Video:Tips for Halloween Celebrations in DC

Transcript:Tips for Halloween Celebrations in DC

Things are starting to go bump in the night – and daylight, for that matter – around the DC area now that Halloween is just around the corner.

Information About Halloween Celebrations in DC

With nearby Virginia and Maryland also pulling out all the cobwebs and frightful sights, there are many celebrations to choose from for kids, the family, and even just the adults. Kid-size frights abound in DC, starting with "Boo at the Zoo," which is held at the National Zoo in late October, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This is a safe place to enjoy trick-or-treating with 40 treat stations to stock up on the candy. Plus, there are festive decorations, animal encounters, and keeper talks to learn more about some of the Halloween symbols like bats, owls, and spiders.

More Halloween Celebrations in DC

If you dare, there are also some mildly spooky haunted trails set up through the zoo. One of the best celebrations this time of year is those held in pumpkin patches. These are perfect for the little ones who may still be unsure of Halloween. Instead, they can enjoy wandering through the pumpkins and some of the other fall festival activities found at patches like hay rides, corn mazes, and games or activities.

Other Halloween Celebrations in DC

Another eerily fun spot is the Air & Scare event at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center at the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. Also held in late October, this event features creepy space aliens and ghostly pilots along with trick-or-treating activities, face painting, story time, robotics demonstrations and simulation games. Toddlers, tweens, and teens are all sure to find something to enjoy here. Older kids and adults are sure to enjoy taking a ghost tour throughout DC, Maryland, or Virginia. These tours includes stopping by famous haunted sites that either recreate the event or simply tell visitors about the frightful legends that once reportedly occurred at each location. These are held during the day and evening. This is also the time of year when amusement parks become fright parks.

Additional Halloween Celebrations in DC

One of the largest Halloween events is Fright Fest at Six Flags America in Mitchelleville, Maryland from October 1-30th. There is also a Halloween Haunt at Kings Dominion from September 30 to October 30th located in Doswell, Virginia. Both locations turn rides into special spooky attractions and also offer games, trick-or-treating, and a party atmosphere. Not to be left out are the adults who may enjoy dressing up and going out for a Halloween celebration, too. Check out some of the Halloween and horror films, playing throughout the DC area, or get your groove and costume on with special nightclub events just for the 21 and over crowd. These dance parties are often listed online through nightclub sites or Facebook fan pages.

Happy Halloween! I'm Jonathon Stewart, with About.com.