🎃 No Streets Needed: Safe Trick-or-Treat Alternatives for DMV Families

Because Halloween Should Be Fun — Not Stressful!

If your kids live for costumes, candy, and all things silly—but you’d rather skip the late-night door knocking—this list is for you!

The DMV is full of safe, family-friendly Halloween events that pack in all the fun (and sugar) without the worry. From mall trick-or-treats to community trunk-or-treats and indoor adventures, these local celebrations are perfect for families looking for a cozy, safe, and camera-ready Halloween weekend.

Here are my top picks for 2025’s safe trick-or-treating fun around the DMV!

Trick-or-Treating @ Brambleton Town Center

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12–2 PM | Brambleton, VA

Kick off your spooky weekend at Brambleton Town Center! Besides candy, your kiddos can run through a haystack maze, meet a balloon artist, and score a free trick-or-treat bag if they’re among the first 300 guests.

Perfect photo moment: Your little one running through the hay maze with a pumpkin tote!

Trick-or-Treat on Market Street @ Reston Town Center

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12–3 PM | Reston, VA

This event transforms Reston Town Center into a mini Halloween village! Families can visit local shops for treats, enjoy special offers, and pick up free goodies while supplies last.

Tip: Stay for lunch—many restaurants run family deals during the event.

The Sanderson Sisters Host Kids Trick-or-Treating @ Shipgarten

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12–6 PM | Tysons, VA

This one’s a showstopper! Shipgarten goes all-out with face painting, arts & crafts, moon bounces, live music, and performances from the Sanderson Sisters and Jake the Great.

Bonus: It’s free!

Harbor Halloween @ National Harbor

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 12:30–2:45 PM | National Harbor, MD

Halloween by the water? Yes, please! Enjoy carousel trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, a Pet Pawrade, and even a free Capital Wheel ride for costumed kids (with an adult ticket).

Don’t miss: The outdoor movie screening!

Trunk-or-Treat @ Galilee UMC

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 2–4 PM | Sterling, VA

A community favorite! Things transforms into a mini carnival with a petting zoo, bounce castle, games, snacks, and contests for best costume and best trunk.

Bonus: Free hot dogs and snacks for everyone!

Fuel & Faith Trunk-or-Treat @ Cabela’s

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 4–6 PM | Gainesville, VA

Back for its 4th year, this trunk-or-treat is known for its creative car setups and friendly crowd. 

Insider tip: Want to decorate your car? Spots are free—just register early!

Trunk-or-Treat @ Vine Church

Sunday, Oct. 26 | 4–6 PM | Centreville, VA

Hosted with Holy Cross Episcopal, this is a sweet, low-key event featuring games, candy, and costumes—great for younger kids before bedtime.

Trick-or-Treat Trail @ Fairfax City Police Department

Monday, Oct. 27 | 6–8 PM | Fairfax, VA

This drive-through trick-or-treat event is perfect for busy weeknights or sensory-sensitive kiddos. Stay in your car, roll down your window, and collect candy safely from friendly officers!

Trunk-or-Treat @ Manassas Mall

Wednesday, Oct. 29 | 5:30–8:30 PM | Manassas, VA

Stretch that costume’s use with a pre-Halloween trunk-or-treat in the mall parking lot! 

Great for: Families looking for a festive (and crowd-controlled) outdoor event.

Halloween Day Play @ Play Street Museum

Thursday, Oct. 31 | 8:30 AM – 6 PM | Chantilly, VA

The perfect stop for toddlers! Enjoy Halloween crafts, indoor trick-or-treating, and tons of pretend play in the mini town setup. Sessions are timed, so pre-register early!

Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party @ LEGO Discovery Center

Through Oct. 31 | 10 AM – 5 PM | Springfield, VA

The LEGO Discovery Center turns spooky with The Great Monster Chase 4D Movie, Potion Kitchen, and exclusive treats for kids in costume.

Must-do: Build your own mini Halloween figure!

Boo Bash @ Dave & Buster’s

Oct. 29 (Fairfax) & Oct. 31 (Springfield) | 4 PM

Celebrate Halloween indoors with games, crafts, and costume contests—and maybe even win a year of free play!

First 100 guests get souvenir cups.

Trick-or-Treat @ Fair Oaks Mall

Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5–7 PM | Fairfax, VA

Stay warm and dry while trick-or-treating!Participating retailers hand out candy, and you’ll find spooky photo ops all around the mall.

Great for: Younger kids who love a calmer setting.

Mall-O-Ween Boo Bash @ Potomac Mills

Thursday, Oct. 31 | 5–7 PM | Woodbridge, VA

Mall-wide trick-or-treating, roaming characters, and photo stations make Potomac Mills a Halloween favorite. Look for the pumpkin sticker to find participating stores!

Final Thoughts

Who says you need to walk door-to-door to make Halloween memories? With so many safe, community-centered, and kid-friendly events around the DMV, your family can celebrate the season in style—from hay mazes to LEGO builds to candy-filled car trunks.

Don’t forget to share your Halloween adventures and tag #BusyBoyMomChronicles so I can see your costumes and candy hauls!