The Ember List

The Ember List · Alexandria, VA

Things to do with kids in Alexandria, VA

Find things to do with kids in Alexandria, VA, from story times and classes to family festivals and puppet shows.

We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 22 best kids & family events in Alexandria, VA between October 2 and October 8. Updated daily.

Highlights for October 3 – October 7

  1. Sherwood Regional Library's Fall Open House! (Sherwood Regional Library)

    A day of pumpkin painting, crafts, activities, prizes, and light refreshments for all ages. Saturday, October 3, 10 AM–1 PM. All ages; no registration required.

  2. Paws 2 Read 2 - Willey (John Marshall Library — John Marshall Meeting Room 1, John Marshall Meeting Room 2)

    Read a book aloud to Willey the dog, for ages 6‑12, with registration required. Saturday, October 3, 10:30–11:30 AM. Ages 6–12; registration required.

  3. Outside Family Storytime (Martha Washington Library)

    Outdoor storytime on the library’s south side; bring a blanket or mat. Tuesday, October 6, 10 AM–10:30 AM. Ages birth–5 with caregiver; bring seating.

  4. 1s and 2s Time (Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library)

    Songs, stories, and bubble activities for children aged 1‑2, with limited tickets on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Wednesday, October 7, 10:30–11 AM and 11:30 AM–12 PM. Ages 1–2; tickets limited, first‑come, first‑served.

  5. Toddler Time (Kingstowne Regional Library — Meeting Room (E103))

    Interactive storytime with books, songs, and movement for toddlers 18‑36 months, with an adult present. Wednesday, October 7, 11 AM–11:30 AM. Ages 18–36 months; registration required.

Our best picks: kids & family events in Alexandria, VA — October 2–8

FRIDAY
2
OCTOBER

6:30 PM – 8:30 PM·Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave. · Alexandria

Ages 7-12. More than a battle with foam darts, kids develop teamwork, problem-solving, and sportsmanship skills. Bring gear and equipment, and we will supply the ammo.

SATURDAY
3
OCTOBER

10 AM – 1 PM·Sherwood Regional Library · Alexandria

Enjoy a fun-filled day of pumpkin painting, crafts, activities, prizes, and light refreshments for all ages! No registration required. This event is generously sponsored by Fairfax Library Foundation and the Friends of the Sherwood Regional Library. Please note that all materials, prizes, and/or refreshments will be pr…

10:30 AM · 10:45 AM · 11 AM · 11:15 AM·John Marshall Library — John Marshall Meeting Room 1, John Marshall Meeting Room 2 · Alexandria

"If you love dogs and want to enjoy some reading time, bring your favorite book or pick one from the library and read it aloud to Willey. Reading sessions cannot be extended due to late arrival. This program is for ages 6-12. Registration is required."

12 PM – 3 PM·Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria, VA

Read and craft with your friends on the Carlyle House front lawn for Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of the month from March-November!

3 PM – 4 PM·Kingstowne Regional Library — Meeting Room (E103) · Alexandria

Calling all crafters who love Halloween! Come to Kingstowne Library to learn how to make a spider sitting in a web. All materials will be provided. Ages 5-10. Please only register your child for this event.

SUNDAY
4
OCTOBER

10 AM – 2 PM·Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. · Alexandria

Ages 6-12. Come join us for brunch, kids’ style! Parents get a chance to run errands or go enjoy brunch in downtown Alexandria while kids enjoy themed days filled with games, crafts, and yes, brunch!

1:15 PM – 1:45 PM·James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library · Alexandria

Come join us for Sunday Story Time with Ms. Elaina! Tickets are first-come, first-served, and will be distributed at the Children's Desk starting 15 minutes prior to the event. Audience size is limited to 50 to ensure safe and enriching programs. Sunday Story Time has open floor seating and limited chairs. If you atten…

MONDAY
5
OCTOBER

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library · Alexandria

Dress for the weather! Yoga mats are available for people to sit on. Stop by the Children's Desk for a ticket for entry. They will be distributed starting at 10:30 am. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled. (De 0 a 5 años) Jardín de lectura de Beatley Library Special Events: 10/05: Bilingual S…

4 PM – 5 PM·James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library · Alexandria

Do you find story time too loud, bright, or crowded? Then sensory story time is for you! Join Ms. Naomi for a relaxing and engaging story time full of songs, stories, and adventure followed by sensory playtime. Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable. Registration is required to limit the number of participants. Ag…

5 PM – 6 PM·Sherwood Regional Library — Sherwood Meeting Room · Alexandria

Create a colorful luminary using mason jars, tissue paper, and more! For children and teens, six years and older. Registration Required!

TUESDAY
6
OCTOBER

10 AM – 10:30 AM·Martha Washington Library · Alexandria

Join us outside the library for stories and fun. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. We will meet on the south side of the library. Come through the library or walk around the outside. Please note that the start time is 10am. Best for age birth-5 with caregiver. If you have questions about the appropriate age…

10:15 AM – 11:15 AM·Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library · Alexandria

Supplies provided by the Friends of the Burke Library.

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Sherwood Regional Library — Sherwood Meeting Room · Alexandria

Start your day with stories, music, and movement designed for toddlers. For ages 18-35 months with caregiver. Registration is required due to limited space. Please register only the child aged 18-35 months and include their age in months.

11 AM – 11:45 AM·Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library · Alexandria

Stop by the Children's Desk for a ticket for entry. Tickets will be handed out beginning at 10:30. In the event of inclement weather, this program will be cancelled. Check back here or call the Beatley Library at 703-746-1753 for the decision. Reúnase con sus viejos amigos y haga nuevos amigos en un recreo de juego noe…

WEDNESDAY
7
OCTOBER

10:30 AM – 11 AM·John Marshall Library — John Marshall Meeting Room 1, John Marshall Meeting Room 2 · Alexandria

Enjoy stories, songs, and rhymes for ages 3-5 years with Adult. Registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome!

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library · Alexandria

Join in songs, stories, and activities – complete with bubbles – for your active, growing little ones! Someone in your group must be either 1 or 2 years old. 1s and 2s Time is in two back-to-back sessions. Tickets for each program are limited and provided on a first come first served basis, available 30 minutes before…

11 AM – 11:30 AM·Kingstowne Regional Library — Meeting Room (E103) · Alexandria

Interactive storytime with books, songs and movement activities for active toddlers. Ages 18-36 months with adult. Registration required.

11:30 AM – 12 PM·Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library · Alexandria

Join in songs, stories, and activities – complete with bubbles – for your active, growing little ones! Someone in your group must be either 1 or 2 years old. 1s and 2s Time is in two back-to-back sessions. Tickets for each program are limited and provided on a first come first served basis, available 30 minutes before…

THURSDAY
8
OCTOBER

10:30 AM – 11 AM·Sherwood Regional Library — Sherwood Meeting Room · Alexandria

Join us for stories, songs, movement, and early literacy fun for preschoolers! For ages 3-5 with caregiver. Registration is required. Siblings are welcome, but please register only the child aged 3-5 years.

11 AM – 11:40 AM·Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library · Alexandria

Stories, songs, movement and more, including, of course, the "Bubble Song." Though younger siblings are welcome, these programs are intended for children ages 2-5.

11 AM – 11:45 AM·Kingstowne Regional Library — Meeting Room (E103) · Alexandria

Early literacy storytime with books, songs and other activities to encourage school readiness. Ages 3-5 with adult. Registration required

4 PM – 4:30 PM·Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library · Alexandria

At least one child in each group must be age 3-5, but siblings may also attend. Space is limited. Please pick up a ticket starting at 3:30 p.m. at the Children's Desk.

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Things to Do with Kids in Alexandria, VA — October 2026