Get hands-on at The Big Build
Happy Weekend!
Go-to posts packed with ideas for local things to do:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Boo at the Zoo
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Friday – Sunday, 6-8:30pm
Admission: $25/members, $35/non-members
The National Zoo’s annual not-so-spooky Halloween haunt, one of DC’s most beloved events for the kiddie crowd, is back. With over 30 treat stations, fun after-hours animal viewing , whimsical Halloween scenes, roaming characters, a magician, and more… this frightfully fun evening is a treat for the whole family! And souvenir tote bags they give out wil hold all the treats they collect. Costumes very much encouraged!
More Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Halloween may not be for a few more weeks, but you can get the party started with activities and events that celebrate the spooky spirit. A few are listed in this round-up, and this post has details on where even more tricks and treats are happening.
Fall Harvest Fest & Carnival
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Fri, 5-9pm | Sat, 10am – 9pm | Sun, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $10/vehicle, carnival ride passes are $23+
Celebrate fall at Frying Pan’s annual festival! Carnival fun and games start on October 16 with the Big Truck Night — get an up close look at big trucks and specialty vehicles, plus enjoy rides, games, fair food, and more. On October 17-18, you can experience the harvest with hands-on with farm activities, watch traditional demos, and see the farm animals along with the carnival fun.
Alllll the Fall Fests
Where: Around the DC Metro
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall festivals are in full swing at locales all around the area! From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides to giant slides and jumping pillows, there are activities GALORE to help folks embrace the autumn spirit. This post has details on where all the fall fun is happening.
The Big Build
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Any kid (or adult, for that matter) with an interest in building and construction will absolutely dig this annual event celebrating all things, well, building. The Great Hall will be full of different stations where guests of all ages aren’t just welcome, but encouraged, to try their hands at all kinds of construction and design techniques. Get an idea of what to expect in this KFDC post (it’s from a bunch of years back, but it’s essentially the same program).
Hansel & Gretel
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday & Sunday, 3pm
Tickets: $13/child, $16/adult
Get lost in a forest full of adventure! When Hansel and Gretel wander into the woods, they meet a cast of quirky creatures, from a fiery troll and clever owl to mischievous hobgoblins, all working for a delightfully wicked witch. After Hansel is captured and tempted with endless cake, Gretel must use her courage and quick thinking to save her brother. Filled with laughter, imagination, and larger-than-life characters, Hansel & Gretel is a magical family adventure brought to life by young performers, for audiences of all ages.
More Show Time
Where: Theatres around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre
* Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at The Puppet Co.
* Chicka Chicka Boom Boom the Musical at Imagination Stage
* Come From Away at Ford’s Theatre
* The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at Olney Theatre
* Monsters of the Villa Diadati at Creative Cauldron
* Frida: A Self Portrait at Klein Theatre
Autumn off the Farm
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Farm festivals may be the go-to autumn outing, but there are lots of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post lists 10 great places to check out for fall adventures.
Lucketts Fall Market
Where: Old Lucketts Store | Berryville, VA
When: Friday, 12:30-5pm | Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $23+
Head out to Clarke County to browse and shop more than 200 of the best “vintage hip” vendors on the East Coast. And it’s more than just a shopping trip; it’s a whole event with live music, beer gardens, delicious food trucks, and fun workshops. The Early-Buyer Weekend Pass gives you access on Friday from 8:30am – 12:30pm. General admission hours are 12:30-5pm on Friday, and 10am – 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.
6th Anniversary Community Day
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate six years of Planet Word! In addition to their signature exhibit experiences, enjoy exclusive pop-up talks and demonstrations from our curatorial and tech teams as well as special museum-wide activities. Don’t forget to stop by the Planet Word swag table for a tasty treat and fun keepsakes as you wrap up your visit.
WHUT Fam Fest
Where: “The Valley” | Howard University, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This annual fun-filled day hosted by WHUT, Howard University Television, is packed with excitement, entertainment for children and families during Homecoming. Enjoy appearances by beloved PBS KIDS characters, live musical performances, interactive games, arts and crafts, and community giveaways. Don’t miss Black Meta Agency’s free hands-on VR activation that will include virtual tours of Howard, plus a surprise celebrbrity.
Georgetown Fall Market
Where: Book Hill area | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Like the French Market that takes place in the spring (but with a bit of pumpkin spice), this market will have sidewalk sales from neighborhood shops, fall-inspired menus at restaurants, and autumnal activities for all to enjoy.
Kingman Island Friends & Family Day
Where: Kingman Island | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Saturday will be a great time to check out Kingman Island — there’s going to be all kinds of family-friendly activities going on. Do some paddling, take nature walks, try fishing, go on scavenger hunts, do some arts & crafts, browse a children’s clothing swap, and more! Register in advance.
Loudoun County Fall Farm Tour
Where: Farms around Loudoun County, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual Loudoun Fall Farm Tour showcases more than two dozen locations that offer everything from pumpkin patches to alpacas to flowers to vineyards to farmers markets. All of the locations provide an educational component for visitors as well. Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.
Family Day: BFF: Benjamin Franklin Forever
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 3:30pm
Admission: Free
As part of the Library’s commemoration of America 250: It’s Your Story, October’s Family Day honors Founding Father Benjamin Franklin. Make your own simple electrical circuit and explore collections related to his many achievements as printer, businessman, diplomat and scientist. Staff from the Science and Business Reading Room will highlight Franklin’s commercial ventures. Learn about 18th century printing from experts in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division and try out the Library’s replica printing press. Franklin himself will join the program to talk about his life and work. Register for free tickets.
Potomac Music Fall Fest
Where: Workhouse Arts Center | Lorton, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Join Potomac Music for a day of autumn fun, food, and community! Bring family and friends to celebrate the best season of the year. There will be pumpkin crafts and games, live music, photo booths, and more than 50 local craft vendors, plus fresh sips and fall eats.
The Spirit of Women’s Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 12:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
The Washington Spirit are back home with a match against NY Gotham iwith a District vs Empire them. Watch some great women’s soccer action and enjoy a fun day out with the fam!
Caps vs Devils
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 1pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary (check for deal)
The Capitals are playing at home on Sunday afternoon against the Devils. Go early (or after) for e meal in the Penn Quarter neighborhood — this post about kid-friendly eats in DC has suggestions for places to go.
Look, Learn, Create: Water’s Edge for Families
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 1:15pm
Admission: Free
Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the exhibition Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe. After finding inspiration from the artworks, continue into the imagiNATIONS Activity Center and create your own water-inspired artwork to take home. Recommended for children ages 4-10 and their families. All ages welcome.
Wizard School Scavenger Hunt
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: $18/age 10-17, $24/adult
Join Watson Adventures on a unique Harry Potter-themed scavenger hunt that kids and adults will love! Follow in the footsteps of young wizards on a field trip to the National Gallery in search of art that echoes characters, places and enchanted objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies. The hunt is not a variation on Harry’s adventures, but instead references to the books provide a bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. This hunt is designed for kids and adults to do together — kids must be accompanied by an adult. Read about this super fun adventure in this KFDC post.
Family Costume Party
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: Saturday, 5-7pm
Admission: $15
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable evening of Halloween fun and hands-on discovery at our annual Haunted Lab Family Costume Party! From glowing experiments and fascinating creepy crawlies to spook-tacular STEM activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Show off your creativity in our family costume contest, enter for giveaways, check out some action-packed chemistry, and try your hand at custom “Franken-toys” with a 3-D pen, and magical color-shifting potions! Read more about the Lab (during non-Halloween) in this KFDC post.
Mill Grain Fair
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
This free, family-friendly event celebrates the long history of farming, milling, and baking in DC and the Mid-Atlantic. Enjoy hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, and live music at the historic mill in Rock Creek Park. And purchase local, whole grain foods at our Shoemaker Street Market. Read more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.
Turkish Festival
Where: Pennsylvania Ave, 3rd-6th St NW | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Turkish heritage and culture on the streets of DC! The free event will include live music, folk dancing performances, kids games, arts & crafts, cultural events, and more. Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisines and shop Turkish ceramic bowls, carpets, and other cultural items from local vendors.
Maum Market
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
This mindfully curated pop-up market celebrates Asian-owned brands. On Sunday, visit the market at The Wharf to shop a variety of home goods, fashion, art, stationary, jewelry, and more. Plan on having a bite to eat and enjoying a day by the water, too.
Hope for Kids Fall Festival & Costume Party
Where: Silver Spring Civic Building, MD
When: Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission:
Extra-Ordinary Birthdays will bring families together for an afternoon of fun and community impact. The annual celebration will bring the theme “Extraordinary Birthday Bash” to life with activities and experiences inspired by the joy Extraordinary Birthdays creates for children throughout the year. The event will feature games, prizes, food, music and dancing, a costume contest, vendors, and interactive experiences for children and families of all ages.
An Easy-Breezy Hang
Where: Catboat Pizza Bar | Alexandria, VA
When: Fri, 3-9pm | Sat-Sun, 12-9pm
Admission: Free, but purchase concessions
How about a fun and relaxing waterfront outing to enjoy the great fall weather? Pizza, snacks, drinks (both boozy and non-alcolholic), a scenic riverside location, kid-and dog-friendliness, and easy-breezy vibe make Catboat Pizza Bar a great place for a family hang. Read more about it here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Hey, moms…. there’s a giveaway for a chance to win tickets to the Earlybirds Club Dance Party on October 30!
* Fall is always a great time for a hike — and aprés hike fun!
* Make plans for Spooky Science Week at Because Science in Adams Morgan!
* Saturday is the annual Capitol Hill Haul-O-Ween Yard Sale.
* Washington Post picks the 40 best restaurants in and around DC.
* So many clever inflatable Halloween costumes!
* I already know Quince has some of the best cashmere sweaters, especially for the cost, and I have high hopes for the cotton, too. (PS: They also have great quality kids’ clothes!)
* Anyone else rewatching Felicity since it was added to Netflix? So good, it really holds up! And a great one to watch with teens.
* The iconic dance 25 years later. (Top comment: “I really hope she gets in Juilliard!” )
