Visitors beware, you're in for a scare! Join us for an eerie educational experience in the Ocean Hall, where costumed scientists will share curious creatures and spooky specimens in the spirit of the season! Photo of Chimaera by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
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Creative drop‑in play about bats in the Bird House Classroom, with hands‑on activities for early learners and families, all ages welcome.
Fungi Frolic (Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library) — Guided walk through neighborhood and Rock Creek Park to locate and identify creepy mushrooms; bring shoes, water, snack, cameras, all ages.
A ranger narrates Sara Delano’s 1862 Fourth of July at sea, describing tall ships, a China voyage, cake, ice cream, and cannon fire.
Catch Pokémon hidden in the library’s children’s room and get a Pokédex stamp for ages 12 and under.
Ranger leads a ½‑mile woodland loop at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, teaching trail safety, proper gear, and responsible recreation, for ages 5 and up.
Hands‑on gardening program at Anacostia Neighborhood Library teaches plant care, sustainability and harvests fresh herbs and vegetables, all ages.
Guided walk through the West Building’s plaza, lobby, and courtyard, highlighting Italian influences and Charles Platt’s design details at the National Museum of Asian Art.
Outdoor docent-led tour of the Smithsonian Castle and Arts & Industries Building begins at the north doors on Jefferson Drive SW, weather permitting.
Volunteer planting native plugs and removing invasive vines in Washington Grove Conservation Park meadow, supplied by Pope Farm nursery, with gloves and shovels provided; ages 16+.
Bike with a Ranger: Fall Leaves and Halloween Edition (Peirce Barn, Washington) — Ranger‑led 3.6‑mile ride through Rock Creek Park, highlighting fall colors, leaf science, Halloween costumes.
Six donated Jim Henson objects are examined by archives director Karen Falk, biographer Brian Jay Jones, and curator Ryan Lintelman, revealing his creative evolution, all ages.
Docent-led tour of Chinese ritual bronzes, calligraphy, brush paintings, and Ming porcelain at Asian Art Museum, meeting at West Building Information Desk.
