The fall festivities don’t have to end with pumpkin and apple picking. Fairfax County Parks are celebrating the fall season with new classes, workshops and events for the whole family to enjoy.
Below, find four that will keep the October spirit flowing for you and the kids (while getting more use out of those Halloween costumes, too!).
Fall Harvest Grind
Oct. 6 and Oct. 20, noon to 3 p.m.
It’s time to start stocking your pantry for the colder months that are on the way. See how 19th-century harvest days played out at Colvin Mill Run, where living historians will portray the grinding, packing and storing of the season’s last few batches of crops, in the same way workers did when the mill operated 24 hours a day. Attendees can also enjoy old-fashioned games and activities for the whole family. // Colvin Run Mill Historic Site: 10017 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls; $8 adult, $6 child
Hot Dog,S’mores! Wagon Ride & Campfire
Oct. 9, 6 p.m.
Kids and adults can learn all about Ellanor C. Lawrence by taking a wagon ride through the Rocky Run Stream Valley, and enjoy a night of community and fun while roasting turkey hot dogs and s’mores over a campfire. Children must be accompanied by an adult. // Ellanor C. Lawrence Park: 5040 Walney Road, Chantilly; $10 per person
Farm Harvest Days
Oct. 19-20, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The days of making, storing and stocking produce for the winter are not only found in the past. Local farmers press apples into apple cider, milk goats, shell corn and more in preparation for the season ahead. If you’re looking to get into the spirit, catch live farming demonstrations and take a lap on the hay ride at Frying Pan Farm Park for Farm Harvest Days. // Frying Pan Farm Park: 2739 W. Ox Road, Herndon; free, additional activities may have fees
Burke Lake Park Ghost Train
Oct. 26-27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
No screaming on this not-so-scary train. Trick-or-treaters of all ages are welcome on the Ghost Train at Burke Lake Park, where attendees can wear their Halloween costumes, paint pumpkins, jump in the moon bounce and more throughout the day of family-friendly activities. But be sure to get your tickets fast! The Ghost Train only appears for two days until next year. // Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; $6 train ride, additional activities may have fees
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