KidFriendly DC

October 13, 2026 · 12:00 pm

Five Things: October 13, 2026

Yosemite trip inspired by our then-4th grader’s National Parks Pass

1. Did you know that 4th graders can get a FREE National Parks Pass that opens the door to a year of outdoor adventures? Through the Every Kid Outdoors program, all 4th grade students and family members can enjoy free admission to national parks and other federal recreation sites across the country. Whether it inspires a big trip to some of our major national parks or gets you to visit more local spots, it’s an awesome way to discover places and see some of America’s best natural beauty. It’s good to use through August 31. If you have a 4th grader, learn more and get your pass here.

2. Along the same lines… 4th and 5th graders are eligible for the PA Outdoor Adventure Pass, which unlocks a full year of outdoor activities across Pennsylvania. This one is not free — it costs $69 per year — but it gets one included experience at each location participating in the program. This includes lift tickets at ski resorts, white water rafting, zip lining and aerial parks, train excursions, cave tours, mini golf, and more. Note that offers vary by location, so adults (and siblings) will often have to pay admission. But if you’re an adventurous family, already like to hit the nearby PA slopes, or want a little incentive to discover new places, this is a great opportunity if you have a 4th or 5th grader! Learn more about the program here.

3. Next Thursday, October 22, Politics and Prose is hosting a book event especially for young readers, dreamers, and families seeking an unforgettable literary experience. An Evening of Sparkle & Magic will be a world of wonder, imagination, and bedtime adventure. Featuring three children’s book authors, two of them local, and stories for kids ages 4-8, the family-friendly celebration will have live interactive story readings, Q&A sessions with the creators, opportunities to get personalized book sign-offs directly from the authors, and more. This will take place 6-8pm at the Chevy Chase location (5015 Connecticut Ave NW). Admission is $23.18, and proceeds will benefit several charities, including Big Fluffy Dog Rescue, Cat Tails of Prince William, and the Hikmat Foundation, which supports girls’ education in rural India.

4. NY Times’ updated list of The Best Books of the Year (So Far). I’m currently reading this one.

5. Tale as old as time… lol

PS: Don’t forget there’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win tickets to see Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre!

Spooky Science Week at Because Science: Halloween Fun for Curious Kids

Celebrate Halloween with hands-on science and creativity at Because Science in Adams Morgan! From October 19-25, the STEM-themed gift shop and interactive studio is hosting Spooky Science Week with free activities and paid Craft Lab workshops, culminating in a free, two-day Spooky Science Festival.

Weekday Fun: October 19–23, 4–6pm

Bring your own pumpkin for FREE, self-guided pumpkin carving every weekday! Because Science provides all the tools and workspace, you provide the pumpkin and creativity. Make a mess you don’t have to clean up! No instruction or assistance is provided, and adults must remain with children.

Families can also join a different Halloween-inspired Craft Lab workshop Tuesday through Friday:
• Tuesday, October 20: DIY Terror-arium ($16–39)
• Wednesday, October 21: DIY Ghoulish Gemstone Test Tube ($9)
• Thursday, October 22: Scaredy Cat Ornament Painting ($9)
• Friday, October 23: DIY Witch’s Brew Lava Lamp ($9)

Spooky Science Festival: October 24–25, 12–5pm

Keep the experimenting going all weekend with FREE activities and $9 ticketed workshops!

Saturday, October 24

Free activities:
• 12–5pm: Take-It-Apart
• 1–3pm: Monster Genetics Lab
• 3–5pm: Spooky Science Magnets

$9 workshops:
• 1–3pm: Spooky Slime Make-n-Take
• 3–5pm: Beastly Beaded Bracelet or Keychain

Sunday, October 25

Free activities:
• 12–5pm: Take-It-Apart
• 1–3pm: Flying Paper Bat
• 3–5pm: Invisible Ink pH Painting

$9 workshops:
• 1–3pm: DIY Enchanted Wooden Luminary
• 3–5pm: Hallowed Hand Melt Challenge

Activities are generally suitable for ages 3 and up, with many adaptable to each child’s abilities. Most participants are ages 5–9, and adults are always welcome to participate! Reservations aren’t required, but advance registration helps the team plan.

Discover the Craft Lab: Hands-on Science + Art!
The fun continues beyond Halloween at the Craft Lab, Because Science’s hands-on space where science and art meet. Located inside the science-themed gift shop, the Craft Lab invites kids and adults to create, experiment, and explore together. Check the website each month for the calendar of activities and events.

Looking for a birthday celebration for a curious kid?
Craft Lab birthday parties combine a guided hands-on activity with private use of the space for your celebration. Explore the activity options and available dates to plan your own science-filled party!

Follow @becausescience_DC on IG to stay updated on all of their upcoming programs and events!

Because Science
Where: 1759 Columbia Road NW | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Open daily | Sun-Thurs ,12-6pm | Fri-Sat, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free (fee for some workshops)

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This post is sponsored by Because Science, however, I only promote places, programs, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will be of interest to KFDC readers.

Giveaway: Win Tickets to See “Beatrice Likes the Dark” at Adventure Theatre!

What if the darkness is where you shine the brightest? Beatrice Likes the Dark, on stage now at Adventure Theatre, explores this idea in a magical, world-premiere production. Even more, you have a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see it!

Based on the children’s book by April Genevieve Tucholke, this imaginative play follows Beatrice, who feels most at home in the dark. When she casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers a world of possibilities — and learns about courage, connection, and embracing differences along the way. With magic, humor, music, and shadow play, the show combines a whimsical adventure with a meaningful message. It’s recommended for ages 5 and up, but all ages are welcome.

Written by playwright Dani Stoller, who describes the show as being for the “little weirdos” who believe they can make a difference, this heartwarming adventure celebrates the things that make us unique.

See more about the show here!

Beatrice Likes the Dark
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Through November 1
Tickets: $27

Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre, simply leave a comment on this post telling me what one thing your family would wish for if you could cast a magic spell! 💫 This giveaway will run through Thursday, October 15, 2026, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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This post is sponsored by Adventure Theatre, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will be of interest to KFDC readers.