5 Things for Families

All this hubbub about Halloween makes it seem like it’s already passed and it’s time to smash those pumpkins to make pies for Thanksgiving. Don’t touch those pumpkins yet, because there’s still plenty of Halloween going on this week.

October 30, 2013; 6:40 AM • by Kelly Gerow

(If you’re still searching for something to do, also check out our Fall Guide for Halloween ideas from kid-friendly to scary.)

1. American Seance

I scare easily. How easily? When I read about American Seance–a reenactment of a seance set during the Civil War in which parents reach out to the beyond for their son–I was so spooked by the idea that I turned on all the lights in my house for fear that just copying the link to the event’s website would conjure up a spirit. And it did. His name is Nathaniel and he’s making our house cold and I hate him. This event is not recommended for young kids.

• Now through November 1st • see website for schedule
• American Civil War Center, 500 Tredegar Street
• $5

2. Glow

Lots of glow-in-the-dark fun this Friday night at the Science Museum. Go bowling, play with Mentos Geysers (which is what you first think it is but then think it couldn’t be), and learn about fluorescence with those and other activities.

• Friday, November 1st • 5:00 – 8:00 PM
• Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad Street
• $11 (free for members)

3. First Fridays Lantern-Making Workshop

InLight Richmond is November 8th, and the light-based art exhibition will kick off with a public lantern parade. People of all skills and ages are invited to make lanterns this Friday at 1708 Gallery. All supplies needed will be available.

• Friday, November 1st • 6:00 – 8:30 PM
• 1708 Gallery, 319 W. Broad Street
• Free

4. Ashland Train Day

The train tracks in Ashland are host to Ashland Train Day, which includes music, model trains, train rides and crafts for kids, and exhibits for train enthusiasts.

• Saturday, November 2nd, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Ashland (check here for the map of activities)
• Free

5. Richmond Railroad Museum

“Ashland!” some irate commenter will say. “But Richmond has its own train thing happening.” Thanks, I’ll take this one. The Richmond Railroad Museum is a fun way to spend an hour with the tiny train fan in your life. The museum has artifacts and exhibits sharing local and regional train history, retired train cars to explore, and a room with a huge model railroad, which, as was explained to me and the other parents with many toddlers in tow, is never done. I can see the fun in coming back every few months to check the progress.

• Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• 102 Hull Street
• Free (donations accepted)

Photo by: BLW Photography

October 30, 2013 6:40 AM 2