10 Family Friendly Halloween Events in Northern Virginia and DC
If you are a local or just visiting there are tons of great things to do in the Washington, D.C area this October 2018. Sorting through all the activities can be a task in itself, so we put together a list of kid-friendly Halloween events in the Northern VA and D.C area. 1.Boo at the Zoo at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, October 19th – 21st, 5:30PM – 8:30PM
Boo at the Zoo is a great way to spend some quality time outdoors while learning about some spooky animals and getting those Halloween treats. You’ll get a commemorative Boo at the Zoo trick or treat bag (while supplies last), after-hours access to animal houses and exhibits and live entertainment. Purchase tickets online since tickets purchased at the gate increase by $10.
More Info: Boo at the Zoo
2. Zombie Fun Run at Bon Air Park, Saturday, October 20th, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the Zombie Fun Run at Bon Air Park for a spooky good time. Aside from the Zombie Fun Run, there will also be moon bounces, zombie craft projects, zombie face paints, and even a costume contest. The Big Cheese and Little Miss Whoopie food trucks will be there too! You can secure your spot and pick your runtime if you register for the Zombie Fun Run online.
More Info: Zombie Fun Run
3. Monster Mash: Extreme Pumpkin Edition at Village at Leesburg, Saturday, October 20th, 3:00PM – 7:00PM
This is sure to be a fun-filled event. A parade, costume contest for kids and pets, pumpkin carving workshops, make your own slime craft and trick or treating are only some of the activities going on at this jam-packed event. Radio Personality, Lisa Herndon, 2-time Food Network Winner, Jason Reaves and Halloween Wars Champion, Santosh Tiptur will be there too.
More Info: Monster Mash: Extreme Pumpkin Edition
4. Trunk or Treat and Costume Party at Stephens City Family Drive-In, Saturday, October 20th and 27th, 5:00PM – 8:00PM (Trunk or Treat and Costume Event Only) or 5:00PM – after the movie ends (purchase of drive-in movie tickets)
Although a bit of a trek from DC, the Stephens City Family Drive-In event will be one that your family remembers. Combine trick or treating, pumpkin patch picking, magic show, face painting, car decorating contest and family movies and you’ve got a special night. Visit their Facebook page for movies and screening times. Special note: “Cost of the event is the cost of the movies for the night--- $8 Adults; $4 Children (Ages 3-11). If you only want to attend the event-- the cost is: $10 per car and you will be required to park in a field next to the theatre and leave by the time the movies begin at: 8 PM”.
More Info: Trunk or Treat
5. Halloween Party – Family Program at The National Museum of the Marine Corps, Saturday, October 27th, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
The National Museum of the Marine Corps (NMMC) has recently become one of our favorite museums due to its extensive children’s program. There’s always some type of kid-centric event: preschool playdate, homeschool days and family days to name a few. For more information, follow them on social media at @NMMCKids. This Halloween, NMMC is holding a Halloween Party for kids 12 and under (not a drop off event, parents still need to supervise their kids). There will be “games, and spooktacular puppet show, reptile show and more!” A fun and Free event that’s also educational!
More Info: Halloween Party – Family Program
6. 4th Annual Harvest Festival at Shannon Airport, Saturday, October 27th, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
“Bring your kids for ‘Trick or Treat’ aviation style” at Shannon Airport in Fredericksburg, VA. Visit the Shannon Air Museum and see the airshow. Static aircraft will be available for you to explore. General Admission is $12, Kids 12-4 years $7 and Kids 3 & under is Free. They had a Candy drop in previous years and we’re hoping for this year too.
More Info: 4th Annual Harvest Festival
7. Victorian Halloween Party at the DAR Museum, October 27th, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
Have some old-fashioned, Victorian-themed fun at the DAR Museum’s Victorian Halloween Party. “Try out the treats, tricks, and games enjoyed during a Victorian Halloween.” Free admission but register online.
More Info: DAR Museum Victorian Halloween Party
8. NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular at the Kennedy Center, October 28th, Performance times are 2:00PM – 3:00PM (Sensory-Friendly Performance) or 4:00PM – 5:00PM
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual tradition of celebrating Halloween will have a Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) theme this year. For those families that would prefer a sensory-friendly experience, the 2:00PM performance is “designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families, including those with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. An hour before the concert is the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” where children can have a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see on stage. Ticket prices vary.
More Info: NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular
9. Trick-or-Treating at Carlyle House, Wednesday, October 31st, 5:00PM – 7:00PM
Carlyle House is one of Alexandria’s most haunted dwellings and they’re hosting a Free evening of trick-or-treating. You’ll get a taste of old-fashioned trickery and treats as well as games and crafts.
More Info: Trick-or-Treating at Carlyle House
10. Mall-O-Ween at Fair Oaks Mall, Wednesday, October 31st, 5:15PM – 7:30PM
Trick or treating at the mall is the best option for those of us that have little kiddies. No worries about the weather, well lit and safe environment. The only worry is that sometimes the mall can get packed and lines are long. Thankfully, Fair Oaks Mall also has Spooktacular Lab experiments at the Grand Court and face painting and balloon artists.
More Info: Mall-O-Ween
Contributing Writer: Joanne Simonetti visit her website Blogging With Babies
"Mommy to two wonderful babies that like to help me "type type" and a husband that I've voluntold to help me "type type". We've started a blog to share our lives with our friends and family. When I'm not here writing, I'm usually with my family or spending at least 40 hours a week working in the world of Intellectual Property."
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