Kid Trips Northern Virginia Top Picks for Family Fun: Fall 2013

Who doesn't love the crispy weather, apple picking, pumpkin spice lattes, and enjoying some good old-fashioned family time with a backdrop of changing leaves? There is so much for families in Northern Virginia to do this fall, and we have compiled a list of our TOP PICKS for Fall Fun in the  Northern VA and DC Metro Area. 

We also MUST reiterate our book has a hefty seasonal fun chapter, descriptions of hundreds of local venues, and a chapter on "pick-your-own-farms."  If you have a family in Northern Virginia, you need our must-have guidebook.  

Read our top picks for fall family activities in Northern Virginia and the surrounding areas below:

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September

Burke Centre Festival
September 7-8, 2013
Burke, VA
LINK

This free, community festival is packed with rides (some fees apply,) children's activities, animal shows, live entertainment, artisans, community groups,  great food and more. Get a sitter and come back on Saturday night for the Annual Wine Garden, sponsored by 3 Fox Vineyards. 


National Book Festival 2013
September 21-22, 2013
Washington DC (National Mall)
http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/

This massive two day event is not to be missed. It is packed with famous authors  doing readings and book signings, children's activities, and more. Please see Chapter 24 "Seasonal Fun" in the Kid Trips Northern Virginia book for a more detailed description. 


Goodnight Moon at Adventure Theatre
September 20, 2013- October 27, 2013
Glen Echo Park, MD
Link

This childhood classic comes to life in a show for all ages.  Will the bunny ever get to sleep in his room filled with distractions? Adventure Theatre shows are intimate, impressive, not too long, and a perfect place to introduce theatre to a young child. 


Fair Lakes FallFest
September 28, 2013
Fairfax, VA
http://fairlakesfallfest.com

Get ready for some FREE family fun at this great local festival! The event offers inflatable bounce houses & slides, a petting zoo, carnival games, face painting, community exhibits, train rides, strolling & live entertainment, and much more! 

A Baby Affair
September 15, 2013
National Harbor,MD
http://www.ababyaffairdc.com

The best local and national resources come together in this expo for new moms and moms-to-be. The event features luxury vendors, product demos, free samples, swag bags, a maternity fashions, expert panel discussion, and more. This year's event is at the National Children's Museum.


Mount Vernon Colonial Market & Fair
September 14-16, 2013
Alexandria, VA
LINK 

Visit George Washington's home for colonial demonstrations, performances, games, crafts, and food. Besides the festival, all the usual fun of Mount Vernon (mansion, grounds, museum, & out-buildings) will be open to tour. The event is included with regular admission. 


Apple Harvest Festival
September 21-22, 2013
Winchester, VA
Link

This is one of the largest apple festivals in the region with over 100 crafters, kids' activities, and of course, apple themed products and fare. For more family fun, check out our "Day Trip to the Shenandoah Region" post. 

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October

Please note, we have an EXTENSIVE description of Fall Festivals in "Chapter 24: Seasonal Fun" in the book. Here are the dates for some of the most popular fall festivals in the DC Metro area for 2013.  Typically, these festivals include animals, hayrides, giant slides, tunnels, corn mazes, live entertainment, pumpkins, food, and other fun features. 

• Burke Nursery Pumpkin Playground , October 1-31, 2013
  
• Butler's Orchard Fall Festival, September 28- October 27, 2013
• Cox Farms, September 28-November 1, 2013
• Crumland Farms, September 28-November 2, 2013
• Great Country Farms Fall Harvest Festival, September 28- October 31, 2013
• Leesburg Animal Park Pumpkinville, September 21-November 5, 2013
• Temple Hill Fall Festival and Corn Maze, September 27-November 5, 2013
• Ticonderoga Farms, September 21-November 3, 2013

"LuLu and the Brontosaurus" 
September 28-October 27, 2013
Imagination Stage, Bethesda, MD
Link

Much to her parent's disapproval, a little girl wants a pet brontosaurus and sets out to find one of her own.  When she does, she discovers that the brontosaurus wants a pet girl.  Recommended for ages 4-9  


Manassas Fall Jubilee
October 5, 2013
Old Town Manassas, VA
Link

Join over 100 crafters and community booths, live entertainment, children's activities, food, rides (fees apply,) and more at this free festival in cute, downtown Manassas. Enjoy a pumpkin patch and free admission at the Manassas Museum all day.


Rock"n" Stroller 5K
October 27, 2013
National Harbor, MD
http://rocknstroller5k.com

Grab the whole family (and strollers) for the first annual Rock n' Stroller 5K.  Enjoy children's activities and great music by headliner, Rocknoceros.  Afterwards, take advantage of all the family fun National Harbor has to offer. 


Boo at the Zoo
October 25-27, 2013
National Zoo, Washington DC
Link

Trick-or-treat among the animals and get snacks and candy from more than 30 treat stations set up throughout the zoo. There are animal encounters, festive decorations, a carousel, and the Boo Express train. 

Fall for Fairfax
October 5-6, 2013
Fairfax County Government Center
http://www.fallforfairfax.com

This giant festival offers free admission and features rides, live entertainment, food, community exhibits, animals, children's activities, and more. Some attractions require fees. 


Clifton Day
October 13, 2013
Clifton, VA
http://www.cliftonday.com

Visit quaint and historic Clifton for a festival packed with artisans, unique products, antiques, children's activities, and entertainment. For added fun, ride the train from Burke or Manassas. See the website for more details. 


Air and Scare-Smithsonian Air & Space
October 26, 2013
Udvar-Hazy Museum, Chantilly, VA
airandspace.si.edu/events/air-and-scare

Dress up in your costume for this fun, safe, indoor trick or treating option. The event includes kids' crafts, science themed activities, characters, storytelling and more. Plus regular museum exhibits are also open during this event. 

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November

The Lion, The Witch, & the Wardrobe
November 8-17, 2013
Encore Stage & Studio, Arlington, VA
Ticket Link

This renowned, "theatre for kids by kids" always puts on an amazing show. Be a part of the audience as four siblings go off on a mystical adventure into Narnia.  Recommended for ages 4 and older. 


ICE! at National Harbor
November 15, 2013- January 5, 2014
National Harbor, MD
Link

A holiday tradition in the DC Metro area, this year's theme is ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. Walk through amazing, colorful ice sculptures and take a ride down a two-story-tall ice slide. Plus, enjoy a special bonus scene: Christmas in New York City. 


Meadowlark Gardens Walk of Lights
November 15, 2013- January 6, 2014
Vienna, VA
www.nvrpa.org/park/winter_walk_lights

Walk through a magical winter wonderland on the magical grounds of Meadowlark Gardens. Read our review of the 2012 event here to see pictures and find out what to expect.

Manassas Veteran's Day Parade
November 9, 2013
Old Town Manassas Downtown 
www.vetpar.org

This is the largest Veteran's Day parade in the DC Metro area and includes military units, bands, pipe & drum corps, vehicles & more. The 2013 parade has a special tribute slated for Desert Shield & Storm veterans. 


Reston Holiday Parade
November 29, 2013
Reston Town Center
Link

Reston Town Center is alive for the holidays. The ice skating pavilion is open for skaters, and the big parade kicks off at 11 AM. Expect grand floats, Macy's Style balloons, live entertainment, Santa Claus, and big crowds. It's a great event!


Bull Run Festival of Lights
November 20, 2013-January 5, 2013
Centreville, VA
Link

This drive through holiday light display is an epic, local  family-favorite. The event features a carnival and winter village on weekends. Be on the lookout for coupons and online specials closer to opening date.

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For more fun suggestions, be sure to follow us on Facebook for the latest updates, subscribe to our free monthly e-newsletter, and of course (the no-brainer here) buy the guide book. May your fall be filled with fun!