Aurora Hills Halloween Parade
Oct. 28 from 3-5 p.m.
Bring your kids—and your dogs—in their most creative costumes for this annual, family-friendly extravaganza. Enjoy treats and neighborhood camaraderie, plus meet the friendly neighborhood firefighters and get a look inside their trucks. A firetruck will then lead the way on a short, small-person-friendly parade around a few blocks. Stick around to hear the winners of the costume contest. // S. 26th Road Off Ft. Scott Drive, Arlington (Aurora Hills)
Del Ray Halloween Parade
Oct. 29 at 2 p.m.
A Del Ray tradition, this annual Halloween Parade, voted one of the nation’s top 10 by USA Today, is back once again. This neighborhood-y event welcomes costumed children, pets and babes in strollers to march and show off their finest and scariest costumes. There are awards for best pet costume and best stroller decorations. If you live in the area, you can even enter your home in the house decorating contest. The winner will be announced at the parade. // Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue, Alexandria (Del Ray)
Teen Takeover: Glow Party at Lubber Run
Oct. 28 from 7-10 p.m.
Teens can enjoy a creepy, crafty and sporty night at the first ever Teen Takeover at Lubber Run Community Center. Teens will have the community center all to themselves to enjoy a glow party with a DJ and dancing. There will also be crafts, a blacklight photobooth, Inflatable axe throwing, basketball, flag football—and even E-sports. It’s free and open to middle and high school teens. Pre-register here. // Lubber Run Community Center, N. Park Drive, Arlington
Halloween Animals Campfire
Oct. 28 from 5-6 p.m.
Bring the whole family out to Long Branch Nature Center for a program full of kid-friendly activities. Stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, s’mores will all be part of the Halloween weekend fun. Marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers will be provided. Pre-registration is required for this event. The cost is $5. Long Branch Nature Center and Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Learn to Letterbox: Halloween Edition at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Oct. 29 from 2-3:30 p.m.
Come out and learn all about Letterboxing—a family-friendly scavenger hunt-style adventure. Kids will learn where to find clues, how to decipher them and search for hidden treasure around the park. They can even carve their own personal stamp and receive an introductory log book. This event requires advance registration. $12 per participant age 7 and up. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington
Mount Vernon Trick or Treating
Oct. 28, from 2-6 p.m.
Celebrate Halloween with 18th century activities and entertainment. Kids can collect candy around the historic site (while supplies last). Trick or Treaters will also get their own special Mount Vernon treat bag. Plus, you can watch your kids in a costume parade on the historic grounds at 4 p.m. Preregistration required. // George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon
Nature Spooktacular
Oct. 29 from 3:30-5 p.m. and 5-6:30 p.m.
Enjoy a “spooktacular” evening of fun and fears, learning about nighttime animals and cultural festivities surrounding nature at this time of the year. There are two sessions. The earlier session will be less spooky for families with young children. $7 a person. Pre-registration required. // Long Branch Nature Center and Park, 625 S Carlin Springs Road, Arlington
Village Spooktacular Halloween Adventure
Oct. 28 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Come dressed up in your spookiest or most creative costume and enjoy a fun morning of kids activities and entertainment. Young ones can get an early start on trick or treating at the neighborhood shops where they can collect surprises and treats. Tickets are required for each child and the money goes directly to the Arlington Food Assistance Center. Don’t forget your furry friend—Dogma is hosting a Doggie Trick Or Treat event on Oct. 29 from 2-4 p.m. Register your dog here.  // Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Spooky Serpents at Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Oct. 28 from 3-4 p.m.
Slithery serpents are sure to cause some Halloween hiss-teria at this creepy event. Let the kids get up close to the snakes and watch as a naturalist feeds them some tasty mice. $7 per participant age 7 and up. Be sure to preregister. // Potomac Overlook Regional Park, 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington