Every year, Children’s National Medical Center brings a bit of Halloween spirit to its young patients who aren’t able to leave the hospital to trick-or-treat with the rest of their peers. Hospital staff, visitors, and patients alike participated in this year’s celebration, which included pumpkin painting and carving, dances and skits, a costume contest, and even a parade through some of the hospital’s units. Children’s National also asked for donations of Halloween masks this year and received more than 1,300, ensuring all the kids were dressed for the occasion.

One little ladybug took in all the sights before deciding which activity she wanted to do first. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

Not just a Halloween costume, but an early career decision. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

As soon as he found his sword, one little pirate was ready to partake in the day’s festivities. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

Painting pumpkins is among the many fun Halloween activities for patients and visitors in the main atrium of Children’s National. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

Another young artist takes her time deciding which paint would be the best color for her pumpkin. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

Everyone at Children’s National, including two tigers from the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, gets into the Halloween spirit. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

A panel of judges, consisting of five patients, reviewed the Children’s employee costumes and voted on the best costume of the year. The departments that took part in the competition put on dances and skits for the patients, families, and visitors. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

One of the groups in the costume competition included the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

This year, Children’s National saw a full range of costumes including Super Mario Brothers, Minnie Mouse, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Care Bears, princesses, superheroes, ladybugs, and even a doctor. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.

Children’s National Health System celebrated Halloween this year with patients, families, volunteers, and employees. The event included an employee costume contest, dancing, dog show, a “parade” through some of the units, a pumpkin-carving competition and more. Photograph courtesy of Children’s National.