Each week, there are hundreds of free or low-cost events for families and kids in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. We've done the hard work for you, sifting through our extensive kids' event calendar to let you know which events are sure to please. Have fun, make memories and go on an adventure with your family!

Oct. 24. Spooky Tots. 10 a.m. See a live, interactive science show by Eric Energy, plus face painting, music and more! Ages 2 to 5. FREE. Ellsworth Plaza, Silver Spring, MD. downtownsilverspring.com

Oct. 25. Family Scarecrow Construction. 5:30 p.m. Bring old clothes, and they'll supply everything else you need to make a scarecrow. Apple cider and seasonal music round out the event. Preregister. $$ Loudoun Valley Community Center, Purcellville, VA. loudoun.gov/webtrac

Oct. 25. The Almost Famous Cricket. 6:30 p.m. This program is a musical performance inspired by the fables of French writer Jean de la Fontaine. Cricket, the main character, learns that friendship and kindness always overcome arrogance and anger. Part of the Kids Euro Festival. FREE. Artisphere, Arlington, VA. artisphere.com

Oct. 25-31. "Eye Spy" Halloween Train. 3 to 8 p.m. weeknights, 1 to 8 p.m. weekends. Take a train ride through the woods to see what you can check off your "Eye Spy" bingo card. Then, enjoy Halloween movies and activities. Kids ages 8 and younger. Have an older child? There's a Haunted Train & Creepy Carousel at Wheaton Regional Park. $$ Cabin John Regional Park, Rockville, MD. cabinjohntrain.com

Oct. 26-28. Boo at the Zoo. 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Selling out fast! This uber popular annual event returns to the zoo! Kids can stop by more than 40 treat stations, interact with animals, make festive decorations and more. Come in costume. Kids ages 2 to 12. $$ National Zoo, Washington, DC. nationalzoo.si.edu

Oct. 26. Halloween Extravaganza. 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Put on your Halloween costume and learn about "things that go bump in the night." This program includes live animals and crafts. Kids ages 3+. Preregister. $$ Meadowside Nature Center, Rockville, MD. parkpass.org

Oct. 27. Neighbors to the President Fall Family Day. Enjoy free games, tours, demonstrations, scavenger hunts and more at nearby museums. Participating museums include the Art Museum of the Americas, Corcoran Gallery of Art, DAR Museum, The Octagon House, White House Visitors Center, etc. FREE. White House Neighborhood, Washington, DC. ntpc-dc.org

Oct. 27. Kids' Day at the International Horse Show. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Go on free pony rides, paint a horse shoe, get your face painted and participate in educational activities. FREE. Outside Verizon Center, Washington, DC. wihs.org/pony-pavilion/

UPDATE: CANCELED DUE TO THE STORM. Oct. 28. 16th Annual Del Ray Halloween Parade. 2 to 3:30 p.m. The Del Ray and Alexandria communities will get together to parade the avenue. Kids, adults, pets and strollers should come dressed up and decorated! FREE. Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. alexandriava.gov/calendar

Oct. 30-31. The Great Zucchini's Halloween Party. 10:15 and 11:30 a.m. Get ready to giggle! This entertaining kids' magician will perform amazing and hilarious tricks. Come in costume! $$ S. Dillon Ripley Center, Washington, DC. discoverytheater.org

Looking for something that's not listed here? Visit our kids' event calendar for lots more ideas for fun family activities in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia.