# Things to do with kids in Alexandria, VA

> 27 upcoming family events and 1 places and ongoing programs in Alexandria, VA, in the Washington–Arlington–Alexandria area. Listings whose address is in this town. Dates and times are Eastern Time. Today is Sat, Oct 24.

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Oct 24, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-10-24), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/towns/alexandria-va

## Events ahead

- [Fall Color Snap Sketch Hike](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/fall-color-snap-sketch-hike--listing-f8084287eb3d61a823c34939) — Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria · Ages 10+ · From $18 · checked Oct 11. Hike the park while learning to draw an autumn scene.
- [Ghosts, Goblins & Ghouls Monster Fun Run](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/ghosts-goblins-and-ghouls-monster-fun-run--listing-1fd62f53920c70f48fced747) — Sat, Oct 24 · 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM · George Washington Middle School, Alexandria · All ages · From $5 · checked Oct 16. Alexandria's Ghosts, Goblins & Ghouls Monster Fun Run is a family-friendly Halloween run at George Washington Middle School with costumes, music, treats and spooky fun…
- [Hiking Day! Story Hike at Winkler Botanical Preserve](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/hiking-day-story-hike-at-winkler-botanical-preserve--listing-e84416b1e9c91d91eb2d58a7) — Sat, Oct 24 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Winkler Botanical Preserve, Alexandria · Free · checked Oct 16. A NOVA Parks naturalist reads Anne Rockwell's picture book Hiking Day aloud, then leads young families on a little hike of their own through Winkler Botanical Preserve, following…
- [Twilight Boardwalk Stroll](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/twilight-boardwalk-stroll--listing-9f15f8752963f717955131ee) — Sat, Oct 24 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria · Ages 6+ · From $14 · checked Oct 11. Guided forest and wetland walk looks and listens for beavers, owls and other nocturnal wildlife.
- [Corn Grinding and Clay Pottery](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/corn-grinding-and-clay-pottery--listing-8d3b6daffe5e1a066dab9e29) — Wed, Oct 28 · 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Huntley Meadows Park, Alexandria · Ages 4+ · From $14 · checked Oct 11. Learn about Powhatan uses of plants and animals, grind corn and create clay pottery.
- [Alexandria Public Safety Trunk or Treat](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/alexandria-public-safety-trunk-or-treat--listing-bdd1887c264696bd3084f977) — Thu, Oct 29 · 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM · Alexandria Police Headquarters · Free · checked Oct 16. The Alexandria Police Department, its public safety partners and Alexandria City Public Schools host a free trunk-or-treat at Police Headquarters. Children collect treats from…
- [Boo-Fest at Charles Houston Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/boo-fest-at-charles-houston-recreation-center--listing-33c17ab6d73e89c203246250) — Fri, Oct 30 · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Charles Houston Recreation Center, Alexandria · Free · checked Oct 20. Boo-Fest is the City of Alexandria's free family Halloween party at the Charles Houston Recreation Center on Friday, October 30, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Children come dressed up…
- [Family October Fest — Patrick Henry Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-october-fest-patrick-henry-recreation-center--listing-c1e3721ec7baded1772fc6fe) — Fri, Oct 30 · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Alexandria · All ages · From $10 · checked Oct 16. Family October Fest is an evening of Halloween fun for the whole family at Patrick Henry Recreation Center. Expect games, a spooky haunted house, arts and crafts, snacks and…
- [Floating Pumpkin Patch at Chinquapin](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/floating-pumpkin-patch-at-chinquapin--listing-3820b5c440b2b4779f68f4c4) — Sat, Oct 31 · 10:00 AM – 1:45 PM · Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, Alexandria · All ages · From $9 · checked Oct 16. At Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, children pick their Halloween pumpkin straight out of the pool. After choosing a floating pumpkin, families make a…
- [Nerf the Turf at Patrick Henry Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/nerf-the-turf-at-patrick-henry-recreation-center--listing-a84d966c338a2e86b054b795) — Fri, Nov 6 · 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM · Patrick Henry Recreation Center, Alexandria · Ages 7–12 · From $19 · checked Oct 20. Nerf the Turf is a Friday-evening foam-dart battle for kids ages 7 to 12 at Alexandria's Patrick Henry Recreation Center on November 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Beyond the battles…
- [Carlyle House Family Fun Day: It's Fall Y'all](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/carlyle-house-family-fun-day-it-s-fall-y-all--listing-b1cadd7a8bdf2582c7dd5cac) — Sat, Nov 7 · 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Carlyle House Historic Park in Old Town Alexandria hosts Family Fun Day on the first Saturday of each month from March to November, and November's theme is fall. Families gather…
- [Bright Nights — The Winter Village at Cameron Run](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/bright-nights-the-winter-village-at-cameron-run--listing-2e1206c9ed5de503df8270dc) — Nov 14 – Jan 3 · 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM · Cameron Run Regional Park, Alexandria · All ages · From $9 · checked Oct 16. Bright Nights is NOVA Parks' winter village at Cameron Run Regional Park in Alexandria, running November 14, 2026 through January 3, 2027. Families walk among light displays and…
- [Family Field Day Frenzy — William Ramsay Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-field-day-frenzy-william-ramsay-recreation-center--listing-405c0ac02795f3da479c492b) — Sat, Nov 14 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · William Ramsay Recreation Center, Alexandria · Ages 6+ · Free · checked Oct 16. Family Field Day Frenzy brings old-school field day games to William Ramsay Recreation Center. Families team up for relay races, tug-of-war, obstacle courses and team challenges…
- [2026 Holiday Tree Lighting - City of Alexandria](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/2026-holiday-tree-lighting-city-of-alexandria--listing-f549786f9d53871d76f6520a) — Sat, Nov 21 · 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM · Location to be announced (City of Alexandria) · All ages · Free · checked Oct 20. The City of Alexandria's annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. Santa arrives aboard the King Street Trolley, the tree is…
- [Family Skate and Dance Night: Franconia Rodeo Rollout](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-skate-and-dance-night-franconia-rodeo-rollout--listing-99b54d4b891ad9e60de10470) — Sat, Nov 21 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Franconia Rec Center, Alexandria · From $10 · checked Oct 24. Franconia Rec Center turns its gym into a roller rink for a country-themed family skate and dance night. A playlist of western hits and line-dance favorites keeps things moving…
- [Owls! at Winkler Botanical Preserve](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/owls-at-winkler-botanical-preserve--listing-4a7f0bcd043ea66856b63538) — Sat, Nov 21 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Winkler Botanical Preserve, Alexandria · From $10 · checked Oct 16. Which owls live at Winkler Botanical Preserve, and what are they like? This one-hour program answers that by getting hands-on: families handle owl feathers and bones and take…
- [Be a Tree! Story Hike at Winkler Botanical Preserve](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/be-a-tree-story-hike-at-winkler-botanical-preserve--listing-f3d243b45bba4e8d360d43aa) — Sat, Nov 28 · 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM · Winkler Botanical Preserve, Alexandria · Free · checked Oct 16. On Thanksgiving weekend, Winkler Botanical Preserve offers a free story-and-hike program about trees. A naturalist reads the picture book Be a Tree! and then takes families on a…
- [Family Holiday Magic Show at The Lyceum](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-holiday-magic-show-at-the-lyceum--listing-aa6fdf7b90f937a0b7109798) — Sun, Nov 29 · 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM · The Lyceum, Alexandria History Museum · Free · checked Oct 24. The Alexandria History Museum at The Lyceum hosts a free holiday magic show performed by professional magicians from Ring 50, the DC-area chapter of the International Brotherhood…
- [Alexandria Holiday Boat Parade of Lights](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/alexandria-holiday-boat-parade-of-lights--listing-297835f343ee6f83fae891f8) — Sat, Dec 5 · 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM · Waterfront Park, Alexandria · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. Illuminated boats cruise along the Potomac River waterfront in Old Town as part of Alexandria's annual holiday celebration. Families can watch from Waterfront Park and the…
- [Family Winter Holiday FUN! — Chick Armstrong Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-winter-holiday-fun-chick-armstrong-recreation-center--listing-4fea2924335eaa63b021e8d8) — Sat, Dec 5 · 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM · Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center, Alexandria · All ages · From $7 · checked Oct 16. The Leonard "Chick" Armstrong Recreation Center (formerly Cora Kelly Recreation Center) hosts a midday holiday party for families. Children build gingerbread houses, make crafts…
- [Scottish Walk Parade Open House at Carlyle House](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/scottish-walk-parade-open-house-at-carlyle-house--listing-bebff1569dabfcb0558538ab) — Sat, Dec 5 · 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Carlyle House Historic Park, Alexandria · All ages · Free · checked Oct 16. On the morning of Alexandria's Scottish Walk Parade, Carlyle House Historic Park opens its museum gates for a free holiday open house. Families can step inside the 18th-century…
- [Old Town Gingerbread Decorating at Gadsby's Tavern Museum](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/old-town-gingerbread-decorating-at-gadsby-s-tavern-museum--listing-601793e45d3236ea7c912b04) — Sun, Dec 6 · 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Gadsby's Tavern Museum, Alexandria · From $25 · checked Oct 16. Gadsby's Tavern Museum turns gingerbread decorating into an architecture lesson. Each kit is a flat gingerbread facade based on a historic building near the museum, with all the…
- [Breakfast with Santa — Mount Vernon Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/breakfast-with-santa-mount-vernon-recreation-center--listing-97b8dcfd31f92e5f42a1883b) — Sat, Dec 12 · 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Mount Vernon Recreation Center, Alexandria · Ages 1–7 · From $25 · checked Oct 16. Santa and his elves stop at Alexandria's Mount Vernon Recreation Center for a morning of breakfast and holiday cheer. The program is designed for children ages 1 to 7 and their…
- [Christmas in Camp at Fort Ward](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/christmas-in-camp-at-fort-ward--listing-24c43da1c64c9572e8183ba0) — Sat, Dec 12 · 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM · Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, Alexandria · Free · checked Oct 16. Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site's annual Civil War Christmas in Camp shows how soldiers observed Christmas during the war. A Union Santa Claus, based on Thomas Nast's 1863…
- [Grinchmas at Charles Houston Recreation Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/grinchmas-at-charles-houston-recreation-center--listing-58364bee46f3f37be25a27e2) — Sat, Dec 12 · 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM · Charles Houston Recreation Center, Alexandria · Ages 2–5 · From $5 · checked Oct 16. Grinchmas brings a bit of Who-ville to Charles Houston Recreation Center for preschoolers ages 2 to 5. Little ones enjoy family-friendly holiday activities, take photos with the…
- [Family Skate and Dance: Holiday and Tacky Sweater Night — Franconia](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/family-skate-and-dance-holiday-and-tacky-sweater-night-franconia--listing-51600cb3063144599bb862bf) — Sat, Dec 19 · 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Franconia Rec Center, Alexandria · From $10 · checked Oct 24. A holiday edition of Franconia Rec Center's family skate night: the gym becomes a skating floor decorated for the season, a DJ plays holiday songs, and families are invited to…
- [Holiday Ice Show at Mount Vernon Rec Center](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/holiday-ice-show-at-mount-vernon-rec-center--listing-6fe1156dacdbd4f61033e3ab) — Sat, Dec 19 · 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Mount Vernon Rec Center, Alexandria · Free · checked Oct 24. Ice skating students from the Mount Vernon Rec Center's lesson program perform choreographed, holiday-themed routines in the center's red rink in this free seasonal recital. It…

## Places and ongoing programs

- [Sportrock Alexandria Intro to Organized Youth Climbing](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/sportrock-alexandria-intro-to-organized-youth-climbing--listing-6b6d3a1577e737a13ff3e01c) — Ask the organizer for the current class schedule and enrollment. · Sportrock Alexandria · checked Oct 11. Eight-week coached introduction to climbing skills, confidence and group participation.

## Recently ended

- [Birding for Beginners — October 18](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/birding-for-beginners-october-18--listing-4eaa5c76a1318b23d34ae5fa) — ended Sun, Oct 18
- [Spooky Mad Science Expo 2026](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/spooky-mad-science-expo-2026--listing-2dbe53b96be047221bdd739a) — ended Sat, Oct 17
- [STEM Explorers — Walkie-Talkie Circuits](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/stem-explorers-walkie-talkie-circuits--listing-1d68cd4168a9a0f24363e592) — ended Wed, Oct 14
- [LEGO Night — Beatley Library](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/lego-night-beatley-library--listing-6143c2de0984444bff37c343) — ended Tue, Oct 13
- [STEM Explorers — Game Console (Historical)](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/activities/stem-explorers-game-console-historical--listing-c05381428d635cd529b90155) — ended Wed, Oct 7

## Nearby

- [Things to do with kids in Washington, DC](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc.md)
- [This weekend in Washington, DC](https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/this-weekend) (Markdown: https://grassyknees.com/washington-dc/this-weekend.md)

Town pages are listed once a town has 3 current listings, county pages at 10.