SATURDAY
3
OCTOBER
The Ember List · the DC area
Things to do with kids in the DC area
Find things to do with kids in the DC area, from story times and classes to family festivals and puppet shows.
We reviewed 6,000+ Washington-area events to pick the 32 best kids & family events in the DC area between October 3 and October 9. Updated daily.
Highlights for October 2 – October 6
Firefighter Storytime (Gaithersburg Library)
Storytime with firefighter tales, crafts, and a fire engine visit, led by the Gaithersburg‑Washington Grove Volunteer Fire Department. Friday, October 2, 11 AM–12 PM. Ages 18 months–5 years; children must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Sherwood Regional Library's Fall Open House! (Sherwood Regional Library)
Pumpkin painting, crafts, games and light refreshments are offered free of charge. Saturday, October 3, 10 AM–1 PM. Materials, prizes and refreshments provided while supplies last.
Little Critters: Nature Play at Kids' Farm (World Farm Animals Day) (Bird House Classroom, National Zoo)
Drop‑in play where children and caregivers explore farm animals through creative activities at the Zoo's Kids' Farm. Saturday, October 3, 10 AM–2 PM. Free. Parents/guardians must stay with children; open to ages 0–5.
Harvest Festival (Agricultural History Farm Park)
A day of hayrides, pumpkin painting, live music, crafts, farm animals and food trucks at the Agricultural History Farm Park. Saturday, October 3, 11 AM–4 PM.
Taste of Bethesda (Norfolk Avenue in Woodmont Triangle)
Food festival featuring local restaurants, live entertainment stages and kid‑friendly activities. Saturday, October 3, 11 AM–4 PM.
Family Braille Celebration (Capitol View Neighborhood Library)
Ribbon cutting for the library's new kids' braille collection, followed by a story, accessible games and a community art project. Saturday, October 3, 12 PM–1 PM. Ages birth–5 and older; contact library for accommodations.
Li’l Pumpkins Halloween Party (Nature House Multi-purpose Room, 11450 Glade Drive, Reston)
A toddler‑friendly Halloween party with a costume walk, character visits, a corn snake, pumpkin decorating and goody bags. Monday & Tuesday, October 5–6, 10 AM. Register by October 2; ages 18–35 months.
Little Critters: Nature Play at the Bird House (World Farm Animals Day) (Bird House Classroom, National Zoo)
Drop‑in play where children and caregivers learn about farm animals through creative activities in the Bird House. Tuesday & Thursday, October 6 & 8, 9:30 AM–1:30 PM. Free. Parents/guardians must stay with children; open to ages 0–5.
Our best picks: kids & family events in the DC area — October 3–9
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…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must re…
The 34th annual Taste of Bethesda is Saturday, October 3 from 11am–4pm and will feature Bethesda’s best restaurants, four stages of live entertainment, activities for kids and more!
Come join us for a fun-filled fall day at the Farm Park with traditional crafts, activities, music, and food during our Annual Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 3! Harvest Festival is fun for the whole family! Activities include: Hayrides & Pumpkin Painting Live Music & Local Vendors Kids' Crafts & Historical Games…
Help cut the ribbon for Capitol View Library's new kids' braille book collection - the city's first circulating braille book collection East of the River! After a ribbon cutting ceremony, we will read a story, play accessible games, and make a community art project celebrating the power of braille! For questions or rea…
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Festivals · Kids' classes · Craft workshops · Live music
SUNDAY
4
OCTOBER
Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Aldeman is available in the library's catalog. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Ch…
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…
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!
For families with children of all ages Stop In for Stories is for children of all ages and an accompanying adult. This fun and interactive program combines activities such as read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays and introduces children to listening skills, picture books, the library, and the joy of reading…
The REACH. Moonshot Studio at the REACH celebrates creativity and the artist in everyone through hands-on art-making. The recommended age is 5 years old and above. Stop by anytime from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on (most) Saturdays & Sundays to explore our projects.
Summer was a season of adventure for every American Girl Historical Character. Join Blake Changnon and The Changnon Family Museum of Toys and Collectibles as we explore the beloved Saves the Day stories of the first seven Historical Characters. This mini-museum brings to life the fifth book in each character's six-book…
MONDAY
5
OCTOBER
This program introduces children ages 2 - 5 to the joy of the arts through engaging, age-appropriate live performances and experiences. Performances take place two Mondays per month.Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.
Join the Halloween bash that’s perfect for toddlers. Wear your costume on a walk along the trails. Meet a couple of fun characters and a real Corn Snake. Decorate a pumpkin and collect a goody bag to take home. No frights at this fest! Register by October 2. Ages 18-35 monthsOffered on both October 5th and 6th, content…
For families with Preschoolers Join us for open play featuring a mix of games and activites that explore the STEAM- based concepts of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, or Math! No registration required. Attendance is first-come, first-served until event capacity is reached. Please call 703-228-3352 or email Lib-Co…
Help RECs spread the word about their FREE Infant & Toddler Open Gym at Long Branch Community Recreation Center! Ages: 0–4 Mondays | Sept. 14, 2026 – June 14, 2027 10:00–11:15 a.m. SIGN UP on ActiveMontgomery Activity Search R03015-103 Little ones will enjoy open gym time and The Little Free Library.Please share the at…
TUESDAY
6
OCTOBER
MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must re…
Join the Halloween bash that’s perfect for toddlers. Wear your costume on a walk along the trails. Meet a couple of fun characters and a real Corn Snake. Decorate a pumpkin and collect a goody bag to take home. No frights at this fest! Register by October 2. Ages 18-35 monthsOffered on both October 5th and 6th, content…
Join us aboard the pontoon boat to hear a story and scout out the wonders of Little Seneca Lake! Designed for children ages 3-5, accompanied by an adult. (no younger siblings, please). We’ll provide the required PFDs for all children to wear. Please register and pay for every participant. Meet at the pontoon boat dock,…
Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature! — Introduce your toddler to the wonders of nature! Each session features a different nature theme with stories, songs, crafts, and hands-on activities that explore animals, plants, and habitats. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Clearwater Nature Center is locate…
WEDNESDAY
7
OCTOBER
This learning space designed especially for children ages six and under combines age appropriate activities with museum collections and touchable objects to provide a gateway to history and a place to exercise curiosity for the youngest historians. Admission to Wonderplace is on a first come, first-served basis. At bus…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
Designed for early learners (ages 0-2), their caregivers, and families, this drop-in program offers young visitors the opportunity to enjoy a book by a Native author or illustrator read by a Museum Educator, engage in free play and sensory enrichment, and participate in other hands-on learning. *Due to limited capacity…
Start spooky season with a book about zombie dogs that takes place here in Springfield! Author Linda Peterson will share her book Canine Z with activity stations starting at 4pm and an author talk at 5:00 p.m. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and for an author signing. Ages 8 and up. Registration is re…
THURSDAY
8
OCTOBER
MOO! OINK! CLUCK! Join us for creative, drop-in play at the Zoo as we learn about different animals that live on the farm. Little Critters: Nature Play is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families. Activities are designed with early learners in mind, but all ages are welcome. Parents and guardians must re…
Spark!Lab is where museum visitors become inventors. The Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation invites children between the ages of 6 and 12 to create, collaborate, explore, test, experiment and invent. Activities for children and families incorporate traditional science, technology, engineering and…
For kids and families of all ages Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us by playing Lotería with cards made just for kids. Lotería is a game of chance like Bingo. Players listen as el Cantor (the Crier) calls cards, then players mark those cards on their board with dry beans. When players win, they yell out "Lotería…
Lights. Camera. Magic! Step into the spotlight as Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, and Goofy welcome you to a star studded Disney On Ice gala experience. Add a hint of red-carpet flair as you get ready for an unforgettable evening with your favorite Disney friends. The magic shines brighter than ever as beloved stories f…
FRIDAY
9
OCTOBER
Squawk of Spanish by Gabriella Aldeman is available in the library's catalog. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson. Please visit and subscribe to our YouTube Ch…
Bring your little ones to learn about the forest and how to explore nature! This program includes books, animal puppets, magnifying glasses, and a very short hike. During the walk, children are encouraged to search for shapes and colors and use their senses to explore the forest. Recommended for families with children…
Enjoy inflatables, an open game room, creative crafts and more during this fun, drop-in program for the whole family.
Get your little one moving, learning, and having fun in Little Athletes! This parent-and-child program is designed for children ages 3-5 and focuses on building fundamental movement and sports skills through active play, creative games, and engaging skill stations. Each session introduces young athletes to age-appropri…
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