Enjoy the lighter side of Halloween when you find haunted houses for kids, Halloween train rides, and a ghostly time at the zoo
Whether you’re looking for goosebumps or screams, the Atlanta haunted house and Halloween experience scene delivers. That great for older kids who crave a thrill, zombies in the woods, and ghouls in the cornfields that will leave them breathless. But for the smaller set, glowing pumpkin displays, haunted houses for kids, and a not-too-spooky train ride will dish up tons of Halloween excitement without the terror. Start ’em young with these spooktacular Halloween experiences around Atlanta. Psst…looking for more family-friendly Halloween activities, try these.
This year at the Stone Mountain Pumpkin Festival you can play all day and glow all night. After the sun goes down, the jack-o-lanterns light up, a sillier-than-spooky Nighttime Parade commences, and you'll find plenty of other not-so-spooky glowing experiences. Although not really a haunted house, it is a little spooky at night will all the glowing jack-o-lanterns, and it's a fun event for the little ones.
Take a train of terror (and one of not-so-terror). The Family Time train is designed with younger guests in mind, and is meant to be nonthreatening and fun. Scare Time begins at sunset when the ghosts and ghouls of Pine Mountain are set loose to haunt. A total of three trains will depart every hour beginning at 6:20 each night. Closing time varies nightly – make sure to check! Ticket reservations are not required, but are highly recommended. Tickets are available on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in October.
The Village is an outdoor haunt experience at the Renaissance Festival grounds that takes visitors on a tour of a village that has been cursed by evil forces. The residents have been acting strangely, and are mutating into creatures with a taste for human flesh! Better for your kids aged 13 and older, expect intense scenes and scares, character interactions, and plenty of thrills. You'll also find food, drinks, and games in the Courtyard area before or after your tour.
The Buford Corn Maze is an Atlanta Halloween tradition. Between the hayride, the bounce house, the pony rides, and the corn box (not to mention the five-acre corn maze), there's plenty here to entertain without the spook factor. But if your older kids are ready for a scary Halloween, come on Friday or Saturday night, when the haunted forest is open from 8 p.m. until midnight. Kids of all ages are allowed, but use your best judgement, and you'll need to accompany kids under 8. It's $16 for the corn maze, haunted or regular.
Timing your Six Flags visit is the key to serving up just the right amount of horror for the kids. During daylight hours, the festive Kids Boo Fest (Sep. 17-Oct. 30) is a chance for families to get treats in Trick-or-Treat Town, watch Halloween-themed shows, and jump on one of two hayrides. Once night falls, it's time for Fright Fest with terror-filled rides and wandering monsters and zombies. This one's not for the faint of heart. For families with various ages, keep the little ones in the scare-free kid zone while the big kids go exploring after dark, or stick to the day time events to keep it family-friendly.
275 Riverside Pkwy. Austell, GA Online:sixflags.com
Boo at the Zoo
courtesy Zoo Atlanta
It's not exactly a haunted house, but if you want an immersive Halloween experience that's 100% kid friendly, Boo at the Zoo is the event you've been waiting for. With a trick-or-treat trail, a costume contest, a big cast of costumed characters and plenty of fall activities, Boo at the Zoo will get your whole family in the Halloween spirit without keeping little ones up at night.
If you're not sure how well your kiddos will handle spooky after-dark activities, Fearopolis could be the perfect introduction to the haunted house experience. Kids will enjoy the competitive games like pumpkin launching and laser tag, and if they want to test their limits of fear, the haunted house gives some startles and scares without overwhelming first-timers. Please note these activities are recommended for kids over 10.
Editor's note: This experience is not confirmed for 2022.
On this haunted farm, mysterious things happen after dark. Open every Fri.-Sun., this spot offers different spooky experiences for you to choose among (or opt for all three). While they recommend visitors be 13 or older, you can purchase “Monster Protection” with your ticket and the actors will not scare those wearing it. However, animatronics are sensor-activated, so you may still experience some surprise screams.
If there’s one thing that Labor Day weekend signals, it’s the end of summer and a last chance to check off all those Boston summer activities you haven’t quite gotten around to yet. For busy Boston families it’s also about having a reason to gather with friends one last time before school starts and we return to our weekly routines. Whether you’re staying local or hitting the road for one last adventure before the leaves start to change, now’s the time to find all the great things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend.
Exciting Things to Do in Boston Labor Day Weekend
Connecticut Renaissance Faire
Head to a Renaissance Faire
The 24th annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire is an enchanted recreation of a 16th-century harvest festival as one might have been in the days of yore. Here you can feast like a king on turkey legs and local craft brews, shop like a queen in New England’s largest Medieval Marketplace or laugh like a fool at continuous shows performed on ten stages throughout the village. All the kingdom is a stage with performances on stage and in the street. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Come as you are or as you wish to be. Event details.
It’s the 41st anniversary season of King Richard's Faire, New England’s Renaissance Festival. Bring the kids to experience entertainment, exciting rides, and skilled games on the enchanting 80-acre site. Hundreds of talented entertainers perform non-stop throughout the day, and there are eight vibrant stages where acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, minstrels, comedy acts, fire eaters, and puppeteers perform. You’ll gasp as the King’s mounted knights battle on horseback, and laugh as bawdy beggars compete in mud. Parking is free. Kids 3 & under are free also. Event details.
Boston Lights will once again illuminate Franklin Park Zoo with sparkling new lantern additions, plus a few returning favorites. Experience the wonder of over 55 magnificent displays of hundreds of lanterns spanning over 72 acres. Luminous scenes from the rainforest, whimsical ocean displays , glowing corridors of lotus and bamboo, and traditional Asian lanterns are just a glimpse of what you'll see. Go while you can as this delightful exhibit leaves on September 24. Event details.
Check out the Chinatown Lantern Festival along the Greenway over Labor Day weekend. Auntie Kay and Uncle Chin Park is where this Mid Autumn Lantern Festival is taking place. Expect vendors, lion dance, martial arts, opera singing, and much more. Event details.
Marolborough has lots to offer families over the three-day weekend. Why not plan a trip north to enjoy the Greek Festival; be sure to time it with New England's largest Labor Day parade, taking place on September 5. Event details.
A weekend getaway is one of the best things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend, and not just because of all the scenic spots and activities the island has to offer. It's also when local artists display their work at the Labor Day Weekend Festival. Unique experiences and live local music await. Event details.
It's your last chance to build and play at the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston before it closes down for a serious facelift on September 6, 2022 (don't worry, it'll be back in 2023). Be sure to check out the Space Mission exhibit while you're there. Event details.
Bring the kids to a Confidently Me! Workshop. This fun and interactive workshop teaches kids about confidence, courage, self-care, and self-esteem, as they learn how to identify feelings associated with low-esteem and ways to conquer those feelings. Event details.
Check out your favorite exhibits at the ICA. Admission is free for everyone, and it's one of our favorite things to do in Boston Labor Day weekend. They'll have tons of cool things for families to experience when they visit. Event details.
Supersized Creatures are on display at Stone Zoo, but not for much longer. This incredible exhibit features 30 life-size animal sculptures made from millions of colorful bricks. It's where you can see the world’s small but mighty predators like never before as you come face-to-face with a 370-pound praying mantis (composed of over 38,000 bricks) and slither past a 932-pound spitting cobra (made from 92,000 bricks). Event details.
Go to the movies on National Cinema Day (September 3) for just $3 per ticket. Major chains like AMC and Regal Cinemas, along with college campus theaters and some smaller independent theaters, are set to participate. Check the website to find a participating theater near you. Event details.
The days are getting shorter; you’re dreaming about the chilly temps of fall, and best of all, it’s nearly time to celebrate the best that autumn brings. We’ve brushed off our list of the best fall festivals in the country, and this year you’ll find everything from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest to the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival—basically, the ultimate list of festivals you should visit at least once with the kids.
**Editor’s note: COVID safety precautions vary from event to event. Please check the websites for updated information.
Balloon pilots from all over the county fly in to be a part of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. As the largest ballooning event in the world, it features over 500 hot air balloons. Adding to the fun will be special balloon glows, a special shape rodeo, laser light shows, chainsaw carvings, fireworks, a car show and plenty of musical entertainment.
The Maryland Renaissance Festival - Crownsville, MD
Maryland Renaissance Festival
Revel Grove is your “passport to merriment” say the folks at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. Here you’ll experience events and shows that you won’t see anywhere else: jousting competitions, jugglers, artisans performing works of Shakesphere in just 20 minutes, mimes, dancers and more. Feast on such delights as Macaroni and Cheese on a Stick, Beef Fingers with White Peppered Gravy and Steak on a Stake. If you want to get in on the act, costume rentals are available.
Dates: Aug. 28 - Oct. 24th, 2021 (weekends and Labor Day Monday)
Come to Stone Mountain Park at night to experience special not-so-spooky glow-in-the-dark fun. “Play by Day” enjoying the regular attractions and special fall entertainment. Stick around after dark to “Glow by Night” by taking a journey through classic storybook tales that come to life in 10 themed areas featuring 40 scenes with glowing lights, massive carved pumpkins, bubbles, fog and more. New in 2021 is the party parade!
The famous Pumpkin Village (featuring 90,000 pumpkins, squash and gourds) is in a new location this year, just beyond the Johnsson color garden! You'll find larger-than-life insect topiaries, bugged-out pumpkin houses and a maze that'll thrill the youngest of visitors.
Willkommen! You won't want to miss one of the largest Oktoberfests in the country and this year, it celebrates 42 years of fun. Held at River West Festival Park, this event brings together international German bands, Bavarian delicacies, authentic arts and crafts as well as games and competitions for the entire family. Don't miss the Dachshund Dash and the Costume Parade!
The Salmon Days Festival is 52 years in the making, and this year's theme is "Keep on Swimming." This annual event is a celebration of the return of salmon to their “birth-waters” as well as Issaquah’s history, culture and diversity. Each year the festival attracts over 200 artists and craftsmen, live music and entertainment, sporting events and even a section of virtual events.
Since 1903, the Circleville Pumpkin Show has seen people come from miles around to see the largest pumpkins on display (In 2014, a 1,964-pound pumpkin was here. It's tough to beat that one!). You'll also find the largest pumpkin pie, various parades featuring over 40 floats and over 50 bands, live entertainment, the chance to partake in the pumpkin toss and enjoy many pumpkin spice-flavored treats.
The Annual North Carolina Pecan Harvest Festival features the Pecan Run, the Columbus Cooks pecan cooking competition (with a focus on young cooks), the festival parade, live entertainment, the Tri Beach Cruisers car show, a lot of craft vendors, an art show, an antique tractor show, of course, pecans galore!
If you’ve never seen anyone sit inside a giant pumpkin and then race it across a lake dressed in costume, then you obviously haven’t been to the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta. This free, one-day festival is jam-packed with fun, including the weigh-off of the giant pumpkins and other monster-sized vegetables; performances by magicians, clowns and musical acts; a costume contest; a pumpkin pie eating contest; pumpkin bowling and pumpkin golf; food trucks and the giant pumpkin race.
The 27th annual Appleupmpkin Festival is held in conjunction with Kapnick Orchards Apple Festival, so you get two festivals in one! Not only will you find midway rides, carnival games, bounce houses and craft stations, you’ll also be treated to a tractor show, a straw maze, helicopter and monster truck rides, an entire scarecrow-making tent and more. There’s also an antique street fair and flea market, and an arts and crafts show if you want to get a little shopping in.
Olvera Street is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles and for good reason. From the legendary Mexican marketplace to the historic buildings, it's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in another culture. Every year they have a Dios de los Muertos celebration that starts with a traditional procession that includes Aztec dancers and a parade of "Living Muertos," where people dress up like skeletons and don colorful costumes. There's also a chance to have your face painted up to look like a Calavera!
The festivities at this famous fall event will look a little different in 2021, but there is still fun to be had. The traditional Oktoberfest celebration won't happen, but there will be a huge focus on local businesses and artisans, creating more of a Harvest Fest vibe. There will be over 100 vendors over the three weekends, you'll still be able to eat all your favorite Oktoberfest foods and of course, the Kinderplatz kiddie area will still be open!
Following a flock of sheep may sound like something out of a nursery rhyme, but did you know it’s also one of the most beloved fall festivals in the United States? Celebrate the history of sheep ranchers in Idaho at this five-day event filled with non-stop fun: multicultural performers, storytelling, cooking classes, sheepdog trials, folklife fair, weaving demos and over 50 local artisans selling crafts and art. The spotlight event (of course) is the Big Sheep Parade, where you and your family will view the spectacle of over 1,500 sheep wandering down Main Street in Ketchum.
Good to know: The Parade Picnic at Irving’s Hill is a great spot to enjoy local fare and watch the sheep make their annual trek.
Stillwater Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Weigh-Off - Stillwater, MN
iStock
This bucolic little town on the shore of the St. Croix River not only gets a ton of gorgeous fall color this time of year, but it also hosts one of the best fall festivals around. Kids can come in costume and join in the Costume Parade which takes the children trick-or-treating to all the local downtown businesses. There's a chili cook-off and microbrew tasting, craft and food vendors and a ton of pumpkin-themed activities. Cheer on local businesses as they compete in the Pumpkin Pull (imagine being hooked up like an ox to haul giant pumpkins) and the Pumpkin Regatta—a race up the St. Croix in giant hollowed-out pumpkins for boats.
Good to know: Locals know to stick around 'til the end of the fest for the giant pumpkin drop: prize-winning pumpkins are hoisted on a crane and dropped to the sidewalk below. You can scramble in and get your share of giant pumpkin seeds for your own garden!
It's one of the state’s most popular festivals for a good reason: the Angry Orchard 5K, tons of amusement rides, a pie bake-off and pie-eating contest, a petting zoo, road races, a beer garden and pony rides. Literally, something for everyone.
This three-day smorgasbord of food and entertainment will feature over 50 local restaurants and musical acts performing on six stages. It’s kind of a big deal. Here you can sample wines, learn about local beers and watch some great chefs showing off their skills. Admission is free, and you can get a sheet of 10 “taste tickets” for just $5. Be sure to take the kids to the T-Mobile Kids’ Area too to try out the Wacky Slide, swings and to visit Toddler Town.
Over 100 hand-crafted scarecrows show up at the Scarecrow Festival in downtown St. Charles every year, and while some are designed to spook, most are charming for all ages. Visitors have a hand in the awards (vote-as-you-view in five categories), and after voting, there's enough family-friendly entertainment to last an entire weekend. Now in its 36th year, there's more than just scarecrows to admire. There's a family zone, the scarecrow stroll, live music, a professional pumpkin carver and of course, the popular scarecrow in a box.
Pioneer Farms will glow with Jack-o’-lantern grins for a whole month! At Pumpkin Nights, you will venture along a half-mile walking path, where you’ll discover the Forbidden Pumpkin City, a pirate’s cove, and more fantastical lands built using over 3,000 hand-carved real and artificial pumpkins. The celebration continues with entertainment and games in Pumpkin Central, the festival area. There’s also food, beverages, screenings of A Nightmare Before Christmas and other activities for the whole family.
Apples are a fave fall, and southern Pennsylvania has been celebrating since 1962. At this two-weekend event, you’ll find apples cooked up in more ways than you’ll have thought possible: apple cider, applesauce, pies, jellies, pancakes, syrup, candied apples and much more. Work up an appetite at the Kid Country Barn where your tiniest festival fans will enjoy face painting, harvest magic shows, and apple pie-eating contests. There are hayrides, pony rides, Native American dance expos, puppet shows, an antique auto show, over 300 arts and crafts vendors and a ton of family-friendly live music performances.
Good to know: Your money goes to a good cause. All proceeds (after expenses) go back into the community and to other local, state and national charitable organizations.
There are 14,000 acres of commercial pear, apple, cherry and peach orchards in Hood River County, so it’s no surprise the biggest fall festival in the Columbia River Gorge happens here. For three days in October, attendees enjoy a giant pumpkin carving contest, live music, a fruit pie-eating contest, family activities, seasonal produce, food, wine, cider, beer and local arts & crafts from nearly 120 vendors on the scenic Hood River waterfront. Kids will love the activity area, complete with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities.
Looking for the world’s largest cranberry festival? You’ll find it in Warrens, WI—over 120,000 people show up each year. Wander through 850 arts & craft booths and enjoy contests like Guess the Weight of the Largest Pumpkin, Best Scarecrow, Biggest Berry, Marsh Medallion Hunt and more. Tasty eats are everywhere and include unusual offerings like cranberry cream puffs and deep-fried cranberries on a stick. One of the coolest things to do at the festival is to take a tour of the cranberry marshes. You’ll visit two local marshes, walk into a cranberry bed, and learn all about the growing process. Local eats including fresh cranberries, wine and other products can be bought at the end of the tour!
The 48th Annual Harvest Festival in Santa Fe is held at El Rancho de las Golondrinas—a living museum similar to Williamsburg, VA—and there are 200 acres to explore. Wander through over 30 buildings, see ponds and waterways, spot animals, and check out agricultural fields that produce traditional crops like corn, squash and peppers. During the Harvest Festival, visitors encounter “villagers” going about their daily routine: crushing grapes, stringing chilies, making tortillas, weaving cloth. Traditional Southwestern music and dance is also a festival highlight, as well as an artist market with New Mexican crafts, mule-drawn wagon rides, and more. Rated one of the best harvest festivals in the country, families will learn about the rich culture of the Southwest.
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival - Half Moon Bay, CA
The self-proclaimed World Pumpkin Capital gives other harvest festivals a run for their money with the combination of a small seaside community and pumpkins, pumpkins everywhere! This year it's going to be a mini-fest, on one day and scaled-down festivities. You'll still find top crafters and artists from around the country, the 43rd Annual Pumpkin Run, the famous pumpkin weigh-off, a costume contest, a pumpkin carving, a pie-eating contest, and plenty of good food. Be sure to bring cash so you can get a picture with the winning pumpkin!
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and when it comes to festival royalty, Queen Tunaep and King Reboog (yup, peanut and goober spelled backward) are no exception—since the late '30s the festival court has donned be-jeweled and be-ribboned gowns and capes that make Queen Elizabeth look like an amateur. But the glamorous get-up of the Bohemian Blooms Court is not the only fun for families in Floresville during the festival. There’s the Goober Games, which is filled with kid faves like sack races, peanut toss, and musical peanut; the parades are worth a watch too.
Fall wouldn’t be the same without the changing of the leaves. The tree-covered hills in southern Ohio are the perfect spot to capture the view, and since 1968, thousands of folks have gathered for three days of fun. There are four skyline drives to take in the beauty of the leaves: Buckskin Loop, Paint Vista Loop, Pike Lake Loop and Redbush Loop. Kids will love both the live pet show and the stuffed animal pet show (with categories such as largest, smallest, most unusual, most lovable), and the kiddy tractor pull. Adults will love the flea market, tribute bands, 5K run and more.
This year marks the 11th annual event taking place under the Oktoberfest Bigtop at Smith Fields. If you’re a kid age 12 and under you get in for free; anyone over the age of 12 needs to chip in $7. You’ll be entertained with great German music and a few crazy contests including log sawing, keg throwing, stein holding, and for the kids, a chicken dance-off. Lots of beer, bratwurst, sandwiches and soups too. The kids will especially enjoy the hot dog with mac & cheese plate.
Celebrating the rich agricultural history of pecans (the harvest goes all the way back to pre-colonial times) the Louisiana Pecan Festival has grown from a Frontier Days theme in the early ‘70s to a three-day festival filled with fun for the whole family. The weekend kicks off with Children's Day. There are arts and crafts booths, a cooking contest, carnival rides, great food, musical entertainment, the Grand Parade and a fireworks show on Saturday night is followed by the Street Dance. Be sure to hit up The Country Store, where you can pick up homemade pecan pies, pralines, jams, jellies, local honey and of course, pecans.
The picture most people have of Washington, D.C., often includes stiff business suits and impressive monuments. But the nation’s capital also happens to be an amazing place to raise a family. History provides a backdrop for modern play spaces; top museums chronicle the world’s best painters and scientific discoveries; and you can travel around the world without leaving the District’s borders. Here are 19 reasons we’re thankful to be parents in D.C.
#1 All the money you save by going to the free Smithsonian museums, which just happen to be world-class, can go toward kiddie soccer/Zumba/yoga/engineering classes.
#2 To lobby your congressional rep for education reform, you just have to walk next door.
#3 Occupied car seats count for access to HOV lanes.
#4 You don’t have to rely on the Giant Panda Cam to see the newest baby bears at the National Zoo.
#5 The likelihood of running into George Clooney or Kevin Spacey is high. (The likelihood that you’ll have spit-up/food stains on your yoga pants when it happens is higher.)
#6 When you say you’re taking the kids to the mall, you have to specify which one. Big difference between mall and Mall.
#7 Instead of just reading about the Constitution/Betsy Ross flag/Wright Brothers plane/Hope Diamond, you can go see it.
#11 You can leave the bustle of the city behind without leaving its boundaries thanks to horse rides in Rock Creek Park or a canoe ride on the Potomac River
#16 When you need a time out, head to any of the District’s 230,000 acres of parks or the greater metro area’s 800 miles of bike and walking trails.
#17 Urban shmurban. Farmers markets abound in D.C., with Eastern Market taking the cake – er, gluten-free zucchini bread.
#18 You can take the kids abroad without dealing with airport security by visiting any of the 170-plus embassies.
#19 Got sports buffs? Wizards (b-ball), Redskins (football), Nationals (baseball), D.C. United (soccer) or Capitals (hockey) games are a Metro ride away.
#20 Speaking of Metro, trains that go under- and above ground and cross rivers? ’Nuff said.
Why are you thankful to be a D.C. parent? Tell us in the Comments section below.
It’s time to start shopping for backpacks and choosing first-day-of-school outfits. Local pools are starting to close, and you’re probably starting to search for the best area pumpkin patches. But before you break out the sweaters and boots, there are still plenty of great ways to see the summer out. Here are some of the best end-of-the-season shindigs in the region.
Maryland Renaissance Festival Experience 16th-century England in living color at this annual event that seeps into fall. The story line this year takes you back to 1525, when King Henry VIII and Queen Katherine of Aragon visit as part of their summer travels. Expect to see archery demonstrations, acrobatics, comedians, magicians and staged duels. Kids can enjoy children’s activities, free pony rides and a maze. Food and shopping are available, too.
When: Aug. 29-Oct.25
Cost: $8/kids ages 7-15; $19/adults (before Sept. 13, $10 and $24, respectively, after that)
Online: rennfest.com
Library of Congress National Book Festival The 15th annual event features pavilions for children and teens and the Pavilion of the States honoring America, D.C., and U.S. territories. Kids receive a brochure upon arrival, which suggests 52 books for kids to find at the various tents and booths–they get a stamp or sticker when they do. Other activities include arts and crafts and story times with authors.
The Great Zucchini Say goodbye to the magic of summer with, well, magic. The Great Zucchini, whose simple tricks and silly antics delight kids ages 2 to 6 is the final act of Fairfax County’s Arts in the Park summer series at Mason District Park Amphitheater.
Star-Spangled Nights Fireworks at Busch Gardens Williamsburg After a day of riding gravity-defying roller coasters or less scary, “KIDsiderate” options such as the Sesame Street Forest of Fun, including a water playground, visitors can enjoy patriotic pyrotechnics from land or sea–well, waterway, at least, aboard the Rhine River Fireworks Cruise.
Date: Fireworks are Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Sept.6 Cost: $65/kids ages 3-9, $75/person ages 10 and up Online: seaworldparks.com
Photo: Noah Kalina via National Building Museum
The BEACH at the National Building Museum This architectural simulation of a beach is all the fun with none of the mess–or drive time from this D.C. area. The “water” is made from 1 million recyclable plastic balls, making the ocean into a giant ball pit, complete with shallow and deep ends. Get summertime snacks like s’more pops from Union Kitchen, a food incubator, on the “shore.” No bathing suits required.
When: Through Sept. 7, 10 am-5 pm, Monday-Saturday; 11 am-5 pm, Sunday Cost: $13/kids 3 through 17; $16/adults Online: nbm.org
Disney in Concert at Wolf Trap Let it go, let it go, don’t hold summer back anymore. OK, maybe those aren’t quite the lyrics, but you can make up your own as the Wolf Trap Orchestra plays instrumental versions of your–er, your kids’–fave Disney earworms. Synchronized videos from “Frozen,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King” and more play on huge screens during the performance.
When: Aug. 21, 8 pm Cost: $25-60 Online: wolftrap.org
Washington Nationals Baseball Game Take ’em out to the ballgame… See the Nationals play the Phillies at the last home game of the major league season. Hang out afterward to let kids 4 to 12 run the bases. Bonus: First time to Nationals Park? Stop by Guest Services for a First Game Certificate signed by the team’s general manager.
When: Sept. 27, 1:35 pm Cost: Starting at $15; $15 or $32 for Harris Teeter Family Fun Packs, which include a hot dog, chips and drink Online: washington.nationals.mlb.com
“I’ve Been Readin’ on the Railroad” Prevent brain drain with trains! Kids who read 10 railroad-related books as part of the Summer Reading Program at the B&O Railroad Museum and the Ellicott City Station will get a free book and a chance to win an engineer’s outfit. To do it, pick up a journal at either location and bring it back completed.
The time has come to overdose on pumpkin spice lattes, stock up on cardigans, and collect firewood for the impending (er, fingers-crossed-not-happening) winter snowstorm. Some things are pretty standard fall fare. But, as you know, there are so many other things to see and do in D.C. during the season; so many—quite frankly—that it can be overwhelming to choose which are worth the stock. To help guide you through the myriad of corn mazes and haunted houses, we asked Red Tricycle’s awesome editorial team to tell us their favorite ways to have fun this fall.
Besa Pinchotti
"Fall wouldn't be my favorite time of year without the Maryland Renaissance Festival! What could be better than getting your face painted, eating a giant turkey leg and yelling 'huzzah!' at complete strangers?"
