Halloween Frankenstein Pops

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Published: 10/31/2012

Since you guys seem to enjoy craft and food ideas, I've been trying to share more of them since I really like to Martha Stewart it up as much as possible.

I especially like it when it's REALLY easy. The Frankenstein Pops I shared on Facebook? They're so easy a four year old can do it.

Assemble your troops. You'll need frosting, sugar bones, sugar eyes, lollipop sticks, and black sugar or chocolate jimmies, oh, and marshmallows.

Step One: Get a bag of frosting out of your freezer. Here we have cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, and hot pink lemonade buttercream. What's that? You don't make a double batch of frosting every time and freeze the leftovers for emergency cake-frosting? You don't MAKE your own frosting? Sigh. Yes, go ask Betty Crocker for a can of white frosting...that'll work, too.

Step Two: Plop your frosting into a bowl and microwave for about 30 seconds if it's room temperature, or about a minute if it was a popsicle when you put it in there. You're looking for fondue-consistency frosting.

Step Three: Curse yourself for not getting green food dye at the Walmart when you were JUST THERE. Remember that yellow an blue make green. Mix well. (These are Wilton gel dyes, which I love because they don't water down whatever you're tinting. However, for this, you could use the liquid dye you get at the grocery store, too. Wilton gels are sold at craft stores like JoAnn Fabrics and Michaels and Walmart stores)

Step Four: Pop a marshmallow onto a lollipop stick and dunk it in your frosting. Tap gently on the side of the bowl to remove any excess and then set the stick into a heavy glass cup set over a plate to let the frosting set just slightly (a minute or two, tops).

Step Five: After your frosting has had a minute to settle and drip off and excess, give your marshmallow a roll in the black sugar or chocolate jimmies to add hair.

Step Six: Add eyes (you could pipe these on, but this whole treat was inspired by the sugar candy eyeballs being on sale for $2) and imbed a sugar bone on either side of your Frankenstein's head. You could also pipe on a mouth, but if I was creating a monster, it would do my bidding without talking back. I'm just saying.

Optional Bonus Points For Step Seven: Pop some floral foam covered in a seasonal napkin inside your Frankenstein Can and go on a shock and awe campaign at your preschool party. Winning.

You could also do these heads with cake pops, you'd just want to form them into squares instead of balls. Witches would be cute, too, with purple frosting, a mini green m&m nose, and just the cookie part of an Oreo with a Hershey's Kiss glued on top with some melted chocolate.

Have fun!

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Trick or Treating in Prince William County

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Published: 10/30/2012

Many of you have asked what day and time Prince William County trick or treating is. Apparently in some parts of the country they change trick-or-treat to be a weekend night each year so that children aren't tripped out on candy and less sleep than normal on a school night.

Please, we know how much our teachers love overtired children with a sugar buzz ;)

In Prince William County (with possible exceptions if you live in a neighborhood with a home owners association) whether you're in Woodbridge, Gainesville, Haymarket, or Lake Ridge, trick-or-treat happens on October 31st, regardless of the day of the week, from dusk to 9pm. As a general courtesy, and for safety reasons, only knock on doors that have well-lit porches and interiors.

The Department of Fire and Rescue reminds you that when trick-or-treating:
Child Pedestrians
• Children under 12 should trick-or-treat and cross streets with an adult.
• Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Parents should remind children to watch for cars that are turning or backing up.
• Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. Walk, don’t run, across the street.

Drivers
• Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways.
• Anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic and turn your headlights on earlier in the day so you can spot children from greater distances.
• Remember costumes can limit children’s visibility and they may not be able to see your vehicle.
• Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings.

If you would rather not trick-or-treat in your neighborhood, there are several local churches and areas that typically offer trunk or treat options on halloween night (but check their website to make sure):
~First Baptist Church of Woodbridge (not in 2012)
~Potomac Mills Mall beginning at 6pm
~Christ Chapel (not in 2012)
~ Manassas St. Thomas (appears to be on- 6:30pm)
~Manassas Baptist (appears to be on- 6pm)
~First Nazarene Woodbridge (appears to be on- 7pm)

If you'd like to add your church or location to the list, please just shoot me an email.

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Review: Great Country Farms

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Published: 10/19/2012

So, listen. I tell you guys pretty much everything when it comes to fun stuff to do with your kids. I'm going to tell you about Great Country Farms because I told them I would and they gave me giveaway tickets.

But I don't want to, because I want it to be all mine.

I have never left a pumpkin patch/farm feeling peaceful and relaxed. In fact, I usually leave mumbling to myself "one...two...three...one...two..three" from hours of compulsively counting my children because I'm sure they're going to get lost in the throngs of people. When we went to Great Country Farms this week, I didn't have that feeling at all. Peaceful, open, and very "farm" (as opposed to being very "attraction") we went on a Tuesday and were among a handful of people. That morning there'd been a few schools and groups that came through, but by lunchtime when we arrived, most of them were leaving and we had the run of the farm with just a few other families.

It's really hard for me to tell you about their hayride without comparing it to the hayride we go on every year...so I'm not going to try. There's no hay on this hayride, and there's benches to sit on! Benches! No hay fever and no legs falling asleep! This is strictly a hayride, though, around the farm to the field, so don't expect a show, although the landscape is gorgeous!

The hayride ends at the pumpkin patch, which includes lots of different varieties from the traditional orange jack-o-lantern to the decorative white and green varieties. The pumpkins are already cut off the vine (I actually think they just scatter them around the corn field) and are sold by the pound.

There are also tons of animals around the farm. Cups of feed are $2 and we fed pigs, chickens, ducks, turkeys, peacocks, horses, cows, sheep, donkeys, rabbits, goats, and probably some other things I'm forgetting. You can also do "catch and release fishing" in their pond. Bring a rod. Putt Putt Golf is available for $1 per ball, which is refunded when you bring your ball back.

Awww, they're being cute :) This is the entrance to pedal go-karts, which are really fun, but hard for smaller legs to propel. I liked that everything was interactive and kid-powered.

This is a giant pillow. You bounce and run all over it until someone gets tired and/or runs into someone else. It's tremendously fun, and I think that my kids did it for a full hour.

Isn't this fantastically beautiful? These stairs lead up to a pipe slide down a hill. The whole farm is very picturesque.

This is a giant play area full of corn kernels. Your kids will come out covered in cornstarch, but very happy. We spent several hours on the farm and enjoyed some hot cider on our way out. They also sell cold cider, local sodas, and ice cream in their store.

In addition to everything mentioned here, there are tons and tons of play structures, a cow train ($2) and the farm also hosts a CSA, or community supported agriculture program. We really enjoyed this farm, and I would definitely go again. It's a bit of a drive, about an hour and a half from Woodbridge, but you could easily spend an entire day there. While the farm is open for fall and features pumpkins and a corn maze, they're also open year round and have fun events for each season. Admission is $10 per child and $12 per adult. There's a restaurant that's open on weekends, or ample picnic table space for those who want to pack. This is definitely a "highly recommend" in my book- even if it's not in Prince William County!

Want to enjoy your own idyllic day at Great Country Farms? Enter by leaving a comment on this post! Don't forget to include your email address so I can get in touch with you! This contest closes on Monday, October 22, 2012. Good luck!

PS- Great County Farms provided our family with comp tickets to come and review their farm. All opinions are my own, and we really did have a fantastic time. Just ask my husband who slept in an adirondack chair all afternoon.

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Air and Scare 2012

Published: 10/17/2012

Trick-or-Treaters, Creepy Bugs and Spooky Science Invade the National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum hosts its annual “Air & Scare” Family Day, from 2 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Visitors will enjoy safe, indoor trick-or-treating and spooky activities for all ages at this free event.

Designed with the whole family in mind, aerospace will come alive with fun activities, all with a Halloween twist. Participants will enjoy face painting, spooky crafts, trick-or-truth stations, science experiments and treat giveaways. The Tot Zone will feature story time and a dress-up corner. Free classic cartoons will be shown in the Airbus IMAX Theater. There will be hands-on activities for teens and tweens, including packing a parachute. Everyone’s favorite Star Wars and Ghostbusters characters will be on-hand for photo opportunities. This year’s newest editions to “Air & Scare” will include a performance of “Buzzy the Frog’s Treasure Box Trick” by the Magical Puppet Theater and a display of spiders and other creepy bugs by the Department of Entomology at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Attendees are encouraged to come in their favorite space or flight-themed costume. Admission is free, but parking is $15. “Air & Scare” is made possible by Mars Snackfood US LLC. For more information and a full list of activities, visit airandspace.si.edu/airandscare.

The National Air and Space Museum is on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., at Sixth Street and Independence Avenue S.W. The museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located in Chantilly, Va., near Washington Dulles International Airport. Regular daily hours for both facilities are from 10 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. (closed Dec. 25).

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Guest Post: Belvedere Plantation

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Published: 10/16/2012

Special thanks to our guest poster, who emailed me asking about Belvedere and agreed to go write about it when I didn't have a review! If you like to write and visit new classes, places, or playgrounds, I'd love to publish your work, too!

Sunday, October, 14 we spent the most beautiful fall day at Belvedere Plantation!!

We arrived soon after opening, which I highly recommend! By the time we left in the afternoon it was quite crowded. While in line to pick up tickets, we were greeted by the Pumpkin Princess dressed in a beautiful orange gown greeting the children with a bucket of candy! I am not quite sure if it was the candy, or the princess, but my 2 ½ year old was instantly in love! She wanted to follow the Princess all around the plantation the rest of the day!

There were a few things that greatly impressed me about Belvedere Plantation. The first was they had REAL bathrooms, and many of them! They also had a baby changing station/family bathroom. This was amazing since we are right in the middle of potty training and the idea of trying to get my little one to go into a porta-potty gives me nightmares! They also had lots of benches and places to sit. If you have older grandparents with you, this is a huge plus.

Another thing that really impressed me was the way they handled the jumping pillow. At other farms we have visited, they were a free for all with a mix of big kids and little kids. At Belvedere, they have someone working at the jumping pillow timing the jumping times. He gave 2 minutes for each group- little kids, then big kids. It was awesome because it gave each group an opportunity to jump with children their own size. They could come back an unlimited amount of times.

The other activities in the same area as the jumping pillow were the pedal cars, pony rides, and the fun barn. These are geared more towards the 4 year old and up crowd. There were not very long lines for any of them. The Fun Barn is also in this area. It is filled with a foot or two of loosely packed hay with ropes for the kids to swing on.

They have activity tents with face painting and pumpkin painting. The face painting was free, but the pumpkin painting was an extra charge. There are a few activities spread out that are an extra charge if you only purchase the Cackling Farm Pass. If you plan to do the flower cutting, pumpkin painting, or want to fire pumpkins from a cannon, the better value is the Crowing Farm Pass. We decided next time that we would get the extra pass for our daughter, but not for us since she would be the one doing the activities.

One of the highlights of the day was the Pig Race in the Swine Speedway at 12:30. It was very exciting for all of the children. Farmer Ian was the MC of the race and gave out prizes and also let the children participate by holding up flags representing their team’s pig. There is an area for the kids to pet goats and sheep as well as see turkeys, chickens, and pigs. The one thing they didn’t have that my daughter asked about was cows.

The area we enjoyed, having one under 3, was the Little Farmers Corral. There were lots of fun swings and areas for the little ones to play. The zip lines are also there. They had regular zip lines for the children to hold on, but they also had zip lines for the little ones with seats. It’s a little close to the Pumpkin Cannon, so be aware if you have a child that gets spooked by loud noises, it can be loud over there.

We ended our day with a hayride to the pumpkin patch. We didn’t have to wait at all to get on and as soon as we had picked a pumpkin they were there to pick us up. They are well prepared for big crowds.

Overall, we had an amazing day!! Thanks to PWC Moms and Belvedere Plantation for giving us an opportunity to go! More information on hours, coupons, and ticket information can be found at http://www.belvedereplantation.com Don’t forget to enter the photo contest after your visit!!

Beth Heim is a mom to two kids. When she's not at the pumpkin patch, you can find her spending time with her family, taking photographs, and working as a teacher PWC schools.

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Fields of Fear

Published: 10/12/2012

We just shared with you about our daytime experience at Cox Farms, and that I am a giant pansy about going to the farm after dark. PotomacLocal.com editor Uriah Kiser, however, revels in the scary side of Cox and was all too happy to check it out for us:

Photo from Cox Farms

"On this farm is Cornnighttmare; a twisted trail of haunts and lost souls trapped in a corn field at Cox Farms in Fairfax County. Once on this trail of terror, small sounds in the cornstalks reveal themselves as clowns with chainsaws who jump out at you, mummies rise from their tombs, and a seven-foot tall brown grizzly bear chases visitors out of a log cabin."

To read the full review, including prices and hours, visit their site to read "Find Nightmarish Fun at Fields of Fear"

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Featured Organization Friday: Owen's Walk to Remember

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Published: 10/05/2012

Owen’s Walk to Remember

Angels & Warriors

WestRash Charities is holding its 1^stannual walk for pediatric cancer

Bristow, VA– WestRash Charities is proud to announce its 1st annual walk for pediatric cancer research and support. The theme of this year’s event will be a Halloween family friendly walk, giving kids (and parents) one more time to wear those fabulous Halloween costumes. The walk will be held at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, VA. Onsite festivities will include a moon bounce, carnival games, food, and drinks. All proceeds will benefit Children’s National Medical Center and provide research and family support to pediatric cancer patients.

What: Owen’s Walk to Remember, Angels & Warriors

Benefits: Children’s National Medical Center

When: Saturday, November 3^rd

10:00AM- 12:00PM

Where: Brentsville District High School

12109 Aden Road Nokesville, VA 20181

Costs: Donations only (no entry fee)

Sponsorship: $100 - Name on the event shirt

$300 - Name and logo on event shirt

Sponsorship deadline is Oct 8, 2012

Children’s National Medical Center

Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, DC, has been serving the nation’s children since 1870. Home to Children’s Research Institute and the Sheikh Zayed Institute for Pediatric Surgical Innovation, Children’s National is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. With 303 beds, more than 1,330 nurses, 550 physicians, and seven regional outpatient centers, Children’s National is the only exclusive provider of pediatric care in the Washington metropolitan area. Children’s National has been recognized by the American Nurses Credentialing Center as a Magnet® designated hospital, the highest level of recognition for nursing excellence that a medical center can achieve.

WestRash Charities

WestRash Charities began in May 2002 with a casual golf gathering of family and friends to raise money in support of a family friend in need of financial support for their child’s fight with leukemia. Over the next two years it evolved from merely a casual golf outing into a golf event to raise funds in support of our families’ shared goal of helping others within our community. Most recently our charity events have focused on raising funding and awareness for children and cancer related causes. For more information, about this event or sponsorship opportunities please visit www.westrashcharities.org or follow us on Facebook.

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Cox Farms 2012

Published: 10/04/2012

Today we had the chance to go and visit Cox Farms on their Preview Weekend. We've been visiting Cox Farms since my son was 11 months old.

He's almost 9 now.

To say that we're Cox Farms aficionados would be an understatement. However, that doesn't mean that my kids don't have a great time when we go. I'm sure that one day they're going to be too cool for the pumpkin patch (which is okay, because Cox Farms also has a scary counterpart to their family-friendly daytime offerings), but I hope that day stays away a little longer.

Plenty of picnic tables for lunch. Pack your own or buy at the farm.

Mainly because I'm a big pansy and don't want to go in the Cornightmare. I have nightmares about the wolf in Neverending Story to this day and I watched that movie when I was 10. If they start wanting to do that, I'm pulling for a great youth pastor that does trips to scary things, because I'm not going.

This fun slide includes potato sacks for extra speed.

Cox Farms made some changes this year, though! The hayride has a few new additions, and the route has changed. There's now a spookier barn-drive through and a town setup. PS- the Cox Farms Farmer no longer pulls you out of the mud! But don't worry- you'll still get stuck! I also believe the space ship looked new and improved!

Slides are super fun, but be prepared to wait your turn.

Additionally, Cox Farms has their new "Bunnyville" area where their bunnies are housed, a mechanical bull, new BBQ food items, and a "mine" where you can pan for gems or fossils for an additional fee. My kids also noticed a "Farm Work" area for the first time (which cracked me up!) and all three of them were literally happy for 30 minutes playing in the cascading corn kernels and pumping up well water.

"milk" a cow, scoop corn feed, and pump water at the "farm chores" area

Still popular with my kids were the corn maze, the animals, and the slides. Still unpopular with my kids were the intermittent heat, the lines, and the bees buzzing like crazy around the trash cans, apples, and cider station.

Cox Farms admission is by day of the week. Weekend Prime tickets are $17 per person over the age of 2. Weekend tickets are $14 per person over the age of two, and weekday admission is $9 per person over the age of 2. Join the Cox Farms Mailing list to receive discounts and coupons in your email, or you can purchase a Value Card for 7 Weekday afternoon admissions for $45 instead of $63. You can use all 7 at once, or you can use it on multiple visits. If you're able to take a half day from work, this can be a great savings! Admission includes 1 free apple and 1 free mini pumpkin. The new mine feature is extra. We bought one large $8 bag of gems and shared it among three children quite successfully.

Cox Farms is a fun day for the entire family. Younger children will enjoy hayrides, petting animals, and running around. Older children will enjoy large slides, the corn maze, and the animal facts. Downsides are the waiting, which isn't terrible, but can be if your child is getting whiney, allergy concerns (hay, feathers, bees) are abundant because it is, after all, a farm, so bring Allegra or Benadryl if your child can be sensitive, and finally, that my arch-nemesis the porta potty is your only bathroom option. They're reasonably clean for porta potties, and they do have lots of hand sanitizer all over the farm, though.

We enjoy our yearly trips to Cox Farms. We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Do you have tips or tricks? Share with us!

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Stribling and Hartland Orchards

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Published: 09/17/2012

Markham, VA is about 15 minutes from the Prince William County/Fauquier line, and it's the location of two fruit orchards. In the past, we've always gotten off 66 at the Markham exit and turned right to go to Hartland Orchard, which we love for apples and peaches, especially. However, this fall we got to check out Stribling, too!

STRIBLING ORCHARD:

StriblingOrchard.com

Last Friday, though, our friends invited us to break with tradition and hang a left over to Stribling Orchard. This involved a fun hairpin turn and some railroad tracks, which my kids thought were fantastic. Hooray for adventures. Stribling Orchard is a lovely location with a long gravel driveway up to some very historic looking buildings on the left side. A friend who came with us said that you can arrange an educational tour and they take you around the property. Incidentally, we saw Christ Chapel Academy (also from Woodbridge!) there enjoying a tour!

Like every orchard we've ever been to, you have the option to drive your car right up into the fields to pick your fruit, or you can park by the checkout area (in this case, an actual storefront) and hoof it on up. There are also lovely picnic areas around the property for those who would like to pack a lunch. I typically wait until October to go apple picking, since some of my favorite varieties aren't ready until later in the season, including Granny Smiths, which I use for my Thanksgiving pies. Yum! However, even in September you can get some delicious eating apples (especially if you're a fan of the red varieties).

Picking baskets are located on the side of the main building near the bathrooms and are a big help for shorter pickers!!

The staff was friendly and helpful, and gave out maps. The trees here are a little more mixed than at most locations we've picked fruit at, but the trunks are typically marked with spray paint to indicate the variety, and using the guide on your map you can determine what looks good for eating. Stribling was lovely, and I love that they offer tours, but the prices were much higher than we were used to, and the apples were coated with white film from the pesticide. (I know we're not paying for organic, but I still don't want to see whitish apples!) However, I know many people love this orchard and go every year! $25 a half bushel is steep for me, because with 3 kids picking, we usually leave with APPLES! Typically we pick a bushel and a half when we go, although this particular day we only did one half-bushel because $75 of apples isn't happening! I did appreciate that Stribling takes Visa/Mastercard/Discover because most orchards take only cash or checks, and it's nice to not have to remember to stop at the ATM! Local cider and honey are available, too.

HARTLAND ORCHARD:
Hartland Orchard is our go-to pick your own place. In the fall, they also have a corn maze, pumpkin fairy, pumpkin chunking and more. I didn't realize it before visiting another orchard, but at $12 a half bushel, I love them for their prices. A lot. Our typical bushel and a half of apples here is $36. Whoohoo!

The pumpkin fairy, from HartlandOrchard.com. The pumpkin fairy is available to visit most weekends, and Hartland is great about answering their phones if you want to call and check before leaving.

Hartland's fields are generally organized by variety, although you'll find the occasional random yellow tree in the midst of the reds. Our fruit has always been delicious, including the Granny Smiths, which are sweet and tart at the same time and make excellent pies. Last year was the only year we ever had an issue, and it wasn't really their fault- it was the Stink Bugs!! Those little suckers LOVE apples and were all over the place boring holes into the fruit and flying kamikaze-style at your face! However, the population is much more under control this year and while you may see a few bugs, it's not like the 9th plague or anything :)

This is the same little guy working the apple-picker in the Stribling pictures his first time picking apples at Hartland. He was 18 months old and had a grand old time on daddy's shoulders.

The only problem with apple picking (especially at $12/half bushel) is what to do with all those apples!! We peel, slice, and freeze a lot of ours to use in crisps or pies all winter (pre-measure into Ziplock bags for your favorite recipes!), and we also make applesauce (mix up a bunch of varieties in the crock pot with 1/2 cup of OJ or Apple Juice/Cider, a cinnamon stick, and sweetener of choice if your want it on low until everything is soft and delicious!) Another favorite in our family is chicken salad with red and green apples, pecans, celery, onions, craisins, and raisins. Yummy!

No matter where you decide to go pick apples (and you should go- it's fun!) be sure to:
1) Bring bug spray/sunscreen
2) Be prepared to drive into the orchard- pick a car that can handle mud/rocks/gravel. If your car can't, then park and walk
3) Grab a map, an apple picker, and visit the bathrooms BEFORE you head to the fields
4) Pack a picnic and make a day of it!

Do you have a favorite apple orchard to use? Perhaps a favorite apple recipe? Share in a comment below!

These reviews were unsolicited and represent the views of PwcMoms.com only.

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Fall Festivals and Halloween 2012

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Published: 09/07/2012

Hey Fall Fans! If the pumpkin spice latte is back, that means it's time for festivals and fun! If you're looking for family-friendly or kid-friendly Prince William County Halloween activities or Fall Festivals, this is the place to look! I've included some outside of PWC activities, mainly because I've been getting emails from Stafford readers, and because some of you have indicated that you're willing to drive if something "sounds cool". If you'd like to add your event, please email me! It's free and a great way to get the word out about your event! Note: This is a living document and will continue to be updated!!

September
7th
Hartwood Days Festival (25 Hartwood Road, Fredericksburg VA 22406) 8th 5pm-10pm interactive living history area, visit the new Agricultural competitions, Grab a bite to eat, play one of the games, listen to a band, and check out all of the different booths, demonstrations, exhibits, and vendors, from Arts & Crafts to 'great to have' things. LOTS of activities for Youth, including the Trailblazer® Adventure program!! Make sure that if you have Girl, Boy, or Cub Scouts in your area, you bring them out to the Badge Day event, held on the grounds! Dont forget the Neighbors Kids too!!! Additional fee for rides @ $20.00, or buy tickets in advance online.

8th
Dumfries Fall Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Festival-goers can expect plenty of wine tastings, music, a talent competition, food, and arts and crafts, and product vendors at the fair.

Hartwood Days Festival (25 Hartwood Road, Fredericksburg VA 22406) opens at 9am interactive living history area, visit the new Agricultural competitions, Grab a bite to eat, play one of the games, listen to a band, and check out all of the different booths, demonstrations, exhibits, and vendors, from Arts & Crafts to 'great to have' things. LOTS of activities for Youth, including the Trailblazer® Adventure program!! Make sure that if you have Girl, Boy, or Cub Scouts in your area, you bring them out to the Badge Day event, held on the grounds! Dont forget the Neighbors Kids too!!! Additional fee for rides @ $20.00, or buy tickets in advance online.

Rippon Lodge Historic Site Family History Day (15500 Blackburn Road Woodbridge) 11am-4pm Admiral Black, the last owner of Rippon Lodge was a WWII veteran and survivor of Pearl Harbor. Learn about daily life of soldiers in the European and Pacific Theatres. World War II living historians will portray Axis and Allied soldiers. They will discuss their equipment, armaments and historic military vehicles. Learn about the home front and the many ways that citizens supported the war effort. View collections of original WWII artifacts.

Admission Fee: $7 per person, children under 6 free

9th

Admission Fee: $7 per person, children under 6 free

15th

Old Town Manassas will hold its 2nd Annual Bands, Brews, and Barbeque Festival. 12-7pm This event will feature barbecue, a variety of brews, a local BBQ competition, live entertainment and a number of speciality vendors! On a day that hosts two additional events in Old Town Manassas (The Antique Car Show and Old World Festival), the community will get a three-in-one adventure that the whole family will enjoy. Bands, Brews and Barbecue will occupy Main Street and Battle Street from the railroad tracks to Center Street, as well as the Center for the Arts/Mackey's Parking Lot.

Bluegrass at Brentsville Historic Centre 1-5pm Enjoy the lively sounds of a bluegrass band on the grounds of Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre while sampling local wines and food. Guided tours of the historic buildings will be available throughout the day.
Haymarket Day Haymarket Day 9am-4pm (15016 Washington Street, Haymarket VA) bursts forth every year on the third Saturday of September. The main street is closed to traffic for the day and following a country style parade with 1800+ participants, town residents and visitors alike can walk down the center of Washington St. enjoying good food, juried crafts, music, friendly vendors and the pleasure of good neighbors. Whether you ride the trolley, train or walk, or go up in a Hot Air Balloon, pet the visiting Alpacas or sit & relax in the Haymarket Day Beer Garden, we know you will enjoy.

21st
Fredericksburg Oktoberfest Free Admission 4-9pm (3300 Dill Smith Drive, Fredericksburg VA). In traditional Bavarian fashion, Fredericksburg comes together under TWO big tents in September to celebrate the 9th Annual Oktoberfest! Family fun with sing along, stein holding contest, Oompah music, ginger bread walk. Authentic Oktoberfest Beer from Blue & Gray Brewing.

22nd

Fredericksburg Oktoberfest Free Admission 11am-7pm (3300 Dill Smith Drive, Fredericksburg VA). In traditional Bavarian fashion, Fredericksburg comes together under TWO big tents in September to celebrate the 9th Annual Oktoberfest! Family fun with sing along, stein holding contest, Oompah music, ginger bread walk. Authentic Oktoberfest Beer from Blue & Gray Brewing.

Cox Farms Fall Preview Weekend 10:00 AM-6:00 PM (15621 Braddock Rd. Centreville, VA 20120) Everything you love about Cox Farms Fall Festival is open for Preview Weekend! 5 giant slides, famous hayrides, rope swings, farm animals & their babies, CORNundrum© cornfield adventure, Farm Chores, straw tunnels, kiddie zone, goat village, apples & cider, food, entertainment, over 90 acres of fun! Everyone gets a small patch pumpkin to take home FREE with paid admission. Perfect for families, school groups and birthday parties. For special deals become a Cox Farms Member at http://www.coxfarms.com or "like" us on Facebook.

Rippon Lodge 10th Annual Heritage Festival Rippon Lodge (15500 Blackburn Road Woodbridge) 11am-4pm has a long and diverse past from its Colonial America beginnings until today. Lectures and demonstrations presented by local history, gardening and natures groups will be available throughout the day. Enjoy music, food, crafts, kids' games and activities. House and cemetery tours will also be offered all day. Admission Fee: $7 per person, children under 6 free
Cider Festival at Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont VA) $10 per child, $12 per adult, active military and under 2 years old are free. Playground, corn maze, pumpkin patch, cider (hard and regular), live music and more. 9am-6pm
Annual Manassas Chili Cook Off and Kids Fest at the Harris Pavilion. Free and open to the public. Music, games, inflatables, crafts and more. 10am-3pm

23rd

Cider Festival at Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont VA) $10 per child, $12 per adult, active military and under 2 years old are free. Playground, corn maze, pumpkin patch, cider (hard and regular), live music and more. 9am-6pm

29th

Occoquan Craft Festival (314 Mill Street Occoquan, VA) 10am-6pm. (I don't personally consider this to be kid-friendly, but last year several of you fussed at me that it is! If your kid enjoys kitchy craft items, this is the place for you!)

30th

Occoquan Craft Festival (314 Mill Street Occoquan, VA) 10am-5pm. (I don't personally consider this to be kid-friendly, but last year several of you fussed at me that it is! If your kid enjoys kitchy craft items, this is the place for you!)

October

6th
Project Butterfly Wings at the Weems Botts Museum (3944 Cameron Street, Dumfries VA) will host a free children's day at the museum including crafts and snacks. 10am-1pm
Manassas Fall Jubilee on October 6th from 10 AM until 5 PM. Fun for the whole Family! 10am-5pm Old Town Manassas FREE.

13th
National Cosutme Swap Day at Chinn Library (13065 Chinn Park Drive Woodbridge, VA 22192) from 10-12 come and swap your child's old costumes for a "new to them" one!
11am – 4pm, $7 per person Family History Day- All Hallow’s Eve Where did the tradition of Halloween come from? Pumpkin carving? Trick-or-Treating? Join us for a kid friendly trip to All Hallow’s Eve, past and present. Play old fashioned games and enjoy traditional treats. Rippon Lodge Historic Site. 703-499-9812

14th
St. Paul UMC (1400 G Street Woodbridge VA) is hosting a pumpkin patch from October 14th - October 31st. Pumpkins range in price starting at $3 ($1 for small gourds) and all proceeds will be used to provide students currently enrolled in the free lunch program at one of our local elementary schools with a bag of food during the winter break.

15th
Spooky Cupcakes- Join us for an evening of demonstrations in making spooky cupcakes - vultures, bugs & haunted scenes. Sample some punch and snacks while trying your own hand in making a creation or two to take home & enjoy. For children in grades K - 6 and their parents. Please register in person, by phone or on the web beginning Oct 1st. Limit 30 children. Potomac Library (2201 State Route 642 Woodbridge VA 22191)

18th
Gymboree Woodbridge Dinner, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, and lots of Halloween Fun! One winner from each party receives a free month of Gymboree! Thursday October 18th at 3:30pm Friday, October 19th at 5:00pm Saturday, October 20th at 5:30pm $20 per child, RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN ADVANCE 703-590-3320

19th
Gymboree Woodbridge Dinner, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, and lots of Halloween Fun! One winner from each party receives a free month of Gymboree! Thursday October 18th at 3:30pm Friday, October 19th at 5:00pm Saturday, October 20th at 5:30pm $20 per child, RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN ADVANCE 703-590-3320
St. Paul UMC (1400 G Street Woodbridge VA) will host a Movie in the Patch beginning at dusk, and featuring "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" Please bring your own blanket or chair and enjoy a movie "under the stars".

20th
Bull Run Mountain Conservancy (17405 Beverley Mill Drive Broad Run, VA 20137) will host a Halloween Safari, $7pp advance or $10 at the door
Gymboree Woodbridge Dinner, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, and lots of Halloween Fun! One winner from each party receives a free month of Gymboree! Thursday October 18th at 3:30pm Friday, October 19th at 5:00pm Saturday, October 20th at 5:30pm $20 per child, RESERVE YOUR SPOT IN ADVANCE 703-590-3320
St. Paul UMC (1400 G Street Woodbridge VA) will host a Family Scarecrow Competition! - at 5pm. Pumpkin "heads", posts, and straw/fillings will be provided. Bring old clothes and any other props to compete! What fun for all!

26th
Bull Run Mountain Conservancy (17405 Beverley Mill Drive Broad Run, VA 20137) will host a Halloween Safari, $7pp advance or $10 at the door.
Floating Gourd Family Night at the Manassas Park Community Center will let kids ages 6-12 jump in to a floating pumpkin patch! The pumpkins will be oiled for extra fun, and after swimming, you can decorate your gourd. 6:30pm-8:30pm $5/participant.
Glow Night at Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont VA) will feature over 3,000 carved and lighted jack-o-lanterns, live DJ Dinosaur, corn maze, play area, cow train, animals and more. 9am-6pm

St. Paul UMC (1400 G Street Woodbridge VA) will host a Movie in the Patch! - beginning at dusk and featuring "Spoogly the Square Pumpkin". Everyone is encouraged to wear their costumes, bring a blanket or chair, and enjoy an evening movie.
Fright Lights is at 6, 7:30 and 9 p.m. every Friday in October at C.D.Hylton High School, 14051 Spriggs Road, Woodbridge. This spooktacular experience uses the planetarium’s darkness and the SkyLase laser system set to music from various artists. The 9 p.m. shows are louder than early shows and include Halloween spirits mingling with audience members; may not be suitable for all audiences. Tickets are $10 at the door; exact change only. Limited to the first 65 guests
Boo at the Pool is at 7 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center, 14300 Minnieville Road, Woodbridge. Bring your favorite pool float and enjoy face painting, music and trick-or-treat goody bags. Free for center passholders; $12 for non passholder families of four; $4 for non-passholders age 16 and older; and $3 for non-passholders age 15 and younger. Call 703-670-7112, ext. 249 or e-mail tcuddy@pwcparks.org.

27th
Bull Run Mountain Conservancy (17405 Beverley Mill Drive Broad Run, VA 20137) will host a Halloween Safari, $7pp advance or $10 at the door

Glow Night at Great Country Farms (18780 Foggy Bottom Road Bluemont VA) will feature over 3,000 carved and lighted jack-o-lanterns, live DJ Dinosaur, corn maze, play area, cow train, animals and more. 9am-6pm

Spooky Magic By Geo Potomac Library (2201 State Route 642 Woodbridge VA 22191) Join us for a celebration of Halloween with double-the-spooky-fun featuring "Magic by Geo". Geo will present two identical shows from 2 to 3 pm and 3:30 to 4:30pm. For all ages. Please pick up a free ticket at the Information Desk, for the showtime of your choice, beginning October 13th. Limit 60.
St. Paul UMC (1400 G Street Woodbridge VA) will host a Fall Frenzy! - from 2-5pm. All of the fun that can be packed into this afternoon event! Moon bounce,Crafts, Harvest Games, Face Painting, etc.

Haunted happenings in Old Town Manassas- Come join us on October 27th for a frightfully good time full of free Halloween activities in Old Town Manassas. Festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. in the City Hall Parking Lot (9027 Center Street) where little ghouls and goblins can register for the Haunted Happenings Costume Contest Parade and pick up their very own trick-or-treat bag. The Parade will begin at 11:00a.m. and proceed down Center Street to The Loy E.Harris Pavilion so local judges can vote on the participating costumes. Categories include cutest, scariest, and most original in age groups 5 and under, 6-9, and 10-12. Trick or Treat in the shops from 11:30am-1pm. All participating shops will have a Halloween Pennant in their window. After that, head back to the Harris Pavilion for the costume contest winners, free games, and fun!
Chick Fil A Signal Hill (Manassas) will provide kids 12 and under who wear a costume to the store a free 4-count kids meal or a free 3-count minis for breakfast. 6am-10pm.
Bobby McKey's at the National Harbor will offer a kids show for ages 3 and up. $5 cover, wear your Halloween Costume.
Cows-N-Corn has hayrides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze and more every weekend through Oct. 28. The working dairy farm at 5225 Catlett Rd. in Midland is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Oreos. Everyone who visits the maze can enter to win a year’s supply of Oreos and milk. Reservations are requested for Hot Dog & Hayride nights on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $9 per person, Children 3 and under free.For more information, call 540-439-4806 or visit www.cows-n-corn.com.
Grace United Methodist Church Halloween fun is at 5:15 p.m. at 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas. The day begins with hayrides, hot dogs and games at 5:15 p.m. and trunk-or-treat at 6:15 p.m. The festivities end with the annual Pipescreams concert at 7 p.m., a costumed celebration of the church’s Austin Pipe Organ with fun and spooky tunes. Call 703-361-7800 or visit www.umcgrace.org.

Free Fall Family Fun Festival at Manassas Church of the Nazarene (8220 Spruce Street, Manassas) on Saturday, October 27 from 1-3 pm. There will be FREE hot dogs, popcorn, snacks, drinks, crafts, games, moon bounces, and more. Come for a kid friendly event suitable for the whole family. For more info call the church at 703-361-7688.
Here Lieth the Body at Rippon Lodge features funerals, duels, and ghostly tales. See Rippon Lodge draped in black crepe as family members mourn the 1757 death of Richard Blackburn. Learn about the early 19th century local duels and the losers who were brought to Rippon Lodge. Ghostly tales will be spun throughout the day. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday, Oct. 27 and Sunday, Oct. 28. The cost is $7 per person.

28th
Fall Festival at Pathway Vineyard Church (1550 Prince William Parkway Woodbridge VA) from 12-3. Moonbounce, hot dogs, carnival games and more.
Cows-N-Corn has hayrides, pumpkin picking, a corn maze and more every weekend through Oct. 28. The working dairy farm at 5225 Catlett Rd. in Midland is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of Oreos. Everyone who visits the maze can enter to win a year’s supply of Oreos and milk. Reservations are requested for Hot Dog & Hayride nights on Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $9 per person, Children 3 and under free.For more information, call 540-439-4806 or visit www.cows-n-corn.com.
Trick-or-Treat for Dogs is at 1 p.m. at Fetch! Dog and Cat Bakery, 305 Mill St., Occoquan. The historic village of Occoquan will be taken over by furry trick-or-treaters to raise funds for the Prince William County Park Authority to build a dog park. Call 703-491-8686 or e-mail thefetchdogbakery@gmail.com.

29th
Potomac Library (2201 State Route 642 Woodbridge VA 22191) "MishMash: Happy Haunted Halloween" from 2-3pm Dress up in costume and join us for some spooky stories, songs & fingerplays, followed by trick-or-treat in the library. Especially for preschoolers ages 2-5, but family members are welcome! Drop in; no registration required.
The Petrified Campground is at 7 p.m. at Prince William Forest Park, Park Headquarters Rd., Triangle. Looking for an alternative to trick-or-treating? Join us for a ghoulishly good time at our petrified campground with wacky games, S'mores around a campfire and hayride. Prizes awarded for best campsite, scary story, costume and more. The cost is $5 per vehicle entrance fee. Call 703-221-7181 or visit http://www.nps.gov/prwi/index.htm.

30th
Parade of Costumes at Chinn Library (13065 Chinn Park Drive Woodbridge, VA 22192) will host 2 costume parades from 10:30-11:30 or from 2pm-3pm Come in costume for Halloween stories, songs, and a parade throughout the library. For children ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Drop in; No tickets required.

November
3rd
Holy Trinity Catholic Church Fall Festival is at 11 a.m. at 8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville. Enjoy rides, moon bounces, rock wall, yard sale, face painting, hot rod car showcase and more. Tickets are $10 per person and includes entrance to all rides except Bungee ride, which is an additional $5. Family rate tickets are available after Oct. 27 and 28 masses and allows large families to enter for a $40 flat fee. Call 571-248-4070 or e-mail debkromer@verizon.net for more information.

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