- Updated: 10/14/2026
This list of events happening throughout the weekend is primarily for kids (ages 3+) & teens. I place a special emphasis on literacy, STEM & other educational based events as well as family fun festivities.
♥ = my recommendations & ♣ = free movie screening
Don’t forget to click the links to review the most up-to-date information prior to heading out!
Coming Up this Weekend
Friday, October 16, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (10/16) at 10:30 am | Family Movie Double Feature: Celebrate Halloween at Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library ♣
- Featuring Wallace & Gromit Curse of the Were-Rabbit & Hocus Pocus
- Friday (10/16) at 3:00 pm | TeenyBopper Cinema: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW ♣
- Friday (10/16) at 3:30 pm | Pokémon Party at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- Search for Pokémon hiding in the Children’s Room during a scavenger hunt, heal your tired Pokémon (stuffed toy) at the Pokémon Healing Station, grab a Pokémon coloring book (while supplies last), test your Pokémon knowledge with trivia, get a sticker for your Pokémon Passport, watch a Pokémon movie, pick your starter Pokémon, and meet Pikachu!
- Friday (10/16) at 5:00 pm | Kids Bingo Night at Columbia Heights Community Center in NW
- Friday (10/16) at 6:00 pm | Boo at the Zoo at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) ♥
- Stop at treat stations across the park and fill your free souvenir goodie bag with sweets, snacks and other fun surprises. Along the way, skeleton scenes and festive displays set the stage for an unforgettable adventure that’s more treats than tricks.
Maryland
Prince George’s County & Montgomery County
- Friday (10/16) at 10:00 am | Little Jams at Cabin John Regional Park Amphitheater in Bethesda
- Upbeat, family-friendly concerts featuring music for kids and adults alike.
- [Final Weekend] Friday (10/16) at 10:30 am | Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($)
- Friday (10/16) at 10:30 am | Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving.
- Friday (10/16) at 11:00 am | STEM at the Library: Space Rocks! at Wheaton Library ♥
- Learn about asteroids, then put your detective skills to the test to see if you can find the secret space rocks hiding in our collection.
- Friday (10/16) at 11:00 am | Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo ($)
- When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families—and communities—shine brightest when every voice belongs.
- Friday (10/16) at 11:00 am | Open Carving Day at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton
- See artist Carving Colin bring two new wood sculptures to life during a live carving experience!
- Friday (10/16) at 4:30 pm | Barnyard in a Backyard at Davis Library in Bethesda ♥
- 75 years ago the Davis Library was a farm! Go back in time by visiting a combination of animals in this event for all ages celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Montgomery County Public Libraries!
- Friday (10/16) at 7:00 pm | Drive-In Movie Night featuring Coco at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie ♣
- Halloween costumes encouraged!
More Maryland Events
- Friday (10/16) at 10:00 am | $10 Admission Community Day at Port Discovery in Baltimore ($)
- Friday (10/16) at 10:00 am | Train Spirit Day at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in Baltimore ($)
- To celebrate, all visitors wearing train related gear or Museum merch get $5 off regular museum admission. There’s also a Mile One Express Train Ride!
- Friday (10/16) at 12:00 pm | Free Halloween Bookmark Craft at sweetFrog Laurel
- Friday (10/16) at 1:00 pm | Readers Mail Box at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library in Waldorf ♥
- Take a quick break from reading your favorite books — from Pete the Cat to Llama Llama — and write a letter to your favorite book character!
- Friday (10/16) at 2:00 pm | Fairytale Engineering: The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Elkridge Branch Library (Best for ages 6-9) ♥
- Listen to a version of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, then design and build a bridge that will keep the three goats safe from the troll!
- Friday (10/16) at 7:00 pm | The Haunted Experience at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge ($) (Best for ages 7+) ♥
- An ink-black night sets the stage for a spooky hayride through the eerie trails to the ghostly dwelling deep in the woods. Enjoy haunting tales of ghosts and goblins that tingle the spine!
Northern Virginia
- Friday (10/16) at 11:30 am | Fairlington Community Center Indoor Playground in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 2-5)
- The program offers unstructured recreational opportunities that promote physical activity, motor skill development, social interaction, and community connection.
- Friday (10/16) at 10:00 am | A BOOtanical Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna ($)
- Friday (10/16) at 12:00 pm | Fun Family Friday at Riverbend Park in Great Falls
- Friday (10/16) at 4:00 pm | Festival of Lights Diwali Celebration at Ballston Quarter in Arlington ♥
- Includes a Pop Up Market, Live DJ & Indian Music, Henna Designs, Diwali Photo Moment, Rangoli Art Activity, & Cultural Dance Performance!
- Friday (10/16) at 5:00 pm | Fall Harvest Fest and Carnival – Big Truck Night at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($)
- Get an up-close look at big trucks and specialty vehicles, then stay for carnival rides and midway fun.
- Friday (10/16) at 5:00 pm | Super Snakes at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why snakes are important.
- Friday (10/16) at 5:30 pm | Family Movie Night featuring The Nightmare Before Christmas at Pedfed Plaza at Tysons Corner Center ♣
- Friday (10/16) at 6:00 pm | Fairlington Family Move Night featuring Coco at Fairlington Community Center in Arlington ♣
- Friday (10/16) at 6:00 pm | Free Movie Night featuring Coco at 2700 Art Space in Arlington ♣
- Live mariachi performance before screening.
- Friday (10/16) at 6:00 pm | Campfire Fridays at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($)
- Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores.
- Friday (10/16) at 6:45 pm | Sunset Cinema featuring Jumanji at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church ♣
- [Opening Weekend] Friday (10/16) at 7:00 pm | Encore Stage & Studio presents Hansel & Gretel at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5+) ♥
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | The Big Build at National Building Museum ♥
- Build, discover, play, make, and design alongside architects, hobbyists, artisans, and craftspeople during this FREE hands-on festival celebrating the world we design and build.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Book Day at National Museum of African American History and Culture (Best for ages 4-8) ♥
- Inspired by the Museum’s newest children’s book, 123 I Like You and Me: A Joyful Counting Book, celebrate the things that make us the same and different!
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:30 am | Family Day: BFF: Benjamin Franklin Forever at Library of Congress ♥
- Make your own simple electrical circuit and explore collections related to his many achievements as printer, businessman, diplomat and scientist. Staff from the Science and Business Reading Room will highlight his commercial ventures.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Fam Fest at Howard Homecoming 2026 in NW ♥
- Let your kids unleash their creativity at the arts and crafts stations, or challenge them to friendly competitions at game booths + PBS Kids’ pop-up & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | 6th Annual Kingman Island Friends and Family Day in NE ♥
- Includes clay crafts, clothing swap, Anacostia River boat tours, mini bird walks, forest therapy walk, art collage, scavenger hunts & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Art Enables Saturday Workshop: Sand Stories: Texture, Color, Expression in NE
- Inspired by Art Enables resident artist Matt Schwab’s futuristic landscapes and otherworldly scenes, use colorful sand to create imaginative works of art.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Katy Hessel: An Illustrated Guide to Amazing Women Artists at Hirshhorn Museum
- Through interactive discussion, drawing, and visual storytelling, Hessel invites families to participate in expanding the story of art history and discover how art is always relevant to them. Hessel will be joined on stage by illustrator Ping Zhu for an interactive live drawing demonstration to accompany the program. There’s also an open studio session from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm!
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Carnegie Library in NW
- Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:30 am | Emery Heights Books Drive in NW
- Community book drive, collecting new and gently used books to support local readers, promote literacy, and share the joy of learning with all ages.
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:15 pm | Kids: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth at Apple Carnegie Library in NW
- Attention, families: your mission is to protect something you love on planet Earth. Together you’ll imagine a story with your own characters on a fun adventure.
- Saturday (10/17) at 3:00 pm & 6:00 pm | SpyKids Mission Training at Volta Park Pool in NW ($) (Best for ages 12 & under)
- During SpyKids Mission Training your SpyKid will be guided through Georgetown to learn about the many spies who once traded secrets for cash (and still do). Along the way you will learn about how spies secretly communicate, what motivates a spy to spy, and the role bananas had in overthrowing a government.
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:00 pm | Boo at the Zoo at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) ♥
- Stop at treat stations across the park and fill your free souvenir goodie bag with sweets, snacks and other fun surprises. Along the way, skeleton scenes and festive displays set the stage for an unforgettable adventure that’s more treats than tricks.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (10/17) at 8:45 am & 9:05 am | Hyattsville Zombie Run at Driskell Park ♥
- Includes a 1K Family Fun Run!
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:30 am | Riversdale Harvest Fest at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum ($) ♥
- Learn about seed saving with our Historic Site Gardener, enjoy story time, and then celebrate the harvest with a family scavenger hunt featuring small prizes for participants.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:30 am | Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 3-6)
- Includes a reading of “Spider in a Glider” by Lesley Sims & paper airplane glider craft!
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Organic Canvas 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Paint + STEM + Sip at Station 3510 in Mount Rainier ($) ♥
- Young creators will carve, paint, sip, and explore as they design their very own pumpkin and take part in a hands-on STEM station led by the amazing STEM Activators, Miss Michy and Ms. May.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | 18th Annual American Indian Festival at Patuxent River Park in Upper Marlboro ♥
- Includes live music and traditional and contemporary dances, DIY arts and crafts, interactive storytelling, archery and spear throwing, native food vendors & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:00 pm | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:00 pm | Prince George’s County Bicycle Summit & Expo at City Hall in Bowie
- Includes maintenance clinics & safety workshops + bicycle industry showcase!
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:00 pm | Mission: Experiment – Exploring Space Weather! at Goddard Visitor Center in Greenbelt ♥
- Discover how scientists at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and NASA study space weather and how, alongside engineers, they prepare for space weather observation missions.
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:00 pm | STEM Fun: Magnetic Blocks at Mount Rainier Library
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:30 pm | Legos: MD STEM Fest Building at Oxon Hill Library
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Bladensburg Library
- Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs!
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:30 pm | Scary Stories Around the Campfire at Old Town Bowie Welcome Center ♥
- Enjoy delicious s’mores and warm hot chocolate while listening to eerie tales. Halloween costumes are welcome!
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John Miniature Train & Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel ($)
- Ride through the woods with an Eye Spy card and search for spooky characters during this limited October train experience. Rides are $6 per person; Wheaton also offers a $9 train-and-carousel bundle.
- [Final Weekend] Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm | Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($)
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Celebrate Diwali at Gaithersburg Library ♥
- Listen to the colorful Diwali story that introduces the Festival of Lights and its traditions, then get creative as you decorate your own diya. This fun, festive program invites families to explore Diwali through stories, art, and imagination.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show at Rockville Civic Center Park
- The show features a flea market, car sales area, and live music. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo ($)
- When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families—and communities—shine brightest when every voice belongs.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving.
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | STEM Club at Germantown Library
- Use paper circuits and LED lights to make a paper bat hat with glowing eyes!
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Circuits and Electricity at Davis Library in Bethesda
- Saturday (10/17) at 3:00 pm | Rocket Science! at Rockville Memorial Library ♥
- Come learn about rockets and then build your own!
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:00 pm | Croydon Creep at Croydon Creek Nature Center in Rockville ($) (Best for ages 5-12)
- A festive evening of Halloween games, treats, crafts, magic, balloon twisters, a cozy campfire, and more!
More Maryland Events
- Saturday (10/17) at 9:00 am | Readers Mail Box at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library in Waldorf ♥
- Take a quick break from reading your favorite books — from Pete the Cat to Llama Llama — and write a letter to your favorite book character!
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Truck or Treat: Meet Maryland’s Highway Heroes in Hanover ♥
- Meet Maryland’s Highway Heroes, where kids can explore the impressive vehicles that help keep Maryland’s roadways safe while collecting candy and treats along the way.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Maryland Maker Day at Glenwood Branch Library in Cooksville
- Make your own key chain with the laser cutter, create crafts in the Builder’s Barn, design a button, and explore the space. Come make, create, and discover!
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:00 pm | Howard County Hispanic Heritage Festival at The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park in Columbia ♥
- This family-friendly event will showcase live music performances, vendors, delicious food trucks, and fun activities for all ages.
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Columbia (Best for ages 6-10)
- Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together.
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:00 pm | Marvel Movie Madness at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia ♥
- Come dressed up as your favorite Marvel character and indulge in a selection of Marvel movie screenings, comic-books, popcorn, candy, games, and activities.
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:30 pm | The Haunted Experience at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge ($) (Best for ages 7+) ♥
- An ink-black night sets the stage for a spooky hayride through the eerie trails to the ghostly dwelling deep in the woods. Enjoy haunting tales of ghosts and goblins that tingle the spine!
Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Crafty Kids Take and Make at Columbia Pike Library
- God’s eye yarn craft for Hispanic Heritage Month
- [Opening Weekend] Saturday (10/17) at 3:00 pm | Encore Stage & Studio presents Hansel & Gretel at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- There’s also a ticket add-on for the Enchanted Forest Scavenger Hunt Adventure!
- Saturday (10/17) at 5:30 pm | Pumpkin Walk at Lubber Run Community Center ♥
- Explore spooky attractions, get creative with Halloween-themed crafts, and enjoy popcorn and movie under the evening sky.
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Charles Houston Kiddie Cabaret ($) (Best for ages 1-5) ♥
- Dance until nap time! Children will come dressed to impress and dance to the latest kiddie tunes.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Fall Fest at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library
- Includes family friendly activities, live music, food trucks, and more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Halloween Spooky Spider Cupcakes Decorating Studio Class at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 5-12)
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Spooky Town Books at Old Town Books ♥
- Includes a pirate themed author-led storytime with Melinda Beatty, author of What is a Pirate? There will also be a craft and pirate costumes are encouraged! Food & drinks deals too.
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:00 pm | Continues Arcade’s First Birthday Celebration
- Includes prizes and giveaways, arcade competitions & surprises!
- Saturday (10/17) at 3:00 pm | Spooky Mad Science 2026 at Patrick Henry Recreation Center ♥
- A high-energy, family-friendly celebration that brings STEM out of the classroom and into the community with hands-on experiments, live demos, robotics, drones & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 7:30 pm | Cinema Del Ray featuring Toy Story 5 at Mount Vernon Rec Center Field ♣
More Northern Virginia Events
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | A BOOtanical Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna ($)
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Fall Harvest and Carnival – Farm Harvest Days at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($) ♥
- Experience the harvest with hands-on farm activities, traditional demonstrations, livestock and fall fun for the whole family.
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Potomac Music’s 5th Annual Fall Fest in Lorton ♥
- Get ready for fresh sips and seasonal eats, pumpkin crafts and games, live music, 50+ local crafts vendors & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 11:00 am | Goblin Golf at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Chessie’s Backyard Boo-gie at Franconia Recreation Center ($) ♥
- Includes a monster mash dance party, costume parade, s’mores, carousel ride, scavenger hunt & more!
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Tysons Corner (Best for ages 6-10)
- Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together. Devices provided.
- Saturday (10/17) at 4:00 pm | Slithers, Shivers and Shells at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Step into the spooky-cool side of nature and meet friendly live reptiles and amphibians up close. Families will explore hands-on discovery stations and uncover the amazing “superpowers” these misunderstood creatures use to survive.
- Saturday (10/17) at 5:00 pm | Family Costume Party! at Children’s Science Center LAB in Fairfax ($) ♥
- From glowing experiments and fascinating creepy crawlies to spook-tacular STEM activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:30 pm | Bats – Friendly Flyers at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- Join a naturalist for a night of learning about the beauty of our local bats. It’s time to clear these flying mammals’ good name and understand how helpful they are to humans.
- Saturday (10/17) at 7:00 pm | Spooky Dry Ice Science at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) ♥
- Discover the states of matter through dry ice science as we make bubbling concoctions, screaming spoons and Boo bubbles.
Sunday, October 18, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | Peirce Mill Grain Fair in NW ♥
- Enjoy hands-on activities, cooking demonstrations, and live music at this free, family-friendly festival in Rock Creek Park.
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:30 am | Kids: Create Kindness an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for 6-10)
- Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided.
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am | Kids’ Music Time featuring Mr. Rob at Right Proper Brewing Company in NE
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:30 am | Kids: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth at Apple Carnegie Library in NW
- Attention, families: your mission is to protect something you love on planet Earth. Together you’ll imagine a story with your own characters on a fun adventure.
- Sunday (10/18) at 12:00 pm | Planet Word’s 6th Anniversary Community Day in NW ♥
- In addition to our signature exhibit experiences, enjoy exclusive pop-up talks and demonstrations from our curatorial and tech teams as well as special museum-wide activities. Don’t forget to stop by the Planet Word swag table for a tasty treat and fun keepsakes as you wrap up your visit.
- Sunday (10/18) at 12:00 pm | Fall Family Fest 2026 with the Southwest DC Community Center at The Wharf in SW ♥
- Includes the 5th annual Mutt Strutt, family photo station, face painting, live music & more!
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:45 pm | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Carnegie Library (Best for ages 6-10)
- Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together. Devices provided.
- Sunday (10/18) at 6:00 pm | Boo at the Zoo at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ($) ♥
- Stop at treat stations across the park and fill your free souvenir goodie bag with sweets, snacks and other fun surprises. Along the way, skeleton scenes and festive displays set the stage for an unforgettable adventure that’s more treats than tricks.
Maryland
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | Halloween Eye Spy Trains at Cabin John Miniature Train & Wheaton Miniature Train and Carousel ($)
- Ride through the woods with an Eye Spy card and search for spooky characters during this limited October train experience. Rides are $6 per person; Wheaton also offers a $9 train-and-carousel bundle.
- [Final Weekend] Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm | Chicka Chicka Boom Boom: The Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($)
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:30 am | Halloween Family Storytime at Rockville Memorial Library
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:30 am | Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 3-6)
- Includes a reading of “Spider in a Glider” by Lesley Sims + paper airplane glider craft!
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am | Halloween on the Green at Cabin John Village in Potomac ♥
- Kids and families can enjoy a fun-filled foam party, live music, face painting, balloon art, crafts and more!
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop: Operation Game at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) ♥
- Visitors will create their own conductivity game similar to “Operation” by exploring conductivity and circuits. They will combine conductive materials and cardboard to create their unique game boards. Caregiver tickets required as well!
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Beatrice Likes the Dark at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo ($)
- When Beatrice casts a spell for endless darkness, she discovers that even the things we fear most can become beautiful when brought into the light. Overflowing with wonder, humor, and theatrical ingenuity, Beatrice Likes the Dark is a luminous reminder that families—and communities—shine brightest when every voice belongs.
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | Jennie the Cat: A Halloween Adventure at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Join Jennie as she meets new friends with some spectacular tricks and treats to share, like skateboarding, shadow puppetry, and pumpkin carving.
- Sunday (10/18) at 2:00 pm | Happy Haunted Hayride at Rockburn Branch Park in Elkridge ($) (Best for ages 2-7) ♥
- It’s cute, it’s friendly and not so scary. This hayride is for fun – not fright!
- Sunday (10/18) at 3:00 pm | Trick or Treat at The Square in Rockville ♥
- Enjoy free face painting, a live DJ, and the opening of the ice skating rink! Costumes and furry friends (and furry friends in costumes) encouraged. There’s also a walkthrough through glow room at Rockville Memorial Library as part of this event at 3pm!
Northern Virginia
Arlington County & City of Alexandria
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Fall Family Day at Metropolitan Park in Arlington
- “Build-a-Gnome” Doll Making// no sewing required to create a gnome all your own!
Music from Sean Tracy
- “Build-a-Gnome” Doll Making// no sewing required to create a gnome all your own!
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | Mommy/Daddy & Me: Superhero Snack Lab at Cookology in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 4-7) ♥
- Little chefs will mix an Electric Berry Punch, build Power-Up Pizza Quesadillas, and create fun Kryptonite Rice Krispie Treats. Kids will practice spreading, layering, mixing, and shaping while teaming up with their grown-up helper.
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:00 pm | 2026 Ethiopian Fall Festival at Chinquapin Park in Alexandria ♥
- Rescheduled from last weekend! The festival brings the community to life with vibrant performances, cultural showcases, authentic cuisine, youth performances, and family-friendly activities that highlight the richness of Ethiopian culture and the strength of community togetherness.
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:30 pm | Traveling with Light – Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 6+)
- The Sun generates the energy that provides the light and heat necessary for life. We study the Sun’s light and that of other stars and galaxies to learn about the universe. Learn more about how we depend on the light from our Sun, as well as how we use artificial light to illuminate our daily lives.
- Sunday (10/18) at 3:00 pm | Mona Fall Family Concert at Ballston Quarter in Arlington
- [Opening Weekend] Sunday (10/18) at 3:00 pm | Encore Stage & Studio presents Hansel & Gretel at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- Sunday (10/18) at 3:00 pm | We Are Guardians – Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 6+) ♥
- Learn how important the climate is, and how it affects ecosystems all around our planet. Find out how we use satellites to monitor our planet, and how we link human activity to changing climate conditions. Discover what we can do to help keep our planet healthy for all its inhabitants, now and in the future.
More Events in Northern Virginia
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | A BOOtanical Halloween Scavenger Hunt at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna ($)
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | Our Prehistoric Park at Riverbend Park in Great Falls ($) ♥
- Learn about the prehistoric sharks, fish, reptiles, and invertebrates that roamed Riverbend Park millions of years ago. Walk in the footsteps of the dinosaurs on a short hike, search for fossilized shark teeth in an archeological dig, and complete a dino-themed craft to celebrate our park’s rich history.
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:00 am | Fall Harvest and Carnival – Farm Harvest Days at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($) ♥
- Experience the harvest with hands-on farm activities, traditional demonstrations, livestock and fall fun for the whole family.
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am | Goblin Golf at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am | Manassas Vintage Halloween Market ♥
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:30 am | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Fairfax Corner (Best for ages 6-10)
- Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided.
- Sunday (10/18) at 12:00 pm | Historic Crafts and Trades at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- Discover nineteenth century crafts and trades and see demonstrations by craftspeople of today. Demonstrations may include basket weaving, wood carving, broom making, spinning and dyeing, distilling and cider making.
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (10/16) at 4:00 pm | Braille Club at MLK Memorial Library in NW DC
- Low vision and blind kids in grades K-12 are invited to Braille Club at MLK Library! Play games, make art projects, and read awesome books together.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:30 am | Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE DC (Best for ages 12 & under)
- Families of kids with disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and developmental disabilities, are invited to play, read, and connect with resources together at the library!
- Sunday (10/18) at 9:00 am | Sensory Sunday at Port Discovery in Baltimore, MD ($)
- Sunday (10/18) at 11:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat at Clemyjontri Park in McLean, VA ($)
- Enjoy various accessible, fun activities including treat stations, carousel rides, train rides + arts & crafts!
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:15 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Carnegie Library (Best for ages 8-12)
- Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided.
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:30 pm | Teen Studio: Action and Abstraction at Hirshhorn Museum ♥
- In this workshop, warm up with an “abstract emotions” activity and then take inspiration from Joan Mitchell’s Cercando un Ago and create your own abstract expressionist ‘portrait’.
- Saturday (10/17) at 3:30 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Georgetown (Best for ages 10+)
- Code and create as a family with Swift Playground using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.
- Sunday (10/18) at 10:30 am | Teen Volunteer Project: Rock Creek Park Clean Up ♥
Maryland
- Friday (10/16) at 5:00 pm | All-Star Day at Wisconsin Place Community Recreation Center in Chevy Chase (Best for ages 13-16)
- Friday (10/16) at 6:00 pm | Teen Game Night at Waldorf West Branch Library
- Friday (10/16) at
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | Wildlife Help 101 at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) (Best for ages 16+) ♥
- Ever found a baby bird, injured turtle, or other wild animal and wondered what to do? Join a licensed Maryland Master Wildlife Rehabilitator for this two-part class at Clearwater Nature Center and learn how to respond safely and responsibly.
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:00 pm | Teen Drop-In Sewing at Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 12-17)
- Saturday (10/17) at 12:00 pm | Teen Leadership Program at Glenarden Library ♥
- Teens will use creative writing to learn about leadership skills, build confidence, and develop real-world readiness.
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:00 pm | Spooky Slime at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring (Best for ages 13-17) ♥
- Learn about the science behind making slime. In this program, you will create your own custom, creepy-crawly, spooky, scary slime!
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Write to Right: Social Justice Writing Workshop at Potomac Library (Best for ages 9-15) ♥
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:30 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Columbia (Best for ages 8-12)
- Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided.
- Sunday (10/18) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 10+)
- Code and create as a family with Swift Playground using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.
Northern Virginia
- Thursday (10/15) – Saturday (10/24) | Factory of Fear – Outbreak at ARTfactory in Manassas ($) ♥
- A deadly outbreak has consumed the once-thriving ARTfactory, transforming its four floors into a nightmare of infection, chaos, and survival. Every level reveals a new stage of the catastrophe, drawing guests deeper into the heart of the outbreak. The only question is whether you’ll escape the Factory of Fear—or become part of it.
- Friday (10/16) at 6:30 pm | Arlington Mill Community Center Open House
- Meet in Room 527 for a slice of pizza, light refreshments, and to see exactly where our Teen-focused fun takes place!
- Saturday (10/17) at 9:00 am | Back to School Soccer Tournament at Joseph Hensley Park
- Youth participants will compete, connect with peers and community resources, and enjoy free food, a free T-shirt, and a chance to win a first-place prize. High School aged youth are being prioritized for this tournament. All youth must register to participate.
- Saturday (10/17) at 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: DIY Masquerade Masks at Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Saturday (10/17) at 1:30 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Clarendon (Best for ages 8-12)
- Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided.
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:00 pm | Book Journaling Meetup at Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library in Alexandria (Best for teens & adults)
- Saturday (10/17) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Reston (Best for ages 8-12)
- Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided.
- Saturday (10/17) at 5:00 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Pentagon City (Best for ages 8-12)
- Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home. Devices will be provided.
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:00 pm | Mars: The Ultimate Voyage – Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 10+)
- Saturday (10/17) at 6:30 pm | Exploring the Inner Planets at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Examine handheld globes of Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars and the moon to explore their similarities, differences and conditions for life. View planets and the night sky through telescopes, weather permitting.
- Saturday (10/17) at 7:30 pm | Halloween: Celestial Origins – Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 10+) ♥
- Learn the history of Halloween and how it fits into the seasons as a “cross-quarter day.” Also explore the night sky and learn what constellations and stars will be out on your Halloween evening.
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:00 pm | Historic Preservation at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ($) (Best for ages 12+)
- Examine the archaeological reports and early documents that aided in the reconstruction of the housing for enslaved people. Learn how past and recently completed restoration work have preserved Sully’s history for the future.
- Sunday (10/18) at 1:30 pm | Lecture – Are We Haunted? at Green Spring Gardens in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 14+) ♥
- Hear hair-raising stories of hauntings and ghost hunters that pose dilemmas for caretakers of the past. Learn why historic sites with supernatural reputations can become haunted by ghost stories that misrepresent historical fact and reduce historical figures to mere spooks and specters.
This Week's Book Recommendation
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