Northern Virginia can be an expensive place to raise a family. And with layoff, furloughs, and the ongoing government shutdown, many parents are looking for affordable family outings. These six free (and one low-cost) upcoming activities in Northern Virginia fit the bill.
Wicked Hosts Kids Halloween Trick-or-Treating
November 2, noon to 6 p.m.
This Shipgarten events features moon bounces, face painting, balloon animals. and more than 10 trick-or-treating stations. At 2 p.m., a professional photographer will be on hand to snap photos of your child in their Halloween costume. Dogs are also welcome for celebratory pup cups and Kongs filled with peanut butter. 7581 Colshire Dr., McLean
Free Admission to Great Falls Park for Veterans Day
November 11
In honor of Veterans Day, all National Park Service sites that charge a fee to enter will offer free admission. Other fees, like reservation fees or timed entries, may apply. This marks the last free entrance day of 2025. Great Falls is great for picnicking and hiking and enjoying beautiful views of the Potomac. 9200 Old Dominion Dr., McLean
Reston Holiday Parade
November 28, 11 a.m. to noon
This free parade has been voted one of the top 10 in the U.S. by USA Today. It runs just one hour, so it’s perfect for little ones with shorter attention spans, and it ends with the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus via horse-drawn carriage. After the parade, families can stick around at Reston Town Center for a tree lighting, sing-along, visits with Santa, and more. 11900 Market St., Reston
Old Town Manassas Christmas Market and Holiday Craft Show
November 29, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
We named this event one of the 19 best ones coming to the area in November. The day of free festive fun at Manassas Museum Lawn includes more than 80 seasonal artisans, holiday music, food, and lots of hot chocolate. Holiday craft and games stations will be available for little ones to try, too. 9101 Prince William St., Manassas
Abram’s Delight Candlelight Tour
December 5, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., December 6, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The oldest house in Winchester, Abram’s Delight, was built over 250 years ago in 1754. Guests are invited to kick off the holiday season with the annual candlelight tour. The museum’s grounds will be open for strolling through, and holiday decorations made by local garden clubs will be displayed. 1340 S. Pleasant Valley Rd., Winchester
48th Annual Spotsylvania Christmas Parade
December 6, 1 p.m.
The Spotsylvania County Parks and Recreation’s Annual Christmas Parade begins at 1 p.m. at the Spotsylvania Courthouse District, with a rain date of Sunday, December 13. This year’s theme is “A Retro Christmas.” Expect to see local dance groups and school bands, cartoon characters, horses, and per tradition, Santa himself. 9101 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania
Bonus Activity: Little Birders Club
November 15, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
While not free, this activity is just $5 per person. At the Little Birders Club, kids can learn how to spot and recognize the most common native birds to the area. The club is recommended for families with children of all ages, and anyone under 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. You must pre-register to attend, and it’s suggested that participants download the Merlin Bird ID app ahead of time. 5400 Roanoke Ave., Alexandria, $5 per participant
Feature image courtesy Shipgarten
