Mousequerade Ball for Kids - Oct. 22

Come to Gadsby’s for storytime, a craft and the Mousequerade Ball! Author Cheryl Barnes will be on hand to sign her book, "Alexander, the Old Town Mouse" and read the story of Alexander and his ball at Gadsby’s. Then dance in the same ballroom as Alexander and George Washington! Recommended for ages 4-7. Costumes welcome, but not required. Reservations recommended. $10 per child; adult with paid child is free!

• Date(s): 10/22/2011 - 10/22/2011
• Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
• Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4242
• Visit Website
• Admission: $10/child (adult free with paid child)

Fall Harvest Family Days, Oct. 22-23

Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price.

• Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
• Phone: (703) 780-2000
• Visit Website
• Admission: $15/adult, $7/child, 5 and under free.

Fire Stations Open for Fire Prevention Week

In an effort to prevent home fires before they start, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host Fire Prevention Week Open House, Saturday, October 15, 2011, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at all stations throughout the county. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is, "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect Your Family From Fire!"

Firefighters and paramedics will have displays and activities emphasizing fire safety, including preventing fires and fire injuries, especially in the home. Residents are encouraged to visit a nearby fire and rescue station to participate in the activities and learn more about fire safety.

To learn more about fire prevention go to www.firepreventionweek.org.

Blazing a Trail: Alexandria’s Firefighting History Walking Tour

During National Fire Prevention Week, explore Alexandria’s firefighting history on this special walking tour. Learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria, including the five fire stations, three major fires, and how the Union occupation during the Civil War affected firefighting. Tour begins and ends at the historic Friendship Firehouse. Space is limited so pre-purchase of tickets is required. Note: Tour will not interest small children but may be of interest to kids 10 and older.

• Date(s): 10/15/2011 - 10/15/2011
• Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
• Location: Friendship Firehouse Friendship Firehouse, 107 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4994
• Visit Website
• Admission: $6 for adults/$4 for youth (ages 10 to 17)  

Family Fun Fair - everyone Welcome on October 29

Arts Safari & Museum Open House

Saturday, October 9, noon to 4 p.m.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327

The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts its annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. The Potter’s Art activity presented in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is designed for kids of all ages! Learn to identify 19th-century Alexandria potters from the designs applied to salt-glazed stoneware pottery, and create your own take-home drawing at this free family event.

Arts Safari & Museum Open House 10/8/11

The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts its annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. The Potter’s Art activity presented in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is designed for kids of all ages! Learn to identify 19th-century Alexandria’s potters from the designs applied to salt-glazed stoneware pottery and create your own take-home drawing. Free!

• Date(s): 10/08/2011 - 10/08/2011
• Time: noon to 4 p.m.
• Location: Alexandria Archaeology Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4399
• Visit Website
• Admission: Free!

Tall Ship Godspeed at Alexandria's City Marina

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation will dock the 17th century replica tall ship, Godspeed, from Sunday, October 7 to Monday, October 10. Educational programming will be available on October 4-7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and unscheduled public tours will be available on October 4-7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; October 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and October 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.   

• Date(s): 10/04/2011 - 10/10/2011
• Recurring daily
• Time: Hours vary - see schedule below
• Location: Alexandria Marina, Behind the Torpedo Factory
• Phone: (703) 838-4265
• Visit Website
• Admission: Free!