Halloween Fun at the Smithsonian's Air & Scare Family Day

Every year on the Saturday before Halloween, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum hosts its annual “Air & Scare” Family Day at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va.  Families can enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating and spooky activities for all ages at this popular free event.

We've always enjoyed Air & Scare because it ensured a fun trick-or-treating experience without worrying about the weather or traffic.  The costumed characters, exhibits and activities are so fun that the treats become just a bonus.  My kids especially enjoy seeing so many other kids dressed up, meeting "real" stormtroopers and robots, and handling light sabers.  If your kids love Star Wars, this event is a MUST -- but everyone else will enjoy it too.  

Kids can dress up, meet  Star Wars and Ghostbusters characters, enjoy special Halloween performances, and try out some spooky crafts and science experiments. The Tot Zone will feature space-themed activities and a dress-up corner.  Free movies are usually offered in the Airbus IMAX Theater.  Plus, there are hands on educational activities events geared towards engineering and space.

Everyone is invited to dress-up, but no scary masks please. Admission is free, but parking is $15 until 6 p.m.  Please be prepared for longer than usual lines for cars entering the parking lot.  Public transportation is available via the Silver Line Metro and Fairfax Connector bus.  “Air & Scare” is made possible by Mars Chocolate North America LLC. For more information and a full list of activities, visit airandspace.si.edu/airandscare.