Tag Archives: Halloween Weekend in DC

 

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to KFDC posts filled with family fun ideas:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Autumn Activities
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids

Trains in the Garden
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Daily through December 31, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The most wonderful holiday train display in DC is back at the Botanic Garden! Different (and perhaps better) this season is that it’s outdoors in the National Garden! The theme this time is “Farming Around the World,” and the trains wind through farming scenes from Mexico to Nepal to Massachusetts to Finland — and more destinations across the globe. Even better, just like previous displays, the scenes are all constructed from plant materials, and the details are so neat to see. There will be more holiday decor coming, and it all officially opens November 24, but the trains are there and viewable now, so go get an early look and enjoy the rest of beautiful garden while you’re there.

Side Yards
Where: Yards Park Sun Deck | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Side Yards, the nighttime circus fit for the entire family, is back at the Yards.  And I can tell you from experience, it’s a super fun event! The evening of eccentric amusement includes magicians, stilt walkers, contortionists, escape artists, arealists, and more offbeat entertainers. You can also enjoy activities like fortune telling, balloon artistry, glitter tattoo, and other carnival-style fun! Food and drinks will be available for purchase, or plan to dine at one of many nearby eateries.

Night Lights
Where: A few Northern Virginia sites
When: Evenings through the weekend
Admission: Vary by places
Holiday happenings have begun… A few light displays in the area — Lumino at Rooer’s Zoofari, Meadowlark Botanical Garden’s Winter Walk of Lights, and the Bull Run Festival of Lights — are already starting to welcome visitors. Get the holiday spirit started early (and get ahead of the crowds) as you see the parks transformed into sparkling wonderlands!

Roam Free
Where: Dumbarton Oaks Gardens | Georgetown, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 3-5pm
Admission: Free
One of my favorite KFDC Tips to impart because it’s on of my favorite places in DC:  From November through mid-March, there is no fee to roam the beautiful, enchanting gardens at Dumbarton Oaks.  Stroll among the various plats, find lovely tucked away placed to sit, and get ready for delights as you turn every corner. Hours are limited, but you can make a longer day of it with play time at Montrose Park next door or a bite to eat at one of of the many options in Georgetown. This KFDC post about Dumbarton also has some food recs and this one from earlier KFDC days has more info and scenes.

Museum Shop Holiday Market
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Friday & Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Suggested donation of $10
Do some holiday gift shopping from DC’s museums. Strathmore’s Museum Shop Holiday Market brings together the area’s best museum and cultural shops for a few festive days.  Every present is part of a larger purpose as your purchase supports nonprofit museums and arts organizations in our community. Find unique gifts from the shops at Strathmore, Brookside Gardens, the Supreme Court Historical Society, Hillwood, The Phillips Collection, GWU Museum & The Textile Museum, Jewish Museum of Maryland, and International Spy Museum.

Cool Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Cooler weather is coming, making the air crisp and activity a little more exhilarating, so take advantage with some time on the trail. Peep the autumn leaves, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids. Some hikes I particularly recommend right now:  Roosevelt Island, Sky Meadows State Park, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Turkey Run Park.

The Boro’s Gambit
Where: The Boro | Tysons, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free to spectate, $20 to play
You and your best (check)mates are invited tp The Boro’s first-ever outdoor chess tournament, The Boro’s Gambit. Catch every move at the Sandlot as Grandmaster Rashad Babaev, an international chess sensation and resident of The Boro, competes in a simultaneous game against 30 players. Spectators of all ages are welcome, and kids can enjoy activities in Boro Park with checkers, outdoor games, and giant chess and checker boards. Plan a full day and check out some of the many shops and restaurants while you’re there or see what’s playing at the ShowPlace ICON Theatre.

(Geo)Cache in on Fun
Where: Around the Area
When: Anytime
Admission: Free
Take kids on a “treasure” hunt and have a little adventure along the way. Geocaching is a perfect way to be active and enjoy a day outdoors. Whether you search in the city or seek out a destination that requires a hike in the woods, locating the hidden cache will be a thrill for everyone. See this post about our first foray into the pursuit awhile back.

Tour the Memorials
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Veterans Day may have passed but you can observe it through the weekend by visiting the sites that honor those who have served. Make the rounds on the Mall at your leisure — the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, World War II Memorial, and  Korean War Memorial are all within easy walking distance.  And while not on the National Mall, another obvious place for a Veterans Day Weekend outing (or a visit anytime) is Arlington Cemetery.

Aesop’s Fables
Where: Creative Cauldron | Falls Church, VA
When: Through November 21
Tickets: $20/adult, $18/student | Find Discount
The lessons learned in Aesop’s simple fables like The Ant and the Grasshopper, The Tortoise and the Hare, and the The Lion and the Mouse, have weathered the test of time. The Learning Theater crew brings them to life with a 21st century twist and their classic heart. Great for the whole family!

Urban Artistry: Let the Rhythm Hit Em
Where: Highland Elementary | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Tickets: Free!
InterAct Story Theatre presents FREE performances and events for kids and families with the Wheaton Family Theatre Series! This session welcomes Urban Artistry: Celebrate the diverse communities and influences that contribute to urban dance culture through music and dance. The emcee, DHG and dancers tell the story of where, when and how these dance styles were developed through storytelling, dance demonstrations, call-and-response games and interactive dance workshops. Recommended for all ages.

Bark in the Park
Where: Victura Park | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Bring your pup to Victura Park on Saturday for a puppy meet-up and to a chance to learn about rescuing pets from ucky Dog Rescue!  There will be  treats for furry guests, and even more human ones, including beer specials, chili dogs, puppicinnos, live music, and more.  FYI: You don’t have to bring a pup to go — Victura Park and the rest of the Kennedy Center’s outdoor areas are a great place to hang anytime!

National Harbor Tree Lighting
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Saturday, sunset
Admission: Free
It’s the first big DC area tree lighting of the season!  Watch National Harbor’s 54-foot tree come to life with a breathtaking light show in the heart of the Waterfront District followed by a festive fireworks display.  (FYI: The lighting will take place nightly through December 31, running on the half an hour from sunset to 9pm and the fireworks will take place every Saturday evening at 5:30pm through December 13.)

Skaters Gonna Skate
Where: Local ice skating rinks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
Want to glide under the sky? Many outdoor ice skating rinks in the area are welcoming guests to skate the day away. This post has the scoop on which are open now and more details (indoor venues, too), including bonus activities while you’re there.

Awesome Autumn Ideas
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The fall festival season has wound down, but there are plenty of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post has 10 suggestions  for great places to go for fall adventures.

Christmas Movie on the Potomac
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy an outdoor holiday movie at National Harbor!  Starting this weekend, every Sunday at 2pm, a free film will be shown on the Plaza’s big screen —  The Muppet Christmas Carol is this week’s flick.  Pack your chairs, grab food from one of the many eateries there, and sit back to enjoy the family-friendly holiday classic.

Spirit Watch Party
Where: Dacha Beer Garden | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
On Semifinal Sunday, cheer on the Washington Spirit with other fans at at the family-friendly Dacha Beer Garden in the Navy Yard. See them take on OL Reign and try to claim their place in the NWSL Championship!

Spectate in Person: All Caps
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Sunday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Catch a Capitals game on Sunday evening as they host the Pittsburgh Penguins. See the restaurant recs in the Wizards listing for a fam-friendly bite before the match. Plan on a pre-game dinner in Penn Quarter –there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Carmine’s, Shake Shack, and Oyamel.

DC, Inside & Out
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure

Want even more options for fun things to do with the kids around the area? If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Indoor Outings

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Master Silhouette Artist is creating hand cut silhouette portraits for KFDC readers on Friday and Saturday. It originally sold out quickly, but time slots have been added for both days!
* There have been updates to the KFDC Guide to the Holiday Season as more info is announced, so be sure to take a look to help with your planning.
* In case you missed it, I recently updated and (re)shared the KFDC post about local volunteer opportunities for kids.
* Plan for upcoming live entertainment with the round-up of shows coming to local stages late fall through winter.
* 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival dates have been announced March 20 – April 17 — and it will be back in person this year!
* For other Interfaith families out there… I always get asked about our Christmas tree topper, which is a fun way to bring together our family’s holidays. You can find it here and even more similar (and prettier) toppers here.
* Great sale alert: Anthropologie is offering 30% off all sale items this weekend!
* 2021 Sexiest Man Alive (accompanied by one of the funniest).

 

 

 

Happy Weekend!

Link up to ongoing fun in these KFDC posts:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Indoor Outings
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids
* Autumn off the Farm

Ice It
Where: Ice rinks around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by rink
The outdoor ice skating season began last weekend as a few area rinks — Pentagon Row, Rockville Town Square, and Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza — started welcoming guests to skate the day (and night) away.  One more option begins as Reston Town Center opens.   This guide has details on all of them (indoor venues, too), including extra activities to enjoy while you’re there.

Pumpkin Chunkin’
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $16/adult, $14/child
What to do with your jack-o-lantern now that Halloween is over? Take it to Great Country’s smashin’ session and let it fly! You have  options to do this:  The Silo Drop and the Zip Wire Sploosh let you do the smashin’ yourself, or bring your pumpkin to the Pumpkin Drop Zone and add it to the upside down “fireworks display” as the pumpkins are dropped from a 40-foot lift.  (We’ve had a blast doing this!) Smashings are given to the pigs and cows to eat and also composted. And along with the chunkin’, there’s a whole play area of farm fun, plus apple picking ops.

Millennium Stage Celebrates Diwali
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center’s wonderful Millennium Stage is back indoors and celebrating Diwali this weekend. Learn how people celebrate Light, share stories, and inspire each other through these programs. Musician Rohith Jayaraman will perform on Friday, and on Saturday hear author Sushmita Mazumdar share stories about Diwali and make a Rangoli book and lantern.

Family Film: The Raft
Where: Edlavitch DCJCC | Downtown DC
When: Friday 1pm | Saturday 6pm, 8pm | Sunday, 1:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pm
Admission: $14 (but get 50% off with code JxJ21Half )
Catch a family-friendly movie presented by JxJ at the DC JCC… Four teen soccer fans are determined to support the Israeli soccer team in a critical match — even though the game is taking place in Cyprus! Inspired by the mythological journey of Kon-Tiki, the industrious (if naive) group build a vessel and set sail across the Mediterranean. The perils of seafaring on a DIY raft, coupled with, at times tense and close quarters, prove quite the test for the youthful crew. In Hebrew with English subtitles, this beautifully shot coming of age film is an epic adventure for the whole family! View the trailer and learn more about the film here.

Watch the Wizards
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Friday, 7pm & Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Wizards will be hosting at home this weekend with games Friday and Sunday evenings. See them work their magic on the Memphis Grizzlies and Milwaukee Bucks. Plan on a pre-game lunch in Penn Quarter –there are plenty of family-friendly places to go in the neighborhood. Some recs: Jaleo, Camine’s, Shake Shack, and Oyamel.

Market Days on the Hill
Where: Eastern Market | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Start your holiday shopping and enjoy a nice day out at Eastern Market’s outdoor weekend Flea Market. It’s a personal neighborhood fave any time of year, but especially pleasant to browse and stroll during the fall. Vendors sell a variety of wares — art, apparel, jewelry, home goods, and food.  Inside the actual Eastern Market, food stalls offer all kinds of fresh fare, from meats and cheese to produce and baked goods to fish and flowers.  Visit the market, grab a bite at one of many eateries (either right there or nearby), and take kiddos to the nearby Eastern Market Metro Park playground (Pennsylvania & 8th SE).

Underground Railroad Guided Hike
Where: Woodlawn Manor | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm & 1-3:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Montgomery Parks to celebrate Maryland’s Emancipation Day with a hike on what was part of the Underground Railroad. Register in advance here and read about the great hike in this KFDC post. See what other events are taking place throughout the month to commemorate the abolition of slavery in Maryland.

Foliage Filled Hikes
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Take in the brilliant color spectrum of autumn and get a little exercise, to boot, on a family hike. From right here in the city to country locales, you’ve got your pick of places where you can enjoy the fall foliage and some time outdoors. This post about good area hikes with kids started in the early KFDC days, and with many new recommendations added since as we’ve done even more, there are lots of great suggestions for trails that will make for happy trampers. Some specific recs right now: Great Falls,  Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Woodend Nature Sanctuary (Family Hike on Saturday at 9am), Mason Neck, and Quiet Waters.

Go on a Garden Walk
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Fall is a great time to roam one of the many gardens in the area as seasonal hues brighten the landscapes. Stroll among the many multi-tiered plats at Dumbarton Oaks. Explore, play, and see a variety of plant collections at the National Arboretum. Enjoy the sprawling grounds of Brookside Gardens.  Wander around Green Spring Gardens on a scavenger hunt. Venture out to the gorgeous Meadowlark Botanical Garden. Or relish in the peace at the Brookland Monastery. You can bring along a picnic to most of these places (not at Dumbarton) and make it a longer day’s outing.

Fall Farm Fun
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Just because you’re not picking out a potential Jack o’ lantern, that doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun on the farm. Many area farms have way more to enjoy than just pumpkin patches. Whiz down slides, bounce on giant jumping pillows, visit farm animals, and loads more. The list of fall fests has info on where to find it.

The Inside Scoop
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
If you’re specifically seeking indoor fun or just want ideas for extra activities, there are plenty of options for things to do inside. This post has info on what’s open when, along with links for more about the places and Covid policies. Some specific recs for this weekend: Explore the STEAM inspired exhibits at the National Children’s Museum, scale the colorful walls at ClimbZone, get an art fix at the Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum, look for secret doors at the Mansion on O Street.

The Red Eye Night Market
Where: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd-7th Streets |Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 4pm – 12am
Admission: Free
This family friendly, open-air night market pays homage to the foods and cultures of the Asian diaspora. Featuring DC’s hottest chefs, artists, and more, The Red Eye’s unifying goal is to support small businesses, create a cultural tentpole event for our city, and give people a night of celebration, community and discovery.

All Caps
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
For sports action on ice, catch the Capitals on Saturday evening as they host the Philadelphia Flyers. See the restaurant recs in the Wizards listing for a fam-friendly bite before the match.

Nature Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
If you’re not feeling outdoorsy, you can still get a dose of the outside world in the comfort of the indoors at a nature center. There are several great ones around the area that offer cool exhibits, including live creatures. Buddie Ford Nature Center in Alexandria, Watkins in Upper Marlboro, Potomac Overlook in Arlington, Long Branch in Falls Church, and Brookside in Silver Spring all make for a great outing.

Soccer Spirit!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 5:30pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Cheer on our local women’s pro soccer team, Washington Spirit, as they play their quarterfinal play off match against North Carolina Courage at Audi Field this weekend. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting women in sports! Purchase tickets here.

Charm City Fun, Hon!
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only is it nice to get a change of metro area scenery sometimes, Baltimore, our sister city just a 45-minute drive away, is full of fantastic, family-friendly things to do. This post has info about all of them, including big attractions, suggestions for places to eat, and neighborhoods to explore.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Where: Olney Theater | Olney, MD
When: Through January 2
Tickets: $42-79
The classic animated story comes to life on the Olney Theatre Mainstage starting this weekend. It’s a tale as old as time, but the production of it gets a new look.  Olney’s biggest show of the year brings the whole family together for a magical and memorable musical about the redemptive power of love. Join Belle, Lumiere, Cogsworth, and the rest of the gang in the Beast’s cursed castle for an escape to a world where beauty is more than skin deep and happily ever after is just a rose petal away. Rated G. Tickets are still available this weekend the Friday show (Saturday & Sunday), but you can snag seats for a later date!

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks in Fairfax, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Explore Nature at Night at Riverbend Park. Join a Campfire Saturday at Burke Lake Park. See how the mill operates during Grind Day at Colvin Mill run on Sunday. Get more details on these activities and see what else is going on here.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* How & Where to Get COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids 5-11 in the DC Area.
* There have been some updates and listings added to the KFDC Holiday Guide, so continue to check it out — and bookmark! — to plan for the season.
* It’s holiday card time — Minted is offering 15% off cards with code MERRY21 through November 18.
* I keep hearing great things about these. Any insight on whether they’re worth the splurge?
* Great new listen.
* Don’t forget to fall back this weekend!
* 10 Happy Things for November, the always uplifting and enriching monthly list from Darcy.