Montgomery Parks, part of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, offers a variety of activities for families to celebrate Halloween. Favorites include the spooky and not-so-spooky events to appeal to all ages. Here’s the schedule for 2014.  Note, all outdoor events are held weather permitting.

Halloween Trains

The “Eye Spy” Halloween Train  - Cabin John Regional Park  - 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD.

October 11- 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 and October 29 – November 1, 2014. Weekday hours are 3 – 8 p.m. and weekends 1 – 8 p.m. Geared to kids ages 8 and under. Passengers will spy items in the woods as they ride through the park. Family Halloween movies are shown every evening. 

The Haunted Train and Creepy Carousel - Wheaton Regional Park  - 2002 Shorefield Rd Wheaton, MD. October 11 – 12, 17 – 19, 24 – 26 and October 20 – November 1. Hours are 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Suitable for riders ages 8 and older, featuring very scary sights, sounds and creatures. Scary movies are shown every night and snacks will be available for purchase.

Both trains run on the half-hour, and tickets are available for specific departure times each day at www.ParkPass.org (click on “Special Events” in the left-hand menu). Admission is $5 per person; children under age two ride free with a paying adult. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes before their departure time, and to bring non-perishable canned food items to either train for their annual food drives.

 

Halloween Ice Skating

“Spooky” skating sessions at both rinks feature Halloween tunes and a darkened rink lit by a magical mystical ball. The “Not-So-Spooky” skating sessions take place on a fully lit rink, and feature a costume contest with prizes. Both sessions include treats for all. Cost: $6.50 per person includes admission and skate rental.

Cabin John Ice Rink
10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD
Not-So-Spooky Skate: Thursday, October 30, 2014, 4:30–6:15pm  
Spooky Skate:  Friday, October 31, 2014, 8–10pm  

Wheaton Ice Arena
11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton, MD
Not-So-Spooky Skate: Thursday, October 30, 2014, 4:45– 6:15pm  
Spooky Skate:  Friday, October 31, 2014, 8:15–10:15pm

Halloween at the Nature Centers

Advanced registration is suggested. Visit www.ParkPASS.org

Halloween Geocache Hunt
Friday, October 17, 2014, 1 – 3 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD
Ages 8 and up, $15

In Search of the Great Pumpkin Discovery Hike
Thursday, October 23, 2014, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Brookside Nature Center
1400 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, MD
Ages 3 – 6, $6

Owl-O-Ween Campfire
Friday, October 24, 2014, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD
Ages 3 and up, $7

Great Pumpkin Treasure Hunt
Saturday, October 25, 2014, 3 – 3:45 p.m.
Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane, Rockville, MD
Ages 3 – 8, $5
Green Halloween Costume Party
Friday, October 31, 2014, 1 – 3 p.m.
Black Hill Nature Programs at Black Hill Regional Park
20926 Lake Ridge Drive, Boyds, MD
Ages 1 month & up, $2

See More Halloween Events in the Washington DC Area