Fall is in full swing, and that means the site of pumpkins on your neighbors’ front steps, annual festivals and Halloween-themed gatherings are becoming more prevalent.
Whether your little one wants to paint his own pumpkin or your young adult is making her way home from college to take in the season, entertain the entire family this weekend with these fall-inspired events.
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Fall Carnival and Harvest Days at Frying Pan Farm Park
Oct. 18-20, times vary
All weekend long, you and your family can head over to Frying Pan Farm Park for a seasonal carnival, as well as the Farm Harvest Days event, happening solely on Saturday and Sunday. At the carnival, you’ll find rides that appeal to both little ones and teens alike, in-theme games and vendors from local restaurants and breweries. On Saturday and Sunday, youngsters will delight in hands-on activities like meeting farm animals, milking a cow and using an antique apple cider press. // Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 W. Ox Road, Herndon; free entry
Whitehall Farm’s Fifth Annual Fall Fun Days Festival
Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
For the fifth year in a row, Whitehall Farm will host its seasonal festival featuring a corn maze, nature trails, a field of pumpkins to roam through and so much more. Little ones will have the chance to meet all the farm animals, including Henry the cow, while adults can dine on a farm-to-table lunch option, featuring fresh ingredients grown right there at the farm. // Whitehall Farm: 6080 Colchester Road, Fairfax; $12
Vienna Halloween on the Green
Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Halloween has arrived early this year in Vienna for children ages 2 through 10. At this free, day-long event, your kids can play on a moon bounce, hear tales of spooky events that occurred right here in NoVA, create a seasonal piece of art to take home and more. Plus, there will be plenty of treats for them to enjoy throughout the day. // Vienna Town Green: 144 Maple Ave. E., Vienna; free
Fall Festival at Ashbrook Commons
Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
You can do more than just shop at the Ashbrook Commons Shopping Center this Saturday. From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., you and your partner can browse the selections for fall decor while your kids get their face painted, decorate pumpkins and enjoy a full set from local children’s band Rocnoceros. // Ashbrook Commons Shopping Center: 20070 Ashbrook Commons Plaza, Ashburn; free
Annual Fall Festival – Leesylvania State Park
Oct. 19, 3-9 p.m.
Have you ever launched an apple out of a wooden cannon? Now’s your chance at the annual fall festival happening on the open land of Leesylvania State Park. In addition to apple launching, you and the kids can get your faces painted, meet local firefighters or go on a ranger-guided history tour. When the sun starts to set, you can enjoy seasonal treats by an open bonfire on the beach, all while listening to the sounds of acoustic performers, Haze and Dacey. // Leesylvania State Park: 2001 Daniel K. Ludwig Drive, Woodbridge; hike and hayride are $2 per person, $6 per family
Halloween Craft & Costume Contest
Oct. 19, 5-7 p.m.
Get crafty this spooky season at Hurkamp Park. On Saturday night, you and the kids can head to the park in your very best Halloween costumes in an effort to win the costume contest. Following the award ceremony, you can craft a decoration to take home while watching It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and Scared Shrekless on the big screen. Don’t forget your own lawn chairs and blankets, as the films will be projected on a screen outside. // Hurkamp Park: 500 William St., Fredericksburg; free
Harvest Moon Family Fun Night
Oct. 19, 5:30-8 p.m.
Bring the whole family—including the pups—to this free event in Fredericksburg, featuring free pizza, a variety of games and of course, candy. For those who choose to wear their Halloween costumes, there will be a trunk or treat happening in the Grace United Methodist Church’s parking lot. // Grace United Methodist Church-Hartwood: 13056 Elk Ridge Road, Fredericksburg; free
Fall Family Fun Night
Oct. 19, 6-8 p.m.
For one night only, you and the little ones can enjoy a crisp fall night under the stars. Throughout the night, you can mingle with other families in the community by taking a hayride, playing games and indulging in s’mores by the fire. Be sure to bring your layers, as all of the evening activities will be held outside. // Manassas Park Community Center: 99 Adams St., Manassas Park; $12 per household
Pumpkin Village at Leesburg Animal Park
Saturdays and Sundays in October, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Through the beginning of November, you and your family can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and entertainment at the Pumpkin Village hosted by Leesburg Animal Park. Offerings of the weekend include an inflatable tree house slide, a kiddie zip line, pony rides and even the chance to sit atop a camel. As for performers this weekend, local rock singer Ted Garber and the magical Nicolo Whimsey will take the stage at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., respectively. // Leesburg Animal Park: 19270 James Monroe Highway, Leesburg; $12.95-$16.95
Fall Harvest Family Days
Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Take a trip back in time at Mount Vernon this weekend, as the staff celebrates the autumn season by offering various 18th-century activities for individuals of all ages. Whether you choose to take a horse-drawn wagon ride through the property, play Colonial-style games on the lawn or observe fabric-making demonstrations, the choice is yours. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon: 3200 Mount Vernon Highway, Mount Vernon; $12-$20
