Beltway Bambinos

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

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

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.

Ultimate guide to Halloween in and around Washington, DC

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 maze at Winterbrook Farm

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.

Weekend picks in and around Washington, DC

We have a post dedicated to July 4th and all of the fun family friendly festivities happening this weekend! Be sure to check it out as it has listed events throughout the weekend.

Holiday weekends are perfect for day trips or local beaches if you aren’t away. You can also head to a pool or splash park to cool off this weekend as there are several in our area including water parks. A favorite meeting place with friends are local breweries with plenty of outdoor space.

Relax | Relate | Release is a three-day explosion of joy and play that brings together the various elements of stress-free gallivanting, and creativity. Powered by three Black women curators, this mini-festival will bring together film, art, literature, movement, and music on The Kennedy Center’s The Reach Plaza.

Head to Bengies Drive-in all weekend long for a double feature Friday-Sunday. The Family Drive-in is also showing family friendly shows all weekend long.

Sixth Outdoors Noyes StoryWalk® Spotlights the Power of Everyday Heroes can be found through July 18. A free craft kit related to 10 Hidden Heroes will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895) on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) for the duration of the StoryWalk® (except in inclement weather). In this fun-filled and inspiring seek-and-find book, New York Times bestselling author and president of Save the Children Action Network Mark K. Shriver highlights the various ways children and adults can be real-life heroes in their everyday lives. Children learn to count the individual heroes who shine a light on the importance of helping others, whether it’s through teaching, caring for animals, protecting the environment, or keeping others from harm. 

Step right up! Universoul Circus is at National Harbor this summer.

Friday

7:30pm: The Drive-In at Union Market: Wonder Woman 1984
Roll down the windows, feel that summer breeze and turn up the radio because the 9th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of six movies will launch the first Friday of every month through October 1. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 125 parking spaces have been reserved.

Saturday

5:30pm: DC United vs Toronto at Audi Field
Cheer on the home team!

7:00pm: Drive-In Movies at the Pfitz: National Treasure
A summer tradition, load up the car and hit the road.

Sunday

12:00pm-10:00pm: A Victura Park Celebration at the REACH!
For the first time ever, Victura Park is hosting a July 4th celebration with food, drinks, and yes, the most amazing view of the fireworks! From this location alongside the Potomac River at the REACH, guests will have a spectacular vantage point and an unforgettable experience of the Independence Day fireworks celebration. Friends and family can spend the day at the winery-inspired park with picnic and café tables and enjoy snacks and delicious treats from various refreshment stations set up around the park. Grilled items, frozen desserts, and a special offering by chef Erik Bruner-Yang will all be available throughout the day.

Sign Up:
Apple Camp
DC Library Summer Reading Program
Camp Khan Kids

Recent posts:
Indoor/Outdoor summer toys
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

Fourth of July 2021 fireworks, music and parades in and around Washington, DC

Have a safe and fun Independence Day celebrating in the most perfect place; the Nation’s Capital if you are in town! Before planning your patriotic weekend, make sure to decorate your home, yard and have on hand fun supplies, party favors, tattoos and flags for the Bambinos.

All weekend-

4th of July Weekend Celebration in Annapolis
Celebrate all weekend long as the City of Annapolis welcomes back residents and visitors for three days (July 2-4) of citywide events. From live music and salsa dancing to historic tours and fireworks – the City is reopening with a bang!
Saturday, July 3, 10:30 a.m.– 4th of July Parade in Historic Annapolis
Sunday, July 4, 9:15 p.m.– 4th of July Fireworks in Historic Annapolis

Play ball-

Grab some Washington Nationals tickets and cheer for the home as they play at Nats Park home July 1-4:
Freedom Fireworks – July 3
Patriotic Series Independence Day – July 4

Fredericksburg Nationals are hosting Salem Thursday-Sunday with fireworks on Friday.

Bethesda Big Train has a game on Friday & Saturday. Cheer for the home team!

July 4-

9:00am-5:00pm: An American Celebration at Mount Vernon
Celebrate our nation’s independence at the home of the father of our country. Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, observe a moving ceremony in which candidates from across the world become U.S. citizens, listen to 18th-century music in the upper garden and watch and learn about flying hot air balloons in the 18th century. Lastly, watch a musical performance by the National Concert Band.

9:00am-5:00pm: July 4th at National Archives
The National Archives marks the 245th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence with its traditional Fourth of July program both online and in person! Highlights include welcoming remarks by Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, a variety of educational and family-friendly interactive programs with historical figures and Archives educators, and a lively, patriotic reading ceremony emceed by journalist Soledad O’Brien. All July 4th activities are free and open to the public. The full schedule can be found here.

9:45am-11:00am: Kensington’s 26th Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade
Decorate your bikes, scooters, wagons, anything & join the parade or watch it go by.

10:00am: Capitol Hill Community Parade
The 19th annual Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade is a local tradition that is considered one of Washington, DC’s best events. For 2021, the traditional parade will be on Capitol Hill’s Barracks Row. Get your groups together and join in on the fun! Register your group here. For both groups and spectators, we are encouraging following all updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control. 

10:00am: Leesburg Independence Day Parade
Start the holiday by showing your patriotic spirit at the annual Independence Day Parade, held through Historic Downtown Leesburg beginning at 10:00 am. The parade will start at Ida Lee Park, travel down King Street and conclude at Fairfax Street. Put on your patriotic best and join your friends and neighbors to celebrate the birthday of the United States! This year’s parade will also feature the 13th annual Patriot’s Cup Competition, sponsored by the Loudoun Now newspaper.

12:00pm-4:30pm: Takoma Park Parade of Houses & Live Music
Takoma Park’s Fourth of July Parade is coming home this year. Make your home or business a part of it. Watch the site for a map of registered houses and businesses. Come July, tour the streets and see the pride. Register and decorate your house or business to be eligible for a prize! There will be live music throughout the day at the gazebo.

12:00pm: Palisades Parade
The annual Palisades Community Association’s Fourth of July parade has taken place every year since 1966 – except for last year, when our community faced the onslaught of COVID-19.  We are delighted to announce that this year we will resume our annual tradition! The parade is on Sunday, July 4th at noon. It starts at the corner of Whitehaven Pkwy and MacArthur Blvd NW and ends at the Palisades Rec Center. Click here for more information. Walk with the Mayor.

3:00pm-10:00pm: Historic Manassas Celebrates America
Celebrate America this Independence Day with one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Virginia! Before all the celebration starts, the Stars and Stripes Yard Contest will take place.  Decorate your yard in the Americana Theme and you could win a prize. For full details visit here. The Harris Pavilion will feature photos from the community house decorating contests from 3 pm – 5 pm. There will be a Bicycle Decorating Contest for the kids starting at 3:30 pm. (Please arrive by 3:00 pm if you wish to participate in the Bicycle Decorating Contest) The rest of the fun, including food concessions and novelty vendors  will begin at 4 pm in the streets and parking lots surrounding the Manassas Visitor’s Center and the Harris Pavilion.Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and blankets and come early to get the best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn for the firework display at 9:15 pm!

4:00pm-Dusk: Frederick’s 4th of July
As of May 20, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention continues to recommend against hosting large gatherings and events where physical distancing cannot be maintained.  Based on this guidance, the traditional Frederick’s 4th activities in Baker Park will not take place in 2021.  Celebrate Frederick is excited to be hosting an alternate event to celebrate Independence Day at the Frederick Fairgrounds, including a Parking Lot Party with 99.9 WFRE and a FREE fireworks display where the community can view the show from the safety of their vehicles.  Click here for more details!

4:00pm-9:00pm: 9th Annual July Fourth Celebration at Armed Forces Retirement Home
Enjoy children’s activities, entertainment, food trucks and fireworks!

6:00pm: Falls Church Declaration Celebration
Spend your Independence Day with the Recreation and Parks Department! Take the Declaration Celebration Scavenger Hunt to find thirteen Historical Markers throughout Falls Church and explore The Little City’s history. This is a single-day Scavenger Hunt that you can complete at your own pace between 9:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Turn in your completed Scavenger Hunt form in Cherry Hill Park by 6:30 p.m. and you’ll receive a free Declaration Celebration t-shirt! Following the Scavenger Hunt, enjoy free live music in Cherry Hill Park by Sudden M Pac Band from 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Due to construction at Meridian High School (formerly George Mason High School), the July 4 event will not include fireworks this year. 

6:00pm: Concert and Fireworks at Ida Lee Park
Celebrate America’s big day at Ida Lee Park and enjoy a great night of music, food, fireworks, and fun! Gates open at 6:00 pm and music starts at 6:30 pm, so be sure to arrive early and grab a spot for a full night of celebration. This year’s band will be named soon, so be sure to check back. A full food court will be onsite with funnel cakes, ice cream, burgers, hot dogs, and so much more. The biggest bang of the evening begins at 9:30 pm when the largest fireworks show in the region will light up the sky. Choreographed to patriotic music, this light show is not to be missed. 

7:00pm (gates open at 5:30pm): Star-Spangled 4th Of July Concert & Fireworks Spectacular at Prince George’s Stadium
This special event will feature a live concert by DC Fusion and a post-concert Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular! The concert will feature all your favorite musical hits from the 60’s through today and include many different styles and genres of music. There will be something for everyone during DC Fusion’s two-hour set! After the concert, the sky over Prince George’s Stadium will explode with a Fireworks Spectacular that will bring you to your feet!

7:00pm-10:00pm: Fourth at The Wharf: VIP Fireworks Viewing Experience
Savor summer’s biggest holiday in our nation’s capital. Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Wharf with a private firework viewing experience presented by Smirnoff Red White and Berry. The celebration will include exclusive access to the Dockmaster Building at the tip of District Pier, with food and drinks, a DJ, and spectacular views of the National Park Service’s firework display.  Tickets are $40 and include two drink tickets, plus a cash bar.

7:30pm-10:30pm: July 4th Cruise Fireworks Watch Party
Celebrate America’s birthday in a grand style, on a cruise ship, unbeatable fireworks watch position on the Potomac River and a three-hour TOP SHELF free flowing Open Bar. Join for an enchanting July 4th filled with breathtaking views along the Potomac river, lively entertainment, dancing, and many more. 

8:00pm-9:30pm: A Capitol Fourth Concert
A Capitol Fourth to be a pre-recorded show due to the pandemic with a live fireworks presentation, in lieu of the traditional live concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Capping off the concert broadcast will be live coverage of the fireworks display over our nation’s iconic skyline captured by multiple cameras stationed around the city. The 41st annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth airs on PBS Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET.

9:09pm: Fireworks
The National Park Service will once again host the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall, the nation’s most important civic space and home to more than a dozen memorials that commemorate great Americans and significant events in our nation’s history. The 17-minute display will be held on Sunday, July 4, starting at 9:09 p.m. and will be launched from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.

Other viewing areas for the Mall fireworks–

U.S. Capitol
Lincoln Memorial
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
Thomas Jefferson Memorial
The White House Ellipse
West Potomac Park
East Potomac Park
Anacostia Park
U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Watch from the water on a cruise: Embark DC Boat Tours, City Cruises and Monumental Boat Tours
Grab a rooftop reservation at POV Rooftop Lounge at the W Hotel and Top of the Gate at the Watergate Hotel are a few!
Hop on a bike and head to Mt. Vernon Trail, Hains Point or Cardoza High School.

National Independence Day Parade: Cancelled this year

Recent posts–
Water toys that are a summer must have!
Device free road trips and flights
Pick your own fruits and vegetables

Disclaimer: This road trip list full of essentials and games and contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. 

16 ways to spend Spring Break in and around Washington, DC

If your kids are on Spring Break and you are staying local, we’ve got some fun ideas of how you can spend the time off. Our first recommendation is that you become a DC tourist. Nothing is better than strolling around the city when you don’t have to entertain out of town guests and can do it at a leisurely pace. Grab tickets for the hop on/off bus and strap on a camera while you take in all of the sites, scenes and blooms. Create a scavenger for your kids to follow along with or count the statues you see.

–Sunset cruise on the Potomac– there are so many just google and check out your options

–Beach and state parks

-Middleburg, Virginia has vineyards, distilleries and farms that can keep you buys. There is an adventure park that has treetop zipline adventures. The Salamander Resort is beautiful to walk around and you can stop by the stables to say hi to Cupcake the mini horse and book a ride if you want. The town offers walking tours and ghost tours too.

–Outdoor day destinations less than 2 hours from DC

–Overnight trips

-Bike the Mount Vernon Trail or C&O Trail. We prefer the W&OD Trail in Virginia as you can stop at breweries and little main streets as you cross through various towns.

-Head to Loudon County about 45 minutes from DC and check out Harpers Ferry Adventure Center. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail is over 2100 miles and worth the climb for the amazing views. Blue Country Farms has animals and play structures and seasonal fruit to pick while Dirt Farm Brewing can be seen from the farm perched on a hill and has open space and delicious brews.

-Hang at the Wharf, play games, grab a bite to eat and even kayak

-Take a tour of Old Town Alexandria and perhaps that means you use the water taxi to cross the river. Be sure and take advantage of the free King Street Trolley. Have you heard of the Spite House? Your kids will think this is amazing; go find it!

–Trails, marshes and gardens in our area

–Breweries with outdoor space

-Mini golf at East Potomac or 18 holes! TopGolf is another fun way to practice your swing and you can do so in a private bay.

–Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake sailing again April 24 and is a lot of fun!

-If you are okay with going indoors, most museums are re-opened, including the National Building Museum.

-Lastly, we present you with our spring bucket list with a few more ideas!

Related posts:
Spring Break camps
Cherry blossoms (some are still looking great)

Weekend and Easter picks in and around Washington, DC

It is Easter weekend and looks like a warm one, despite today’s temps. Here is a post where you will find all things Easter around our area both in-person and virtual events.

There are still blooms on the cherry blossom trees! We love finding neighborhoods and parks that have these cherry blossoms throughout; avoiding a trip downtown. This post has 10 alternatives to heading to the Tidal Basin.

Dino Safari is at National Harbor through April 11. It is a fun and educational drive-thru experience that features 40 full-size animatronic museum-quality dinosaurs you can experience from the comfort and safety of your vehicle and is invading National Harbor!

Third Outdoors Noyes StoryWalk® to Feature Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea 
Families are invited to read the book Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea by Meena Harris on posted signs as they stroll through a garden setting in Kensington. The third Noyes StoryWalk®, presented by the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation in collaboration with the Town of Kensington, will be available for self-guided exploration through April 10, 2021, at Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Ave., Kensington, MD 20895). A free craft kit related to Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library for Young Children (10237 Carroll Place, Kensington, MD 20895) on Saturdays and Sundays (9am to 4pm) for the duration of the StoryWalk® (except in inclement weather). 

Don’t forget to check into spring break camps if you are staying local.

NEWS! The National Building Museum is opening April 9 after a 16-month closure due to restoration work and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Easter egg hunts in and around Washington, DC

March 26- April 3 : Great Country Farms Egg Hunt & Marshmallow Harvest
(18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, VA 20135)
After a long cold winter, nothing chases away the chill like a visit to the farm! Your family won’t want to miss the first “crop” of the spring– Marshmallow Picking!! Do marshmallow peeps really grow on trees? Your children will be amazed to harvest a few marshmallows to roast on the bonfire.  The Easter Bunny also hid some eggs  filled with treats to enchant the children, and we need you to help us find them! There will be multiple egg hunts with timed ticket entrance. Come see spring chicks and baby animals, take a wagon ride, and rejoice that it is spring! The annual Easter Egg Hunt is a $5 add-on per child with your paid farm admission. The Egg Hunt & Peep Harvest will occur together at the same time.

March 27 from 11:00am-11:45am: Virtual Family Fun: Febergé Egg Extravaganza at Hillwood Estate & Garden
(Virtual)
Explore Hillwood’s glittering treasures and magnificent art, including the exquisite imperial Fabergé eggs, from the comfort of your own home! Hear the tale of Babushka, known for her beautifully decorated Easter eggs, in a reading of the children’s book Rechenka’s Eggs, written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco. After the story, enjoy looking at beautiful images of Hillwood’s decorative eggs, and sketch your own fancy Easter egg design. Come prepared with paper and a drawing implement (such as pencil, crayons, or markers) to use during the program.Suggested for children ages eight and under with their grownups, but all ages are welcome.  

March 27, 28, 30, 31, April  1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 10, 15, 16 from 9:00am-6:00pm: Bunnyland at Butler’s Orchard
(22200 Davis Mill Road Germantown MD 20876)
Enjoy a hayride down the Bunny Trail, race the Rubber Duck Derby, hunt for colorful eggs, exchange eggs for a goodie basket to take home, visit with the farm’s very own Country Bunny, ride pedal tractors, play in Hayromp and Playground, hop in inflatables, ride the giant slides, see bunnies, lambs and chicks, get your face painted and ride a pony.

Mar 27-28, Apr 1-4: Easter Egg Hunt at Green Meadows Petting Farm
(10102 Fingerboard Rd. Ijamsville, MD 21754)
There will be two weekends of Easter egg hunts! No pre-registration is available. Purchase your admission to the farm/hunts when you arrive.  Hunts will be happening all day, between 10:30am and 3:30pm. Egg hunt areas are sectioned off according to ages 1-3 & 4-12.

March 27 & April 3 (Various times): The Lee-Fendall House 20th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
(614 Oronoco Street Alexandria, VA)
Find Easter eggs hidden in the Lee-Fendall garden on this socially-distant take on a popular annual egg hunt!

April 2-11 (Various times): Egg Hunt at Clark’s Elioak Farm
(10500 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21042)
They will host small, frequent egg hunts for children in different age groups (ages 1-3 and 4-6) throughout the days. The petting farm, rides and play areas are open for you to enjoy. When you are ready to participate in the egg hunt, come to the egg hunt area and your child will line up with other children and pick up eggs.  The eggs will then be turned in for a goodie bag. The first egg hunt each time will be for the 1-3 year olds.  

April 3 from 10:00am-4:00pm: Eco Easter Egg Hunt at Whitehall Farm
(6080 Colchester Rd Fairfax, VA 22030)
Come play Easter games and search for biodegradable Easter Eggs! You can meet all Whitehall’s farm animals like Henry the curious cow, feed a flock of 200 hungry chickens, and see the baby piggies! Take a socially distanced scenic wagon ride through the woods around the farm, and check out a farm store featuring freshly pastured eggs, pork, and beef from the farm, and unique local products from across the region. Feel free to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at tables, or bring a blanket so you can relax while the kids have a blast! All mentioned activities are included in the price of admission. Non-participating children 3 and under are free, so bring the whole family!

April 3 from 10:00am-12:00pm: A Very Hoppy Easter w The Station at Riverdale Park
Hop over to The Station at Riverdale Park to send a postcard to the Easter Bunny! Guests can pre-register online to download and decorate their very own seasonal postcard at home for the Easter Bunny himself. The first 50 registered guests will receive a special gift bag from the Easter Bunny (full of springtime crafts & treats!) when they drop off their postcard at The Station. Gift bags are best for ages 3-10.

April 3 from 11:00am-1:00pm: Eggstravaganza
This year, they’re bringing Eggstravaganza to your home! Drive through one of the 2 locations (DC & NoVa) for a curbside pickup of your FREE Easter egg hunt kit. As you arrive, be on the lookout for the Easter bunny from your car and wave to the volunteers as they give you everything you need for your egg hunt!

April 3 from 1:00pm-3:00pm: Cosmic Egg Portrait & Art Kit
Register for an egg-citing, free spring photo with our Cosmic Galaxy Egg sculpture. Taking a socially-distanced INSTANT photo of you that you can take home right away. Optional: Add a limited edition Cosmic Egg picture frame kit!

April 8 from 10:30am-12:30pm: Bunny Hop Parade
Put on your spring bonnet or bunny ears and join us to gather eggs, make crafts, play games, do yoga with Kaydee Dahlin, take selfies with the Bunny, and enjoy treats at Stead Park, 1625 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20036.

April 8: Easter Bunny Road Trip
The Second District Officers and the Easter Bunny will be making several stops to deliver treats! We look forward to seeing you at one of the locations listed below!

1:30pm-1:50pm Lafayette Park 5900 33rd St NW
2:05pm-2:25pm Forest Hills Playground 32nd & Chesapeake St NW
2:40pm-3:00pm Friendship Rec Center 4500 Van Ness St NW
3:15pm-3:35pm Palisades Rec Center 5200 Sherier Pl NW
3:50pm-4:10pm Guy Mason Rec Center 3600 Calvert St NW
4:25pm-4:45pm Rose Park 26th & O St NW
5:00pm-5:20pm Newark Street Playground 39th & Newark St NW

Easter basket gift ideas!

Check out these EventBrite events for more hunts in and near Washington, DC

Easter basket ideas

Next week we have our annual Easter egg hunt and festivals blog post being published. Until then, this post will get you thinking about the holiday that is quickly approaching. We’ve rounded up everything you need to create the perfect Easter basket for your Bambinos. This year I am going with functionality versus little toys that just end up in the bottom of drawers or in our dog’s mouth.

Jeopardy (Junior Edition) Card Game is a favorite in our house!

Aerobie frisbees

Summer pool slides for boys and girls we also love these if you want a fun print and these Native water shoes are very durable

Bath bombs (dinosaur and jungle themed are cute too)

Egg shaped sidewalk chalk

DIY Scrapbook

Would you Rather book for kids

Between Mom & Me (guided journal for Mother & Son)

Watercolor paper + watercolor colored pencils

Wreck this Journal– We have this and it’s great! Inside, you’ll find prompts for painting, shredding, transforming, and unleashing your creativity. With a mix of new, altered, and favorite prompts, Wreck This Journal: Now in Color invites you to wreck with color: mixing colors to make mud, letting chance dictate your color choice, weaving with brightly colored strips of paper, and more. 

Sprinkler or Homerun Splash Baseball Slide

Mosaic stepping stone craft

Inflatable pool (grab them before they sell out– check out our summer must-have’s from last year and stock up before the season arrives)

Comic book kit

Melissa & Doug on-the-go activities are great to throw in the car or in your bag- origami activity set and felt friends sticker

Lip Smackers and sunglasses are a must

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.

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