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  • 8 family-friendly events for the first weekend of fall
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8 family-friendly events for the first weekend of fall

From hayrides to a family campout, enjoy the start of fall at one of these events.

By Michele Kettner September 23, 2020 at 11:59 am

With fall comes all of the fun, festive activities. From pumpkin patches to outdoor adventures, you can always find something to keep the family entertained. Here are eight family-friendly events to attend during for the first weekend of fall.

Self-Driven Hayride

Friday-Nov. 2, times vary
Have your fall fun while staying safe in your car. This self-driven hayride is a 15-minute experience as you drive through the farm and check out the spooky displays.  // Cox Farms: 15621 Braddock Road, Centreville; $15

Old Centreville Crossing Drive-In Experience

Friday, 6-9 p.m.
Spend your Friday night enjoying a family movie at the drive-in. Grab some food by one of the nearby restaurants and sit back for a showing of How to Train Your Dragon. Both vehicle and non-vehicle spaces are available. // Old Centreville Crossing: Braddock Road, Centreville; $15-$25

History by Campfire: Teddy Travels to Ben Lomond

Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Warm up by the fire and enjoy a night of storytelling under the stars. Spend the evening listening to the tales of Teddy Roosevelt and his time at Ben Lomond. // Ben Lomond Historic Site and Old Rose Garden: 10311 Sudley Manor Drive, Manassas; $5

Eric Energy | Pumpkin Village

Saturday, 12:45-3:15 p.m.
Get in a science lesson while having fun at the Pumpkin Village Fall Fest. Join science entertainer Eric Energy as he teaches different lessons and concepts while making learning fun.  // Leesburg Animal Park: 19270 Monroe Highway, Leesburg; $12-$16

DinoFest in Nature Playce

Saturday, 1-2 p.m. & 3-4 p.m.
Take a trip back in time to Dinoland. Make a day of searching for hidden dinosaurs, following tracks and making a fossil impression to take home. This event is recommended for children ages 3 to 9. // Hidden Oaks Nature Center: 7701 Royce St., Annandale; $9

Beginner Cake Decorating with Buttercream and a Fondant Bow

Saturday, 2-4:30 p.m.
Take your teenage baker to Fran’s beginner class. Join Dawn Alston from Ravy Cakes as she teaches you the basics for decorating with buttercream and fondant. This class is recommended for students 16 and older.  // Fran’s Cake & Candy Supplies: 10927 Main St., Fairfax; $105

Fall Family Campout

Saturday-Sunday, 2 p.m.-11 a.m.
Get in one last camping trip before the weather turns cold. This camping adventure focuses on nature and family as you take a night hike with a naturalist, enjoy a family movie and take a boat tour of the lake. // Burke Lake Park: 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station; $78 per family

McLean Pet Fest

Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Let your pet get in on the family fun with the McLean Pet Fest. This virtual event will provide you all of the tips and tricks you need to enhance your pet’s life. Activities include dog training and trick demonstrations and pet health tips. Registration is required. // free

For more family-friendly events, subscribe to our weekly Family newsletter.

Michele Kettner

Michele Kettner

Audience Engagement Editor

Michele Kettner joined Northern Virginia Magazine in 2020 after spending two semesters as an editorial intern at the magazine. The University of Maryland graduate is currently the audience engagement editor and covers everything from can’t-miss things to do and holiday events to new restaurant and store openings throughout Northern Virginia.

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