Tag Archives: Halloween Activities

October 23, 2015 · 9:22 am

The Weekend Round-Up: October 24-25

Shop our 7 Days of Deals at Tinyprints.com!

Get your Halloween fun started early, support a local school at one of several fundraisers, enjoy some live entertainment (even on front porches!), celebrate the season, join a museum program, cheer on runners, have one last huzzah… these are just some of the ways you and the kids can conquer the weekend. And something to keep in mind as you do: The Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday means there will be some major road closures, but it shouldn’t hamper your good time. Happy Weekend!

Kids Euro Festival
Where: Around the DC-Metro
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Consider this your passport to two weeks of artistic adventures, as the Kids Euro Festival brings continental entertainment right to DC. This is the first weekend of the event that will present more than 125 free performances all around the metro area. Musicians, storytellers, dancers, and puppeteers are just a few of the exciting acts that will perform at a variety of venues through November 8. See what’s on the schedule over the next few days.

Air and Scare
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center of the National Air & Space Museum
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Discover the spooky side of air and space at the Udvar-Hazy Center’s 10th Annual Air & Scare! Arrive in costume for safe indoor trick-or-treating. Participate in creepy crafts, spooky science experiments, and other Halloween-themed activities. Bring the tiniest visitors by the Tot Zone to play dress-up and hear a story. Be sure to pose for a photo with your favorite Star Wars and Ghostbuster characters!

Fall Harvest Family Days
Where: Mount Vernon
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $18/adults, $8/ages 6-11, free for 5 and under
Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days that include wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, apple-roasting, blacksmithing and corn husk doll demos, and early-American games and music. Guests can also get a view of the estate from the water – Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price during this weekend event.

Food History Festival
Where: National Museum of American History
When: Saturday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
When it comes to food innovations, is everything old really new again? This Smithsonian festival presents a full day of free activities for visitors of all ages that will spark conversations about the past, present, and future of food innovations in America.

PorchFest
Where: Adams Morgan
When: Saturday, 3-7pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and a few local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Part of Cultural Tourism DC’s Art4All festival, the Adams Morgan PorchFest will create a family-friendly, neighborhood-based alternative to the nightclub music scene. Enjoy music styles from Brazilian, Irish and jazz, to indie rock, children’s tunes, and even Egyptian Nubian folkloric.

Truck Touch
Where: Suburban Nursery School
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $5 (under 2 are free)
Get up close and personal with fire trucks, police cars, delivery trucks, construction rigs, buses, dump trucks, and many more! And there’s more than just trucks — bounce Houses, a toy car race track, games, photo booth, pumpkin decorating, food trucks, bake sale, will also be part of the festivities.

River Park Yard & Bake Sale
Where: Eastern Market
When: Saturday, 8am-1pm
Admission: Free
Head to the Rumsey Aquatic Center Plaza (635 North Carolina Ave SE) at Eastern Market to find great bargains, from baby gear to housewares and furniture, and yummy goodies at River Park Nursery School’s annual yard sale and bake sale. All proceeds support River Park, an independent non-profit with a 50-year tradition on Capitol Hill.

Pumpkins in the Park
Where: Canal Park
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate fall with some fresh air, creativity, and free entertainment! The Capitol Riverfront BID welcomes families to come out for pumpkin decorating, face painting, a giant pumpkin moonbounce, music from Rainbow Rock, and more! This event is open to all — kids and kids-at-heart. Pumpkins will be available on a rolling basis throughout the event, so go early to get yours!

A Last Huzzah!
Where: Revel Grove in Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $22/ages 16 and up, $10/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under
It’s the final weekend of the Maryland Renaissance Festival, the annual faire that recalls medieval times with an English Tudor village full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. I highly, highly recommend going if you haven’t been yet. Huzzah!

Show Time
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Rainbow Puppets’ Really Big Dinosaur Show is this week’s Saturday Morning at the National performance
* Head to the U.S. Botanic Garden for The Cerulean Time Capsule, an interactive theatrical adventure (and tour the plant collections while you’re there)
* See (and smell?) Flowers Stink, a collaboration between the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Kennedy Center
* When She Had Wings is soaring at Imagination Stage
* Catch a classic story on strings as The Puppet Co. present Aladdin (and his wonderful lamp)
* And Panda-Monium is the featured Tiny Tots show at the Glen Echo venue
* Take the kids to rock out at Signature Theatre’s Girlstar (best for ages 10 and up…look for discount tickets)
* The Reston Community Players present Shrek the Musical at CenterStage
* Spend Saturday morning with The Great Zucchini at Jammin’ Java
* Do Halloween at the Kennedy Center where the NSO Family Concert Sleepy Hollow-een will entertain the whole fam (look for discount tickets)

Marathon Fun for Spectators
Where: Miles 22 & 23 in Crystal City
When: Sunday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Cheer on the Marine Corps Marathon runners at toward the end of their race while the kids enjoy some family activities at the Crystal City Family Festival. Along miles 22 and 23, there will be a variety of activities for young spectators, including face painting, moon bounces, balloon animals, circus activities, and more!

Movies at the Art Museum
Where: National Gallery
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Young film buffs can enjoy screenings of two Dutch films at the National Gallery this weekend. Presented as part of the Kids Euro Festival, there will be a screening of The Amazing Wipala on Saturday and Finn on Sunday. Both are recommended for ages 10 and up, and descriptions are available on the website.

Family Workshop: Sculpting to the Beat
Where: Freer | Sackler Gallery
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Asian art museum for the opening weekend of Sōtatsu: Making Waves! Visitors of all ages are invited to discover the exhibition on a family-friendly tour (held at 12pm and 2pm) or by making their own Sōtatsu-inspired fans in the galleries. Return to the ImaginAsia classroom to experiment with a variety of art materials, solve creative challenges, and collaborate with friends and family.

Pumpkin Palooza
Where: The Wharf
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Let children express their imaginations as they craft their very own “Pumpkin” with the assistance of a talented team of on-site Wharf artists. When they’re done, relax by the water and enjoy some terrific music from the Wil Gravatt Band. Great food, beverages and refreshments are just steps away at Cantina Marina, the District’s original dock bar. Grillmaster Bufus will also be on site at the King Ribs shack offering tasty-to-the-bone grilled foods. It’s a day the whole fam can enjoy together!

Kinderdance for Free
Where: Columbia Heights Recreation Center
When: Saturday, 1-2pm
Admission: Free
Dance into fall with Kinderdance of Washington, DC! The program offers lessons in ballet, tap, acrobatics, and more. And children ages 3-5 can sample a class this Saturday – on them. To reserve a spot, contact Kinderdance at 240.270.2490 or info@kdwashingtondc.org.

Cathedral Commons Fall Festival
Where: Northwest DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
The new mixed-use development on Wisconsin Avenue is hosting its first annual Cathedral Heights Fall Festival & Craft Beer Showcase on Saturday. The event will highlight the abundance of onsite retailers in the area, and will feature live entertainment including a class with specialty fitness center PureBarre, dance demos with The Washington Ballet, musical performances from local community. Free activities for kids include a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, inflatable slide, and fall crafts.

Fall Festival
Where: Potomac Crescent Waldorf School
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: $15/child ($45 max/family)
Join Potomac Crescent Waldorf School in celebration of their annual Fall Festival. The rain or shine event has fun for the whole family. Enjoy traditional games, crafts & activities, local artisan sales, great food, marionette plays, puppet plays, a bake sale and live music. Marionette and puppet play tickets are extra. The school is located at 3846 King Street in Alexandria.

Fall Fun on the Farm
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the season at one of many area festivals on the farm. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides to giant slides and jumping pillows, there are activities galore to help folks relish in the fun autumn brings. This post has details on many fall festivals happening around the region.

Haunted Harvest
Where: Capitol Hill Montessori at Logan
When: October 24, 6-9 p.m.
Admission: $20 per family ($1-$5 for food)
The annual Haunted Harvest festival has something for every age. Activities include haunted house, ghoulish games, zombie dance party, mad science experiments for older kids and crafts and scary storytelling for younger kids. There are also chili and hot dog dinners for sale, plus a chili cook-off contest. Admission fees benefit the school. The first 150 kids to arrive will get to paint a real pumpkin and take it home with them. Costumes are encouraged for all ages!

Haunted Garage and Fall Festival
Where: Oyster Adams School
When: Saturday & Sunday, 4-8pm
Admission: Free
Get ready for a family evening of friendly fright and ghoulish crafts! Oyster-Adams Bilingual School is hosting its 1st Annual Haunted Garage and Fall Festival. Hold on to friends and loved ones as you walk through our Haunted Garage. Enjoy pumpkin decorating, candy skull decorating, food and costume contests, games, and more. Oyster is located at 2801 Calvert Street NW.

More Wicked Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Halloween in the Annmarie Sculpture Garden and at National Harbor, Boo at the Zoo, an Anna Banana art party, special train and carousel rides, and more ways to celebrate Halloween a little bit early are going on around the area this weekend. Find the huge list of ‘em here.

Friends Community School Fall Fair
Where: Sunday, 12-4pm
When: Friends Community School
Admission: Free
Friends Community School welcomes the public to enjoy a day of fun activities at their annual Fall Fair. The event will include student-run old-fashioned games, a moon bounce, a toy and book sale, entertainment, and plenty of good food prepared by local restaurants and school families. The fair will take place rain or shine. The school is located at 5901 Westchester Park Drive in College Park, MD.

Fancy This
Where: Brookside Gardens
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8/ages 13 and up, $5/3-12, free ages 0-2
It’s your last chance to walk amid the garden of butterflies at Brookside Garden’s amazing Wings of Fancy exhibit. The display featuring live butterflies and caterpillars from all over the world is sure to delight! Read about a KFDC experience at the exhibit. Plan to tour the rest of Brookside’s lovely grounds while you’re there and see if there are any other special kids’ programs to enjoy.

Hiking & History
Where: Harper’s Ferry
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free ($10 if you park in lot)
Get some fresh air and exercise as you take in autumn hues and historic sites. Harpers Ferry is an easy day trip or weekend destination from DC, and fall is a great time to go. For more about a visit there, see this very recent post.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, Class, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Farm, Festival, Free, Fundraiser, Halloween, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, School Event, Seasonal, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC with kids, Fall Festivals, Fall in DC, Family Activities in DC, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Fun with Kids in Washington DC, Halloween Activities, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend October 24-25, What to do with Kids in DC this Weekend

October 16, 2015 · 7:09 am

The Weekend Round-Up: October 16-18

The slide at Revel Grove is a Ren Fest must-do

Cool, crisp air and autumnal hues will help make for a quintessential fall weekend. Even better, there are myriad ways to enjoy it all. Happy Weekend!

Fall Carnival Fun & Harvest Days
Where: Frying Pan State Park
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free, activities cost extra
Fall is a busy — and fun — time on the farm, and you can be part of it at Frying Pan’s annual festival! Watch the cider press in action, milk a goat, shell corn, peel apples, meet farm animals, and see traditional farm demonstrations. After doing some farm work, it’ll be time to PLAY, and there will be plenty of carnival fun to do just that with rides, games, fair food, and more. On Friday, just the carnival will be open from 6-10pm. All activities will be available on Saturday 12-10pm, and on Sunday 12-7pm.

Soul Stroll
Where: Congressional Cemetery
When: Friday & Saturday, 6-9pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/child
Get into the Halloween spirit on Capitol Hill as you explore Congressional Cemetery and the stories of those laid to rest there on these special guided after-hours tours. Congressman, carpenters, suffragists, and bootleggers are among the graveyard residents, and they all have a unique tale to tell.

18th Century Autumn Market Fair
Where: Claude Moore Colonial Farm
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission:
Enjoy the splendor of fall at Claude Moore’s annual 18th Century Autumn Market Fair. Play games, listen to music and catch children’s puppet theater. Watch the blacksmith, fencing demos, and the cabinetmaker in action, and try hands-on crafts, such as spinning or making a Corn Husk Doll. Meet the farm family and neighbors, in costume and character. See heritage breed animals including turkeys, chickens and pigs. Browse and shop crafts, jewelry, soaps, candles and more. Food will be available for purchase – nosh on spit roasted chicken, potato soup, sausages, bread and cheeses, roasted olives and seasonal fruit pies. And the Colonial Tavern will serve cask ales and beers, mulled wine, and authentic ginger ale. Fun and educational for all!

White House Fall Garden Tours
Where: White House
When: Saturday, 10am – 4:30pm & Sunday, 10am – 2:30pm
Admission: Free
It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy autumn at the White House! The annual Fall Garden and Grounds Tours are being held this weekend. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn will be on view to guests. The public is invited, but every visitor, small children included, needs a ticket to tour. Starting at 9am on both days, tickets will be distributed at the Ellipse Visitor Pavilion at 15th & E Streets NW on a first-come, first-served basis. Tour times are indicated on each ticket, so keep your day open if you hope to go.

Halloween Family Day
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Ghosts and goblins and witches, oh my! Get in the Halloween spirit with spooky craft activities, scavenger hunts, and live music and performances. Whether in new costume or an old favorite, all are welcome to arrive wearing their Halloween best.

VelocityDC Dance Festival
Where: Sidney Harmon Hall
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $18
If you like dance, you’ll love this festival featuring performances by some of the city’s best-known ensembles, undiscovered gems, and everyone in between. Returning for its seventh season the VelocityDC Dance Festival will showcase styles ranging from ballet to hip hop, tap to flamenco, demonstrating why it’s a highlight of Washington’s dance season. There are evening shows both days at 8pm, as well as a 2pm show on Saturday.

Where the Merriment Is
Where: Revel’s Grove in Crownesville, Md
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $24/ages 16 and up, $10/ages 7-15, free for 6 and under
There are only a couple of weekends left to enjoy the bounty of merriment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The annual faire recalls medieval times with a village full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. This is one of my very favorite events in the DC area, and it could very well become one of yours, too. Huzzah!

Book It to Georgetown
Where: Wisconsin Ave NW, btwn P & Reservoir
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The Book Hill enclave of Georgetown is hosting its first Fall Market on Saturday. Many of the businesses in the area will be showcasing their wares for folks to shop. You can also purchase apples and pumpkins, enjoy live music and food, and find activities for children.

Show Time
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See (and smell?) Flowers Stink, a collaboration between the U.S. Botanic Garden and the Kennedy Center
* When She Had Wings is on the Imagination Stage
* Catch a classic story on strings as The Puppet Co. present The Velveteen Rabbit
* And Teddy Bear’s Picnic is the featured Tiny Tots show at the Glen Echo venue
* Head to the U.S. Botanic Garden for The Cerulean Time Capsule, an interactive theatrical adventure (and tour the plant collections while you’re there)
* The Reston Community Players present Shrek the Musical starting this weekend
* Take little ones to the NSO Teddy Bear Concert Fiddlin’ Around — and make sure they’re favorite teddy goes, too!

All Aboard for a Model Train Open House
Where: Historic Vienna Depot of the W&OD Railroad
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Chug on down to the Town of Vienna to visit the Vienna Depot and see model train and trolley activities that realistically depict an actual railroad that existed in North Carolina in the 1950′s, the Western North Carolina (WNC). Every hill, town, building, locomotive, rail car, and industry in this layout is modeled after those places and things as they looked in that era. Well, almost everything. To satisfy popular demand, expect an occasional sighting of Thomas the Tank Engine (and a few of his friends) chugging around among the bigger steam and diesel locomotives. The Vienna Depot is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, Virginia just down from the town’s real caboose. The Open House is sponsored by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders. Check out the virtual tour on the website.

Kid’s Corner Fall Fair
Where: Mitchell Park, 23rd & S Streets NW
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free (food and activities are extra)
Enjoy a fun-filled fay featuring lively entertainment, seasonal activities, and yummy food for young children and their families. Kids’ activities include pumpkin decorating, a moon bounce, crafts, wagon-led hayrides, face painting, and live performances by Malcolm X Drummers and Dancers, FUNdamentals of Music and Movement, Gerry Herbert – Musician/Guitarist and the Flamenco Dancers. This all benefits Kids’ Corner Day Care. (Rain Location: Kids’ Corner Facilities around the block at 2200 California Street NW.)

Goodbye, USS Barry
Where: Navy Yard Cold War Gallery
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
The former battleship that has been moored at the Navy Yard as a public display ship for the last 30 years is being retired from its post. Folks have an opportunity to say goodbye at a a formal departure ceremony on Saturday. Former sailors and Navy employees will be at the farewell, and the public is welcome to attend as well. Taking place at the Navy Yard’s Cold War Gallery, guests can get there through the Washington Navy Yard Riverwalk (the boardwalk that runs along Potomac at Yards Park) with a government-issued identification card.

Best of Brookland
Where: 701 Monroe Street NE
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate one of DC’s most vibrant and historic neighborhoods. Along with food and drinks from local haunts, there will be live and entertainment and fun for kids, including face painting, a mobile phone booth, and balloon art.

Wicked Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get the Halloween party started with activities and events that celebrate the spooky spirit. This post has details on where the tricks and treats are happening.

Dancing in the Streets
Where: Joe’s Movement Emporium
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Join Joe’s Movement Emporium as it takes its celebration to the streets of Mount Rainier to commemorate 20 years of supporting the health and wellness of its community, county and region! This Dancing In The Streets Block Party will feature live music, activities for children, local vendors, dance class demos, delicious food, drink and LOTS of dancing! The event will take place in the area outside Joe’s on Bunker Hill Road between 33rd and 34th Streets in Mount Rainier, MD.

Just Between Friends Consignment Sale
Where: Landmark Mall
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $5 at door (free pass online)
Find anything and everything you need for your kids, from newborns to teens, at Just Between Friend’s fun consignment sale. Get bargains on baby gear, car seats, strollers, infant items, books, DVDs, fall/winter coats, Halloween costumes, teen brands, toys, toys and more toys, plus thousands of children’s clothing items and more — all at savings of up to 50-90% off retail! Even better, KFDC readers can download a free admission pass here.

Hit the Takoma Park Streets
Where: Carroll Avenue to Carroll Street
When: Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Rescheduled from a couple of weeks ago when it was rained out, the Takoma Park Street Festival will be filled with music, artisans, community groups, children’s activities, food vendors and a variety of green companies at the city’s 34th annual event. Start your holiday shopping — over 150 vendors will be selling all kind of artistic wares. Festivities for kids include crafts, face painting, inflatables, and FUN! And music lovers will enjoy three stages hosting 18 popular local bands playing everything indie folk, rock, blues, country, reggae and everything in between.

Ultimate Clinic for Girls
Where: West Potomac Park, next to MLK Memorial
When: Sunday, 9-11am
Admission: Free
Learn to play Ultimate Frisbee! Girls in grades 5-8 are welcome to join a FREE two-hour clinics that teaches the basic skills and concepts of Ultimate, one of the fastest growing team sports in the country. There are four clinics total — attend one or all four! No experience is necessary! Email lperkins.letitbe@gmail.com to register for free.

World of Montgomery Festival
Where: Montgomery College, Rockville
When: Sunday, 12- 5pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the rich cultural heritages of the DC area at the annual World of Montgomery Festival. KID Museum of Bethesda has organized this year’s festivities with highlights that include an international village, a global kitchen with chef demos of traditional ethnic foods, a craft market, a Parade of Cultures, two performance stages of traditional dance and music, traditional arts and fun interactive activities for the whole family.

The Weekend Round-Up: October 10-12

That-a-way for autumn fun on the farm at Homestead

Most of us have one extra day to fill with fun this weekend, and that won’t be a problem with so many great events and activities happening around the DC-Metro. This round-up has the scoop you need to get your family’s good time started. Happy Weekend!

Taste of DC
Where: Pennsylvania Ave., 3rd-7th Streets NW, WDC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: $20, $10/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under
Celebrate the food, wine, and culture of our city during Columbus Day weekend. Along with the obvious — tastings from more than 50 area restaurants — there will be cooking demos, live entertainment, a beer garden, and a Worldwide Family Fun Stop with activities especially for kids, including dancing, games, storytelling, arts & crafts, and more.

National Fossil Day
Where: National Museum of Natural History
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a day of family-friendly, fossil-themed activities! Explore the “Last American Dinosaurs: Discovering a Lost World” exhibition, see ongoing research and fossil preparation at the FossiLab, and do fossi-related art activities. Kids of all ages will have the chance to be “deputized” by National Park Service rangers as Junior Paleontologists and will get to take home a badge and book about fossils found in our National Parks. Head to Q?rius, the museum’s education center, where there will be opportunities to handle fossils and talk to fossil scientists.

Art Safari
Where: The Torpedo Factory
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
An Alexandria family tradition, Art Safari returns for the 20th year with a full day of hands-on activities for kids and families. Artists will lead young visitors in creative projects across a variety of media, including clay, papier-mâché, fiber, and printmaking. Children should wear clothing that can get a little dirty. All activities are free with most appropriate for children ages 5 – 11 with some activities requiring parental assistance.

It’s All Greek to You
Where: Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
Saint Sophia’s annual festival brings the best of Greek food, drink and culture to the D.C. area. Festival goers can sample dishes from the Greek Cuzina made fresh and daily across the weekend. A variety of children’s games and activities including balloon toys, sand art and a moon bounce will delight young guests. A marketplace will showcase wares like jewelry, pottery and home goods, clothing, music, Byzantine icons, as well as a traditional Greek grocer. And every evening under the stars, enjoy live Greek music played by local musicians — all are welcome to join in and dance… Opa! Saint Sophia is located at 2815 36th St & Mass. Ave, NW.

Art on the Avenue
Where: Mount Vernon Ave in Del Ray
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the diversity of Alexandria’s Del Ray community at this multicultural arts festival. Over 300 artists – jewelers, woodworkers, pottery makers, soap crafters, glass makers, painters, sculptors, fabric artists, and musicians – will have their work on display and for sale. And kids activities have always been a vital part of the festival – scarecrow stuffing, pumpkin painting, lotus flower design, screen art weaving are just some of the crafts to enjoy. Food vendors will also be there offering hot dogs, BBQ, Indian fare, crab cakes, chocolate bananas dipped on a stick, and home made cider donuts.

Grape Stomp
Where: Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: $5/adult, $5/child
Join Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard for their annual Grape Stomp festival! The locale and event are family-friendly, featuring a Play Area and live music along with the main event. Test your skills and competitive juices throughout the day in the ancient wine making tradition — prizes will be awarded. And remember, it’s not the size of your foot that matters… it’s the power of your sole! Read more about the vineyard in this KFDC post.

Show Time
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See Mariko’s Magical Mix: A Dance Adventure at the Kennedy Center
* When She Had Wings is on the Imagination Stage
* Catch a classic story on strings as The Puppet Co. present The Velveteen Rabbit
* And Animal Crackers is the featured Tiny Tots show at the Glen Echo venue
* Head to the U.S. Botanic Garden for The Cerulean Time Capsule, an interactive theatrical adventure (and tour the plant collections while you’re there)
* Ben Rudnick & Friends are playing the Saturday morning show at Jammin’ Java
* And Rocknocerous is playing a special Columbus Day show at the Vienna music venue

Celebrate the Season
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by locale
Enjoy autumn fun and then some at a number of farms around the area. Pick pumpkins, whiz down slides, visit animals, jump on giant inflatables, take pony rides, indulge in caramel apples, and much more. The KFDC guide to fall festivals has details on all of them.

Fire Prevention Week Open House
Where: Falls Church Fire Station
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Did you ever wonder what it’s like to use a fire hose, sit in the driver’s seat of a fire truck or have questions answered on how to protect your family from fire? Join the Falls Church Volunteer Fire Department at their annual Open as they conclude Fire Prevention Week. Firefighters from the Falls Church and the Arlington County Fire Department will conduct fire and emergency medical demonstrations, lead activities for those young and old, provide tours of our station, fire apparatus, tools, equipment and much more! There will also be invaluable fire safety and prevention information available to take home. Sparky the fire dog is anxiously awaiting this exciting event!

Family Fall Festival
Where: Shops at Town Center in Germantown
When: Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy an afternoon full of delight, shopping, and autumn-themed fun. Families can choose between pumpkin painting, face painting, spin art, or jumping in one of our moon bounces. Or you could do it all! Light snacks will be for sale, and be sure to grab a flyer at the event listing specials the Shops will be running all day in celebration of the season and holiday.

ABC’s of Family Biking
Where: Brookland Arts Walk at Monroe Street Market
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Want to get the whole family two wheelin’ together? The “ABC’s of Family Biking” will help you learn more about the tools and resources available to help you all bike together and offer fun activities for all ages. There will be trail rides, balance bike races, helmet decorating, bike maintenance, and more.

The Martian
Where: Theaters near you
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by theater
For a flick both you and the kids will enjoy, The Martian is a stellar choice. The story is captivating, the cinematography enthralling, and Matt Damon gives a fantastic performance. While it’s rated PG13, we had no problem with Owen (9.5) seeing it, and I think kids even younger could watch it, too. This IMDB parental guide has specifics on what to expect.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall is a perfect time to hit the trail, when you can enjoy the foliage just as much as the activity itself. This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hike with kids. Find more details on the Riverbend to Great Falls trail here. And a few that aren’t on the list, but great for family tramping: Turkey Run Park, just off the GW Parkway, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve near Great Falls, Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, and Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in NE DC.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Eats, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Farm, Festival, Free, Halloween, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Park, Seasonal, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Columbus Day Weekend 2015, DC Children's Theatre, DC Kids Activities, DC Kids Museums, DC with kids, Fall Festivals, Fall in DC, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Fun with Kids in Washington DC, Halloween Activities, Kids Activities in Maryland, Kids Activities in Northern Virginia, Kids Entertainment in DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend October 10-11, What to do with Kids in DC this Weekend

October 26, 2014 · 8:39 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: October 27-31

Fall is an ideal time to visit Brookside Gardens

Monday – Wander around the beautiful grounds, play in the Children’s Garden, and enjoy a nice fall day outdoors at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Md. The park is open sunrise to sunset, the Visitor Center 9am – 5pm. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Let the kids romp on the playgrounds, go roller skating, visit the Education Center, play some ball on the expansive fields, and/or relax with a picnic by the river at Anacostia Park. This was a recent weekdays recommendation, but since I just posted about it, and it’s supposed to be great weather for a day outdoors, it seemed deserving of a mention again. Hours are dawn to dusk, 11am – 5:45pm for skating, and 10am – 2pm at the Education Center. Admission for all, including skate rentals, is free.

Wednesday – Head to the National Geographic Museum to experience two interactive exhibits recommended for all ages. “Spinosaurus” and “Food: Our Global Kitchen” are currently there, and adults can get a discount on admission to visit them. Entry is regularly $11/adult, but it’s $6.50 + service fees with the deal. Entry is $7/ages 5-12, free for 5 and under. Museum hours are 10am – 6pm.

Thursday – Catch a performance of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff at The Puppet Co. Stay at Glen Echo Park after the 40-minute show for some fun on the playground and a picnic lunch. Showtime is 10am. Tickets are $10.

Friday – Enjoy some fall fun on the farm! Visit the animals, take a tractor-pulled wagon ride, play on kid-sized tractors and playgrounds, and much more at Frying Pan Farm Park. The locale in Herndon is a guaranteed hit with kids (and parents always rave about it, too). The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, the farm is open 9am – 5pm, wagon rides 10am – 4pm. Admission is free, though the wagon rides cost a little extra. Later in the afternoon, put a little history in your family’s Halloween at Mount Vernon. Guests are invited to George Washington’s old estate to trick or treat in the historic area and enjoy other games and fun on the grounds from 3:30-6:30pm. Admission is $10/adults, $5/children.