Hooray for Halloween!
Making the kids wait until Halloween to don their costumes and get into the spooky spirit is a non-concept in our household. Weeks ago, my babes started dressing up in their trick-or-treating best for play dates, birthday parties, even trips to the grocery store. This week, however, there are some events happening around town where their fantasy garb will actually be apropos before the official candy fest start. If you want your kids to get some extra wear out of their outfits — and have some fun, to boot — here’s where they can get their Halloween on during the weekdays leading up to the holiday. (Weekend events to come soon!).
Cabin John “Eye Spy” Halloween Train
Head to Cabin John Regional Park for some spooktacular fun any evening this week from 6 – 9pm. The highlight is the “Eye Spy” Halloween Train, recommended for kids ages 8 and under, that snakes through the dusky woods. Passengers can look for Halloween friends hiding along the way and mark them off on special “Eye Spy,” cards which they upon admission along with a glow in the dark bracelet. For all ages: Halloween movies in the great outdoors and other Halloween activities and games. Cost is $6/person or $5 with a donation of canned food. Train ride tickets will be available for purchase from 2 – 6pm for specific boarding times (on the half-hour) for that same evening at the Train Station each day. After 6pm, a limited supply of tickets will be available for purchase as well.
Haunted Train Ride at Wheaton Regional Park
For a train ride with a little more boo power, Wheaton Regional Park’s Haunted Train and Creepy Carousel will deliver a Halloween thrill. From 6 – 9pm through October 31, the $6 admission ($5 with canned good donation) includes a train ride through the dark woods, a ride on the Creepy Carousel, entrance to the Hall of Jack o’ Lanterns, and face painting on Saturday and Sunday. Same as Cabin John, train ride tickets will be available for purchase from 2 – 6pm for specific boarding times (on the half-hour) for that same evening at the Train Station each day. After 6pm, a limited supply of tickets will be available for purchase as well.
The Great Pumpkin Hunt
On Wednesday, October 27, Brookside Gardens will host The Great Pumpkin Hunt from 10:30 – 11:30am. Recommended for kids ages 3-5, the hunt will guide guests along the trails looking for tricks, treats, and pumpkins. Reservations are required, and you can sign up via the ParkPASS link on Brookside’s website (note course # 114611). Cost is $5. Kids should wear a trail-friendly costume for this one!
Rose Park 6th Annual Fall Pumpkin Festival
This Wednesday from 4 – 6pm, Rose Park will host its annual Fall Pumpkin Festival. Folks are invited to enjoy pumpkin decorating, hot cider, ghosts and goblins, and a costume parade. Rose Park is located between P Street NW and M Street NW, bounded on the West side by 26th and 27th Streets and on the East side by Rock Creek Parkway.
Story Time and More at DC Public Libraries
Many story times at DC Public Libraries will take on Halloween themes this week, and guests are invited to dress up for the occasions. There will also be a few extra events to celebrate Halloween. Check out the calendar to see what’s happening at your local library.
