updated for 2026
As soon as that first crisp autumn breeze hits Fairfax County, Halloween preparations start brewing. Haunted trails, home haunts, and spooky stories become the new normal during this time of year, making it no surprise that Halloween is a thrilling time for all ages. While Northern Virginia's spookiness kicks into high gear, there are still plenty of Halloween treats that kiddos will love, no frights included!
From goblin-themed mini golf and scavenger hunts galore to classic trick-or-treat events, discover the best non-spooky Halloween events around Fairfax County. Some of these events start as early as the first week of October because, let's face it, Halloween is a month-long celebration.
1. Brick-Or-Treat
Where: LEGO Discovery Center Washington, D.C.
When: October 1-31
What: Prepare for an unforgettable potion-making experience at DMV's top family Halloween event at the Springfield Town Center's LEGO Discovery Center. After crafting your brick-tastic monster, you’ll have the chance to make something ghost-inspired with the ultimate glow-in-the-dark brick builds. Do you dare accept the challenge? For even more monster excitement, don't miss your only chance to watch the super exclusive 4D LEGO Movie, The Great Monster Chase! Make sure to wear your costume to get a special treat AND to snap a selfie with the LEGO Mummy (be sure to share your pics with us on social media using #FXVA or @VisitFairfax).
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2. Haunted Lab
Image courtesy of Children's Science Center Lab
Where: Children's Science Center Lab
When: Saturdays & Sundays, October 3 - November 3
What: Who said science can't be spooky? Children's Science Center Lab is hosting a FANG-tastic Haunted Lab with extraordinary science activities and a scavenger hunt around the lab. Grab your lab coats, because this will be an experience of the season!
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3. Family Costume Party
Where: Children's Science Center Lab
When: October 17
What: Explore the lab (at night!) at the annual Family Costume Party. Get creative with your Spider Launcher invention or showcase your musical skills on the lab's eerie Spooky Slime Piano. The fun doesn't stop there because kids can make their own ooey-gooey slime and afterward witness a live dissection by one of their mad scientists.
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4. Goblin Golf
Where: Burke Lake Park
When: October 3-18
What: Ghosts and goblins will make a special appearance at Burke Lake Park for a mini-golf showdown! Whether you win or lose, this festive-themed experience ensures everyone ends the night with a goody bag.
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5. BOOtanical Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Image Courtesy of NOVA Parks/ Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
Where: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens
When: October 1 - November 1
What: Ghosts and goblins are hiding at Meadowlark and only trick-or-treaters can help to find them! Take this self-guided scavenger hunt throughout the Gardens, searching around the log cabin, the veggie garden, and the pavilion. Once complete, turn in your sheet for a sweet prize!
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6. Halloween on the Green
Where: Town of Vienna
When: October 17
What: Join the Vienna community for Halloween crafts, storytelling time, tasty goodies, and a chance to personalize your pumpkin.
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7. Creepy Critters Campfire
Where: Walker Nature Center
When: October 16
What: Get in the Halloween spirit nature style! Learn about some of nature’s spookiest species around a crackling campfire and enjoy a yummy treat. Register by October 13.
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8. Halloween House & Trick-or-Treat Trail
Where: Walker Nature Center
When: October 23-24
What: Hit the Trick-or-Treat Trail to meet a fantastic lineup of characters, including some animal interactions! Follow along until you find the fully decked-out Halloween House with no fright in sight. Dress to impress, but only non-scary costumes are allowed.
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9. Halloween on the Farm
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park
When: October 23-24
What: Frying Pan Farm Park will be decked out with Halloween decor just in time for seasonal crafts, games, and special visits with farm animals. Come experience Halloween on the farm!
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10. Haunted Mini-Golf
Where: Oakmont Mini-Golf
When: October 23-24
What: Werewolves, Vampires, and Goblins are welcome to a fun-filled game of mini-golf! Trick or treat to your heart's content ... after all, someone's got to stock up their basket for the year!
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11. Trick-or-Treating at Mount Vernon
Image courtesy of Mount Vernon
Where: George Washington's Mount Vernon
When: October 31
What: Bring your treat bag to collect candy as you roam the historic grounds of George Washington's Mount Vernon. Celebrate Halloween with an 18th-century twist! Learn about 18th-century magic, watch a blacksmith in action, dance to Revolutionary War tunes, or dive into the world of soap making using 18th-century techniques. Stick around for the costume parade and make sure to take a photo at the straw bale selfie station before you leave!
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12. Air & Scare
Where: Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
When: October 24
What: This longstanding favorite Halloween event brings trick-or-treat stations, fun science experiments, story time, and some prettttty iconic "space" characters into the soaring Smithsonian museum in Chantilly. This is one for the memory books!
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13. Ghost Town
Where: Burke Lake Park
When: October 24-25
What: All aboard!! Next stop: Ghost Town, where an afternoon of exciting, non-spooky fun awaits. Get ready to bounce in the inflatables, spin on the carousel, and grab your tickets for a ride on the fun train!
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14. Halloween at The Boo-ro!
Where: The Boro
When: October 24. Rain date: Oct 25
What: Pets also love dressing up for the Halloween season, and word on the street is that The Boro is throwing a spooktacular, pet-friendly Halloween bash. No invitation is required, but a costume is encouraged for a chance to compete in the Show Dog costume contest!
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15. Family Skate and Dance Night - Halloween Costume Party
Where: Franconia Rec Center
When: October 24
What: Lace up your skates for Family Skate Night! The guest DJ will be spinning tunes that the whole family can groove to.
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16. Trick or Treat beyond Market Street
Where: Reston Town Center
When: October 25
What: Stroll and treat at Reston Town Center to receive candies, prizes, and special offers from select retailers AND hang out with some of your favorite characters!
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17. Annual Vienna Halloween Parade
Image courtesy of Town of Vienna
Where: Town of Vienna
When: October 28
What: Time to suit up for the popular and annual Vienna Halloween Parade! Watch floats and other types of entertainment march down Maple Avenue. Families in costume are invited to march along and be part of the celebration.
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18. Tour de Mount Vernon
Where: Starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center
When: October 31
What: Join Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck at the 11th Anniversary Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Spend Halloween on wheels at this fun ride through the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological, and cultural sites in the northern and central parts of the Mount Vernon District. The route consists of paved roads and paved trails and has some challenging sections. The event is rain or shine.
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Looking for more things to scratch off your fall bucket list during your stay? See the best pumpkin patches the region has to offer, fall festivals, and the top spots to view foliage. Which one are you looking forward to attending? Share in the comments below or join us on social media at @VisitFairfax and #FXVA. Happy Halloween!
