10 FREE Family-Friendly Halloween Events in the DC Area

Halloween is around the corner, and there’s no shortage of spook-tacular fun in the DC area! Whether you’re looking for a fright-free adventure with your little ones or just a wallet-friendly celebration, we’ve rounded up 10 family-friendly events that promise to bring plenty of treats, fun, and a little bit of spooky flair.

Here are the top Halloween events you and your family won’t want to miss this year:

  1. Halloween at The Wharf

Location: The Wharf, 101 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE

The Wharf’s annual Halloween event is back with a boatload of fun! Bring your little monsters to The Wharf for trick-or-treating at local shops, pumpkin decorating, a Halloween pet parade, and live music. Don’t miss the pumpkin drop from the top of a tall building—kids love this exciting and smash-tastic tradition!

  1. Hill Family Biking – Halloween Ride

Location: Lincoln Park  – 11th and E Capitol St NE Washington DC
Date: October 26, 2024, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Cost: FREE

This Halloween edition of the Hill Family Bike Ride kicks off at Lincoln Park in Northeast DC with a surprise route! Families are encouraged to show off their most creative costumes, and after the ride, everyone can join in a fun dance party with live music from the Knox Engler Band.

  1. Air & Scare at Udvar-Hazy Center

Location: Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway, Chantilly, VA 20151
Date: Saturday, October 21, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Air & Scare is a family favorite hosted by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. This event offers indoor trick-or-treating, fun activities, spooky science, and a chance to explore the museum’s fascinating exhibits—plus a costume contest! No pre-registration required, so come ready to soar into Halloween fun!

  1. Georgetown Trick or Treating

Location: M Street and Wisconsin Ave NW, Georgetown, Washington, DC 20007
Date: Tuesday, October 31, 2024, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Stroll the cobblestone streets of historic Georgetown for a neighborhood trick-or-treating experience like no other. Local businesses hand out candy, and the entire district transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Don’t forget to visit “Halloween on O Street,” where the homes are decked out in over-the-top decorations.

  1. Capitol Hill Halloween Parade

Location: Eastern Market, 225 7th St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Date: Sunday, October 29, 2024, 10:00 AM
Cost: FREE

Gather your family and head to the Capitol Hill Halloween Parade! This event is perfect for little ones who want to show off their costumes and march around Eastern Market. Expect fun crafts, live entertainment, and even spooky face painting. A great way to kick off Halloween week in the city!

  1. Halloween Spooktacular at The Yards

Location: The Yards Park, 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2024, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Cost: FREE

This family-friendly Halloween event features trick-or-treating along the Anacostia River, spooky games, live entertainment, and a costume parade for kids. The Yards Spooktacular is always a favorite, offering a picturesque backdrop for a festive and fright-free afternoon with your little ghouls!

  1. Pumpkin Walk at Tudor Place

Location: Tudor Place Historic House & Garden, 1644 31st St NW, Washington, DC 20007
Date: Saturday, October 28, 2024, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: FREE (registration required)

Take a charming autumn stroll through the gardens of the historic Tudor Place while enjoying festive decorations and seasonal crafts. This event is perfect for young children and features a pumpkin scavenger hunt, story time, and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere. Be sure to register ahead of time!

  1. Pumpkin Palooza at Alethia Tanner Park

Location: Alethia Tanner Park, 227 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington, DC 20002
Date: Friday, October 27, 2024, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Cost: FREE

This family-friendly Halloween bash includes a costume parade, live performances, face painting, and of course, lots of candy! Pumpkin Palooza at Alethia Tanner Park is perfect for families looking to enjoy an evening of low-key Halloween fun in a laid-back, outdoor setting.

  1. Halloween Hunt at Lincoln Park

Location: Lincoln Park, 11th & East Capitol St NE, Washington, DC 20003
Date: Sunday, October 29, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Cost: FREE

Kids will love this outdoor Halloween scavenger hunt! Explore Lincoln Park and collect spooky (but not too spooky!) treasures. There’s also a costume contest for kids, dogs, and families, so get ready to flaunt those costumes for a chance to win some fun prizes.

  1. Halloween Storytime at DC Public Library

Location: Multiple library branches across DC
Date: Throughout October 2024 (varies by location)
Cost: FREE

The DC Public Library hosts special Halloween-themed storytime sessions for kids all month long! These fun and interactive readings include spooky (but kid-appropriate) tales, Halloween crafts, and even a few surprise guests. Be sure to check the schedule at your local branch for times and dates.

Get Ready for a Fang-tastic Halloween!

With so many exciting your family is sure to have an unforgettable Halloween season in the DC area! Whether you’re trick-or-treating in historic Georgetown, enjoying a costume parade at The Yards, or taking in the spooky sights at Boo at the Zoo, there’s something for every little ghoul and goblin to enjoy.

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