Clarendon Moms Guide to Celebrating Halloween 2012 With Your Family

Halloween is slowly becoming one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy walking thru my neighborhood and looking at the spooky and fun Halloween decorations with my kids. I get excited thinking playing dress up and make believe with my kids by helping them create the characters and creatures they love.  This holiday makes me feel connected to my childhood again and again. I especially enjoy attending all the fun festivals that are organized in and around our neighborhood. Here are a few of the best ways to spend your Halloween weekend with the kids:

Falloween at Market Common Clarendon, is right in the heart of Clarendon. Falloween features trick or treating, a costume parade (for people and pets), a Rocknoceros performance, a petting zoo, face painting, a kids circus, strolling entertainment, balloon creations .  This Halloween event runs from 10 AM -2 PM on October 27 2012. Free admission and Open to the Public.

Potomac Overlook Halloween Party: Visit the Park from 6:30 PM to 9 PM for a ton of spooky family fun including live music, food, games, arts and crafts, storytelling, and guided hikes through the woods. People of all ages are welcome! Tickets ($10 per person) and sell out fast!

Trick or Treat with Shirlie: this organized trick or treat event is in the Shirlington neighborhood.  Dress in your favorite Halloween costume and wander throughout the Village and pick up treats at your favorite restaurants and shops. Enjoy special activities and promotions from CakeLove, Le Village Marche, Café Pizzaiolo and more! Pumpkin carving contest and a chance to win $100 Gift Card to One, Two Kangaroo.

Halloween Party at Walter Reed Community Center : located at 2909 16th Street S. This event is perfect for the entire family, events include face painting, costume parade, moon bouncing, carnival games, prizes and much more.  October 27th from 1-4pm.

Boo at the Zoo: Princesses, mythical creatures, kid-wizards, and other costumed guests are invited to join us at our annual Halloween event, Boo at the Zoo. There’s no safer or more exciting way for families with children ages 2 to 12 to trick or treat. Enjoy animal encounters and festive decorations along with your tasty candy and delicious snack foods from more than 30 treat stations throughout the Zoo. Take a ride around Great Cats Circle on our train the Boo Express!  Tickets are $30 per child and sell out almost as fast as a Lady Gaga concert. This is a Halloween party that most parents living in and around the DC area have to take their kids to at least once.

YMCA Arlington Haunted House:  this great family friendly event is organized by the YMCA and is held at 3829 N. Stafford St on October 28th 2012 at 6pm.