(3-Adult) Enjoy activities including guided star gazing, looking through the telescope, and listening to ancient stories about the constellations around the campfire. Participate in other activities and games throughout the evening. Hot chocolate included with price of registration. Canceled if raining or snowing.

(4-Adult) Celebrate the amazing world of insects with the whole family at our creepy-crawly adventure. Learn all about these fascinating little critters and why they are so important to maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Activities include insect safari hikes, live insect meet and greets, crafts, games, bug-themed storybook reading, a buggy maze and spiderweb slackline course. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Come out to Chessie's Big Backyard at Franconia Rec Center for an unforgettable event filled with activities, adventure and enchanted fun. There’s something for every age, from sweet treats to outdoor exploration including classic carousel magic! Please come in family friendly costumes for our costume parade and monster mash dance party at the amphitheater. Purchase this event package online or day of for $15/per person. Package includes a seasonal drink, s’mores kit, popcorn, carousel ride and scavenger hunt. A la carte pricing will be available on the day of the event. In case of inclement weather, the rain date will be Sunday, October 18.

(12-Adult) As we celebrate America's 250 anniversary and the legacy of freedom it represents, join us to explore the history of the free and enslaved African American members of the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House. Learn the ways in which black congregants fought for greater freedoms within the church and how they formed their own community after emancipation. Ongoing tours will take you through the church, the surrounding grounds and will talk about the former location of the Lee house, home of an African American family who lived on the property and worshipped at the church after the Civil War.

(All Ages) At this Family-friendly Halloween event, Family members can come in their best costumes to celebrate the holiday with an afternoon packed with fun but not-spooky activities. The Ghost Town includes themed activity areas, train ride, carousel ride, crafts and mini golf. Online tickets are $20 and available online up until two days before the event. Tickets the day of the event are $25. The price of admission covers all Ghost Town activities and services for one person. Pick up passes at the ice cream parlor on the day of the event. Children under age two ride free but must be accompanied by a paying adult. No refunds once the event has started. Contact the site directly with any questions.

(5-Adult) Sport your best Halloween outfit in this spooky informal one-mile fun run in our beautiful, trailed parkland. No frills, just chills!

(2-Adult) Come trick or treat on the farm! Visit with farm animals, create crafts, play games, tour the decorated farmhouse and enjoy the fall on the farm. The program runs in one hour time slots. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.   

(8-Adult) Sport your best Halloween outfit in this spooky informal 5K event in our beautiful, trailed parkland. No frills, just chills!

(5 yrs. 6 mos.-12 yrs.) Looking for an entertaining night for your child? While parents enjoy a night out, kids will have a blast with themed crafts, supervised pool time and pizza for a snack! Please bring a change of clothes for pool time.

(2-4 yrs.) Tiny Tots can off their energy on our mighty mash obstacle course filled with Halloween flair.

(All Ages) The Native American Festival brings together tribal members from all across Virginia. Discover history and long-standing traditions with native dancing, drumming, food and culture at Riverbend Park. Visit Virginia tribal vendors, shop for traditional crafts and learn about present events. Hands-on demonstrations including bow and arrow use, dug-out canoe, ethnobotany walk and crafts. Online presale for the event ends at 10 p.m. the night before. Day of entry fee is $15 per person.