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 gobs 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. Happy Halloween!
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
Where: LEGO Discovery Center |
When: October 1-31
Admission: Starts at $25
Get into the Halloween spirit as Minifigure Monsters take over the LEGO Discovery Center with frighfully fun adventures! Get creative in the Ghoulish Glow Zone, see 4D Halloween movie The Great Monster Chase, work on a special Halloween build, and more! Read more about the LEGO Discovery Center here.
Kids Workshop: Witch Candy Box
Where: Home Depot locations around the area
When: October 3, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free – be sure to register in advance
Get ready for Halloween at Home Depot’s free monthly workshop for kids. All supplies are provided, including a little apron, and kids get to keep their craft along with a certificate of achievement and collectible pin. All attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. Register in advance.
Haunted Lab
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: October 3 – November 3
Admission: $15
The Lab will be decked out in our not-so-scary Halloween best, and we’ve got STEM fun with a seasonal twist, from a supernatural scavenger hunt to the spider launcher and spooky slime piano! Visit in costume and get your very own treat bag! Read more about the Lab (during non-Halloween) in this KFDC post.
Jenny the Cat: A Halloween Adventure
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: October 3 – November 3
Admission: $18-33
The Puppet Co. favorites Ingrid and Mollie are bringing a charming and educational adventure to the main stage for Halloween! Come meet Jennie the Cat! When Jennie receives a Halloween card that calls her a scary cat, she feels like she’s been put in a box. Does she have to be scary? Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving. Who will Jennie choose to be? This show features cuddly puppets, audience interaction, and all original music.
“Eye Spy” Halloween Trains
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Regional Parks | Bethesda & Wheaton, MD
When: October 3 – November 1, Saturdays & Sundays
Admission: $9
Hop on board the Halloween Trains! All ages can take a “Día de los Trenes” ride on Montgomery Parks’ Cabin John Miniature Train and the Wheaton Miniature Train. They run every Saturday and Sunday in October, and it’s best to purchase tickets in advance online to guarantee a ride (only a limited amount are available onsite.) Purchase for Wheaton here and Cabin John here.
Howl at the Moon Halloween Experience
Where: Mansion on O Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: October 4 – November 1
Admission: $55
This Halloween season lose yourself in a world of illusion and mystery. Behind one of the mansion’s many hidden doors lies a limited-time Halloween pop-up exhibit, cloaked in spooky animatronic characters and curiosities. The rest? That’s for you to uncover — if you’re brave enough to roam our exhibits and haunted gardens. (PS – BYO shopping bags — everything is for sale!) Read more about this wonderfully unique DC attraction in this KFDC post.
Howl-O-Ween
Where: Great Wolf Lodge | Williamsburg, VA & Perryville, MD
When: Through October 31
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 includingHowl-O-Ween Crafts, Boo Bingo, a Monster Bash Dance Party, Ghoulish Games, and much more. This, plus the ongoing fun and indoor waterpark will make for an extra special and spooky Halloween! Read more about Great Wolf Lodge Williamburg in this KFDC post and this one about the newer park in Perryville, MD.
Halloween Fun at Fall Festivals
Where: Around the DC area
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 much more! See a list of seasonal celebrations here.
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.
Goblin Golf
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: October 3-18, Saturdays & Sundays
Admission: $12
Tee up Halloween fun at Burke Lake Park’s mini golf course. Enjoy a festive themed experience with Halloween treats included. Ghosts and goblins will be appearing all day from 11am – 5pm. Bring the whole family — this mini golf experience is fun for everyone!
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
Where: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: October 7 – November 1
Tickets: $54-101 (find discount)
Recommended for ages 13+… Synetic Theatre bring this production to the Olney Stage… In the haunted village of Sleepy Hollow, the past refuses to stay buried. Years after a brutal Revolutionary War encounter leaves a Hessian soldier beheaded and his beloved horse slain, the fallen rider returns as the legendary Headless Horseman—an apparition stalking the shadowed forests in search of what was taken from him. Inspired by Washington Irving’s classic tale, Sleepy Hollow reimagines the familiar legend as a haunting story of love, guilt, revenge, and redemption. Blending supernatural horror with theatrical spectacle, it asks whether the true monsters are the spirits who haunt us—or the deeds we would rather forget.
Spooky History Tours
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: October 9, 11, 17, & 25, 8-9pm
Admission: $25
Explore the haunting legends of the National Building Museum through stories collected over the decades. Hear tales of the historic site which that defy easy explanation, while exploring the hidden features of the breathtaking structure. Recommended for ages 13+.
Spooky Science
Where: Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, MD
When: October 10, 12-4pm
Admission: $34.95/adult, $26.95/ages 3-12
Calling all witches, wizards, and warlocks—gather on over to the Maryland Science Center on Saturday, October 10, for an afternoon filled with magical science fun! Create your own wearable amulet. Learn about our favorite special effects using magic—well, science. Cast a spell to over a color-changing potion. And many more secrets hidden throughout the building!Read more about the Baltimore attraction here.
Pumpkin Patch Express
Where: Aughwick Valley | Central PA
When: October 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31
Admission: $28-32/age 13+, $22-26/age 2-12
Plan an overnight or a weekend getaway for this one… Put on your Halloween costume and ride the East Broad Top to Colgate Grove, where a full afternoon of fall fun awaits. Explore the pumpkin patch, take a hay bale wagon ride, decorate a pumpkin, play mini-golf and cornhole, visit the free photo booth, warm up by the fire pits, enjoy the bounce house, and join in even more activities, all as part of your Pumpkin Patch Express experience.
Halloween Movie Series
Where: Yards Park | Navy Yard, DC
When: October 15 & 22, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Yards Park for family-friendly movie nights. Grab food at one of the nearby eateries then head over to the boardwalk for a film under the stars. The October 15 movie will be Halloweentown and October 22 will be Halloweentown 2. Reserve spots in advance!
Boo at the Zoo
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: October 16, 17, & 18, 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!
Farm Harvest Days & Carnival Fun
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: October 16-18
Admission: Free, but carnival ride passes are $16-25
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.
Soul Strolls: Becoming America
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31
Admission: $40/adult, $20/under 13
In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary brought to life by Congressional Cemetery’s interred residents, Soul Strolls: Becoming America explores this contested space between ideals and reality. Through the stories of those who came before, visitors will consider not only the values of America’s founding, but how generations of people have embodied what America truly is. These annual lantern-lit twilight tours bring the cemetery’s history to life through immersive performances by costumed interpreters. Journey through the grounds after dark, encounter Congressional Cemetery’s interred residents, and discover the lives and legacies that helped shape the nation. Attendee costumes welcome and encouraged!
Family Costume Party
Where: Children’s Science Center Lab | Fairfax, VA
When: October 17, 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.
Trick or Treat at The Square
Where: Rockville Town Square | Rockville, MD
When: October 18, 3pm
Admission: Free
Get your spook on at this annual trick or treat. Stop by the main event tent and get a Treat Stop map and a free souvenir bag to hold all your treats from participating businesses and vendors while supplies last! Enjoy face painting, a live DJ, and more Halloween fun, too. Costumes and furry friends (and furry friends in costumes) encouraged!
Spooky Science Week
Where: Because Science| Adams Morgan, DC
When: October 19-25
Admission: Free (fee for some workshops)
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.
Strašidla – Czech Legends and Mythical Creatures
Where: Embassy of the Czech Republic | Embassy Row, DC
When: October 22, 6pm & 8pm
Admission: Free
At this 4th annual event from the Czech Embassy, kids can learn about Czech mythical creatures such as the Water Goblin, Noonday Witch, Headless Knight, and Forest Demon before venturing on a fun, slightly spooky walk through the Embassy’s “haunted forest.” The evening will also feature hands-on, bubbling experiments presented by the Science Guys. The events is intended for ages 5-10 and offers a unique opportunity for families to explore Czech culture through storytelling, folklore, and interactive activities. RSVP required: czechembassypr@gmail.com
Halloween Glow in the Park
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Weekends, October 23, 24, & 30
Admission: $56
Enjoy a spooky halloween-themed night of climbing and ziplining under the neon colored lights while listening to music throughout the Park. Glow start times are available every 10 minutes 6-8:20pm, and tickets are good for a 2 hour + 40 minute adventure. Costume encouraged but refrain from capes, masks that cover your eyes, and any super loose garments. Reserve in advance online — this event tends to sell out. Ages 5 & up are welcome! Read more about the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring here.
Halloween Spooktacular
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: October 23, 5-7:30pm
Admission: $18.95
Get ready for a spook-tacular evening at National Children’s Museum! The Halloween-themed after-hours evening will be packed with special activities and frightful fun for the whole family. Put on your best costume and get ready for spooky shadow stories, pumpkin catapults, creepy crawly investigations, a monster mash noise parade, and more fun. Costumes, of course, encouraged!
Trick or Fruit
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capital Hill, DC
When: October 23, 6-8pm
Admission: Free
Explore plants that produce edible fruits throughout the Conservatory at this fun evening program for families. Hear stories about what makes each plant interesting, learn about the environments they grow in, and experience the fruits with all of your senses, including taste! Costumes highly encouraged!
Halloween on the Farm
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Clifton, VA
When: October 23, 5-8pm
Admission: $12
Trick or treat on the farm! Visit with farm animals, create crafts, play games, tour the decorated farmhouse, and enjoy the fall on the farm. The program runs in three one-hour time slots. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register in advance.
Halloween in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Solomons, MD
When: October 24, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $5/online, $10/at gate
Join Annmarie’s annual family-friendly Trick-or-Treating festival for a howling good time. The garden will be decorated for the season with lots of great Halloween and fall decor, with fun photo ops around every corner! More than 60 local businesses and organizations will be here handing out treats for the kids, plus there will be fun and games, a DJ dance party, food trucks, and more! Dress up the whole family and enjoy a spooktacular day! Read more about Annmarie here and here.
Howl-O-Ween
Where: Gateway Interim Dog Park | Rosslyn, VA
When: October 24, 5-6:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the Rosslyn BID for a Halloween-themed evening of dog-friendly activities, treats, and seasonal fun. Festivities will include pet-themed vendors, a beer and wine bar for pet parents, the opportunity to mingle with fellow furry friends, and more. Plus, don’t forget to dress your pup in their best outfit so they can compete in the annual dog costume contest. Registration for the contest will be on-site.
Halloween at The Boo-ro
Where: The Boro | Tysons, VA
When: October 24, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
This family-friendly Halloween celebration is packed with tricks, treats, and unforgettable moments for all ages — including your four-legged friends. From festive decorations and spine-tingling entertainment to interactive activities and Instagram-worthy photo ops, there’s magic (and mischief) around every corner.
Monster Mash
Where: Village at Leesburg | Leesburg, VA
When: October 24, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
The Village at Leesburg is back with its Annual Monster Mash! Join the fun including live-action professional pumpkin carvers, Trick or Treating around the Village, cookie decorating, their annual costume contest parade for you and your pets, and more.
Family Spooky Disco
Where: Dance Place | Brookland, DC
When: October 24, 2-4pm
Admission: $15, $45/family 4-pack
Join a celebration of dance, costumes, and families. This intergenerational dance party is for both the young and the young at heart. This event will feature a live DJ, snacks, and party games. Get your costume and dancing shoes, and come get spooky!
Hill Family Biking Halloween Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 24, 3:30-6pm
Admission: Free
Join Hill Family Biking for their annual Halloween Ride! The rolling fun will start at Lincoln Park by the Lincoln Statue. More details to come, but plan to dress yourself and/or your bike in costume for a bike ride on the Hill’s spookiest blocks with a rockin’ afterparty and costume contest.
Flights & Frights: Trick or Treat at the Museum
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: October 24, 5:30-7:30pm
Admission: $5, free/under 2
Set your Halloween spirits soaring at Flights and Frights at the College Park Aviation Museum! Join an evening filled with trick-or-treating in the gallery and spook-tacular games, crafts, and experiments. Go dressed in your favorite costumes and get ready for a high-flying Halloween adventure. Registration required.
Halloween Carnival
Where: Community Center | Falls Church, VA
When: October 24, 1-3pm or 3:30-5:30pm
Admission: Free
The City of Falls Church has been hosting the annual Halloween Carnival for over 30 years, welcoming babies through elementary-aged kids to enjoy all kinds of fun activities. Enjoy a spooktacular family fun Halloween Carnival in Cherry Hill Park for kids 2 to 11 years old! This year’s event will include games, inflatables, live music, and snacks.
Ghost Town
Where: Burke Lake Park | Burke, VA
When: October 24 & 25, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $20/advance, $25/day of
At this family-friendly Halloween event, family members can come in their best costumes to celebrate the holiday with an afternoon packed with fun but not-spooky activities. The Ghost Town includes themed activity areas, train ride, carousel ride, crafts and mini golf. Online tickets available online up until two days before the event. Sign up for 10/24 here and 10/25 here.
Sensory Friendly Morning: Halloween Edition
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: October 25, 8:30-10am
Admission: Donation recommended
Designed for families with neurodivergent children or teenagers to explore the museum at a quieter, less-crowded time, guests can participate in this Halloween-themed morning with optional, not-scary costumes and trick-or-treating around the galleries for fun fidgets, bookmarks, and mini-books. Recommended age is 10 and up, but all are welcome! The experience is self-guided, and guests can choose to participate in additional activities.
Not-so-Spooky Animal Encounters
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: October 25, 1:30-3:30pm
Admission:Free
Meet live animals up-close this Halloween! During this special edition of the seasonal Animal Encounters offering, participants will get to learn about and interact with some of the “scary” animals that call the park home, and see if they’re really that scary after all. The Roving Naturalist and critters look forward to meeting you! All ages welcome.
Air & Scare
Where: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: October 25, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free, parking is $15
The annual Air & Scare event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is back with activities inside and out! The fun includes trick or treat stations, creepy crafts, spooky experiments, and other Hallloween-themed activities; special story times and puppet shows; photo ops; and costume contests. Tickets required for the outdoor part — reserve yours here!
Little Goblins Parade
Where: Stead Park | Northwest DC
When: October 25, 12:30-3:00pm
Admission: Free
The spook-tacular Little Goblins Parade begins at Ross Elementary, with a musical parade down 17th Street to trick-or-treat at local businesses and ending in a party at Stead Park with games, music, a bouncy slide, crafts, and snacks! It’ll be a treat you won’t want to miss! This event is brought to you by Friends of Stead Park, Ross PTA, Garrison PTO, Foundry UMC, Protest Pizza, Keegan Theatre, and DC DPR with support from local businesses and organizations.
Harbor Halloween
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: October 25, 12:30-3pm
Admission: Free
National Harbor is hosting an afternoon of family-friendly Halloween fun, including trick-or-treating, a waterfront movie, pumpkin carving contest, Pet Pawrade, free Capital Wheel and carousel rides, and more. The festivities kick off with trick-or-treating., featuring 30+ participating retailers, restaurants, and hotels handing out candy to costumed guests ages 12 and under.
Halloween Trick or Treat Celebration
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: October 25, 1-4pm
Admission: $15, $50/family 4-pack
Get ready for an afternoon of Halloween fun at this special celebration! Bring the whole family for trick-or-treating, pumpkins, live entertainment, food and drinks, and Halloween-themed activities throughout The St. James — including a Pumpkin Plunge in the Pool.
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Where: Del Ray Neighborhood | Alexandria, VA
When: October 25, 2pm
Admission: Free
One of Del Ray’s favorite traditions, the 30th 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. It’s a family friendly affair that invites costume-clad kids, pets, moms, and dads to march down Mt. Vernon Ave from E. Bellefonte Ave to the Mount Vernon Rec Center field. The event ends with live music and an award presentation.
Halloween Movie on the Pitch: Hocus Pocus
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: October 29
Admission: Free
Cap off the Yards’ Halloween Movie Series with a special Movies on the Pitchfinale at Audi Field. See Hocus Pocus under the lights where the Spirit and United usually play! RSVP link coming soon.
17th Street High Heel Race
Where: 17th Street NW, btwn P & S | Dupont Circle, DC
When: October 27, 5pm
Admission: Free
The High Heel Race is a 39-year DC tradition, with a rich history of “Crossing The Line Since 1986.” During the week before Halloween, thousands of spectators pack the Dupont Circle Neighborhood to watch hundreds of costumed drag queens show off their extravagant outfits and race down Historic 17th Street, NW. There’s also live entertainment, a parade, and more festive fun!
PumpkinPalooza
Where: Alethia Tanner Park | NoMa, DC
When: October 28, 4-8pm
Admission: Free
NoMa’s free annual community-wide celebration of Halloween returns with live entertainment, yummy food, music, a seasonal scavenger hunt, and, of course, the free “pick-your-own” pumpkin patch! See a Ringling Brothers veteran perform, mingle with Minion & Gru costumed characters, take selfies with baby alpacas and more petting zoo animals, join or check out a costume parade for people and pets, see firetrucks and fire fighters, end enjoy a movie screening of Minions & Monsters.
Hockey Halloween
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: October 28, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $37 (find discount)
Just days before the big night, this Caps game against the Flyers will have a Halloween theme. Expect Halloween music, spooky scoreboard graphics, and festive, holiday-themed fan interactions. Fans can dress up for it — the mascots lkely will be, too!
Hill-O-Ween
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: October 30, 4-6pm
Admission: Free
Capitol Hill’s annual neighborhood event is legendary for little ones! Count on live pumpkin carving and a DJ spinning tunes for a spooky dance party. More details are still to come, but for past events the block of 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market is closed to traffic for one of the best community Halloween celebrations in the city. There have been moon bounces, goody giveaways, face painting, wagon rides, and more exciting festivities. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the extravaganza.
Spooky Serpents
Where: Potomac Overlook Park | Arlington, VA
When: October 30, 7-8pm
Admission: $7
Looking to get spooked? Do you get the heebie jeebies upon seeing slithery serpents? Come scare yourself silly and get an up-close look at the amazing snakes that call the nature center home, and watch a Naturalist feed them some tasty mice! You’re bound to go hiss-terical at this program. For ages 7+.
Trick or Treat at Tudor Place
Where: Tudor Place | Georgetown, DC
When: October 31, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $15/non-member, $10/member, $5/adult
Enjoy some morning trick or treating and fun at Tudor place! Explore the gardens while gathering treats (both food and non-food items) and show off your Halloween costume. There will be coffee, cider, and other goodies along with crafts, games, face-painting, and more.
Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Where: Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens | Mount Vernon, VA
When: October 31, 2-6pm
Admission: $31/age 12+, $26/under 12
Trick-or-treat at Mount Vernon as George Washington’s estate open its gates for Halloween fun and spook-tacular activities. Along with collecting candy around the historic grounds, enjoy live entertainment, check out a apple butter-making demo (and get a taste!), watch sparks fly at the blacksmith shop, learn about Mount Vernon’s horses, and more.
Mystery Mansion Adventure
Where: Chevy Chase Women’s Club | Chevy Chase, MD
When: October 30 – November 1
Admission: $10-25
Celebrate Halloween at Twisted, this year’s Mystery Mansion Adventure theme hosted by The Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase. Three experiences are available: Bonfire Bash tickets give you access to the grounds, including live music and firepits. Fairytale Isle tickets give access to the full experience of the Bonfire Bash and the unique halls of the mansion (for ages 3+). And the Tunnel tickets give access to Bonfire Bash, Fairytale Isle, and an extended fright experience in the mansion (for ages 8+).
Glen Echo Fall Frolic
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: October 31, 1-4pm
Admission: Free, but small cost for some activities
It’s a safe and fun Halloween event with something for everyone! Activities include Halloween arts & crafts, a festive fall photo-op (say that 10 times!), Trick-or-Treating at resident art studios and galleries, and a costume contest (will you win for “Most Spooky,” “Most Creative,” or “Best Group?”). They focus on the arts-y & crafts-y more than the scary, but we love to see all the costumes – even the scary ones!
Día de los Muertos | Day of the Dead Celebration
Where: National Museum of the American Indian | National Mall, DC
When: October 31, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole crew to enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including dance performances, coloring activities, and paper marigold and mask making. Visitors are invited to leave photos and mementos of their loved ones on the ofrenda (altar) or commemorate them by writing their names on a butterfly to attach to the memorial arch.
The World & Me: Bat Week Extravaganza
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: October 31, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum to celebrate bats and learn about how important bats are to our planet. Also, help shine the light on the importance of spiders! See bat and spider specimens up close, make art celebrating bats and spiders, and learn other ways you can support bats and spiders all year long. Feel free to wear your favorite bat or spider attire! Families can join at any time during the duration of the event and stay as long as you like.
Halloween Masquerade with Rocknoceros
Where: Jammin Java, Vienna, VA
When: October 31, 11am (doors open 10:30am)
Admission: $10
Wear your finest ghoulery to this dance-along, sing-along event with a kindie rock favorite in the DC area! This show is part of the Jammin Java/Union Stage Presents 25th anniversary concert series.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween
Where: John Carlyle Square | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: October 31, 11am
Admission: Free
This celebration in Old Town Alexandria will be packed with arts & crafts, delicious treats, and a day of fun for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to shop for handmade Halloween décor, indulge in sweet treats, or watch a costume parade (kids and pets), this festival has something for everyone.
Pumpkin Chunkin’
Where: Great Country Farm | Bluemont, VA
When: November 1-3, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, $16/ at gate
Continue the Halloween fun after the holiday! Bring your leftover jack-o-lantern to Great Country’s smashin’ station and let it fly! The Silo Drop and the Zip Wire Sploosh let you do the smashin’ yourself or opt for the Pumpkin Drop Zone and add it to the upside down “fireworks display” as pumpkins are dropped from a 40-foot lift — so fun to watch! (What happens to all those smashed pumpkins? The pigs and cows love to eat them and GCF composts the rest.) There will also be live music, marshmallow roasting, and cider press demos, plus The Roosteraunt concession stand will be open. Of course, plan to enjoy the farm’s playground, full of fun, too!
Celebración Día de los Muertos
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: November 1, 3-6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with your family and friends.Discover beautifully decorated altars honoring loved ones, listen to live music, and light up the night during the community light procession. The family-friendly afternoon will include free activities for the kids including face painting, sugar skull decorating, and more. Don’t forget to dress the part by wearing colorful clothing, skulls, and flowers.
Wicked Kids Halloween Trick or Treating
Where: Shipgarten | McLean, VA
When: November 2, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience meeting friendly, fun characters from Wicked, plus face painting and arts & crafts kids can enjoy. They’ll also have live music, moon bounces, and a full playground so everyone can have a blast! Dogs are welcome at Shipgarten too, whether on-leash or in our off-leash dog park.
Step right up for some haunted fun
HAUNTED (SCARIER) EXPERIENCES
Fields of Fear
Where: Cox Farms | Centreville, VA
When: Weekends through November 7
Admission: $40-45 (purchase in advance online)
When night falls on Cox Farms, it’s time for Fields of Fear — for ages 12 and up! — and this is what you can expect… The Dark Side Hayride features The Lost Circus, a circus abandoned in the early 1900s that now comes to life when the living approach. The Cornightmare Trail has jump scares for everyone. The Forest is half-mile walk through the woods with spooky encounters. The Firegrounds feature several bonfires, a six-lane slide, music, karaoke, entertainment, tasty treats, and more!
Laurel’s House of Horror
Where: Laurel, MD
When: Weekends through November 7
Admission: $30-55
Our family digs this creepy and fun haunted experience. Built inside an abandoned movie theater, it’s sensory overload with a lot to look at and listen to and several good jump scares. There’s always chilling sense of anticipation as you get ready to round the next corner. There are also escape rooms open all year during the weekends, and for private parties and special dates. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
AVFD Station 7 Terror Trail
Where: Gambrills, MD
When: Fridays & Saturdays through O3tober 31
Admission: $25+
Choose a scary trail or a family-friendly haunt here. The scary Terror trail is recommended for ages 8 and older or opt for activities for younger children at the ticket booth and the Boo Haunt loop geared for those under 8 years old. This supports the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department.
More Halloween Ideas
Getting into the spooky spirit at home can be just as fun as going out for it! Heighten the experience for your fam (and neighbors) by decorating the front yard and adding some festive accessories inside. Here are quick links to find Halloween supplies to help with that:
Yard Decor: Hanging witch hats, giant spider web, glowing eyed dangling bats, super stretch cob webs, and more spooky stuff.
Inside Decor: Creepy face-changing portraits, “floating” candles, ghostly candles, Halloween pillow covers, and more creepy accessories.
Party Supplies: Fun non-scary table set, spiders & bats table set, jack-o-lantern table set, inflatable cooler, temporary tattoos, and cookie cutters.
Crafts & Games: Monster ornaments, LEGO Jack o’ lantern pick-up and haunted house, pumpkin carving kit, and Found It scavenger hunt game.
Costumes, of course!
