Ages 0 to 10, always
Everything we list is for kids ages 0 to 10.
Little adventures.
Close to home.
Find somewhere the kids can play this weekend.
Free or low cost
We highlight free and budget friendly picks.
Curated by real NoVA parents
Local notes on drive time, bathrooms, parking, and age fit.
Rainy day ready
Find indoor fun when the weather does not cooperate.
Save good ideas
Keep favorite places and events ready for later.
Fairfax fall festivals and seasonal events with kids
Fairfax has several large annual events, but they are not all the same kind of family day. The Fairfax Fall Festival fills downtown streets, Vienna closes Maple Avenue for its Halloween parade, and some annual dates are still waiting for their next update.
Quick answer
The next confirmed large Fairfax family events are the Fairfax Fall Festival on October 10, 2026, and the Vienna Halloween Parade on October 28, 2026. The fall festival runs from 10 AM to 5 PM, while the free parade runs from 7 to 9 PM. Check parking, extra costs, road closures, crowd size, and the official event page before promising the outing.
- Virginia Butterflies Scavenger Hunt, Reston, VA. Native butterflies are floating around Reston Regional Library! Spot 10 lepidopterans in the Children's Section during the month of September for a... Free Official source
- Outside Family Storytime, Alexandria, VA. Join us outside the library for stories and fun. Bring a blanket, chair or yoga mat to sit on. We will meet on the south side of the library. Come... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, McLean, VA. Welcome to Storytime! 18 months to 36 months. Build an early literacy foundation with rhymes, songs and stories for your toddler! Toddler Storytime... Free Official source
- Early Bird Baby Lapsit Storytime, Great Falls, VA. 10:15 - 10:45 am Early Bird Storytime 10:45 - 11:15 am Play Time (for both groups) 11:15 - 11:45 am Late Worm Storytime Bond with your baby through... Free Official source
- Family Yoga, Reston, VA. Come and enjoy yoga at Reston Regional Library! Learn about yoga poses and breathing techniques all while listening to stories and songs and playin... Free Official source
- Finger Painting and Drawing a Story, Chantilly, VA. Finger Painting and Drawing a Story is an engaging, creative storytime for four and five-year-olds. We will read a beautifully illustrated book and... Free Official source
- It's Toddler Time!, Alexandria, VA. Start your day with stories, music, and movement designed for toddlers. For ages 18-35 months with parent. Registration is required due to limit... Free Official source
- Pop-Up Toddler Storytime, Burke, VA. Discover Pop-Up Storytime at the Library! When the weather is nice, we’ll head outside for a storytime filled with stories, songs, and fun in... Free Official source
- Preschool Storytime, Oakton, VA. Interactive stories, songs, and action rhymes. For ages 3-5 with a parent. No registration or tickets required. Doors close when room capacity i... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, Centreville, VA. Enjoy stories, songs, and fingerplays perfect for children ages 2 to 3 years old with adult. No registration. Space is limited. Please arrive early... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, Lorton, VA. Storytime for Ages 18-36 months Interactive Storytime with books, songs and movement for toddlers. Registration Registration required for all Toddl... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, Annandale, VA. Watch your little one grow from baby to big kid in our early literacy-enhanced storytime with stories, songs and more. Ages 18 months - 3 years wit... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, Falls Church, VA. Thomas Jefferson Library's ultra-fun storytime for toddlers! Each storytime will feature singing, dancing, rhyming, and storytelling fun. This even... Free Official source
- Toddler Storytime, McLean, VA. Welcome to Storytime! 18 months to 36 months. Build an early literacy foundation with rhymes, songs and stories for your toddler! Toddler Storytime... Free Official source
- Tots and Twos!, Burke, VA. Enjoy an early literacy Storytime geared towards toddlers, with stories, songs and fingerplays. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying t... Free Official source
- Wonderful Ones Storytime, Burke, VA. Enjoy stories, songs and rhymes with an early literacy foundation geared towards ages 12-23 months. Participation is limited to 15 one-year olds wi... Free Official source
- Late Worm Baby Lapsit Storytime, Great Falls, VA. 10:15 - 10:45 am Early Bird Storytime 10:45 - 11:15 am Play Time (for both groups) 11:15 - 11:45 am Late Worm Storytime Bond with your baby through... Free Official source
- Read to Jackson, Great Falls, VA. Read to Jackson the therapy dog! Bring your own book or choose one from the library. Ages 4-12. Free Official source
- Kids Crafternoon, Centreville, VA. Get creative and craft whatever your imagination inspires using our craft supplies. For ages 3-12. Free Official source
- Children's Display Case, Burke, VA. Display your favorite collection in one of our children's display cases! Whether its something you've collected--rocks, trading cards, figurines, r... Free Official source
- Baby Lap-Sit Storytime, Chantilly, VA. Join Ms. Sailaja for a fun early literacy Baby Lap-Sit Storytime. We will share books, songs and body movement that encourages interaction between... Free Official source
- Baby Lapsit Storytime, Burke, VA. Connect with your baby through songs, lapsit bounces, and stories. Build an early literacy foundation while enjoying time together in your lap, fol... Free Official source
- Baby Storytime, Centreville, VA. Join us for Baby Storytime! We will share songs, rhymes, giggles and favorite books while building an early literacy foundation. Diverse representa... Free Official source
- Family Storytime, Fairfax, VA. Storytime for all ages! Read, sing, learn and have fun at the library. Registration No registration required. Space limited to 25 children with up... Free Official source
Quick seasonal planner
| Event | Next confirmed date | Parent cost note |
|---|---|---|
| Fairfax Fall Festival | October 10, 2026, 10 AM to 5 PM | Admission is free. Some children's rides and activities cost extra. |
| Vienna Halloween Parade | October 28, 2026, 7 to 9 PM | The parade and costumed children's group are free. Plan for road closures and crowds. |
| Asian Festival on Main | May 16, 2027, 11 AM to 6 PM | Admission is free. Food and purchases cost extra. |
| Chocolate Lovers Festival | 2027 details are not posted yet | Wait for the official schedule before planning. |
| Independence Day Celebration | 2027 details are not posted yet | Wait for the official parade and evening show update. |
The Fairfax Fall Festival fills downtown
The official Fairfax Fall Festival page lists Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM in downtown Fairfax. Admission is free, but some children's rides and activities cost extra. The event is rain or shine and has more than 400 vendors, children's activities, and multiple stages. The city lists free parking and a free bike, scooter, and stroller valet.
The Vienna Halloween Parade closes Maple Avenue
The Vienna Halloween Parade family guide covers the Wednesday, October 28, 2026 parade from 7 to 9 PM. The route follows Maple Avenue from Branch Road to Center Street. Watching is free, costumed children may march without advance registration, and the full Maple Avenue closure begins at 6:30 PM. Confirm any last minute change on the official Town of Vienna page.
Asian Festival on Main already has a 2027 date
The official Asian Festival on Main site lists Sunday, May 16, 2027, from 11 AM to 6 PM in Old Town Fairfax. Admission is free. The festival includes food, cultural performances, hands on activities, games, and a mini horse petting zoo. This is a street festival, so use the official parking page and bring a simple exit plan for children who tire in crowds.
Two annual dates are still pending
The Chocolate Lovers Festival site says the 2026 event has passed and asks families to wait for 2027 updates. The City of Fairfax Independence Day page also says to stay tuned for 2027 details. We will add those dates after the organizers publish them instead of copying last year's schedule.
Choose by cost and crowd tolerance
The fall festival works for families comfortable walking busy downtown streets with vendors and children's activities. The Vienna parade is a shorter evening plan, but Maple Avenue closes and the route can feel crowded. Free admission does not mean a free day, so set a food and activity budget before leaving. Keep the indoor activity guide ready if weather or crowds make the original plan stop working.
Parent questions
When is the Fairfax Fall Festival in 2026?
The Fairfax Fall Festival is Saturday, October 10, 2026, from 10 AM to 5 PM in downtown Fairfax.
Is the Fairfax Fall Festival free?
Admission is free, but some children's rides and activities cost extra.
When is the Vienna Halloween Parade in 2026?
The Vienna Halloween Parade is Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 7 to 9 PM on Maple Avenue.
Can children join the Vienna Halloween Parade?
Yes. Costumed children may join without advance registration and should meet at 6 PM at United Bank, 374 Maple Avenue East.
Are the 2027 Chocolate Lovers and Independence Day dates available?
No. Both official pages say to wait for 2027 updates, so Playdate NoVA will not post a date until the organizers confirm it.