Unsurprisingly, these upcoming park events feature more fall festivals (one of them involving sipping wine by the waterfront), plus live music, a nature walk, a hike and a tour that talks about the ghosts that haunt Rippon Lodge.
Fall on the Farm
Oct. 13, 5-9 p.m.; Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Oct. 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Carnival rides curl around this fall fair, which also features games, food and more. Most rides take 3-5 tickets, which cost $1 each or $20 for 24. Unlimited rides passes, valid only on Sunday, cost $16. // Frying Pan Farm Park: 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
Fall Migration Bird & Nature Walk
Oct. 14, 8-10 a.m.
A wide variety of birds float across the 120-acre Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands Preserve. Led by local birding and nature experts, this two-hour trek focuses on finding and identifying the area’s assortment of winged creatures. Attendees are encouraged to bring binoculars and bird-watching guidebooks. // Julie J. Metz Neabsco Creek Wetlands: 15875 Neabsco Road, Woodbridge
Growing Native: Get Nuts for Clean Water
Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Join the Potomac Conservancy at the Arlington National Cemetery as they spend three hours gathering acorns and tree seeds. The seeds you gather will go toward the region’s reforesting efforts. // Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington
Children’s Festival
Oct. 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
With a theme focusing on exploration and adventure, the Children’s Festival will feature plenty of activities to excite the little ones. Steamboat and sailboat rides on the lake, bungee jumping, train rides and pony rides, plus a sandbox, a reptile exhibit, a magic show and pumpkin painting make this a Saturday diversion for the whole family. // C.M. Crockett Park: 1066 Rogues Road, Midland
Scottish Heritage Day
Oct. 14, noon-4 p.m.
This annual celebration of Scottish culture will include performances by The Granfling School of Highland Dance as well as several professional storytellers who will bring old Scottish and Celtic legends to life through song and dance. Free tours of the Carlyle House will also be offered throughout the event as well as a fashion show of 18th-century Scottish garb. All of these events are free, but small donations are encouraged. // Carlyle House: 121 N. Fairfax St., Alexandria
Fall Colors Hike: Bay View
Oct. 14, 3-4 p.m.
Crunch through fallen leaves as a park ranger guides you through the Bay View Trail. As you walk, you’ll see shades of orange, red and yellow, and you’ll also learn about how trees and other plants prepare for winter during this time of transition. // Mason Neck State Park: 7301 High Point Road, Lorton
Fall Farm Days: The Nature of Sky Meadows
Oct. 14-15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Over the course of this two-day event at a park that spans more than 1,800 acres, talk with Virginia naturalists and members of the Virginia Department of Forestry. Race wooly bear caterpillars, complete the outdoor scavenger hunt and take part in more free outdoor activities. // Sky Meadows State Park: 11012 Edmonds Lane, Delaplane
Virginia Wine Festival on the Waterfront
Oct. 14-15, noon-6 p.m.
Bottoms up at Oronoco Bay. The 42nd annual Virginia Wine Fest will feature more than 200 local wines and a long list of ciders. General admission includes a tasting glass, unlimited wine tasting from Virginia wineries and access to food trucks, kid’s activities, live music and other festivities. Tickets are $35. // Oronoco Bay Park: 100 Madison St., Alexandria
Spirits of Rippon Lodge Walking Tour
Oct. 20-21, 7-9 p.m.
Take a dip into the haunted history and tall tales of Rippon Lodge, a historic site rumored to be plagued by departed spirits of Woodbridge residents and neighbors. You’ll want your flashlight on this fearful walking tour, which features the telling of both real and rumored spookiness of Rippon Lodge. To make a reservation, call 703-499-9812. // Rippon Lodge Historic Site: 15520 Blackburn Road, Woodbridge
Temple Hall Corn Maze and Fall Festival
Through Nov. 7, 4 p.m.
This six-week-long fall festival runs in tandem with farm’s harvest and features Temple Hall’s famous 24-acre corn maze. From pig races to live music, this family-friendly festival has it all. Have some fun bopping around giant, bouncy pillows, watch pumpkins fly from pumpkin blasters or shop a variety of autumn goodies. Tickets can be purchased online. // Temple Hall Farm Regional Park: 15855 Limestone School Road, Leesburg
