Grab & Go Kids Planner: September 28 - October 4

Fall is here, complete with apple picking, fall festivals and trips to the pumpkin patch.  There's plenty to do around town this weekend, including a visit to the 29th Annual Germantown Oktoberfest on Saturday.  Here are this week's best bets for Germantown area families:  

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Get into the Halloween spirit with this spooky trio of fright: the nightmare forest, the (corn) maize of terror, and the lost asylum.  Described as the "biggest and scariest haunted event in the tri-state area," this activity, for ages 9 and older, will recur on weekends through Nov. 5.  Check the schedule for details.  
Where: Maryland SoccerPlex, 18031 Central Park Circle, Boyds 
When: 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1
Price: $15 on Friday; $20 on Saturday

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Suncrisp and Cameo varieties are ripe and ready for the picking.  Be sure to dress for the weather.  Lewis Orchards' pick-your-own fields are normally open daily, rain or shine.  For more information, call 301-349-4101.
Where: Lewis Orchards, 18901 Peachtree Road, Dickerson
When: 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily, Saturday, Oct. 1 through Halloween; the farm market is open daily from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Price: Cost of apples

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Don't miss one of Germantown's biggest celebrations of the year!  Kids' activities include a Moon Bounce, climbing wall, laser tag, scarecrow building and pumpkin painting.  For parents, there's live music, vendor displays and the ever popular Biergarten.  The day's events close with fireworks at dusk (roughly 7:45 p.m.).  All guests are asked to park at 10501 and 10511 Seneca Meadows Parkway and take a free shuttle to the event.  There is no public parking onsite unless you have a vendor pass or a disability placard.
Where: Ridge Road Recreational Park, 21155 Frederick Road, Germantown
When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Price: Free admission; fees for some activities and food

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Come to the fall festival and enjoy a cake walk, crafts, music, food, carnival games with prizes, a Moon Bounce, and more!  The event will be emceed by Carson from Mix 107.3.  Parking is available at the Danac Building or across the street at Fr. Meyer Field.
Where: , 115 South Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg 
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Price: Free admission; fees for some activities & food.

• CHILDREN'S DANCE PARTY CONCERT
BlackRock favorite Milkshake returns with catchy pop music designed to make kids of all ages want to move and groove.  Tickets are available for purchase online.    
Where: , 12901 Town Commons Drive, Germantown
When: 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1
Price: $12

• PUMPKIN FESTIVAL 2011
Butler's Orchard is holding its 31st annual pumpkin festival, complete with hayrides, a straw maze, live music, pedal tractors, giant slides and more.  Pony rides, face painting and kids crafts cost extra; food will be available for purchase.
Where: , 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown 
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, and Sunday, Oct. 2
Price: $10 per person; free for children under age 2.  Additional fees for food & some activities.

• BOUNCE U'S 2ND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Check out Bounce U's new inflatables at this free celebration, complete with bouncing, food, games, face painting, raffles and more!  Reservations are recommended, call 301-515-5665 to reserve your child's space. Does your child have sensory issues?  Try the new music-free Sensory Rebounce Bounce for a fee on the evening of Monday, Oct. 3.
Where: Bounce U, 22530 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg
When: 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2 

Price: Free

• STEPPING STONES STORY TIME
Children age 5 and younger can enjoy stories, songs and activities at this interactive story time. Kids age 2 and younger must attend with a caregiver. Siblings are welcome and no registration is necessary. 
Where: Damascus Public Library, 9701 Main St., Damascus
When: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4
Price: Free