Family Living


Top Washington, D.C. Fall Activities for Families

Family Living | October 15, 2017
African father and daughter decorating pumpkin

With a beautiful canvas of colorful leaves and cozy weather, fall is one of Washington, D.C.’s most enchanting seasons to visit. For families in the area looking to make some fall memories with your children, here is The Gardner School’s list of top D.C. area fall activities you won’t want to miss.

Autumn Conservation Festival and Boo at the Zoo at National Zoo

With more than 40 treat stations, animal demonstrations, decorated trails, and opportunities to learn about some seriously spooky animals, the National Zoo’s Autumn Conservation Festival and Boo at the Zoo is a magical time for the whole family. Kids will enjoy grooving to music, with a special kids scary-oke. Another favorite activity is the extreme pumpkin-carving demonstrations. Admission is free for children under the age of two.

Fall on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park

With a fall carnival and harvest fun, Fall on the Farm at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon, Virginia, is a family favorite. Enjoy fall games, rides, and delicious fair foods. An end-of-October event called Boo-Stravaganza is another family favorite at the park with a variety of themed games, a dare to enter the slightly-spooky BOO barn, and a wagon ride.

Trick or Treating at Mount Vernon

While trick or treating at Mount Vernon on October 27-28, children can participate in a special scavenger hunt, take a wagon ride on the 12-acre field, and create a “boo-tiful” Halloween craft at this unforgettable evening. Watch wool carding and spinning, historic chocolate-making, and fishnet making demonstrations in the historic area. Enjoy a children’s costume parade around the Mansion, with prizes awarded for the best George and Martha costumes.

Spirit of Autumn Exhibit at ARTECHOUSE

For children and adults walking into Spirit of Autumn, the latest digital exhibit from ARTECHOUSE, they will experience a seasonal dream world. From floor-to-ceiling imagery projected onto walls to audio of birds singing to opportunities to “play” in leaves, this large-scale installation displays fall with an enchanting, multi-sensory experience.

Smithsonian Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavillion

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