In just 22 days, little ghouls and goblins will be making there way down the streets of Northern Virginia with bags in hand, ready to receive candy from neighbors and family members alike.
And to truly get in the Halloween spirit, local organizations and businesses are hosting a variety of DIY workshops for kids and parents, giving you the chance to avoid last-minute trips to the store for festive, fall decor. Whether you’re interested in handmaking paper pine cones with your teen or helping your youngster craft a painted pumpkin, here’s where to do it all in NoVA this October.
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Lakeshore’s Free Crafts for Kids Monster Celebration Saturdays
Oct. 12, Oct. 19 & Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Throughout the month of October, Lakeshore Learning will be hosting craft courses for youngsters ages 3 and up at all of its locations, nationwide. At each class, your little one will learn how to handcraft things like googly-eyed slime to friendly monster creations. // Lakeshore Learning at Manchester Lakes: 7009-A Manchester Blvd., Alexandria; free
Interactive Kids’ Events at Fall for the Book
Oct. 12, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Fall for the Book Festival is happening this weekend and while most of the events are geared toward experienced readers and adults alike, Saturday, Oct. 12 is dedicated to the kids. The day’s events will bring your child’s imagination to life through a poetry workshop, puzzle making class, drawing sessions and so much more. // Old Town Hall: 3999 University Drive, Fairfax; free
Spooky Kokedama for Kids
Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-noon
It’s time to get spooky with this one-of-a-kind kokedama-making workshop for kids ages 8 and up. Once you choose from a variety of sturdy, indoor tropical plants, the experienced horticulturist will walk you through how to turn it into a kokedama masterpiece. For that eerie final touch, add googly eyes or plastic spiders and you’ll have an ideal festive display. // Botanologica: 817 W. Broad St., Falls Church; $30
Sugarloaf Crafts Festival
Oct. 18-20, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Sugarloaf Crafts Festival is opening its doors for a day full of shopping, entertainment and crafting workshops for individuals of all ages to enjoy. After you and your family participate in the free painting or woodworking class, bring the little ones to the interactive children’s theater area, where they will watch a fairy tale come to life. // Dulles Expo Center: 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly; $8 online, $10 at the door
Friday KIDS Sip and Paint
Oct. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
Whether for a play date or a family night out, this sip and paint for kids is a great way to have fun, get a little messy and learn something, too. Led by two experts from the Arlington Artists Academy, your kids will learn basic techniques about color, composition and other tricks, all while creating a fall-themed masterpiece. // Gallery Clarendon: 2800 Clarendon Blvd., Suite r-800, Arlington; $25
Comic Logic’s Kids Halloween Art Class
Oct. 19, 9-10:30 a.m.
Is your kid obsessed with Pokémon? If so, take him to this unique art class led by Jenna Ayoub of Cartoon Network Comics, where kids will learn to create a Halloween Pikachu that will make a great poster for the bedroom wall. // Comic Logic Books & Artwork: 44031 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Unit 281, Ashburn; $22
Paper Crafting: Pumpkins & Pinecones
Oct. 20, 1-3 p.m.
At this two-hour workshop, you have the chance to make beautiful autumn-themed decoupage pumpkins and pine cones from scrapbook paper. This event is restricted to those ages 14 or older, so bring your teen along for a little bonding time at Hitchcock Paper Co., leaving you with a nice new centerpiece for the kitchen table. // Hitchcock Paper Co.: 125 Mill St., Suite 6, Occoquan; $45
Pumpkin Carving Night
Oct. 23, 6-8 p.m.
Just about a week before Halloween, take the time to carve a spooky pumpkin that will look great on your front step. While you and the family spend some time together, you’ll be productively decorating for Halloween, too, making this event more than worth it. // Keller Williams Capital Properties Springfield: 7200 Fullerton Road Suite B100, Springfield; free
Pumpkin Carving with Super, Awesome & Amazing
Oct. 25, 6-10 p.m.
Head over to The St. James with the kids in tow for an evening of pizza, playtime and supervised pumpkin painting and carving. While they have fun making a creation for the front steps, you can take the time to explore the complex, too. // The St. James: 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield; $15-$23
Pumpkin Carving and Painting with Fair Winds and Make It: Crafts & Classes
Oct. 27, 3-5 p.m.
Just a few days before Halloween, come out for a day full of entertainment designed for the whole family. Hosted by Fair Winds Brewing Company, the day’s festivities will include pumpkin carving and painting, finger painting and seasonal food and drink offerings for all ages. // Fair Winds Brewing Company: 7000 Newington Road, Lorton; $7.50-$20