10 minutes starting at 6pm until 8:20pm.
Halloween Toddler Time at B&O Railroad: October 22 at 10:00am
During this special Halloween Toddler Time, all participants enjoy a socially-distant craft at 10 AM and Halloween story time at 10:30 AM in our Roundhouse, followed by a costume parade, with pre-filled goodie bags available for pick-up at the end! Costumes recommended but not required. Event included with admission. Free for B&O Members.Story: Little Blue Truck’s Halloween by Alice Schertle
Drive thru at the Zoo: October 24 & 25 SOLD OUT
Start your engines and prepare for some spooky fun during Boo Drive Thru, sponsored by Mars Wrigley, 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!
Fall Harvest Festival at Mount Vernon: October 24 & 25
Celebrate the crisp autumn season with 18th-century activities & demonstrations at the Farm at Mount Vernon.
Halloween in the Garden: October 24
Join Anne Marie Sculpture Garden for a socially-distanced, low-touch/no-touch day of Halloween fun and games! Working with local health department, they have reconfigured the beloved Halloween event into a family-group based celebration of the fall season. Activities will be spread out across 30 acres, giving families plenty of room to social distance! Dress up, put on your masks, and come enjoy an awesome day of socially-distanced trick-or-treating, low-touch/no-touch games, great photo opps, music, and yummy food and drinks!
Fall Frolic at Lee-Fendall House: October 24
Enjoy some safe and seasonal fun with the family in the garden of the Lee-Fendall House during our Fall Frolic! Put on your Halloween costumes and join for crafts, a ghost hunt, a Trick or Treat walk, and more! Sessions are at 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Timed tickets must be purchased in advance. Only 10 participating children per session, plus accompanying family members, face masks are required.
My Gym Halloween Party: October 24, 30 & 31
Dress up in your favorite costume (and mask!) and join for a 45 minute Halloween-themed circle time, games, a costume parade, and not so spooky fun! They’ve decorated and planned for both In Gym and Outdoor entertainment to make it fun and exciting for the kids as well as safe and comfortable for parents. Every child will leave with a My Gym Halloween Treat! My Gym Potomac – In Gym Events (Up to 9 children/adults) on Oct. 24th 10am and 11am & Oct. 31st 10am and 11am. Outdoor Events: Inverness Recreation Club field: Oct. 24th 3pm and 4pm & Oct. 30th 4pm and 5pm
Virtual Halloween Concert: October 30 at 6:30pm
What do Sharon and Randi and their family do for Halloween during a pandemic? They dress up in costumes and make music together, of course! Fans of all ages are invited to dress up in their Halloween attire and join Sharon and Randi for a very special LIVE virtual show, SKINNAMARINK with Sharon and Randi, Back by Popular Demand!
Trackside Trivia: Halloween Edition at B&O Railroad: October 30
from 6:00-10:00pm
Trackside Trivia returns for a frightfully fun night of spooky trivia, drinks, food, and laughs! Whether you want to scare the competition stiff or just distract them with laughter, costumes are encouraged. We’re even holding a special Halloween themed scavenger hunt to keep you on your toes! Pre-ordered tickets include one free drink.
Hill-O-Ween: October 30 from 5:30-7:30pm
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.
“Halloween Party” LIVE Virtual Family Concerts: October 31 at 12:00pm and 5:00pm
Double the fun, a family ticket grants admission to one or both livestreams! To join in the fun, fans of all ages should plan to grab their superhero capes, their instruments (or noisemakers), their dancin’ shoes, and a stuffed animal (for their heads)! Halloweeny stuffed animals like cats, bats, or even friendly monsters would be great for kids to bring to this show.
The Station at Riverdale Park’s: October 31, from 1:00pm-4:00pm
Join this FREE, family-friendly Halloween event. The Station will be hosting socially-distanced outdoor activities including mini golf, a self-guided photo scavenger hunt, prize raffle, and more! Guests can also enjoy food and drinks from The Station’s retailers including Denizens, District Taco, and more as well as a food truck on-site, and of course, candy.
Rockville Sweet Treat Drive Thru & Car Costume Contest: October 31 from 1:00pm-5:00pm
Join a fun and safe way to Trick-or-Treat in your car while maintaining social distancing. Celebrate this Halloween in style, get the family together and decorate your car in the Halloween spirit and you could win a prize! Children will also be able to take home a goodie bag with Halloween cookie (gluten free), crafts and candy. So, grab your keys, dress up in your favorite costumes, and make your way to the park to collect sweet treats and crafts at fun Halloween stations throughout the parking lot.
Mister G Help Save Halloween virtual concert: October 31 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm
There will be two worldwide virtual concerts from the historic Academy of Music Theatre. Tickets are FREE, but space is limited so sign up here to claim a front row seat in your living room. Each family that reserves their free spot to our Help Save Halloween costume party will also receive a printable activity pack.
Halloween Spooktacular: October 31
Enjoy trick-or-treating, socially-distanced fun and activities, a family-friendly movie, pizza, popcorn and more at 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. Your ticket includes the following: Trick-or-treating (pre-wrapped candy only), Halloween activities and fun (masks required), 1 slice of pizza, 1 bag of popcorn, Spot in the Field House to watch Hotel Transylvania.
Corn mazes:
Liberty Mills Farm– Virginia’s largest corn maze
Winterbrook Farm– Maryland’s largest corn maze
Summers Farm
Montpelier Farm
Wayside Farm
Date nights:
Halloween Hayride & Haunted Bonfire
Enjoy a tractor driven hayride in the darkness with demons and devils. We will then gather around a HAUNTED bonfire where we can enjoy roasting hotdogs, marshmallows and making s’mores (all will be provided and included in the ticket)!
Grief & Ghost Tours at Lee-Fendall House: October 23 & 24, 30 & 31
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 and must be reserved in advance due to limited space. Face masks are required.
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
Field of Screams
Ebe Haunts Trail of Terror
Fields of Fear
Shocktober
Six Flags Fright Fest
Ring in the new school year with ‘Back to The Yards’ giveaway event
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