Giddyup! Spidey rides the carousel at last year's Hilloween.
There’s a whole weekend and then some to get through before the official trick-or-treating begins on Sunday evening. If you and the kids are looking for activities in the Halloween spirit to pass the time from Friday on, here are a few ideas.
Hilloween
Capitol Hill’s annual event is legendary for little ones. On Friday, October 29, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, 7th Street SE next to Eastern Market will be closed to traffic for one of the best kids’ Halloween celebrations in the city. Hayrides, moon bounces, goody giveaways, and even a mini carousel will add to the excitement. The best part is seeing the masses of jubilant kids in all kinds of costumes indulging in the neighborhood extravaganza.
All Aboard the Halloween Train
Ride the “Eye Spy” Halloween Train at Cabin John Regional Park or take a Haunted Train Ride any evening through Halloween. More info about both journeys on the tracks in Maryland’s dark woods is in this post from a few days ago. Along with the train rides, there are more tricks and treats for kids at both locations.
Stage Fright
So, maybe “fright” is a strong word for this weekend’s Saturday Morning at the National production. A costume parade with Barrymore Eagle and some kid-friendly improv from Now This! will give audience members a chance to show off their trick-or-treating duds (come in costume!) and make suggestions for Halloween-themed improv performances. Kids are encouraged to dress up. Show times are 9:30am and 11am. Tickets are free and distributed a half hour prior to performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Every person be standing in line to receive a ticket.
Trick or Treat with the Boutiques
Spook and shop all at once. Old Town Alexandria’s annual Halloween event invites kids of all ages to visit local shops for tricks and treats on Saturday, October 30. The giveaways will be available throughout the day during store hours. The list of participating boutiques is available on the Old Town Boutique District website.
Fall Frolic
Glen Echo Park is hosting an afternoon of Halloween amusement with gobs of activities for kids of all ages. At the Fall Frolic, guests can decorate a pumpkin, create a spooky spider, or make friendly ghost. Kids can design their own trick-or-treat bag then use it to collect goodies from the park’s theaters and galleries. A pumpkin promenade, face painting, and costume parade will round out the fun. Admission is free, though pumpkins and face painting cost $1. The event runs from 1pm – 4pm on Saturday, October 30.
Pumpkin Glow Night
The Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival is still underway at Great Country Farms, and this weekend, it will be at its brightest for Pumpkin Glow Night. On Friday and Saturday evenings, more than 1,500 jack o’lanterns carved by local school children will be lit all at one time for a spectacular pumkin display. Guests can also bring their own jack o’lanterns for a chance to win Best in Glow, Scariest, and Funniest. A bonfire and roasted marshmallows will help make it a great country experience. The Glow is from 6 – 9pm, and the lighting countdown begins at 7pm. Admission is $10 for kids 3-10, $12/ages 11 and up, free for children 2 and under. For directions and more info, visit the Great Country Farms website.
