The Halloween countdown has begun, and you don’t have to tell Generation Alpha twice. If you’ve got small folks at home trying and re-trying on their costumes on a daily basis, it may be time to carve out your plan for the week. Here are several kid-centric opportunities to choose from:
Fall Carnival
Oct. 25, 6-7:30 p.m.
Bring your kiddos in costume (they’ve got a contest) to this ballet studio for an evening of food, games, crafting and dancing. Tickets $25. // Adagio Ballet School of Dance, 4720 Lee Highway Suite E, Arlington
Trick or Treat The Village
Oct. 26, Noon-2 p.m.
If you’ve got a little one with afternoon-nap needs, you may consider this midday trick-or-treating venture. Kids can pick up candy and snacks (plus a painted face) as they make the rounds at Shirlington’s shops, and adults can take advantage of discounts at participating stores and restaurants. Route begins outside Shirlington Library and Signature Theatre. Free admission. // Village at Shirlington, 2700 S. Quincy St., Arlington
The Greater Westover Halloween Parade
Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m.
Tote your best picnic-ware, eats, beverages and blanket to Westover Park, where children can run around on the playground or soccer field to the tune of TJ the DJ (he’s a kid too!). Around 4:30, the parade line-up begins; kids, adults and dogs are welcome to dress up (costumes will be judged) and parade around the field. Children are also invited to play percussion instruments, and the parade concludes when each participating civic association sends up a sky lantern. Free admission. // Westover Park, 1001 N. Kennebec St., Arlington
Pumpkin Walk
Oct. 26, 6-8 p.m.
In its inaugural Pumpkin Walk, the Arlington Mill Community Center invites families to set out on a trail of lit pumpkins and then gather for fun at the community center. Activities include inflatables, face painting and art projects, and food vendors will be on site. Costumes are welcome and we’re told a pumpkin or two will be handed out. Free admission. // Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S. Dinwiddie St., Arlington
Dia de Los Muertos
Oct. 26, 6-7:30 p.m.
Craft calaveras and peek at some nocturnal animals at this Day of the Dead celebration at Long Branch Nature Center. The evening of crafting and snacks culminates with a stroll through a candle-lit forest. Tickets $7. Ages 3+. // Long Branch Nature Center at Glencarlyn Park, 625 S. Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Fall Festival Saturday
Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m.
These three hours at Market Common are pretty action-packed: Be ready for scarecrow-making, a “spooky” train ride, a corn maze, slime making, a dog costume contest and more. And for adults, there’s beer and wine and fried Oreos. (OK, maybe that last one is for the kids, but you can have some too, right?) Free admission. // Market Common Clarendon, 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Oct. 27, 2 p.m.
This annual tradition is now in its 23rd year, with more than 7,500 participating in last year’s soiree (including more than 50 costumed pets). Kiddos are handed goodie bags with healthy treats after the parade, and hot dogs and cider are also on hand. And stick around for Goblin Games and other kid-friendly activities. Free admission. // Mount Vernon Avenue south of E. Bellefonte Ave., Alexandria (Del Ray)
Halloween at Ballston Quarter
Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m.
Sure, you could trick-or-treat in your own neighborhood, but does your street have Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Black Panther and Slapshot wandering around? Collect treats from mall stores, snap selfies with famed characters and consider letting the kids stay up late for a screening at 7 p.m. of Hocus Pocus on the plaza. // 4238 Wilson Blvd., Arlington