Not-So-Scary Halloween Fun for the Whole Family
The nation’s capital embraces the spooky spirit every fall with some seriously epic events. Get ready for some spooktacular fun with corn mazes, pumpkin carving contests, parades and more. We’ve put together a list of family friendly activities for kids of all ages to enjoy.
But hurry, Halloween is just around the corner, which means some of these events end this weekend!
Trick or Treat in the Garden
Today ONLY, Tudor Place, Georgetown, DC
Kids and grownups alike will love exploring the Tudor Place garden, admiring the breathtaking foliage and trick-or-treating throughout the site. Children can make their own festive owl decorations and superhero costumes, enjoy face painting, playing traditional outdoor games, and even painting a pumpkin to bring home. Costume admired, but not required.
Eye Spy Halloween Trains
Today and Tomorrow ONLY, Cabin John, 7410 Tuckerman Ln., Rockville, MD; Wheaton train and carousel, 2002 Shorefield Rd., Wheaton, MD
If you’re looking for something to do for your tots, head over to Cabin John and the Wheaton Miniature Train. The tiny locomotion has been adorably decked out as “Trainsylvania” and is tons of fun for children under 8. Children under 2 are free!
Jack’s Pumpkin Glow
Today & tomorrow ONLY, Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr., Reston, VA
More than 20 artists have cleverly carved over 5,000 jack-o-lanterns in the some of the most intricate and magnificent designs you’ll ever see. From dinosaurs and nature scenes to iconic statues, the artists have taken pumpkin carving to a whole new level. Tickets are required for entry and they are selling out fast, so be sure to get yours online.
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Tomorrow, Parade stars at Mt. Vernon Ave, south of E. Bellafonte
This year will be the 23rd annual parade and prizes will be given to best pet costume, best decorated stroller, best decorated business, and best decorated home along the route. Over 7,500 participate in the contest, so competition is stiff! Kids receive goodie bags with candy and even a few healthy options.
Storytime at the Hisrshhorn Museum
Oct 30, Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
Celebrate Halloween with the Hirshhorn for a scary encounter with the sculpture Post-Balzac by Judith Shea and stay for a reading of The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything by Linda D. Williams. Children will enjoy creating ghostly sculptures of their own and are encouraged to show up in costumes!
Fright Fest at Six Flags
Now until November 3 at Six Flags
While the park gets truly frightening in the evening with zombies and ghouls, those scary creatures stay away during the day. There are plenty of family friendly activities for all ages to enjoy with Halloween themed treats, characters, and rides. And because Fright Fest lasts well past the kids go trick-or-treating, they’ll have plenty of fun to look forward to next weekend, too.
Cox Farms with Fields of Fear
Now through Nov 2, 15621 Braddock Rd., Centreville, VA
Ask any Halloween enthusiast and they will tell you that this is one of the largest events for Halloween fun in the area. Each year, Cox Farms offers nighttime hayrides, slides and bonfires. The nighttime events are intended for the big kids, but during the day, all ages can enjoy play areas, slides, farm animals and delicious farm snacks.
Did we miss one? What are your favorite Halloween and fall activities to do with your family? Share your favorites with me and you might see yours on the list next year!
