Leaves are changing, sweaters are out, and pumpkin spiced lattes are back in everyone’s coffee mugs. That can only mean one thing…Fall has come to the DMV! Even though the days are getting shorter, it doesn’t mean that the fun has to stop. Check out these kid-friendly family festivals and activities happening in the Northern Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas in Fall 2022.
Maryland Renaissance Festival
If you’ve never been to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, you’re in for a real treat. Take a step back in time to the 16th century and hob-nob with knights and blacksmiths, munch on a giantturkey leg, watch real jousting tournaments, and much more.
Where: 1821 Crownsville Road, Annapolis, Maryland 21401
When: September – October 23rd
See their website for tickets, location, and more.
Boo at the Zoo
Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! This event hosted by Smithsonian’s National Zoo gives visitors after hours access for animal viewing, trick-or-treating, and even a dance party. For kiddos who love animals and Halloween, this event is a must-see.
Where: 3001 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008
When: October 28th – 30th
Check here to learn more about the event, including tickets and parking.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience
This one is for Hogwarts students and enthusiastic alumni. At Morven Park in Leesburg, witches and wizards will embark on a journey through the Forbidden Forest to discover magical creatures, be wowed by beautiful scenery, and even cast spells to interact with the exhibits. There are only 4 of these magical trails in the world, so it is certainly a unique experience for the whole Potter-loving family.
Where: 41580 Sunday Morning Ln, Leesburg, VA 20176
When: From October 29th, various daily sessions
Learn more about the Leesburg trail on their website.
Temple Hall Farm Pumpkin Patch & Sunflower Fields
What’s an autumn without crisp air, blue skies, and the methodical process of picking your own pumpkin? At Temple Hall Farm you can choose not only your own pumpkins, but also your own sunflowers! The little ones will also love the wagon ride, farm animals, and slides.
Where: 15855 Limestone School Rd, Leesburg, VA 20176
When: October 1st – 31st
Learn more on their website.
Dinos Alive
Virtual Reality is truly amazing, isn’t it? If you’ve never donned a headset before, Dinos Alive is a great place to start. This interactive VR exhibit will transport you millions of years in the past to the time of the dinosaurs. Children even have the opportunity to become amateur paleontologists and interact with some of their favourite Jurassic pals.
Where: 524 Rhode Island Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002
When: From October through January (or longer!)
Have a look at their website for more info.
Cox Farms Fall Festival
Cox Farms holds an annual fall festival with all of the classic outdoor activities. Wagon rides and slides, a corn maze, a market, the Fields of Fear, and several other activities for young and old
can be found here, and it’s all right in your backyard!
Where: 15621 Braddock Rd, Centreville, VA 20120
When: September 17th – November 8th
See Cox Farms’ website for more information about attractions.
Alexandria’s Ghost & Graveyard Tour
For the older or braver kiddos, consider booking this tour of Old Town Alexandria. Visitors will follow a darkened path through the streets of Old Town and hear tales of ghostly occurrences, old legends and folklore, and other spooky stories.
Where: Meeting places vary depending on volume.
When: Weekends throughout the season. See their calendar for more.
See the website for tickets.
Field of Screams Maryland
Note: This event is not for the faint of heart! It is recommended that children under the age of 13 sit this one out. With that warning out of the way, Field of Screams is the biggest and best haunted house experience in the DMV. There are 4 different attractions to visit, all with incredibly realistic actors and settings. If you and your teens love being scared out of your minds, Field of Screams is a must-have on your spooky season bucket list.
Where: 4501 Olney Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832
When: Through October
See their website for more.
What other family friendly activities are happening this season? Tell me in the comments!
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