- Updated: 9/27/2026
- Fall, Paid, Seasonal Guides
Leaves are falling, the weather is changing… Happy fall, y’all! From fall festivals and pumpkin patches to Halloween events, STEM activities and colorful outdoor adventures, there’s always something popping up throughout this cozy season. Use this hub to plan fall family fun across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.
This post brings together all of our fall guides and lists in one place, making it easy to plan weekends, seasonal outings and special experiences across the DC metro area.
Bookmark this page! I’ll update it each fall with fresh recommendations, new guides and family favorites.
Note: All recommendations shared here reflect our family’s personal experiences and opinions. Be sure to follow the individual links for the most up-to-date information, including dates, hours, prices and policies, before heading out. This post does not currently contain affiliate links.
In this hub...
Back-to-School Learning & STEM Fun
The start of a new school year calls for educational outings!
From engaging storytimes to hands-on STEM activities, families can find educational experiences for kids of all ages throughout the fall.
Storytimes for Kids (6 & under):
- 11:00 am on fourth Tuesdays | Storytime Station at History Park next to the Gaithersburg Community Museum in MD (Best for ages 2-6)
- 10:00 am & 11:00 am on Wednesdays | Storytime Studio at The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in DC
- 10:00 am on second Saturdays | ETC Beginnings at R.E.A.D. Booknook at Ballston Quarter in Arlington, VA (Best for ages 3-6)
Read more: Where to Find the Best Children’s Storytimes in the DMV for additional recommendations.
Maryland STEM Festival
Each fall, the Maryland STEM Festival brings hands-on science, technology, engineering and math experiences to families throughout the state. The 2026 festival runs from October 16 through November 15 and explores the theme of artificial intelligence. The broader event calendar also includes several festival-related activities happening shortly before and after the official dates.
Here are a few DC metro area highlights:
- Saturday (10/10) at 10:00 a.m. | Digital Inclusion & Technology Fair at Trinidad Baptist Church in Capitol Heights
- Thursday (10/15) at 6:00 p.m. | Maryland STEM Festival Opening Ceremony at the University of Maryland Stamp Student Union in College Park.
- Meet R2-D2 and other droids and robots!
- Sunday (11/1) at 11:00 a.m. | FTC & FLL Robot Showcase at Duncan Hall in Columbia
- Saturday (11/7) at 10:00 a.m. | STEM Fest 2026: Signaling the Future at the National Cryptologic Museum in Annapolis Junction
Explore more: Maryland STEM Festival: Amazing Activities by Age & Interest includes additional DC metro area activities organized by age group. Stay tuned for the updated 2026 list.
Fall Farms, Pumpkin Patches & Festivals
Who doesn’t love a trip to the pumpkin patch for some fall family fun? Farms across Maryland and Northern Virginia offer everything from corn mazes and hayrides to petting zoos, seasonal treats & plenty of opportunities for family photos.
Here are a few of our favorite places to visit:
- Best for younger kids: Butler’s Orchard in Germantown, Maryland
- Best for kids of all ages: Magnolia Meadow Farms in Thurmont, Maryland
- Best apple cider donuts and tons to do: Cox Farms in Centreville, Virginia
- Best free stop and photo opps: Nalls Produce in Alexandria, Virginia
Read more: Explore Your Guide to the Best Farms to Visit this Fall Near DC for additional recommendations and family planning tips.
Fall Outdoor Adventures
Cooler temperatures and colorful scenery make fall a great time to explore the DMV outdoors. We love walking through gardens and parks, visiting historic sites or turning an ordinary outing into an educational adventure by completing a Junior Ranger activity!
Here are a few places to explore this fall:
- For colorful scenery: Great Falls Park in McLean, Virginia
- For an educational adventure: Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park in Cambridge, Maryland
- For history and monuments: National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, DC
Families can complete Junior Ranger activities and earn badges at each of these National Park Service sites. The Junior Ranger programs are free, but regular park entrance fees may still apply.
Coming soon: Stay tuned for our family guide to Junior Ranger programs throughout Washington, DC and the Mid-Atlantic region!
Halloween Fun & Thanksgiving Give-Back
Halloween Events for Kids
Get ready for a Spooktacular time! Halloween is one of the most festive times of year for families in the DMV. Each weekend in October is typically filled with haunted happenings and not-so-scary fun, including trunk-or-treats, costume parties, museum programs, outdoor trails and activities for tweens and teens.
See what’s happening: Explore Spooktacular Halloween Events for Kids in the DMV for this year’s complete list. Stay tuned for the updated 2026 list.
Thanksgiving Give-Back
Thanksgiving offers families a meaningful opportunity to practice gratitude by serving others. Several DMV organizations welcome families through food-packing events, donation drives, meal deliveries and other age-appropriate volunteer projects.
Here are a few local organizations to explore this fall:
- The Honeycomb Project (Best for ages 5+) | Family-friendly volunteer projects supporting nonprofit organizations throughout the DC area
- Youth Action Institute (Ages 11-18) | Hands-on volunteer and service-learning opportunities addressing issues such as climate change, homelessness and food insecurity in DC
- Capital Area Food Bank (Ages vary by project) | Opportunities include gardening, supporting community markets, packing food and helping at the distribution center
Volunteer opportunities can fill quickly during the holiday season. Review the age requirements and registration instructions for each individual project before making plans.
Coming soon: Stay tuned for our family guide to community service opportunities for kids throughout the DMV!
Planning Tips for Fall Family Fun
Before heading out for your next fall adventure, keep these planning tips in mind:
- Pack for wacky fall weather. DMV temperatures can change quickly, so bring layers, umbrellas and waterproof boots, especially when visiting farms, parks and other outdoor attractions. A change of clothes for younger kids may also come in handy!
- Check the weather and event policies. Farms and outdoor events may close or modify activities because of rain or muddy conditions. Review the attraction’s website or social media pages before leaving home.
- Book popular experiences early. Fall festivals, pumpkin patches and Halloween events can sell out, especially on October weekends. Purchase tickets or make reservations as soon as your family settles on a date.
- Do a little prep work before historical outings. If you’re exploring historic sites, monuments or museums, introduce kids to the people, places or events they’ll encounter. A short book, video or family conversation can make the experience more meaningful.
- Plan for extra expenses. Admission may not include pumpkins, food, animal feed, rides or other activities. Review what your ticket covers and establish a family budget before arriving.
- Start earlier in the day. Fall days become shorter, and popular attractions generally become more crowded as the day continues. Arriving early gives your family more time to explore and may make parking easier.
- Take the photo! Fall produces some of the most gorgeous scenery, so capture plenty of family pictures and make sure you’re included!
- Most importantly, have fun! You don’t have to see or do everything. Choose the activities your family will enjoy most, slow down and make memories together.
Check out our weekly list of family-friendly activities happening across Washington, DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia. You can also explore our Daily Activities guide for recurring things to do throughout the week, many of which are free or low-cost.
