Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat at Clemyjontri Park

A Calm Trick-or-Treat for Kids Who Need One

Not every kid can handle a loud, packed Halloween street. Fairfax County's Sensory-Friendly Family Trick-or-Treat is made for kids who do better somewhere quieter and more structured, and it's this Sunday, October 18, from 11 to 5 at Clemyjontri Park in McLean. The county describes it as calm and inclusive, with less noise and sensory support.

There's one long session instead of time slots, so you can show up when your kid's day is going well and leave when they've had enough. The listing includes a carousel ride, a train ride, arts and crafts, a sensory tent and themed treat stations around the playground. Costumes are encouraged but not required, which helps if your kid hates the feel of a costume.

Clemyjontri is a good place for this. The playground was built so kids of all abilities can play together: ramps up to the raised equipment, high-back swings, a Liberty Swing that a wheelchair user can ride without leaving the chair, and rubber surfacing that wheels roll over easily. The trackless train is ADA-compliant, with a ramp on the caboose.

Tickets are $20, and you buy them ahead through Fairfax County Parks. The park page says $20 per trick-or-treater, while the flyer and the registration system say $20 per person. If a parent or sibling isn't trick-or-treating, call the registration office at 703-222-4664 before you buy. Registration stays open through Sunday, and there were still spots when I checked on Thursday.

Parent Tips 💡

• ✓Register before you go. Tickets are sold online through Fairfax County Parks, and registration is open through the day of the event.
• ✓You don't have to be there at 11. The session runs six hours. If your kid does better with fewer people around, try the first or last hour.
• ✓Skip the costume if it's a battle. Costumes are optional, and the county says so on the flyer.
• ✓Bring what helps at home. Headphones, a favorite snack or a comfort toy. The sensory tent is there if your kid needs a break.
• ✓Need an accommodation? Email fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-8727 (TTY 711). The county asks for 10 days' notice, so it can't promise anything this late, but it says it will try.
• ✓Check the park page if it rains. It's an outdoor event and no rain plan is posted, so look Sunday morning.

Questions Parents Ask

When is the sensory-friendly trick-or-treat at Clemyjontri Park?

Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11am to 5pm. It's one long session with no time slots.

How much does it cost?

$20. Fairfax County's park page says $20 per trick-or-treater and the flyer says $20 per person, so call the registration office at 703-222-4664 if a parent or sibling isn't trick-or-treating.

What's included?

A carousel ride, a train ride, arts and crafts, a sensory tent and themed treat stations around the playground, with less noise and sensory support.

Do kids have to wear a costume?

No. Costumes are encouraged but not required.