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Halloween Programs/Events

Welcome! You have crossed over to the realm of Halloween. If you're looking for programs that are more mysterious than the ingredients of a witch's brew, you've come to the right place. If you dare read further, a frightening list of spooky (and not-so-spooky) programs will be revealed.

From haunted wagon rides through a shadowy prison to ghastly ghost tours and a peculiar pumpkin program, these eerie events promise to unnerve and entertain you. Don your costume and join a gathering of ghouls at Frying Pan Farm Park's Boo-stravaganza, or cozy up to a campfire and hear spellbinding stories atHidden Pond.

Dress up your paranormal pooch for Lake Accotink's Howl-oween costume contest and then turn him loose in the boneyard for a treat. And what's Halloween without bats, owls, and creepy crawlies? Take a weird walk through the woods at night during Hidden Oaks' Fear-less Fest and meet strange costumed creatures.

Perhaps a game of glow-in-the-dark Goblin Golf is in your future? Ask the fortune teller at Sully Historic Site's All Hallows Eve event. Attend any of these spooktacular programs and you'll leave smiling like a jack-o-lantern. Just beware of black cats.

Saturdays, October 6 or 27
Family Fun: Wizard's Plant and Potions

Muggles, conjure up some magic in our gardens as we explore the special powers of Harry Potter's favorite plants. Craft a wizard's wand and learn potion recipes just in time for Halloween! This one-hour program at Green Spring Gardens starts at 2 p.m. Participants must be at least age five. The cost is $6 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-642-5173.

Saturday, October 13
History on Haunted Hill - Girl Scouts

There are many ghost stories about Historic Huntley, but those brave enough to spend the night will learn the true history of the house! Celebrate the season with storytelling, fall foods, and fun with your friends. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, flashlight, and a picnic dinner. Evening snack and light breakfast provided. Adult chaperones must accompany scouts at all times. This program begins at 6 p.m. For information, call 703-768-2525.

Thursday, October 18
BOO-stravaganza

Come to Frying Pan Farm Park's Indoor Arena Barn dressed in your favorite costume anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. Children ages three to eight enjoy fun, games, and a wagon ride. Finish the evening with treats and a small pumpkin. The cost is $8 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-437-9101.

Friday, October 19
Pumpkins by the Campfire

Join in games and activities about pumpkins by Ellanor C. Lawrence Park's pumpkin patch from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Bring a small pumpkin to decorate. Enjoy roasted marshmallows and toasted pumpkin seeds. The cost is $6 per person. Please register accompanying adults and children. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Friday, October 19
Haunted Pond Jr.

Three to six-year-olds come to Hidden Pond Nature Center from 7 to 9 p.m. to learn about wildlife and local lore, meet live animals, walk into the forest at night, and enjoy a campfire with spell-binding stories, smores, and who knows what other happenings! This session will have only mild stories; we don't want to frighten you! The cost is $7 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, October 20
History on Haunted Hill - Boy Scouts

Saturday, October 20
Historic All Hallows Eve

Sully Historic Site. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Virginians celebrated All Hallows Eve with storytelling, fortune telling, fall foods and family gatherings. Experience these traditions as you tour the house and grounds at Sully Historic Site by lantern light from5 to 7 p.m. Participants must be at least age five. The cost is $10 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-437-1794.

Saturday, October 20
Centreville Historic District Ghost Tours

Meet in front of the Spindle Sears House at 5714 Mt. Gilead Road in Historic Centreville Park. Travel through old Centreville with a ghost from the town's past. Your guide will share the tales of murder, lost love and war sacrifices of the people that once lived and died in and around the Centreville Historic District. Note the tour occurs on Centreville Day and streets are closed to vehicles. Allow time to park and shuttle into the Historic District. Tours depart at 1:30 and 3 p.m. and last one hour. The cost is $5 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Saturday, October 20
Fear-less Fest is Back!

Join a Hidden Oaks Nature Center naturalist from 7 to 9 p.m. for a night hike; meet costumed creatures including a black widow spider, skunk, owl and a dead tree who explain why they have scary reputations. Investigate real animal skulls, owl pellets and make crafts. Participants must be at least age four. The cost is $7 per person. Register online. For information, call 703-941-1065.

Friday, October 26
Haunted Wagon Ride and Scary Movie

Halloween is coming and the ghosts are stirring. Take a wagon ride through Ellanor C. Lawrence Park's haunted meadow and then roast marshmallows over a campfire and watch a scary Halloween movie on a giant outdoor screen. Bring flashlights, blankets and dress for the weather. This program from 7 to 10 p.m. meets at Cabell's Mill. Participants must be at least age eight. The cost is $6 per child and $8 per adult. For information, call 703-631-0013.

Friday, October 26
Haunted Pond

Six to twelve-year-olds come to Hidden Pond Nature Center from 7 to 9 p.m. to learn about wildlife and local lore, meet live animals, walk into the forest at night, and enjoy a campfire with spell-binding stories, smores, and who knows what other happenings! Scary stories will be in the last 30 minutes. The cost is $7 per child. Register online. For information, call 703-451-9588.

Saturday, October 27
Howloween Dog Costume Contest and Boneyard Hunt

Are you and Fido ready for some howlin' good Halloween fun? Gather at Lake Accotink Park's large pavilion from 2 to 4 p.m. to witness the best in canine creativity. Watch as festive furry friends compete for special prizes and treats! The costume contest is followed by a walk through the "boneyard" to sniff out well-earned treats. All dogs must be leashed and friendly toward other dogs, children and people of all ages. The cost is $6 per dog. To register, call 703-569-0285; VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Saturday, October 27
Halloween Goblin Golf and Bonfire

Join us at the Lake Accotink Park marina from 6 to 9 p.m. for this spooktacular event geared toward adults and children of all ages. Boldly venture forth onto the haunted golf course to play a round of miniature golf with glow in the dark golf balls! Ride the spooky carousel, sip hot chocolate and hear stories around a beach bonfire. The cost is $8 per person. Costumes welcome. To register, call 703-569-0285; VISA and MasterCard accepted.

Saturday, October 27
Super-Natural Hayride

Journey into Laurel Hill Park, site of the former Lorton Prison. Discover its secrets and the stories of its while enjoying a hayride. Stops at various locations along the way will occur. To get everyone in the mood, Elvis Presley's Jailhouse Rock will be played at the start of the ride. Rides last 90 minutes and leave at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Rides are $8 per person. Register online.

Saturday, October 27 & Sunday, October 28
Ghost Train at Burke Lake

Take a ride through the forest decorated for Halloween from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Meet costumed characters along the way. The carousel will also be running. The Ghost Train is a joint venture between Northern Virginia Community College and FCPA. The cost is $4 per person. For information, call 703-323-6600.

Wednesday, October 31
Trick or Treat: Oak Marr Farmers Market

Join us at the Oak Marr Farmers Market from 8 a.m. to noon for costume contests and other surprises for kids and adults. Come dressed to scare, bring a smile, or just to show your creative side. For information, call 703-281-6501.

Happy Halloween !