Halloween is almost here, which means there are plenty of spook-tastic family events to enjoy around D.C. There’s also a brand new museum that just opened this week. You won’t find any tricks at Planet Word, but you will be treated with interactive installations about the fun and power of language.
Planet Word
The world’s first voice-activated museum is now open in D.C.’s historic Franklin School. The new museum brings language to life, exploring how words shape the human experience through immersive galleries and exhibits. Deliver a famous speech using a teleprompter, learn about songwriting in a karaoke lounge, create an advertising campaign and more. Admission is free. Masks are mandatory, and visitors are encouraged to reserve timed passes online. Thursday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Spooktacular Spooktober
DC Party Box, founded by two Potomac moms, is partnering with WILLCO to provide family-friendly and Covid-safe Halloween activities throughout October. Catch a spooky flick from the comfort of your car at 7 p.m. every night except Mondays; scarier Halloween movies will be showing at 10 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Oct. 30 and 31, the drive-in movie parking lot become a drive-through trick-or-treat experience, complete with LED screens, moving lights and live actors. Tickets for movie nights ($10 per child, $15 per adult) and trick-or-treating ($9 per person, $18 per person with treats included) are available online. Now through Oct. 31, times vary.
Scarecrows & Bats at Fred Nats
Come in costume to the Fredericksburg Nationals’ stadium for a family-friendly game of I Spy, photos with mascots and a viewing of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” The free event is limited to the first 1,000 people, and the first 600 kids will receive treat bags. Masks and social distancing required. Concessions will be opened. There is a $5 parking fee. Saturday, Oct. 24, 5-7:30 p.m.
Ice Cream Social
Wear your costume (and your mask) to Islands Tropical Ice Cream for a social distancing Halloween party. Prizes will be awarded throughout the afternoon, and the first 25 kids in line will receive a free ice cream cone courtesy of Congressman Jamie Raskin. Sunday, Oct. 25, 12-8 p.m.
DC Virtual Ride 2020
Registration is open until Oct. 31 for this year’s DC Bike Ride, an annual spring event that was put on hold because of COVID-19. The ride will now take place virtually from Nov. 1-21 on streets across the country, and prizes will be award to participants who complete 100 miles during that time period. Registration is $33 and includes a hydration backpack, face cover and delivery.
For more family fun, check out Washington FAMILY’s full event calendar. And if you have an event coming up that you’d like to share with our readership, be sure to add it to our calendar.
