Ghouls, goblins, and friendly ghosts, we’ve got you covered with not-so-spooky things to do with your little ones and teens this Halloween.
1. Halloween Eye Spy Trains
Cabin John Regional Park and Wheaton Regional Park | October 10-November 1
All aboard! Youngsters can spend October weekends riding a miniature train and carousel at Cabin John Regional Park or Wheaton Regional Park. The trains—designed as replicas of a locomotive from 1863—will chug through “Trainsylvania” and “Día de los Trenes.” Riders can spot pumpkins, ghosts, and black cats along the tracks that match their Eye Spy cards ($6+).
2. Boo at the Zoo
Smithsonian National Zoo | October 16-18
Adventure through a Halloween-themed National Zoo in your boo-tastic costume this month. All ages can snack on goodies from more than 25 treat stations, see mammals and reptiles after hours, attend a magic show, and visit the zoo’s new pumpkin patch ($35).
3. Family Costume Party
Children’s Science Center at Fair Oaks Mall | October 17
If you’re looking for an educational way to participate in Halloween festivities, you can take youngsters to the “haunted lab.” There are glowing science experiments, custom Franken-toys created with 3-D printing pens, STEM potions to brew, and a family costume contest for prizes ($15, free for ages 2 and younger).
4. Air & Scare
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center | October 24
This popular event shows space enthusiasts the spooky side of the Air and Space Museum. The indoor and outdoor extravaganza boasts attractions for all ages such as candy stations with free treats, puppet shows, photos with Star Wars characters, science experiments, and lots more (free, but registration required for outdoor events).
5. Halloween Ride
Lincoln Park | October 24
This Halloween edition of the Hill Family bike ride begins at Lincoln Park in Capitol Hill, and families can wear their most creative costumes or decorate their bikes. After the trek to Eastern Market, enjoy an all-ages dance party (free).
6. Halloween Carnival
Cherry Hill Park | October 24
Children can hop around in a bounce house, venture through an obstacle course, and snack on fall candies at this outdoor carnival (free, recommended for ages 11 and younger accompanied by an adult).
7. Harbor Halloween
National Harbor | October 25
This annual fall party returns with outdoor activities for families and pets. Kids can go trick-or-treating, watch a showing of Hocus Pocus on the plaza, cheer on local chefs in a pumpkin-carving contest, and take a free ride on the Capital Wheel (with the purchase of an adult ticket) if they come dressed in costume. There’s also a Pet Pawrade for dog lovers (free).
8. PumpkinPalooza
Alethia Tanner Park | October 28
Find fall cheer and entertainment for kids, adults, and pets at this NoMa event. Children can pick pumpkins, pet baby alpacas, and catch appearances from Disney’s Gru and one of his Minions. There’s a movie screening of Minions & Monsters as well as a Red Bear Brewing pop-up beer garden for adults (free).
9. Hill-O-Ween
Eastern Market | October 30
This Capitol Hill family fright night at Eastern Market dates back more than two decades. The 2026 lineup has yet to be released, but prior events included costume contests, pumpkin carving, Zumba, DJ dance parties, and virtual activities for folks that want to celebrate from home (free).
10. Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon | October 31
Visit the grounds of Mount Vernon to collect sweet treats and discover Revolutionary War history. Kids can participate in a costume parade, gather goodies in a special Mount Vernon treat bag, learn how to make yummy apple butter, and watch a 1700s blacksmith demo. Plus, kids eat free at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant ($26 for youth, $30 for adults).
11. Fall Frolic
Glen Echo Park | October 31
Tap into your creative side with crafty fun on Halloween at Glen Echo Park. Kids (and adults) can compete in a costume contest and decorate trick-or-treat bags. Afterwards, children can load up their designed bags with snacks from the resident art studios and galleries. There’s also live orchestra and strings melodies from Washington Conservatory of Music (free).
12. Halloween Storytime
Aurora Hills Library | October 31
Spend Halloween morning at the library. Families are encouraged to come dressed in costume to listen in on stories, songs, rhymes, and picture books (free).
If you enjoyed these events, please don’t forget to share this post with a friend on social media, and sign up for our newsletter for more things to do.
Briana A. Thomas is a local journalist, historian, and tour guide who specializes in the research of D.C. history and culture. She is the author of the Black history book, Black Broadway in Washington, D.C., a story that was first published in Washingtonian in 2016.
