How much fall fun can you pack into one weekend? We’ll have plenty of chances to find out this month. Luckily, these activities are all local so you really could do it all!
Many of these events are free and are for all ages unless otherwise noted in the descriptions.
October 8
Fall foliage stroll in Rock Creek Park, 10 a.m. to noon: Head to the Rock Creek Nature Center for a two-mile ranger-led hike of some of the park’s most picturesque spots. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Call 202-895-6050 with questions.
October 14
Heritage Day at Peirce Mill, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: The waterwheel at this historic mill will be turning for the second to last time this season. Master Weaver Chapuchi Bobbo Ahiagble of Ghana will demonstrate West African Kente strip cloth weaving. The Needlechasers of Chevy Chase will demonstrate quilting techniques, including “make and take” quilting for children. A blacksmith and carpenter will demonstrate 19th century metal- and woodworking techniques. And that’s not all! Learn more at FriendsofPeirceMill.org.
Fall Fair at Murch@UDC, noon to 4 p.m.: Murch Elementary is taking over UDC’s Dennard Plaza (up the steps by the Student Center) for its fall fundraiser. The fun includes bouncy house, spin art, hair coloring, body art, dunking booth, used book sale, food and prizes. Here’s more on what’s in store. Volunteers are appreciated – older kids can earn community service hours. Want to promote your business or your local organization? You can rent a table. The deadline to reserve a spot is October 11.
October 21
Hearst E-Cycle, 8 a.m. to noon: Electronics clutter. We all have it. And this is your chance to safely and securely dispose of your old smartphones, hard drives, TVs and accessories like cables and remotes, all for a small fee. This Hearst Elementary fundraiser includes a book sale, bike swap, bake sale and fun kids’ activities. Visit HearstES.org/ECycle_2017 for a list of accepted items and details.
Spooky Pooch Howl-o-Ween Celebration, 2 to 4 p.m.: The Hillwood Museum’s Halloween celebration is going to the dogs. Hillwood’s 25 acres open to pups and their people with activities like “Yappy Hour” and a costume competition. Visit HillwoodMuseum.org for admission prices and other details.
Exploring the Sky, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.: Get a guided tour of the October night sky from National Capital Astronomers and Rock Creek Park. Barring clouds, telescopes will be set up in the field just south of the intersection of Military and Glover Roads. Children are always welcome.
October 22
Fall Foliage Stroll, 10 a.m. to noon: Can’t make the October 8th walk in Rock Creek Park? Here’s another chance. The colors should be brilliant by now.
October 28
“Run of the Mill” at Peirce Mill, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The last time you’ll see mill up and running until spring 2018. Kids’ crafts include corn husk dolls, baskets, bird nests, and candles. Learn more.
Van Ness Social Club, 3 to 7 p.m.: Games, music, dance and art will transform the bare concrete at the Van Ness Metro’s west entrance into something special. This is a Van Ness Main Street event – see this piece and Facebook.com/VanNessMainSt for details.
October 29
(Rescheduled) Forest Hills Playground Halloween Spooktacular, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Friends of Forest Hills Playground has hosted a Halloween bash for the neighborhood kids for decades. This year’s Spooktacular includes a story corner, face painting, balloon artist, a Halloween songs dance party, bake sale and costume parade. 100% of bake sale proceeds and donations support playground improvements and programming like the popular summer concert series. They will be seeking volunteers to make this party great for the little ones (students can earn community service hours). Get in touch at [email protected] and stay informed at Facebook.com/ForestHillsPlayground.
Autumn in Rock Creek, 11 a.m.: This 45-minute tour in and around the Rock Creek Nature Center is geared toward kids ages 6 and older. Learn about animal habitats and how they differ as winter approaches.
What did we miss? Please comment below.