It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting Netherlands Carillon gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Arlington, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust,”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott”
“If you're looking for care for a loved one and don't know who to trust, look no further. Rashid and his team of caregivers at Always Best Care Senior Services provided top-notch care for my 88-year-old mother over the course of several weeks. I was impressed by Rashid's professionalism, responsiveness, and dependability. When I first contacted him, he took the time to meet with me and my mother at her residence to better understand our needs. He always managed to line up high-quality caregivers, often on short notice. My mother was not in a good place mentally and resisted receiving care from strangers, yet she told me she was pleased with each of the caregivers that Rashid sent her way. My thanks to Ms. Martine, Ms. Barbara, Ms. Gidy, and Ms. Anna. They drove my mother to various appointments, helped her communicate with her healthcare providers, and supported her emotionally. I should also mention that the billing process was straightforward and transparent, with no surprises. Finding care for a loved one can be daunting and scary. You won't be disappointed if you turn to Rashid and his team.”
“I would highly recommend Always Best Care. From our initial consultation through ongoing care, they demonstrated true professionalism at every step. Rashid, in particular, provided a comprehensive view of the professional care and service, while always treating our family with genuine dignity and respect. The company also actively helped connect us with other vendors and resources we needed, making the whole experience seamless and a little less overwhelming. The care professionals they provided were top-notch - reliable, skilled, and compassionate, with many of them having years of professional and nursing care. Their team clearly understands that quality care extends beyond just the basics - it's about creating a comprehensive support network. If you're looking for a care provider that truly partners with you and delivers excellence, Always Best Care is the right choice.”
“We have been using Always Best Home Care Services for the last week as my mother transitioned from one memory care to another. She needed a little extra support during this big change and we were referred to Always Best. The owner Rashid, is one of the most professional, kind, knowledgable and detail oriented people I have ever worked with. We have used 2 other home care companies in the past, and the customer service Rashid provided was absolutely above and beyond. He was very communicative and updated me every step of the way to ensure a seamless transition for my mom. He made sure we had the appropriate care professionals who could fit our specific needs as well. His care team was top notch and we were thrilled with the care my mom received during this time. Ms. Monse, Ms. Judy, Ms. Aisha, Ms. Ling and Ms. Esther were all wonderful and made a valiant effort to keep my mom on her routine throughout the day while also keeping her stimulated. We are so thankful we found Always Best Home care services and would 100% wholeheartedly recommend Rashid and his team.”
“I wanted to express my deep gratitude for the kindness, support and overall professionalism of Always Best Care Senior Services. For those individuals facing the challenge of taking care of an elder relative, Always Best Care is more than just a nursing / care service - they are a support network. I wanted to make a special call out to Ron, Shanti, and Mary for their hard work and dedicated care for my mother. I truly appreciate all your help during these challenging and stressful times. Sincerely, Todd”
“Absolute game changer. Super helpful to my mother, father, and made the rest of the family feel safe and secure. Dr. T Talbert”
“Rashid Farrell, the Owner, is very attentive, helpful and sincere. He follows up with clients and truly does all he can to make them and their loved ones happy. I highly recommend using Always Best Care to care for anyone in need of care.”
“Rashid was great from day 1. Highly recommend always best services.”
“Had a great experience with Always Best Care! We had an urgent need for in-home care for my father following a recent surgery. Rashid and his team were responsive, caring, extremely communicative, and super flexible with our evolving needs and schedule changes, helping us navigate a challenging time with grace and support. We are really grateful and would highly recommend them to others in the area.”
“We started with Always Best Care mid July 2021. They worked with us and her insurance to provide me time to do things I needed to do. We have had the same caregivers for the past 3 years and we love them!! Brenda C. is absolutely terrific!! Jeanine is fabulous!! From the start, they have worked with and around our schedules, especially when we have had changes. Working with Scott M. the original manager/owner, and now with Rashid F., the new manager/owner has been really easy and enjoyable. Everyone as been easy-going and helpful.”
“I have been with Always Best Care for over a year. I have a neurological condition that affects my movement and balance. My caregiver has helped me make doctor appointments and attend weekly yoga. My caregiver is always punctual. I highly recommend the company.”
“Always Best Care truly took the stress out of my grandfather’s post-surgery recovery. I was so worried about how he would manage, especially since I couldn’t always be there due to work, but he was in amazing hands. The caregivers were compassionate, attentive, and made his recovery process so much easier. Knowing he was well cared for gave me peace of mind. I highly recommend their services!”
“Pleasant experience with the care professionals who provided support and care. Lankgo was very helpful with taking me to doctor's appointments, to the pharmacy, and entertaining my free time by playing cards. Rashid, the owner, has been so helpful, so understanding, and so kind and has helped me tremendously in my caring. I would recommend Always Best Care of Fairfax!”
“We did not end up getting care from Always Best Care since our father uses Medicaid, but they were very kind and helpful in connecting us with another agency who accepts Medicaid, and followed up with us to make sure we had reached the other agency.”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out to Always Best Care S.S. (Fairfax County VA) & received the best customer service from Rashid after 11 exhausting calls. What I actually needed at that time they did not offer, but Rashid still proceeded to assist me. Rashid showed caring concerns and patience. Rashid even reached out on my behalf to others in his field of work as well provided me with further resources outside of his own practice! Not only did Rashid provide other resources, Rashid followed up with me the next day!! Mind you I missed the call/phone tag & Rashid still returned my call until we connected! That’s above beyond…. I was relieved of a lot of burden & false hope. The resources ended up being a huge success. So I want to highly recommend Contacting Always Best Care S.S. And have the pleasure I experienced with Rashid an awesome person, very professional top notch customer service for your needs. Rashid Farrell thank you for being you???? Octavia”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful for the help and advice we have received. The home health aide sent to us has been outstanding and Scott Maguire has always been available for advice. We recommend ABC to anyone who needs its services.”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night companions at the hospital and home for more than two months. Scott responded to our needs and provided some wonderful people. Highly recommend.”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure. Scott was very helpful in arranging a dependable and compassionate caregiver for the time which we needed the assistance. I could confidently attend to my work schedule knowing that my mother was receiving the help she needed for medication reminders, meal preparation, exercise prompts and having a supportive ear during the convalescence from Sue. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services very highly.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that works best for your situation. My mom loves here caregiver and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for peace of mind,”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three years, and I would unreservedly do so again. It took a little bit to find providers who were right for my mother’s particular needs (besides becoming increasingly frail, she had severe anxiety), and for my schedule (my mother was living with me), but owner Scott Maguire was extremely accessible and responsive, and ultimately we established an arrangement that worked well. The caregivers were honest, reliable, caring, and responsive to my feedback, and communication via daily logs and in-person reporting ensured I was aware of anything I needed to know. I found the advantage of working with a small company whose owner I never had trouble reaching or getting to understand my needs a huge factor in what made this agency work for me.”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying several other companies). Scott was professional and responsive. He found the perfect companion for my mom (Kendall). She was reliable, flexible, thoughtful, kind and an excellent communicator. Within a short time, my mom began asking when that "nice Kendall" was coming again. I cannot recommend ABC Senior Services highly enough. I will always be grateful for their services.”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended by another senior care agency. They quickly responded with excellent experienced care givers who were terrific in caring for my father, giving him the attention he needed. The personal attention given by the owner was terrific. The nursing consultation was also appreciated. I highly recommend this agency.”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott and Always Best Care came to my rescue by providing me with the help I needed to get through this ordeal. The young lady that came 7 hours a day was a Godsend to me. She was attentive and caring and made my wife's life so much better, no to mention my own. I would not have made it through without her. Scott dealt directly with the insurance people saving me from having to manage any record keeping and payment issues. That also relieves a lot of stress. I would strongly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of such services.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Long Bridge Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Green Pig Bistro or visit Arlington House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Arlington, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Arlington, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Arlington, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Spooky season has arrived! But there’s plenty of fun around town for the tiniest youngsters who like things just a little less…spooky. Here’s our annual roundup of family-friendly Halloween outings around Arlington. These shorter, closer-to-home activities are sure to get the wiggles out—and still get you back home for nap time. For even more fall fun, check out our roundup of pumpkin patches and corn mazes.Rosslyn Fall FestKick off the season Oct. 4 from 1-6 p.m., at this free-to-att...
Spooky season has arrived! But there’s plenty of fun around town for the tiniest youngsters who like things just a little less…spooky. Here’s our annual roundup of family-friendly Halloween outings around Arlington. These shorter, closer-to-home activities are sure to get the wiggles out—and still get you back home for nap time. For even more fall fun, check out our roundup of pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Kick off the season Oct. 4 from 1-6 p.m., at this free-to-attend festival with fun for both parents and kids. Sip local brews, enter a pie eating contest, watch a pumpkin carving demo and decorate pumpkins. Littles can also bounce in inflatables and try their hand at lawn games. Enjoy live music, including Blair’s West from 3:30-6 p.m. and nosh on comfort eats and seasonal sweets from food trucks. This event takes place at Rosslyn’s new pop-up park, NOW, which is an acronym for its cross streets: Nash Street, Oak Street and Wilson Boulevard. 1401 Wilson Blvd., Arlington (Rosslyn)
Show off your costumes and take part in a self-guided Halloween scavenger hunt throughout the month of October at this 95-acre botanical garden in Vienna. Kids can search for ghosts and goblins around the log cabin, children’s veggie garden and pavilion. Snap photos and complete the scavenger hunt sheet to receive a prize. (On your way to the Children’s Garden, check out the seasonal Book Walk featuring The Spider, by Elise Gravel, a playful read about creepy crawlies.) Tickets are $8 per hunter. Accompanying adults must pay regular admission prices. 9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna
Don your costume and head to Lubber Run Community Center where you can trick or treat from car to car. Each trunk will be festively decorated at this walk-through event. Youth trick or treaters must register for a 30-minute timeslot and be accompanied by an adult. The event runs from 2-5 p.m. on Oct. 18. Note that the first half hour is sensory friendly, for new trick or treaters or those who welcome a calmer environment. 300 N. Park Drive, Arlington (Buckingham)
Don’t feel like braving the crowds? Stop by this family-owned and -operated produce and garden center to occupy the kids for about an hour. Little visitors can climb, dig in straw and scamper through tunnels on Pumpkin Hill. Pick out a pumpkin, sip fresh apple cider and enjoy seasonal snacks. Be sure to say hello to the chickens and pose for photos in front of the Pumpkin Wall. 7310 Beulah St., Alexandria
Kids can build their own Halloween fun at this attraction inside Springfield Town Center. Come wearing your costume through Oct. 31 to get a special treat. Team up with a master model builder for a special Halloween Build, take on the Monster Rocker scavenger hunt and mix magical ingredients in the Potion Kitchen. You can also catch the exclusive 4D LEGO Movie, The Great Monster Chase. Tickets start at $24.99 per person. 6563 Springfield Town Center, Springfield
Gather your favorite blankets and little ghouls and goblins for a bewitching evening under the stars. Metropolitan Park hosts a special Halloween-themed Met Park Movie Night Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. featuring the cult classic Hocus Pocus. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome. Lawn chairs may be used on the surrounding sidewalk, but not the grass. Bring a picnic or buy something to snack on from one of the on-site vendors. 1330 S. Fair St., Arlington (National Landing)
Feeling nostalgic about the Saturday mornings of yore? Indulge that craving for sugary breakfast cereal while watching Halloween cartoons on the big screen at Arlington Drafthouse. Even the cereal bar is haunted with special Halloween-themed cereals. Show up dressed in costume (extra points for those dressed as cartoon or cereal characters) and compete in fun contests to win prizes. Attendees can even choose which cartoons you watch. Moms and dads can enjoy a specialty brunch cocktail such as The Sonny, a white Russian topped with Cocoa Puffs. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 25. 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington (Columbia Pike)
Bring the whole family out for a series of engaging evenings of storytelling, activities, special animal guests and games in Arlington nature centers and parks. Register ahead of time for any of three different Halloween options. Parks & Rec will provide the marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers. On Oct. 25, sign up for the Halloween Animals Campfire at Long Branch Nature Center. On Oct. 26, listen to stories of Virginia’s haunted past at the Fort C.F. Smith Park Virginia Ghosts Campfire. Or head over to Gulf Branch Nature Center on Halloween night, Oct. 31, for a Spooky Animals Campfire. All family campfires are $7 per participant. Various locations.
Get in the Halloween spirit by carving or painting a pumpkin at Potomac Overlook. The park will provide tools, paint and pumpkins; kids bring the creativity. This festive afternoon on Oct. 21 from 1-3 p.m. also includes candy, a Halloween craft, and visits from several spooky nocturnal critters from the nature center. $20 per pumpkin carver age 4 and up. Preregistration required. 2845 N. Marcey Road, Arlington
Enjoy a spooktacular Halloween Carnival Oct. 25 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., complete with games, costume contests, inflatables and candy. Entry to the carnival is free this year, but families are asked to pick one of two timeslots (1 to 3 p.m. or 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.) so that all have an opportunity to participate. In the event of inclement weather, the fun will take place inside the community center. Cherry Hill Park, 312 Park Ave, Falls Church
Collect candy on the historic grounds of our first president’s estate and celebrate Halloween with 18th-century entertainment and activities. See sparks fly at a blacksmith demonstration, make soap the old fashioned way, and see a historic baking demonstration. At 3 p.m., listen to musical stories from a traveling musician. Kids in costume can join a parade at 4 p.m. This event is Oct. 25 from 2-5 p.m. Tickets are $30 per adult and $25 per child. Members get a discount. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon
Head to the Village at Shirlington in costume on Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m. for a sweet Halloween adventure. Pick up a map highlighting participating businesses where you can collect candy. On Oct. 26, 3-5 p.m. bring pups in costume to Dogma Bakery, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary in Arlington. Get your pup a treat and enter the pet costume contest to support Lucky Dog Animal Rescue. Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
Head to Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon to trick or treat, visit with the animals, create crafts and play games. This program costs $12 and runs in one hour time slots on Oct. 25 at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Register for your spot ahead of time on the website. 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon
A Del Ray tradition, this annual family-friendly Halloween Parade—voted one of the nation’s top 10 by —returns Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. Costumed children, adults, pets and babies in strollers can march and show off their finest and scariest costumes. The festivities include awards for best costume, best pet costume and best stroller decorations. You can also enter your home or business in the best decorated house and business contest. Mount Vernon Avenue, beginning at E. Bellefonte Avenue, Alexandria (Del Ray)
Introduce children 5 and under to the joy of reading and get started on those listening skills during Halloween-themed story times at the Arlington Public Library. This event includes read-aloud stories, songs, rhymes and games. Stop by Central Library for an outdoor Halloween story time Oct. 28 at 10:15 a.m. Or cozy up in your PJs later that day during Halloween Pajama Storytimes at Cherrydale Library (5 p.m.) and Glencarlyn Library (6 p.m.).
The sky-high 2.5-acre urban park atop Capital One Center in Tysons will be festively festooned for this family-friendly Halloween party from 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 30. Play a spooky round of golf at Perch Putt, enter a pumpkin pie-eating contest and try a paint and sip activity at Stellina Pizzeria. Note: There may be scary creatures lurking throughout Capital One Center, so beware. For a less startling activity, visit with adoptable puppies decked in Howl-o-ween costumes from Wolf Trap Animal Rescue. Admission is free, but some activities may carry a fee. Capital One Center, 1805 Capital One Drive, Tysons
Keep the Halloween spirit going just a little longer. This annual, community pumpkin carving event lights up Beulah Street in Alexandria the weekend after Halloween with an after-dark Jack-o-lantern display. Nalls Produce provides the pumpkins, you provide the creativity. Either stop by Nov. 1, 11-4 p.m. and carve there (kid-safe carving tools provided). Or pick up your pumpkin Oct. 31, carve it at home, and drop it back off by Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. Then drive by Saturday or Sunday night to see them all lit up. 7310 Beulah St., Alexandria
703-420-7602
