Homeschool & family fun around Washington DC

Pick your own pumpkin and flowers, wagon rides, farm animals, jumping pillows and hill slides. Paint-a-Pumpkin on Oct 25 and Oct 31, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. ($5 activity fee).

• When: Daily through Nov 3, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last tickets 4 p.m.)
• Price: $15 per person ($3 off weekdays); under 2 free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Pay at the gate (card preferred; no online sales). No dogs.

Costume party with games, music, dancing, crafts and snacks for young kids and their parents.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m.–noon
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 2–8 with a parent
• Booking: Register every child attending.

Costumed mini golf with trick-or-treat goodies at every hole.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026; Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23 and Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: 4–9 p.m. (course closes 9:30 p.m.)
• Price: $15 in advance, $18 at the door
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Register on Parktakes.

Costume parade on the ice and crafts.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026; Thu, Oct 29, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23 (Cabin John Ice Rink); Thu Oct 29 (Wheaton Ice Arena)
• Time: Oct 23: 4:30–6:30 p.m.; Oct 29: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: $20 per child
• Ages: Kids
• Booking: Register with Montgomery Parks.

Trick-or-treat on the farm with farm animals, crafts, games and a tour of the decorated farmhouse. One-hour time slots.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026; Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23 and Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: Fri slots 5–7 p.m.; Sat slots 4:30, 5:30 or 6:30 p.m.
• Price: $12 per person in advance; $15 day of if space remains
• Ages: Ages 2 to adult
• Booking: Register on Parktakes; children must come with a registered adult.

Outdoor screening of the 2009 Ghost Hunters episode filmed at Brentsville. Bring blankets. A paid candlelight ghost tour follows (tickets required).

Upcoming dates: Fri, Oct 23, 2026

• When: Fri Oct 23, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free screening; ghost tour ticketed
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: No tickets needed for the screening.

Ride the park trains and spot spooky characters in the woods with an Eye Spy card (stops at "Día de los Trenes" in Wheaton and "Trainsylvania" at Cabin John).

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, Sun Oct 25 and Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Price: $6 per person per ride; Wheaton train + carousel bundle $9
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy rides at the park.

Carving tools and one pumpkin per registered person provided.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: Per-person registration fee (amount not listed; includes a pumpkin)
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Registration required.

Not-so-spooky Halloween celebration with train and carousel rides, mini golf, crafts and trick-or-treat houses.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25, 2026
• Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: $20 in advance, $25 at the door; free under 2 with a paying adult
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy tickets on Parktakes.

Costume campfire for little kids. A Spooky Story Campfire follows on Fri Oct 30, 5:30–6:30 p.m. (same price).

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24 and Sat Oct 31 (11 a.m.–noon or 1–2 p.m.); Fri Oct 30 Spooky Story Campfire (5:30–6:30 p.m.)
• Time: 11 a.m.–noon; 1–2 p.m.
• Price: $8 per child/adult pair
• Ages: Ages 3–7 with an adult
• Booking: Registration required.

Spooky family skate and dance night; come in costume.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: 5–9 p.m.
• Price: $10 per person
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Register on Parktakes.

Meet reptiles up close, games and a touch table, then s'mores and stories around a campfire and a walk in the darkening woods.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24, 2026
• Time: 6–8 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: See the event page.

Sat Oct 24: Sensory Explorers' Trail Series: Fall Habitat Detectives and Barnyard Buddies: Feeding Time on the Farm. Oct 24–25: 2nd U.S./9th Union Cavalry living history demonstration.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 24 and Sun Oct 25, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: State park parking fee applies
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the park events list.

Learn the history of pumpkin carving and carve your own.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Price: $15
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Registration required.

Indoor botanical Halloween stations with crafts, pumpkin decorating, fall science and trick-or-treating. Come in costume.

Upcoming dates: Sun, Oct 25, 2026

• When: Sun Oct 25, 2026
• Time: 3–5 p.m.
• Price: $20 per child
• Ages: Families
• Booking: Registration required.

18-hole Halloween-themed mini golf, family friendly.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Oct 29, 2026; Fri, Oct 30, 2026; Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Thu Oct 29–Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Regular mini golf pricing
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Pay at the course.

Costume parade down Main Street to the Courthouse, then a costume contest and trick-or-treating at participating businesses. Line up at Main St and 5th St (near Great Harvest) at 9:45 a.m.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 10–11 a.m. (lineup 9:45 a.m.)
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No registration needed.

Pose in costume with pumpkins and props for a free instant-film photo.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 31, 2026

• When: Sat Oct 31, 2026
• Time: 1–4 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No registration; first come, first served while supplies last.

Library science program for homeschool students.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: See the library events listing.

Outdoor nature class for homeschoolers at Burke Lake. Two age groups; the ages 4–6 group had a waitlist when checked.

Upcoming dates: Tue, Oct 27, 2026

• When: Tue Oct 27, 2026
• Time: Ages 7–10: 10–11:30 a.m.; ages 4–6: 10–11 a.m. (waitlist)
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 4–6 and 7–10
• Booking: Register on Parktakes.

Fairfax County Park Authority homeschool history class about colonial life. The Nov 13 session had a waitlist when checked.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 13, 2026; Wed, Jan 6, 2027

• When: Fri Nov 13, 2026 (waitlist); Wed Jan 6, 2027
• Time: Nov 13: 1–3 p.m.; Jan 6: 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 6–12
• Booking: Register on Parktakes.

⚠️ Fees are shown on Parktakes, not in the class list.

Self-paced homeschool day activities. Nov 20: Sounds of Freedom: The Bible in American Music (includes 50% off Silent Star tickets). Dec 18: The Bible in Our Community. Start any time from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the activity takes about 2–3 hours.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 20, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026

• When: Fri Nov 20 and Fri Dec 18, 2026
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (start by 3 p.m.)
• Price: Discounted admission $16.99 plus a $4.99 Homeschool Day add-on
• Ages: Homeschool families
• Booking: Buy tickets on the event page; groups of 10 or more book through group reservations.

Fairfax County Park Authority homeschool science classes. Dec 3: Vertebrate Classification (1 seat left when checked). Dec 15: Intro to Planetary Astronomy. Jan 12: Intro to Mammalogy.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026; Tue, Dec 15, 2026; Tue, Jan 12, 2027

• When: Thu Dec 3, Tue Dec 15, 2026; Tue Jan 12, 2027
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 6–12
• Booking: Register on Parktakes (Fairfax County Park Authority).

⚠️ Fees are shown at checkout on Parktakes, not in the class list.

Hands-on nature mornings at the Clifton Institute field station. Dec 16: Grasslands! Jan 13: Winter Waterfowl! Feb 10: Winter Trees! Adults must stay with their kids (adults are free).

Upcoming dates: Wed, Dec 16, 2026; Wed, Jan 13, 2027; Wed, Feb 10, 2027

• When: Wed Dec 16, 2026; Wed Jan 13 and Wed Feb 10, 2027
• Time: 10 a.m.–noon
• Price: $5 per participant ages 5–18; adults free
• Ages: Ages 5–18 with an adult
• Booking: Registration required; the program is cancelled if fewer than 10 kids register.

Fairfax County Park Authority history class for homeschoolers on historic letter writing.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Jan 21, 2027

• When: Thu Jan 21, 2027
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 7–13
• Booking: Register on Parktakes.

Weekly homeschool classes on the county calendar: Get Up And Move! and Pottery (Thursdays), STEM Lab: Physical Science (Thursdays and Fridays), Farm and Forest Homeschool Enrichment (Fridays) and Destination Imagination for school age, middle school and teens (Tuesdays).

• When: Weekly through the fall (see the county calendar for each date)
• Time: Thu: Get Up And Move! 10 and 11 a.m., Pottery 1 p.m., STEM Lab 2 p.m.; Fri: Farm and Forest 10 a.m., STEM Lab 10:30 a.m.; Tue: Destination Imagination 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. (middle school), 2:30 p.m. (school age/teen)
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: School age (one Destination Imagination group is school age/teen)
• Booking: Register through Fauquier County Parks & Recreation program registration.

Weekly daytime swim lessons for homeschool students at Fairfax County rec centers. Current sessions run Oct 27–Dec 15 and Oct 28–Dec 16 (weekly).

• When: Weekly sessions Oct 27–Dec 15 and Oct 28–Dec 16, 2026
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: Ages 6–17
• Booking: Register on Parktakes; pick a rec center and session.

Self-paced, hands-on program about Marines and STEM, with curriculum for all grade levels. Dates are posted on the museum's calendar of events.

• When: See the museum calendar for dates
• Time: Museum open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking listed; check the museum calendar.

Mount Vernon's homeschool page has learning resources and field trip information. The fall 2026 homeschool days are over and no spring 2027 date was posted when checked.

• When: Any time
• Time: Estate open 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: K–12
• Booking: See the homeschool page.

Request a ranger-led program for your homeschool group (send the request at least 30 days ahead). The park also has a Kids in Parks TRACK Trail, a Children's Discovery Area and a Junior Ranger program.

• When: By request (30 days' notice)
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Most programs $5 per student
• Ages: School groups
• Booking: Use the park's education program request form.

Guided bird walks around the Clifton Institute field station, rain or shine.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Oct 24, 2026; Wed, Nov 4, 2026; Wed, Dec 9, 2026; Wed, Jan 13, 2027

• When: Sat Oct 24, Wed Nov 4, Wed Dec 9, 2026; Wed Jan 13, 2027
• Time: 8–10 a.m. (Dec 9: 8:30–10:30 a.m.)
• Price: Free
• Ages: Adults, and children with an adult
• Booking: RSVP on the event page.

50-acre public garden with a Children's Garden, Butterfly Garden, Japanese-style garden and two conservatories.

• When: Daily
• Time: Gardens open daily (see the visit page)
• Price: Free; free parking
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed.

Working 1920s–50s style farm with farm animals.

• When: Daily
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free admission and parking (except select special events)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed.

Tour the Thomas Jefferson Building's Great Hall and exhibits.

• When: Tue–Sat
• Time: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Thu 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; closed Sun and Mon
• Price: Free (timed-entry ticket required)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reserve free timed-entry tickets up to 30 days ahead; same-day tickets release online at 9 a.m.

Civil War battlefield with trails and the Henry Hill Visitor Center. The NPS lists it as a fee-free park.

• When: Daily
• Time: See the park's operating hours page
• Price: Free (fee-free park)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed.

Aviation and space galleries, free docent highlights tours and hands-on carts. How Things Fly has 45+ interactives; young kids can play pilot in Pioneers of Flight. Two galleries open soon (Oct 30 and Nov 11).

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free (timed-entry pass required for everyone, any age)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reserve free timed-entry passes online.

See the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the Rotunda.

• When: Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (last admission 5 p.m.)
• Price: Free; optional $1 timed-entry tickets skip the line
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Tickets not required; free general admission tickets can be reserved online.

West and East Buildings plus the 6-acre Sculpture Garden. All special exhibitions are free; the site has tips for visiting with kids.

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25 and Jan 1)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Free; no passes needed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No tickets; some events need free registration.

Smithsonian museum of African American history and culture, from Slavery and Freedom to A Changing America and Double Victory.

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25)
• Time: Tue–Sun 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Mon noon–5:30 p.m. (10 a.m. on federal holidays)
• Price: Free (timed-entry pass required)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Reserve free timed-entry passes.

Marine Corps history museum. Family Day is every second Saturday.

• When: Daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas
• Time: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No tickets needed.

The Star-Spangled Banner, Washington's uniform, Jefferson's lap desk, Dorothy's ruby slippers and American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith.

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No passes needed.

Dinosaurs in the National Fossil Hall, the Hall of Human Origins, mammals, Ocean Hall, the Hope Diamond and Egyptian mummies.

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No passes needed.

Free zoo with pandas, great cats, apes, elephants and more.

• When: Daily
• Time: Grounds 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; animal buildings 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
• Price: Free (entry pass required for everyone)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Get free entry passes online before you go.

Huge hangars of aircraft and spacecraft, the Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar, free docent tours and hands-on carts.

• When: Daily (closed Dec 25)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
• Price: Free admission; parking $15
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No passes needed in Chantilly.

Free music and dance performances at The REACH on select days, plus a free Saturday film screening in the Justice Forum. Also livestreamed.

• When: Select days (see the Millennium Stage calendar)
• Time: Performances at 6 p.m.
• Price: Free; no tickets or registration
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Walk-ins welcome.

Watch working artists in their studios. Also home to the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (3rd floor).

• When: Daily (closed New Year's Day, Easter, July 4, Thanksgiving and Christmas)
• Time: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (occasional 5 p.m. closings)
• Price: Free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed.

Nature center with live animals; many of its listed programs are free with no registration.

• When: Tue–Sun
• Time: Tue–Sat 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; closed Mon
• Price: No admission fee listed
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed to visit.

Walk-through holiday light show in the gardens.

• When: Nov 11, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
• Time: Nov 11–Dec 3: 5:30–10 p.m.; Dec 4–Jan 3: 5–10 p.m. (last admission 9:30 p.m.)
• Price: Nov 11–Dec 3 and Jan 1–3: $19 online, $24 at the door; Dec 4–31: $23 online only (plus tax and fees)
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: Buy online; Dec 4–31 tickets are online only.

Drive-through holiday lights plus a Holiday Village and carnival (rides extra).

• When: Nov 14, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
• Time: Mon–Thu 5:30–9:30 p.m.; Fri–Sun and holidays 5:30–10 p.m.
• Price: $30–45 per vehicle in advance
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy tickets online.

Walk-through holiday light show with timed entry.

• When: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (closed Nov 23–26, Dec 24–25 and Jan 1)
• Time: Timed entry from 5 p.m.
• Price: Sun–Thu $13.99; Fri–Sat $16.99 (fee included); 4 and under free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Online tickets only.

Holiday light show at the zoo. Dec 16 is adults-only (21+); Dec 8–9 are member nights.

• When: Nov 20, 2026–Jan 3, 2027
• Time: Mon–Sat 5–9 p.m.; Sun 5–8 p.m.
• Price: General admission $10; parking $30 in advance or $40 day of
• Ages: All ages (except Dec 16, 21+)
• Booking: Buy tickets online.

Holiday plant displays and model trains. Open until 8 p.m. with live music on Dec 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 29; sensory-friendly morning Dec 5.

• When: Nov 26, 2026–Jan 3, 2027 (closed Dec 25)
• Time: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (to 8 p.m. on music nights)
• Price: Free; no tickets
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No tickets needed.

Evening candlelight tours of the estate with themed Christmas trees and light concessions.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Nov 27, 2026; Sat, Nov 28, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026; Mon, Dec 21, 2026; Tue, Dec 22, 2026

• When: Nov 27–28, Dec 11–12, Dec 18, Dec 21–22, 2026
• Time: Tours start as early as 5 p.m. (times vary)
• Price: Adults (12+) $41; youth 6–11 $33; 5 and under free
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy timed tickets online.

Enter the free Recreation.gov lottery Oct 28 (10 a.m. ET) through Nov 4 (3 p.m. ET); winners are told Nov 12 and get up to 5 tickets.

Upcoming dates: Thu, Dec 3, 2026

• When: Thu Dec 3, 2026 (lottery Oct 28–Nov 4)
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free (lottery tickets)
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Enter the lottery on Recreation.gov.

Evening Christmas parade down Main Street.

Upcoming dates: Fri, Dec 4, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 4, 2026
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Price: Free to watch
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: No booking needed.

Visit Santa at Gumdrop Square in the John Barton Payne Building. A holiday farmers market runs the first three Saturdays of December, 9 a.m.–noon.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 5, 2026; Sun, Dec 6, 2026; Fri, Dec 11, 2026; Sat, Dec 12, 2026; Sun, Dec 13, 2026; Fri, Dec 18, 2026; Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026

• When: Fri Dec 11 and 18 (6–8 p.m.); Sat Dec 5, 12 and 19 (11 a.m.–3 p.m.); Sun Dec 6, 13 and 20 (1–4 p.m.)
• Time: Fri 6–8 p.m.; Sat 11 a.m.–3 p.m.; Sun 1–4 p.m.
• Price: Not listed on source
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: See the Old Town Warrenton events page.

Festive lights, fireworks over the Potomac (about 8 p.m.), soldiers on the Patriots Path, a winter market and Aladdin the Camel.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Dec 19, 2026; Sun, Dec 20, 2026

• When: Sat Dec 19 and Sun Dec 20, 2026
• Time: 5:30–8:30 p.m.
• Price: Adults (12+) $58; youth 6–11 $36; 5 and under free; Mansion tour add-on $5
• Ages: All ages
• Booking: Buy tickets online.

New Year walk with a naturalist, about 5 miles.

Upcoming dates: Sat, Jan 2, 2027

• When: Sat Jan 2, 2027
• Time: Not listed on source
• Price: Free
• Ages: Not listed on source
• Booking: RSVP on the Clifton Institute events page.