Wicked Fun Ways to Celebrate Halloween Around DC in 2018

Why wait until the actual day to celebrate one of the best holidays of the year? Besides the bonus of getting extra mileage out of costumes and having more excuses to indulge in sweets, Halloween festivities are a treat any day. And there are loads of ways to get into the spirit during the days leading up to the grand event. From no-fright fun to cool and creepy thrills, this annual KFDC round-up has all of the details on where and when you and the kids can have a wicked good time around DC and even a bit…beyond. Mwahahaa. Happy Halloween!

Story & Discovery: Dia de los Muertos & Ghost Wings
Where: National Museum of the American Indian | National Mall, DC
When: Tuesdays & Thursdays thru October 15
Admission: Free
Join the National Museum of the American Indian for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, story time sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:15am in October where they will read the storybook Día de los Muertos, written by Roseanne Greenfield Thong and illustrated by Carles Ballesteros. Families are invited to join and learn about the traditions of Día de los Muertos, including ofrendas, sugar skulls, silly skeletons, and more!

Howl-O-Ween
Where: Great Wolf Lodge | Williamnsburg, VA
When: Through October
Admission: Rates vary
Enjoy a Halloween-themed family getaway to Great Wolf Lodge, where there will be spooktacular fun all month. Kids and parents alike can enjoy special activities including a Trick-or-Treat Trail, Howl-O-Ween House, Costume Parade, Monster Bash Dance Party, Spooktacular Story Time, and much more. This, plus the ongoing fun and indoor waterpark will make for an extra special and spooky Halloween!

Fields of Fear
Where: Cox Farms | Centreville, VA
When: Fridays & Saturday through November 4
Admission: $15-25
When night falls on Cox Farms, it’s time for Fields of Fear — for ages 12 and up! The Dark Side Hayride feature The Lost Circus, a circus abandoned in the early 1900s that now comes to life when the living approach. The friendly Imaginature Trail takes a dark turn for Fields of Fear, transforming into The Forest: Back 40, which consists of half a mile of fear. The Forest joins two other haunted attractions at Fields of Fear, the Dark Side Hayride and the Cornightmare. The Firegrounds feature several bonfires, a six-lane slide, music, karaoke, entertainment, tasty treats, Foamhenge, and more!

Sleepy Hollow
Where: Synetic Theater | Rosslyn, VA
When: October 3 – November 4
Admission: $20-40
Synetic Theater’s adaptation of Sleepy Hollow pulls together all the elements that made Synetic famous: Gothic horror, iconic characters and imagery, an emphasis on surreal, wordless storytelling that transcends spoken language and makes our productions something akin to live-action dreams (or nightmares, depending on the story). Recommended for ages 13+.

The Glow: A Jack O’Lantern Experience
Where: Lake Fairfax Park | Reston, VA
When: October 4-28
Admission: $16
The Glow isn’t a place to expect frights and ghouls, but you will scream with delight to see pumpkins come to life. The Glow features an enchanting and unforgettable wonderland of more than 5,000 hand carved, illuminated pumpkins transformed into beautiful landscapes, iconic figures and larger than life structures. Stroll down Jack’s Lane, a 1/3 of a mile jack o’ lantern landscape where you’ll experience everything from artistically detailed single pumpkin carvings to amazing scenes created by talented carvers. Wander into Prehistoric Park, where you’ll stare up into the golden eyes of sixteen-foot tall dinosaurs or yell ARRRGG!! as you see pumpkins crash amongst the ghostly pirate ship. Your favorite movie stars, superheroes, and even some princesses come to life through the jack o’ lantern magic!

Shocktober
Where: Paxton House | Leesburg, VA
When: October 5 – November 4
Admission: $35-40 (look for a deal here)
Paxton Manor is Northern Virginia’s only REAL Haunted House. Brand new this year, the first 3 levels of the haunted manor have turned into Paxton Hall, a horrifying and haunted boarding school. Encounter new characters, including rebellious students and frightening teachers, as you unravel the dark and mysterious past of Paxton Hall. The haunt also includes Carnival of Souls, the basement of Paxton Manor, an attraction full of creepy clowns and carnival carnage. These haunted attractions are not for the faint of heart; this annual event is PG-13 Scary Fun.

“Eye Spy” Halloween Trains
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Regional Parks | Bethesda & Wheaton, MD
When: October 6-28, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $6
Hop on board the Halloween Trains! Great for families of all ages, Montgomery Parks’ Cabin John Miniature Train and the Wheaton Miniature Train will take a ride through “Trainslyvania.” They’ll run every Saturday and Sunday October 6-28. Purchase tickets online starting October 1.

Icktober
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturdays & Sundays thru Ocotber
Admission: $24.95/adult, $18.95/ages 3-12
October turns into a gross, messy, slimy month of fun as the monthly theme switches to Icktober and embraces the yuck. Every Saturday and Sunday this month look for themed activities, shows, and demonstrations sure to make your skin crawl!

Fright Fest
Where: Six Flags America | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Select days through October 28
Admission: $57+
Fright Fest, presented by SNICKERS®, is back at Six Flags America. It’s a spooky time of year as zombies and ghouls take over the park. Enjoy thrills and activities for the whole family throughout the day and go back for a truly frightening evening of fun after the sun goes down. Fright Fest offers a wide variety of places to get your scare on, including several haunted houses and scare zones located throughout the park. The stuff of nightmares lurk around every corner as the dark of night washes over the park. The ghouls are set free for their daily hunting rituals.

Halloween Camping
Where: Little Bennett Campground |Clarksburg, MD
When: Weekends in October
Admission: Varies by campsite
They’re celebrating Halloween every weekend in October at Little Bennett Campground! Reserve a site to enjoy pumpkin decorating, costume contests, trick or treating, a haunted trail, and more!

Spooky SPY Family Night
Where: International Spy Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: October 12, 6-9pm
Admission: $15
Ditch your Halloween costume and change your while identity at the Spy Museum’s annual Halloween event! Has your brother been spying on you? Is grandma really a secret agent? Does dad really have lethal ninja skills? Now’s your chance to find out as your family of spies gains exclusive after-hours access to the Museum. Test your family’s spy skills as you run top secret missions, go deep undercover and transform your appearance with the help of professional make-up artists, challenge yourself in Code Cracker competitions, and enjoy SPY snacks and a chance to explore all forms of spy tradecraft. Go in disguise as your favorite spy! For ages 5 and up, includes exclusive after-hours admission, SPY snacks, scavenger hunt, prize competitions, and more! Space is limited — advance registration required. (One adult required for every five KidSpy agents.)

Blood & Guts 5K Run
Where: Bull Run Regional Park | Centreville, VA
When: October 13
Admission: $40
The Blood and Guts Run is a Halloween experience that your family and friends (ages 5+) do not want to miss! This is not your ordinary 5k — encounter hordes of zombies and 10+ obstacles. Run in costume! Finishers receive a custom medal, access to food trucks, Knockerball, costume competitions, dancing, and more!

Hyattsville Zombie Run
Where: Magruder Park | Hyattsville, MD
When: Saturday, 7:30-11am
Admission: $30-35
Support a local school, get some exercise, and have fun at this 3rd annual Zombie Run! The event raises much needed funds for the Hyattsville Elementary PTA — and is sure to be a scream. Dress in costume and opt for the 5k, 1-mile, or 1k option. Get a fun t-shirt, too!

Book Some Halloween Fun
Where: DC Public Libraries | Around DC
When: Several October dates
Admission: Free
Story times, crafts, and children’s parties all with Halloween themes are taking place at libraries around the city. Drop in for the fun — all of the activities are free! Be sure to check age recommendations to confirm they’re appropriate for your child as they vary by event.

Creepy Cupcakes Kids Confectionery Class
Where: Creative Saints Loft | Hyattsville, MD
When: October 19, 1-3pm
Admission: $35
Calling all Ghouls and Goblins! Join Executive Pastry Chef Padua Player of SugaChef Desserts in the Hyattsville Arts District for this Halloween-themed class. This event is for kids who love being in the kitchen and parents who love to eat their creations! If you’re looking for a safe and exciting way to have some SpOOky fun bring your little ones dressed in their BEST costumes and lets create! Each ticket includes:
2 hour instructor lead class, 1/2 dozen uniquely decorated cupcakes (spiders, witches, and Frankenstein, oh my!), coffee and sweet treats for adults, spooky punch for kids, and candy giveaway.

Boo at the Zoo
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: October 19-21, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: $20/members, $30/non-members
Join the National Zoo for their annual not-so-spooky Halloween haunt, one of DC’s most popular events for the kiddie crowd. With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, keeper chats, live entertainment, and decorated trails, this frightfully fun evening is a treat for the whole family. By the end of the evening, your Boo at the Zoo treat bags will be brimming with your favorite chocolates, snacks and souvenirs. Treat stations will include goodies for all ages, including adult treats like craft beer and food tastings. Costumes encouraged!

Soul Strolls
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 19-20 & 26-27
Admission: $25/adult, $12/child
Congressman, carpenters, suffragists, and bootleggers are among the graveyard residents on Capitol Hill, and they all have a unique tale to tell. Congressional Cemetery’s annual Soul Strolls explore these stories through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Typically only open from dawn to dusk, this special event allows nighttime access to the public. Hour-long walks depart every 15 minutes 7-10pm on Friday and 6-9pm on Saturday, with beer, wine, and cider will be for sale (to put you at ease among the spirits).

Halloween Sleepover
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: October 20
Admission: $120-135/person
It’s a special Halloween-themed sleepover for this real life night at the museum that has you solve a Smithsonian mystery of historic proportions. Wear a costume as you become a detective and roam through the museum’s galleries. Use your cunning and skills to collect clues that guide you to the crime scene. Along the way, take part in some great games, experiments, and craft projects—and even become a presidential candidate. After you have solved the crime, roll out your bag and sleep soundly knowing that you’ve protected some of America’s treasures — and had plenty of fun. For ages 8-12.

Air and Scare
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: October 20, 12-5:30pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15 until 6pm
See the spooky side of air and space at the Air & Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center’s 12th Annual Air & Scare! Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Arrive in costume to get into the Halloween spirit and enjoy safe indoor trick-or-treating.

Zombie Fun Run
Where: Bon Air Park | Arlington, VA
When: October 20, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $3/advance, $5/day of
They’re back! The family-friendly Zombie Fun Run returns to Bon Air Park. After the run, enjoy spooky games, moon bounces and inflatables, food trucks, and more at the Survival Zone. Register in advance online or by phone at 703.228.4747.

Pizza Class & Halloween Costume Party
Where: Matchbox locations around the DMV
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: $30
Dress in costume and join Matchbox for a Halloween-themed kids pizza party. Festivities include a hands-on pizza making class for kids (complete with chef toque), a tour of the kitchen and pizza ovens, jack-o-lantern cookie decorating and other Halloween treats, and a round of mimosas for parents. This will take place at the following Matchbox locations: 14th Street, Capitol Hill, Merrifield, One Loudon, Potomac Mills, and Rockville.

Monster Mash
Where: Center at Leesburg | Leesburg, VA
When: October 20, 3-7pm
Admission: Free
Join the the Village at Leesburg for a frighteningly good time the Annual Monster Mash! There will be center-wide trick-or-treating starting while supplies last, live music, street performers, a costume contest for children and pets, pumpkin decorating, a live cake sculpting demo, slime making, a Halloween parade, and more.

Haunted Washington Scavenger Hunt
Where: Lafayette Square | Downtown, DC
When: October 20 & 27
Admission: $22
BOO! Sorry to startle you, but you better get used to it if you’re joining this hunt. Armed only with a flashlight, you’ll visit ghost-plagued buildings around and near Lafayette Park while learning the stories of the restless souls you might disturb. Possible cameos by the spirits of Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Dolley Madison, Abigail Adams, Andrew Jackson, the (allegedly) suicidal Mrs. Henry Adams, and losing duelist Stephen Decatur. The hunt is played on teams of two to six people. Total running time is approximately 2.5 hours. Recommended for older kids or KidFree. Use the promo code HALLOWEEN18 to save $5 on tickets!

Spooky Skull Hike
Where: Maydale Conservation Park | Colesville, MD
When: October 21, 10-11:30am
Admission: Free
Can you find the animal skulls hidden in the woods? On this self-guided hike, you’ll walk a short loop in search of skulls, and use clues to identify them. Stop by any time during program hours, and pick up a clue sheet. Get a Halloween treat after identifying all the skulls (or for wearing a costume)! Intended for ages 3+.

Ghost Tours: Escape the Museum
Where: National Building Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: October 21, 24, & 31
Admission: $30
Do you believe in ghosts? Dare to walk the museum halls after dark? Test your mettle in this year’s Ghost Tour experience: Escape the Museum. Angry spirits. Mysteries and lies. Can you find the truth in time? Solve puzzles and find clues to reveal the truth and calm a vengeful spirit. A 30 – 45 minute escape room followed by ghostly tales of the museum. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Harbor Halloween
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: October 21, 12-2:30
Admission: Free
Trick or treat around the shops at the Harbor. There will be trick-or-treating from 12-2pm. See a showing of Hocus Pocus on the Plaza Big Screen (movie will begin at 12:30pm). Watch a chef pumpkin carving contest. Plus, enjoy special activities, including pumpkin decorating, a Halloween coloring station, and a fabulous family fall themed photo station.

Halloween Hunt
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: October 24-31
Admission: $35
The Mansion will be decorated for Halloween just for this — celebrate the BOO season on a zany treasure hunt! Have fun searching for autumn & Halloween themed items found only at The Mansion. Over 100 rooms and 70 secret doors (yes 70!) are there to explore, and they guarantee you can see at least 60 of the legendary rooms — but be warned secret doors are tricky to find — if you find 2 or 3 you are an above average sleuth. Learn more about the Mansion on O Street here.

Halloween Parade
Where: Town Green | Vienna, VA
When: October 25, 7pm
Admission: Free
The 71st annual Vienna Halloween Parade returns to Maple Ave. This amazing “Towny” parade is an area favorite that draws tens of thousands of viewers from all over Virginia, DC and Maryland.

Toddler Time Halloween Parade
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: October 25, 10:30am
Admission: $20/adult, $12/age 2-12
Join the B&O for a spooktacular Toddler Time, as they celebrate the end of this year’s Toddler Time program Halloween style. Featuring festive fun, they’ll read Alice Schertle’s Little Blue Truck’s Halloween, before making monster grab bags to fill with all sorts of fun tricks and treats during our costume parade around the Museum’s campus. All included with paid admission, it’s a spooktacular event and a train load of fun, you don’t want to miss!

Frankenstein Story Time
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 26, 10:30am — 11:15am
Admission: Free
The Young Readers Center (YRC) at the Library of Congress will present a special Frankenstein-themed story time for infants and toddlers. Space is limited and is available at first come, first served basis. All children and teens under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Hilloween
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 26, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: Free
Capitol Hill’s annual neighborhood event is legendary for little ones. The block of 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market will be closed to traffic for one of the best community Halloween celebrations in the city. And more will be in Eastern Market’s North Hall. Moon bounces, goody giveaways, face painting add to the excitement. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the extravaganza.

Boostravaganza
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: October 26, 6-7pm & 7-8pm
Admission: $10/child
Celebrate the Halloween season with this annual event at Frying Pan Farm. Attendees enjoy a variety of themed games, dare to enter the slightly-spooky BOO barn, and take a wagon ride. Finish the evening with a small treat bag. Reservations are required, and space is limited, so sign up soon!

BOOtanica
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: October 26
Admission: $18/child (free for parents)
Gather the family together for a fun evening! Children can dress in their favorite costume, participate in a garden costume parade, paint a pumpkin, try a pumpkin treat, and top the evening off listening to award-winning storyteller Gary Lloyd present “Pumpkin Tales for the Young” telling tales more funny than scary. Space is limited. Register children ages 3–12, parents are free.

Paranormal Mansion Tours
Where: Oatlands Estate & Gardens | Leesburg, VA
When: October 26-28, 7pm & 8pm
Admission: $30/adult, $12/age 12 & under
Get a “different” look at Oatlands on this after dark tour of the old mansion. Hear ghost stories and accounts of unexplained occurrences on the property. Advance reservations are required and non-refundable. Not recommended for children under 8.

Vampire’s Ball (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Synetic Theater | Rosslyn, VA
When: October 26
Admission: $65-75
This year’s Vampire’s Ball will follow a performance of Synetic’s adaptation of Washington Irving’s Classic American Ghost Story, Sleepy Hollow. If you don’t lose your head over the spooky show, you’re sure to lose it over the one-of-a-kind party you’ll only experience at Synetic Theater. At this year’s party, guests will dance the night away (music courtesy of Resident Composer and Halloween DJ, Konstantine Lortkipanidze), enjoy a special Halloween cocktail at the Open Bar, munch on light appetizers, and have a chance to win awesome prizes at our annual costume contest!

Legends by Lantern (KidFree suggestion!)
Where: College Park Aviation Museum
When: October 26, 7-8:30pm
Admission: $10 (includes drink ticket)
What happened to the College Park Postmistress? See the airfield by lamplight while hearing tales of airmail. Warm up after your adventure with fall cider and share some ghost stories of your own. Advance registration appreciated. For ages 21+.

Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens | Mount Vernon, VA
When: October 27, 3:30-6:30pm
Admission: $14/adult, $8/child
Trick-or-treat at Mount Vernon as George Washington’s estate open its gates for Halloween fun and spook-tacular activities. Join a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a boo-tiful Halloween craft. Guests can also check out wool carding, spinning, and fish net making in the historic area before greeting “Martha Washington” on the piazza of the Mansion. Historic chocolate-making demos and tastings will take place. Burn off all the extra excitement (and calories!) with 18th-century dancing. A children’s costume parade around the Mansion will begins at 5pm, and prizes will be awarded for most fang-tastic “George” and “Martha” costumes!

Halloween in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, MD
When: October 27, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $2
Dress the whole family and enjoy a day of trick-or-treating, art activities, lunch and more! The 19th Annual Halloween in the Garden will feature more than 70 community organizations and businesses donning costumes and handing out candy and treats to all the children. Free ooky, spooky crafts will be provided and devilishly delicious food vendors will be present. Admission fees will benefit local charities. Don’t forget to bring your camera — there are always unique photo opportunities with the boo-tiful decorations.

Trick or Treat in the Garden
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: October 27, 10am – 1pm
Admission: $15/non-member, $10/member, $5/accompanying adult
Get into the Halloween spirit! Explore the Tudor Place garden as the seasons change, and trick or treat throughout the site. Make your own superhero bracers and festive owl decoration. Play traditional outdoor games, enjoy face painting, and paint your own pumpkin to take home. Costumes suggested but not required. This outdoor event will take place rain or shine, so dress for the weather!

Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: October 27, 1-4pm
Admission: Free, but small cost for some activities
It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! Daytime activities for families will include pumpkin decorating, arts & crafts, face painting, trick-or-treating, and a costume parade around the Park.

Halloween Carnival
Where: Falls Church, VA
When: October 27, 6-8:30pm
Admission: $2/children ages 2 and up (adults free)
The City of Falls Church has been hosting the annual Halloween Carnival for over 30 years! Infants through sixth graders are invited to enjoy carnival games, a moon bounce, face painting, crafts, a haunted house, movies, candy, and a live creepy creature show featuring the spookiest reptiles in nature. The first hour is best for children up to 2nd grade, and 3rd – 6th graders will enjoy the second hour.

Pumpin Rock ‘n Roll
Where: Warner Circle Park | Kensington, MD
When: October 27, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join Headfirst Camps this Halloween for a spooky afternoon of music, games, food, and fun at the first ever Pumpkin Rock N’ Roll! Warner Circle Park will be transformed into a full-blown Halloween extravaganza. Kids can participate in a fun costume contest and parade, and enjoy family-friendly attractions including festival-style musical performances, food trucks, inflatable rides and slides, and a hay maze. Don’t miss the main event: The Pumpkin Roll, a derby race of Halloween pumpkins-turned-boxcars.

Trick or Treat with the Boo-tiques
Where: Old Town Boutique District | Alexandria, VA
When: October 27, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Bring your little ghosts and goblins to the Old Town Boutique District’s annual event to start their trick-or-treating early. Stop by the dozens of shops, where they’ll be dishing out treats and some maybe some family-friendly tricks. Halloween costumes are encouraged.

Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration
Where: Hillwood Museum & Gardens | Northwest DC
When: October 27, 2018, 2-4pm
Admission: $13/adult, $8/member $5/age 6-18, free/under 6
Grab your four-legged friend and high-tail it to Hillwood for an afternoon of Halloween fun on the Lunar Lawn. Strut your mutt in our canine costume competition and purchase a signature champagne cocktail at Yappy Hour. Admission price is with 1-2 dogs.

Scary Skate Party
Where: Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion | Anacostia, DC
When: October 27, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Join the National Park Service for it’s very first Scary Skate party at the Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion. Wear your best Halloween costumes and skate for free at the only skating pavilion in the entire National Park Service. Enjoy music, games, and fun for the whole family as the National Park Service continues the celebration in honor of 100 years of Anacostia Park!

Witches & Wizards
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: October 27-28
Admission: $18/adult, $12/age 2-12
Celebrate Halloween at train museum! Young witches and wizards can head to the B&O because wizarding school will be in session. Learn simple science in potions class and explore the history of railroading in our “magical objects” display. Grow your own plant buddy in herbology class plus run through our magical maze to enter a raffle to win a railroading storybook and a free cone card from The Charmery!

Día de los Muertos | Day of the Dead
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: October 27-28
Admission: Free
The end of October and beginning of November marks the end of the long southward migration of large numbers of monarch butterflies. The butterflies’ arrival in Mexico coincides with the observance of Día de los Muertos. This year the museum celebrates monarch butterflies through the creation of an interactive mural with Joaquin Newman (Yaqui/Mexica), butterfly luminaria, and butterfly masks. Butterflies will also appear in a contemporary ofrenda celebrating the marigold paddler, an ancient Maya story interpreted by Evelyn Orantes (Quiche Maya) and traditional ofrendas by Oaxacan-born Lucina Flores (Mexica) and Puebla-born Luz Maria Reyes (Mixtec). Grupo los Tecuanes (Mixtec) shares cultural performances of Danza de los Tecuanes (Dance of the Jaguar) and Danza de los Viejitos (Dance of the Old Men).

NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom
When: October 28
Admission: $15-18
An annual tradition at the Kennedy Center! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when the NSO performs new and old classics to celebrate Halloween, which this year also marks the Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) with ghoulishly attired musicians. Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Recommended for ages 5+,

Del Ray Halloween Parade
Where: Del Ray Neighborhood | Alexandria, VA
When: October 28, 2pm
Admission: Free
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the 22nd Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade begins at Mt. Vernon Avenue, south of E. Bellefonte, and continues down to the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center play fields at Mt. Vernon and Commonwealth Avenues. Children, pets, and strollers in costumes are invited to march and show off their finest and scariest Halloween garb. Awards and goody bags are given out, too. The Parade and all activities are free.

Howl-O-Ween Fest
Where: Washington Cathay Future Center | Rockville, MD
When: October 28
Admission: Free
Join The Cathay School, an internationally recognized educational enrichment center and pre-school, in coordination for Activity Rocket/Thrively for its annual Halloween celebration! Families from around the state of Maryland stop by for festive activities, performances, entertainment, treats, and more. The center is a sprawling 30,000 square feet in size, so there is definitely something for everyone. Also enjoy plenty day of discounts for future classes, workshops, and opportunities. Don’t miss out, RSVP today! More specific details coming soon.

Boo-seum Bash: Celebrating Frankenstein
Where: Port Discovery | Baltimore, MD
When: October 28, 10am – 3:30pm
Admission: $15.95/ages 2 and up
Have a shockingly good Halloween at Baltimore’s ultimate Halloween party for kids and families! Put your imagination to work as you dress as your favorite character – and join in fun, interactive and mischievous fun celebrating Frankenstein through science activities that will put a spark in your Halloween fun! Create a battery with two different types of metal…and your body at our Spark of Life activity station! Create a creature using conductive dough, electricity, and your imagination at the Dough Creatures activity station. Unleash your creativity and invent a totally new creation by mixing and matching different parts of toys at Port Discovery Children’s Museum Frankentoy activity station. Make art using a robot at our Scribble Bot activity station! Enjoy all of this and more!

Little Spooky Sprouts
Where: Beefsteak | Tenleytown, DC
When: October 28, 11 am
Admission: Free, but pay for meals
Have some Halloween frun at the eatery! Activities include a costume contest, craft station to decorate mini pumpkins, a “HOLLOW-een” taste station of pumpkin dishes and seed snacks using all parts of the pumpkin, FREE JV bowl with purchase of a regular bowl, 1/2 off fall bowl coupon for future use, and Halloween goodie bags with purchase of a JV bowl Sunday through Halloween.

Monster Mash-Up Workshop
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: October 30, 4-7pm
Admission: Free
Boos and ghouls of all ages are invited to create their own paper monster! All templates, markers, and sparkly bits provided. Join this family workshop in the JRVC on the 3rd Floor. Face painting, too!

Flight and Fright Night
Where: iFly Montgomery County | Rockville, MD
When: October 28
Admission: See website for special event pricing
Come one come all, first-time flyers to experienced flyers are welcome. All flyers will have the chance to enter a “Ghost Hunt” in the wind tunnel to win prizes. Every attendee can enter the raffle and win free flight packages. Costumes encouraged! Enter the costume contest to win even MORE great prizes and iFLY SWAG! The “Ghost Hunt” begins at 7:30pm, the costume contest is at the end of night. Food and drinks provided.

Trick-or-Treat the Row
Where: Bethesda Row | Bethesda, MD
When: October 30, 5-7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate All Hallows Eve early with the whole family with an evening featuring entertainment and treats, plus frights, bites, and retail scare-apy. Kids can trick-or-treat for candy around Bethesda Row, while parents visit the Row’s amazing restaurants and retailers. It’s sure to be a spooky good time!

Day of the Dead Art Workshop
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: October 31, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Kick off Day of the Dead 2018 at the Anacostia Community Museum! Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday observed each fall throughout Mexico and the United States from the end of October through early November. During this multi-day observance, family and friends gather to pray for and remember friends and family members who have transitioned and to help support the spiritual journey of the deceased. At this workshop, families can decorate papier mache skulls in a variety of colors and materials. Arts educator, Irene Clouthier will guide participants in decorating their skulls in the style of artist, Frida Kahlo. As an added bonus, author Dr. Kelsi Bracmort will be on hand to sell copies of her new children’s book, Simone Visits the Museum.

Art & Culture: The Day of the Dead, Catrinas & Calaveras
Where: Mangostreet DC | Shaw, DC
When: October 31 & November 3
Admission: $25
Bring kiddos ages 5-8 to this drop-off class where they can discover and explore the process of cartonería, a traditional Mexican sculpting technique in the making of Catrinas and/or Calaveras.Send young artists with nut-free snacks and socks. Parents are welcome to join their children any time between 9:45-10:30am.

El Día de los Muertos Celebration
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: November 1
Admission: Free
Join the museum for an evening of music, dancing and crafts in celebration of Latin American heritage, including special performances by the DC-based band Los Gallos Negros and dancers from the Maru Montero Dance Company.

Fall Festivals
Where: Around the DMV
When: Through early November
Admission: Varies by locale
Many of the fall festivals around the area incorporate Halloween fun into their offerings. Pick out potential jack-o-lanterns, do Halloween-themed crafts, go on rides, and more. See a list of seasonal celebrations here.

Did I leave out any good ones? Let me know in the comments!