🎃 Not-So-Scary Fun: Family-Friendly Halloween Events in the DMV

Halloween in the DMV isn’t all haunted houses and jump scares — there are plenty of events designed with kids (and parents who prefer “spooky cute” over “truly scary”) in mind. Whether you’ve got toddlers in costumes, big kids looking for adventure, or you just want a festive fall outing, here’s your guide to not-so-scary events in the DMV area and beyond.

🦁 Boo at the Zoo – Smithsonian’s National Zoo

This beloved D.C. tradition is perfect for little ones. Stroll the zoo after hours, collect candy at treat stations, and enjoy live entertainment and glowing displays. Costumes are encouraged — and bonus points for animal-themed ones!

📅 Oct. 17–19, 2025

🕕 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. (last entry 8:30 p.m.)

Why Families Love It:

• Stroller-friendly paths

• Early evening hours for young kids

• Chance to see some animals after dark

✈️ Air & Scare – Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum (Udvar-Hazy Center)

One of Northern Virginia’s most popular Halloween events. Kids can trick-or-treat in the massive hangars, explore hands-on science stations, and show off costumes under real airplanes and spacecraft.

📅 October 25, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

📍 Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, Chantilly, VA

🎟️ Free admission, parking $15

Insider Tip: Outdoor activities require free timed tickets — grab them early, as this event fills fast!

Photo Credit: https://maymont.org

🌟 Garden Glow at Maymont – Richmond, VA

Worth the short road trip! Maymont’s stunning gardens transform into an illuminated wonderland each October. Stroll glowing pathways, admire light art installations, and relax in Glow Village with food trucks and fire pits.

📅 October 15 – November 9, 2025

⏰ Opening times vary (closed Mondays, last entry 9 p.m.)

Best For: A magical evening experience — perfect for kids who love twinkling lights.

Pro Tip:Dress in layers and wear comfy shoes for walking; evenings can get chilly.

🎨 Annmarie Garden’s Halloween in the Garden

Annmarie Sculpture Garden in Solomons, MD turns into a whimsical wonderland with glowing art, pumpkin walks, and kid-friendly crafts.

📅 October 18, 2025

🕙 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (rain or shine)

Why We Love It: A slower-paced event, perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who want to explore without rushing.

🎭 Children’s Museum of Virginia – Monster Mash

A not-so-spooky celebration perfect for young kids! Enjoy themed crafts, music, and museum playtime all while dressed in costume.

📅 October 11, 2025

🕙 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

📍 Portsmouth, VA

Why It’s Great: It’s short and sweet — perfect for little ones who love to dress up but need to nap afterward!

🚂 Halloween Eye Spy Trains – Wheaton Regional Park

Hop aboard the Eye Spy Halloween Trains for a scenic ride through the decorated park! Kids can look out for hidden seasonal scenes and characters as they roll along.

📅 Through October 26, 2025

📍 Wheaton, MD

Family Favorite: A gentle, outdoor adventure that’s perfect for preschoolers and train lovers alike.

🌽 Corn Maze Adventures

Daytime corn mazes are a perfect choice for families with younger kids — no jump scares here, just classic fall fun! Butler’s Orchard (MD), Montpelier Farms (MD), and Cox Farms (VA) are all great options, with hayrides, slides, and farm animals to round out the experience.

🎢 Six Flags Boo Fest

Six Flags America (Bowie, MD) offers a kid-friendly alternative to their scarier Fright Fest — complete with trick-or-treat trails, character meet-and-greets, and rides suited for all ages.

📅 September 13 – November 2, 2025

⏰ All day

🤸 Flight Adventure Park – Halloween Glow Nights

This indoor trampoline park offers Halloween glow nights with music, black lights, and costume contests. A great option if you want to keep kids moving but stay indoors on cooler nights.

📅 Friday, October 24, 2025

🕖 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.

🕸️ Sky Zone Waldorf – Jump or Treat

Get airborne this Halloween at Sky Zone! Kids can bounce between trick-or-treat stations, play glow games, and show off their costumes while jumping under black lights.

📅 October 31, 2025

🕑 2 p.m. – 9 p.m.

📍 Waldorf, MD

Why Families Love It: Combines active fun with festive treats — no sugar crash before bedtime required!

🎃 Extra Family-Friendly Ideas:

• PumpkinPalooza (NoMa, DC): Free community pumpkin patch, live music, and plenty of photo ops.

• Great Country Farms (VA): Known for pig races, giant slides, and an enormous pumpkin patch.

• Leesburg Animal Park’s Pumpkin Village (VA): Petting zoo, wagon rides, and fall-themed playground fun.

• National Capital Trolley Museum’s Trolley-Ween (MD): Ride historic trolley cars and enjoy crafts and stories.

🧡 Tips for a Stress-Free Visit

✅ Go Early: Morning and weekday visits mean fewer crowds.

✅ Check for Tickets: Boo at the Zoo, Air & Scare, and Garden Glow often sell out.

✅ Pack Layers: Evenings can get chilly — bring jackets and comfy shoes.

✅ Bring a Stroller or Wagon: Many venues are spread out — perfect for little legs to rest.

✅ Snack Smart: Pack a few easy snacks and water in case food lines are long.

Click here to download our printable mini guide!

📌 Disclaimer: Event dates, ticket prices, and schedules can change — always double-check official websites or social media pages before heading out.