Costumes have been purchased, decorations displayed, and the candy is waiting! But there are more things for children to do this Halloween season to celebrate in addition to trick-or-treating. If you’re looking for kid- and family-friendly Halloween events in Washington, D.C., check out some of the happenings below:
1. Library of Congress’ Halloween Family Day
On Oct. 22, the Library of Congress is hosting renowned authors R.L. Stine (“Goosebumps”) and Mary Pope Osbourne (“Magic Tree House” series) for a family-friendly spooktacular experience, featuring books, book-signings, themed music, and more! The event is free but tickets are required.
2. Spooky Pooch Howl-o-ween Celebration
Family and furry friend-friendly? Count us in! The Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is letting your pups get in on the Halloween fun with Howl-o-ween on Oct. 22, featuring a dog and owner costume contest, yappy hour, and the chance to explore the estate’s 25 acres! Get your tickets here.
3. Art Cart: Halloween at the Hirshhorn
Self-expression and Halloween go hand-in-hand, and the Hirshhorn Museum is encouraging this creativity with a Yayoi Kusama-inspired Halloween craft. This free Oct. 27 event allows children to create their own wearable art while they learn about Kusama’s life and artwork (including her very on-theme “Pumpkin”)!
4. Boo at the Zoo
It’s a dream come true! You can reserve tickets for Oct. 28-30 for Boo at the Zoo—after-hours trick-or-treating, dancing, and animal friends at the National Zoo!
5. O Street Museum’s Halloween-themed scavenger hunt
Hidden D.C. gem, the O Street Museum, is celebrating Halloween all month long! A mansion and hotel teeming with kitschy objects and collectibles for sale, themed hidden rooms, and more than 80 secret doors—the O Street Museum is giving itself a spooky spin by making its scavenger hunt Halloween-themed! But be careful—who knows what’s behind each door!