Target, Walmart, Costco, and Home Depot are among the retail giants closing on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving. The turkey. The stuffing. The warm, welcoming love of your family as you surround each other and give thanks for everything you have. Oh, and the shopping too. Wait. Isn’t this supposed to be a holiday about thankfulness, and not about where you can get a new mattress for 60% off or the latest TV for one-third off the price that it normally is? If you’ve noticed that a growing number of stores are starting their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving Thursday, you’re not alone. And plenty of people (shoppers and employees) don’t like it.
In response to this, some retailers are staying closed on Thanksgiving Day. Yep, that’s right. Those amazingly awesome deals are going to have to wait until Friday — giving employees a full day off. So instead of heading out to the mall, you may just need to stay home with your family.
photo: Heidi Finn via Unsplash
Which stores are waiting until Black Friday to open? There’s a growing list of stores that have full Thanksgiving closings, including:
Ace Hardware
Barnes & Noble
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Best Buy
BJ’s Wholesale
Costco
Dick’s Sporting Goods
Footlocker
Home Goods
Homesense
IKEA
Kohl’s
Macy’s
Marshall’s
Nordstrom
Nordstrom Rack
Petco
REI (with be closed both Thanksgiving and Black Friday)
Sam’s Club
Staples
Simon Property Group (U.S.’s biggest mall group)
Target
The Container Store
TJ Maxx
Walmart
Check with your favorite retailers before heading out to shop them on Thanksgiving Thursday.
Did someone say free stuff for kids? Between school gear, new clothes and everything else your kiddo needs, you can stand to get some freebies now and then. Luckily, we’ve got the outdoor, indoor, entertainment, educational and dining deals you can score for free this fall. From free books to complimentary museum visits, we can help you shop, learn and have fun without breaking the bank.
Free Museum and Park Visits
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Get outdoors to appreciate the amazing national parks this country has to offer. On five days in 2022, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. And fourth graders get free access to national parks all year round when they sign up with Every Kid Outdoors.
If you're looking to enjoy the indoors, check your favorite local museums for special free admission days. Bank of America cardholders can take advantage of the Museums On Us program, receiving free general admission the first weekend of each month to more than 225 cultural spots across the United States.
Museums 4 All offers free or reduced admission to more than 900 museums throughout the country to people receiving food assistance when they present their EBT cards.
Also, don't miss Smithsonian Magazine's Museum Day each year in September when participating galleries provide a day of free admission.
Style, Stickers, Swag and Other Freebies
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Does your kiddo want to decorate their new school binders and book covers with stickers? Add style to school supplies with these freebies from PETA!
When it comes to shopping for school bargains, parents can score free rewards on gear, electronics and even everyday essentials from Shopkick.
Either the tots are begging for story time or your enthusiastic young reader wants new books. How about finding some for free? Believe it or not, Amazon offers free e-books for kids with a ton of titles to choose from. Also, check out Dolly Parton's Imagination Library for more free children's literature.
Do you know someone who is passionate about LEGOs? If your child is between the ages of 5 and 9, you can sign them up for a free subscription to LEGO Life Magazine, delivered to your home five times a year with free shipping.
And then there's Kohl's Cash. Visit the retailer's website for information on how and when to score $10 off (in Kohl's Cash) for every $50 you spend.
If you keep putting off the dreaded trek to Chuck E. Cheese, the More Cheese Rewards Program might convince you. You get a $10 reward if you visit three times in a 12-month period, your kids will receive birthday rewards and you'll get extra tickets for every friend you refer.
Treat your crew to cinnamony goodness when you sign up for Club Cinnabon®. You'll get a free four-count of Bon Bites just for becoming a member.
You can't always get everything for free. But, in some cases, you can try a service or subscription without paying—for a limited time that is. Where can you find free trials? Highlights' Hidden Pictures Digital Play, Reading Eggs, Mathseeds and ABC Mouse all offer free educational service/activity trials.
Some of your favorite retailers have freebie activities for your kiddo to enjoy. When the summer sun stops shining, your child can enjoy no-cost playtime at IKEA's Småland play area—while you shop, of course.
You can also take advantage of one of Target's many free in-store special events. Check the big red bullseye retailer's website for an updated calendar.
If your kids want to get hands-on, Lowe's Build and Grow events provide little learners with tons of project-focused fun and LEGO offers members-only gifts through their free VIP club! Home Depot also hosts free kids workshops the first Saturday of each month between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Now that school is in full swing, soccer has started and the days are shorter, you could use dinnertime help. And that's exactly what we have for you! Forget about scrambling to get something on the table after a busy day at school and work. These family-friendly eateries have mealtime freebies just for kids.
There are so many great things about school. Kids make friends and learn all kinds of cool stuff, and you get to take care of business without having to worry about if they’re spending too much time online. If there’s one downside, it’s probably homework, and while the verdict is still out on how much good it really does, it’s probably going to make its way home at some point during the year. That’s why it’s important to dedicate somewhere to school and learning at home to help kids stay focused. These inspiring ideas go from grand loft bed-desk combinations to simple, small-space work station inspirations, and we think you’ll find one that’s just right for you.
What started as a creative way to make a work station for kids during the pandemic holds up just as well for after-school work. Simply set them up in their spot of choice and roll their supplies over to them.
If your kid’s room doesn’t seem to have space for a desk, Crate and Kids has a cool solution with their Kids Uptown Loft Bed Desk that can be attached to the interior or exterior rail of their Uptown Loft Bed for a cozy study cove (as can a matching shelf for book overflow). A Kathleen Wills design, this look is clean and contemporary, while wall space can shine with personal touches like artwork, maps, or memo boards to spur on study sessions.
IKEA’s FLISAT collection is designed for kids ages three all the way up to 12, so these pieces are meant to be versatile and customizable. They are also made of pine for a non-toxic study station. The legs on this FLISAT desk adjust to one of three heights to accommodate growing learners, while the top tilts for a fully ergonomic fit. It also conveniently holds a roll of drawing paper for artistic study breaks. If you want to round out the room with storage bins (on wheels!), a sweet book display, or a dollhouse-shaped wall shelf for books and other supplies, explore the entire collection.
Pottery Barn Kids’ Catalina Collection is a best-selling desk for good reason. The Catalina Storage Desk comes with three different hutch options, one of which comes with an outlet for easy charging capabilities. The oversized nob on the larger drawers also makes it easy for little hands to fully own and operate this space.
Have you tried setting up study stations in their rooms, but the homework still ends up at the kitchen counter? Your kids, especially during early schooling, may just work better in a space where you can help them stay on task. So go with it and designate cabinet space for school and craft supplies. This design from Mullet Cabinet makes organization and storage a breeze, all in a separate section of the island so parents can still prep dinner and are present for any questions that might come up. Because it's a shared space, kids can also be responsible for setting up and cleaning up—and won’t waste any time hunting down that calculator.
You can get creative with the spot you dedicate for homework. We love how Design Improvised set up this station by a window (it’s important to take those mental pauses to gaze and regroup). With a portable cart that’s labeled and well-stocked with everything little learners would need, a chalkboard calendar for keeping easy track of assignments, and a desk to call their own, they also have everything they need to get to work.
We love this genius setup from The Vintage Glitter House—a painted pegboard offers a fun pop of color as well as lots of space to hang supplies and decorations. That way, your kiddo's pencils, paper, and craft supplies will all be in one spot.
This book set up from Good + Simple will help encourage reluctant readers and is an awesome addition to any study or work station. With sections for "currently reading" and "to read," it'll keep things organized while getting them excited about their next book.
An extra closet becomes a fun "office" space for the kids over at Look Linger Love. Clear plastic bins keep supplies organized and in view, and any mess is easy to conceal by shutting the door. Tucked in a corner of the playroom, you can take a closer look and tour the rest of the adorable space here.
To help create a clutter-free zone in her daughter's room, the clever mom over at Organized Mom decided to mask the mess. With built-in shelving and a fold-up base, this DIY desk easily folds up when not in use.
This combination of study space and craft area is perfect for group projects. The custom-designed craft/work island by Ellen Grasso & Sons features convenient storage space for each seat; supplies can be neatly stored until needed.
You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who enjoys laundry, but that doesn’t mean your laundry room has to look like a mess. Inspired by a few genius Dollar Tree laundry room hacks, we set out to find the best laundry room storage ideas the world has to offer. So whether your washer and dryer are in a closet, the garage, the basement, or conveniently located near your bedrooms, these clever laundry room decor ideas provide loads of storage solutions, will help you get and stay organized, and may even become your favorite room makeover, ever.
Perhaps one of our favorite design solutions, this DIY platform not only raises the laundry units so you can load them up easier without bending over and straining your back, but two clever built-in drawers provide additional storage space for surplus supplies like dryer sheets, extra rags or even a spot to hide all that found change from your family's pockets. Head over to House of Turquoise for details.
Who says a laundry room needs to be white and boring? Sometimes a laundry room makeover needs just a wow factor like this pattern play. Treat your small space with some designer TLC with bold, graphic wallpaper.
You might have all the laundry room ideas in the world, but if your vision doesn’t fit into your space, you’re going to have to compromise. A good way to maximize space is to go for a stacked washer and dryer combo. That way, you’ll still have room for that gorgeous farmhouse sink and built-in mud bench you’ve been dreaming about.
Just because laundry rooms are often awkward spaces that get overwhelmed by the (much-needed) appliances, doesn't mean you can't maximize the space. These shelves, hung perpendicularly to the machines, provide ample storage and take advantage of what would otherwise be a waste of space.
Adding knobs and hooks with a slim profile provides additional storage without eating into the space and making it feel more cramped. See more of this over at Hutchinson House.
Whether you have a nook or a closet for a laundry room, lose the cheap, contractor-grade doors, and save precious floor space (and hide the units while you're at it) with mounted barn doors that slide open and close with little to no effort. No one will suspect such industrial workhorses are hiding behind such an architecturally interesting design.
Barn door hardware can easily be found online or at Home Depot. To determine if this installation will work for you, make sure there is ample wall space on one or both sides for the doors—so the barn doors can slide fully open—whether you have a set of doors that open in the middle of a single door, like the one pictured above from Geoff Chick.
Pegboards are fantastic organizing solutions for tools and desks, but they also make for great laundry room organization as well, like Sincerely Sara D shows above. You can use a single board or kit-out the entire wall in pegboard, which provides a wall of organizational and storage solutions that can change and grow to meet your needs.
Don't forget to paint the board the same color as your wall—it'll help the board to blend into the space, making it feel more cohesive and intentional.
Once you experience a handy folding station in the laundry room, you'll never want to unload the dryer and carry your laundry somewhere else to fold and sort. If you don't have the space for a stand-alone table, take advantage of the space right above the laundry units by installing your very own DIY table. This version from Vintage Revivals went one step further with its design-driven waterfall edge by attaching a tabletop to the wall; being supported by two legs would work just as well.
Don't have space right above the washer and dryer for a folding station? You can install a table that latches to the wall and folds down when you need it, tucking away neatly when you don't.
That space behind the washer and dryer? It's just begging for a custom-shelf. This beauty provides ample storage for supplies you regularly use, freeing up space in the cabinets above for those items that you only need to access occasionally. And the best part? It only costs $12 to build.
If you measure the space and find that the measurements don't line up with off-the-shelf lumber, just pull the units out a few more inches to save yourself from making custom cuts. The Definery Co. shows you how it's done.
Best Laundry Room Hack: Take Advantage of Ceiling Space
Drying racks typically take up a lot of floor space, but this design takes advantage of that unused space found all over your ceiling. This rack we spotted over at George & Willy can be raised and lowered with a pulley system, keeping that air-dry only laundry up and out of the way. But the best part? Discovering there is an unexpected advantage to drying your clothes at such great heights—heat rises so your clothes will get the additional drying help thanks to the nature of science. How cool is that?
In the scope of doing laundry, not much is more annoying than washing and drying button-downs and blouses just to have them end up in a wrinkled mess. This hanging rod takes advantage of the space between two cabinets and is installed close to the laundry unit, which means that you'll have hangers handy for when those precious shirts come out of the dryer. You may even be able to say goodbye to the dry cleaner, saving you more time and money in the long run. See more over at House Beautiful.
Best Laundry Room Hack: Install Ready-to-Assemble Storage
One of the easiest, smartest, and cheapest solutions for an instantly better-looking, functioning laundry room is an off-the-shelf cabinet procured from your favorite big box stores like IKEA or Home Depot. Simply measure the space and find the unit that fits within it. You can dress it up with moldings and the like to make it appear more built-in but it doesn't need to have those fancy details. Add a shelf above the laundry machines for easy access to laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
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If you are ready to turn over kitchen duty to the next generation, you’ll want to get the kids learning the tricks of the trade from an early age. These play kitchens for kids have all the pots, pans, cooktops and sinks to get the imaginations going. From personalized sets to those that are integrated with your Amazon Alexa, these play kitchens are sure to inspire the kids to whip up a feast!
We are totally enamored by this handcrafted play kitchen with oven, cupboard, cooktop, sink, water tap and drawer. You little one will want to bake a cake in thanks for this gift and you'll love that the dusty green color blends in with your aesthetic. The seller can also customize a kitchen to your specifications and offers other colors like dusty pink and natural wood.
This small, natural wood play kitchen will become a playroom favorite, we know it! Sink, oven and water tap will bring hours of pretend play for your little one.
Talk about getting a bang for your buck! This two-sided play kitchen is full of pretend play opportunities and it can also be integrated with Alexa. Kids can first take a trip to the market where they can shop and purchase a variety of items using the interactive scanner and register. Head right home to the kitchen (on the reverse side of the store) to put away your recent purchases and begin cooking using the RFID stovetop and cutting board! With two-sided 360° play, and realistic kitchen and market sounds, the fun is magical, inspirational and unlike anything seen before.
This kitchen features an upscale design to match today's home décor. With so many accessories and electronic features, multiple children can play together in this play kitchen set. Use the coffee pods to brew up a cup for mom and then pop some popcorn in the microwave. This kitchen comes with tons of accessories so your pretend play is ready to go.
Whether your little one is whipping up an original recipe or taking first place in an imaginary cooking competition, the Essential Play Kitchen is the perfect canvas for imaginative play. A beautifully solid piece to be enjoyed day after day, this little play kitchen is as gorgeous as it is safe—expertly crafted by Amish artisans in the US. Available in white, gray and natural.
Time to cook up a little fun! The KidKraft Uptown White Play Kitchen has a hip, modern look that young chefs are sure to love. With tile-look backsplash and sleek countertops, the design is emulated from trendy real-life kitchens. Every appliance is interactive, including doors that open and close, knobs that turn and click and a working chalkboard on the freezer door. Kids will love taking calls on the cordless play phone that attaches to the side of the refrigerator. Keep all accessories neat and handy with the pegs for hanging utensils and the side towel rack.
If your little one really wants to get down and dirty with their play kitchen, this is the one for you. It's very reasonably priced and sturdy enough to hold up to the elements as a backyard mud kitchen if you prefer. Parents find the assembly to be super quick and kids will love adding the day's menu to the chalkboard.
This cutie pie play kitchen comes with cooktop, oven and warming drawer. It is handmade in whatever color you'd like. Add on the wooden washing machine and get the kids doing their own laundry as well.
From farm to plate, food is celebrated with the KidKraft Garden Gourmet Play Kitchen. Upscale elements, like the marble-esque countertops and wooden butcher-block style island, are showcased in a down-to-earth set-up that's reminiscent of today's farmhouse chic movement. Kids will love working with the "pickable" veggies and herbs and chopping them to add to the most creative meal they can make up. Knobs that really turn and click and an ice maker with pretend ice cubes make the cooking experience more real. A recycling bin helps enforce the importance of helping out the environment.
The IKEA Duktig is a solid choice for a play kitchen as it comes in at only $89. If the style is a little too bare bones for you, head on over to this Etsy listing where you can purchase some cute woodland creatures decals that will totally upgrade your play kitchen. Don't forget some felt French bread and wooden dishes to go along with it.
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There are plant people and then, there’s everyone else. From houseplants to succulents to botanical bling, these gifts for gardeners and plant lovers alike will be sure to make their fellow plant nerds green with envy.
Mini terrariums are old news: micro terrariums are where it's really at. This tiny set comes with real moss, soil, stone, and clay in a glass micro terrarium.
Based on the creations of eighteenth-century British botanical artist Mary Delany, each piece features scientifically accurate recreations of flowers including rhododendrons, water lilies, sunflowers and more. 12 cards and envelopes per set.
If you want to pick out the perfect plant in person, Wild Interiors is your go-to. They are stocked at dozens of stores around the country and offer pet-friendly, low-maintenance and low-sunlight options, among others.
Not only will these look adorbs on your couch or bed, for every purchase made the Green Philosophy Co. they've partnered with Trees for the Future, a nonprofit aimed at ending hunger and poverty by helping farmers across Africa plant trees and regenerate their land. For every product sold, Green Philosophy Co is helping plant trees: so it's an epic win-win for any plant lover.
Every gardener needs a pair of sturdy-but-stylish books for tromping around botanical gardens and muddy garden beds alike. We love these shiny red classics, that stand out in a sea of green.
Give the gift of green this holiday. The self-watering Mason Jar Indoor Herb Garden is not only a great way to bring life into an indoor space, but you can also choose between Organic Geneovese Basil, Organic Cilantro, Non-GMO Common Mint, Organic Greek Oregano, Organic Flat Leaf Parsley and Organic Sage when purchasing.
Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done!
When it comes holiday gifts, IKEA is a one-stop-shop, and really, who doesn’t need that in their life during the holidays? From toys and IKEA furniture to interior design decor, there’s a unique gift idea for everyone in your life. We’ve curated our top picks for Christmas gift ideas, you’ll find treasures for kids, foodies, plant lovers and more. Keep reading to see the list—Santa would approve.
For Kids
JÄTTELIK Soft Dinosaur Toys
Whether your kiddo wants a triceratops, or is more of a brontosaurus kind of kid, this new line of dinosaur toys will be their new old best friend in no time.
A love of food begins at an early age, especially if someone else in the family likes to cook. Get your little one set up with a kitchen space of his very own. This set comes with curtains, so from puppet shows to playing restaurant, the possibilities for pretend play are endless. We also love the chalkboard for writing down the daily specials!
And speaking of pretend play, these perfect little felt cinnamon rolls will hit the spot, especially when served hot out of the SPISIG play kitchen's oven!
Complement his new kitchen with a soft pizza set. Kids can add toppings, toss and "eat" to their heart's desire. It comes with 24 pieces, including sauce, cheese, arugula, pepperoni and more.
Go next-level with that refrigerator art and make it wall-worthy with framed drawing boards. Buy them here, $2.
Paper Roll Holder
For artists of any age, having paper at the ready is a must. We like this paper roll holder for its simple design and that kids as young as three can easily use it.
Refresh that supply of dried-out pens with this set of 24. Buy it here, $3.
Wacky Puzzle
A puzzle is a puzzle, but this one will throw you for a loop. Not only are the details teeny tiny, but the puzzle pieces come in different sizes. How's that for family night? Best for ages six and up, it comes with 23 large, 88 medium and 100 small pieces.
This brightly colored abacus will help your toddler learn her numbers and colors, plus it helps to develop fine motor skills. Recommended for kids ages 3 and up, it's a great looking toy that'll stand the test of time.
Another way to help your kids find their way to dreamland is to set up a soothing night light. This adorable owl light is six inches tall, has an LED light, and can be used as room decor during daylight hours.
Get your kids involved in the clean up early in the game by making it fun. Not only is this storage bin equipped with wheels for easy moving, but its charming style will also feel like a toy in itself.
Do you need a party activity/favor? Are your kids in need of props for the play they're writing? IKEA can help you with that. These paintable masks come in human and dog form are waiting for your kids' creative minds.
IKEA seems to manage to produce some of the snuggliest creatures around—from woodland foxes to petite pigs, and now they've introduced a polar bear into the mix.
Back-to-school desks just got brighter! Illuminate their study space or maybe just use it as a night light; either way, this pencil-like lamp will look sharp.
Finally, it’s okay for your kids to throw stuff at each other. This tag-like game is designed for two players and comes with two velcro vests and felt balls that kids can belt at one another. This could be the solution to all those sibling squabbles, amirite? Recommended for kids ages 6 and up.
For the adult foodie at home, a knife sharpener is key. Although this might seem like a ho-hum gift, real cooks know that a sharp knife is a must. There are three slots for fine, medium or coarse sharpening.
A gift for kids and design-savvy parents alike, this dome-shaped swivel chair gives kids a quiet place to chill and gives parents the gift of kids' furniture that doesn't look like kids' furniture.
Say goodbye to ugly plastic watering cans and say hello to this chic one instead. We love the fact that it's made of galvanized metal to prevent rusting and that you can leave it out after your chores are done!
For more desktop organization, try this bold headset and tablet holder. It easily transports gadgets from one spot in the room to another. Recommended for kids ages 6 years and older.
This slim speaker offers a rich sound without taking up a lot of space. Stream music via WiFi capabilities, and what's even cooler, you can control each speaker individually, so you can stream music in one room while the kids listen to an audiobook in another.
Your smart device command center will be chic when you upgrade to this triple charger station. Designed with cork and white trim, it's a minimalist look that means no more tangled cords. Works with Apple® iPhone 8 and Samsung® Galaxy S6 or newer models.
What’s better than new holiday decorations? Affordable ones of course! IKEA just unveiled it’s 2021 holiday collection and decorations start at just one dollar.
Every item in IKEA’s new Vinterfest collection is designed with families in mind. Each piece is sleek and stylish, yet simple and functional. In other words, you won’t spend the entire month of December asking your kids not to touch anything. That classic Scandinavian style that’s basic yet bold embodies this whimsical collection. Here are a few of our favorites.
Artificial Tree
This six foot tree couldn't be easier to put up year after year. Needle-free and easy to store, this popular IKEA item is truly the gift that keeps on giving.
We all love a day with IKEA news and this news is extra adorable! The beloved Swedish retailer has dropped this year’s SAGOSKATT collection, limited-edition soft toys that have been designed by kids for kids. Even better, they bring kids’ imaginative drawings to life.
Each year IKEA holds an annual soft toy drawing competition and this year, more than 66,000 drawings worldwide were entered for consideration. Judges selected the five most original creations to be turned into real toys. This year’s winners are “Sandwich friends,” “Cat,” “Fried egg,” “Mermaid dog” and “Bird.”
The U.S. winner, 10-year-old Nick, shared a little insight into his silly stuffed bird. “I drew a prehistoric dodo bird that looks goofy with his tongue sticking out. If we were to do math together, he’d say in his dorky voice: I can’t count.”
The soft toys are available to buy now online and in stores for $4.99 each. From October 1, 2021 through February 1, 2022, IKEA will donate 100% of the retail price from the purchase of each SAGOSKATT soft toy to Save the Children’s relief and recovery efforts in the United State
Trick-or-Treating isn’t just for Halloween night! The month of October is full of opportunities to score some candy outside your neighborhood. Try on those costumes and fill your candy buckets while exploring a historic mansion, walking the grounds of George Washington’s home or driving through Sesame Street. You just never know what treats are in store for you in the DC area!
Halloween in Downtown Frederick, MD Treats, an outdoor movie and VW Beetles dressed up for Halloween will fill your Sat.! Stroll the historic streets of Frederick, MD with your costumed little ones and collect treats from local businesses from 10 a.m.-noon. Don’t miss the Vintage Volkswagen Car Show in Everedy Square & Shab Row from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. where you can see cars in costumes and grab some more treats from their trunks. Return in the evening for a showing of Hocus Pocus! at the outdoor Amphitheater from around 6 p.m.-9 p.m. (exact start time will depend on sunset).
HersheyPark in The Dark Pack up the family and leave the tricks behind with a treat filled trip to the “sweetest place on earth” this month! Head north to HersheyPark that opens three weekends in Oct. for a delicious and fun Halloween celebration. Kids 12 & under can visit the Hershey Trick or Treat Trail with 13 sweet stops throughout the park and select rides go lights-out. If you tire of chocolate, pumpkin donuts, pumpkin shakes and pumpkin pie funnel cake sundaes can be purchased throughout the park. You’re likely to spot some Hershey favorites in costume, so don’t forget yours!
Trick-or-Treating at Historic Mount Vernon Step back in time and celebrate Halloween 18th Century style at George Washington’s home, Mount Vernon. Get out the vintage costumes and let the kids collect candy around the estate in provided treat bags. The whole family can enjoy period inspired entertainment and activities. Plan to visit candy making demonstrations and tastings, Punch and Judy Halloween-themed shows and the Blacksmith shop. Be prepared for all the photo ops as history meets Halloween!
Editor's Note: This event has now sold out.
Where:3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Mt Vernon, VA Cost: $9-$25/person Open: Oct. 30 Onlinetinybeans.go-vip.net
Air & Scare If you prefer to feed your brain instead of your sweet tooth this Halloween grab your free tickets to the Air & Scare. The event will be held outdoors this year (rain or shine) and feature Discovery Stations with a Halloween twist, Drone Racing, Paper Airplane Activities, Origami making and more. Don’t miss the “Truth or Trick” Stations or some sun spotting with an Astronomy volunteer. Note there is no food or drink for sale.
Where:14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy, Chantilly, VA Cost: Free, but timed tickets required for entry + $15/vehicle for parking Open: Oct. 30 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Halloween Night Hunt & Sweets The O Street Mansion has dressed up for Halloween and is the perfect destination for your treasure hunter to trick-or-treat! Search through 100 rooms (you are guaranteed to see at least 60 of them) for Halloween and Autumn themed items unique to the mansion. There are 70 secret doors hidden throughout the rooms for the most observant and patient searches to discover. Ticket proceeds support the artist-in-residence and other programs at the Mansion.
Where: 2020 O St. NW, Washington DC Cost: $50/person Open: Oct. 29-31 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
Not-Too-Spooky-Halloween Drive-Thru Can you tell me how to get to a safe theme park experience this fall? If a crowded park isn’t in your comfort zone yet, check out this creative way to enjoy the experience from your car. Tune your car radio to their Halloween themed station and wind your way through Sesame Place enjoying dazzling lights, 10 not-too-spooky zones and even see Elmo and furry friends dressed in their costumes. You can trick-or-treat along the way, purchase yummy treats and glow products and take advantage of special photo opportunities all from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle.
Monster Mash Where else can you see live pumpkin carvers other than at the Village of Leesburg’s annual Monster Mash? Test run your costume while trick-or-treating around the Village and check out the pumpkin and cookie decorating. Join in the parade and participate in the costume contest for both people and their 4-legged friends. Local restaurant, Rogi, located inside the Chefscape Food Hall, is preparing Harry Potter themed treats for purchase during the event.
Where: 1602 Village Market Blvd, Leesburg, VA Cost: Free Open: Oct. 23 Online: tinybeans.go-vip.net
