National Gallery Block Party
The National Gallery of Art throws a family block party with art activities, live music, and open galleries. Free and right on the Mall.
Spirit of Independence Festival
Three-day festival at the American History Museum with hands-on demos and historical reenactments. Something for every age.
Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk
Eight museums open with special programming across the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Walk between them at your own pace.
Shrek 2 Outdoor Movie at The Wharf
Free outdoor screening of Shrek 2 on the waterfront. Bring blankets, grab dinner nearby, and enjoy the show.
Jazz in the Garden
Free live jazz every Friday evening in the Sculpture Garden. Kids can run around while you relax with the music.
DC Spray Parks Open for Summer
DC spray parks and splash pads open on weekends. Free water play for the whole family to enjoy on hot summer days.
Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival
Strawberry picking, hayrides, pony rides, and live music at this beloved Maryland festival. Fun for the whole family.
Boro Biergarten
Outdoor beer garden with food trucks and space for kids. Parents get a drink, kids get room to play.
Marine Barracks Evening Parade
Precision marching, the Silent Drill Platoon, and the drum and bugle corps. Free every Friday evening on Capitol Hill.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
Smithsonian exhibition exploring how American artists used the flag. Runs through December, so no rush.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Colorful dragon boats race along the Potomac while families watch from the waterfront. Live music, cultural performances, and food vendors on-site.
Arlington Palooza
Arlington's big spring celebration at Lubber Run Park with games, activities, food, and live entertainment for the whole family.
Asian Festival on Main
Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander heritage with live performances, art, cultural vendors, and food in Old Town Fairfax.
Free Concert at Yards Park
Outdoor live music at Yards Park along the Anacostia riverfront. Bring a blanket and enjoy a Thursday evening concert with the kids.
Solar Observation at Air & Space Museum
Look at the sun through real solar telescopes with Smithsonian astronomers on the National Mall. A quick stop that kids talk about for days.
Salute the Sunset Concert
Live music at National Harbor as the sun sets over the Potomac. Great waterfront views and a relaxed vibe that works well for families.
Spring at Metropolitan Park
A spring outdoor celebration at Metropolitan Park in Arlington with family activities, open green space, and seasonal fun.
EU Open House, 27 European Embassies
Twenty-seven European embassies open their doors for one Saturday. Kids try costumes, taste food, and stamp a passport booklet. France and Germany do a joint open house, Italy has luxury cars, and Luxembourg gives out chocolate.
Pirates of the Caribbean, Outdoor Movie Night
Free outdoor movie screening at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa. Bring blankets and snacks for a fun evening under the stars.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
120 artists, live music, and street performances in downtown Bethesda. Stroller-friendly and perfect for a family outing.
National Zoo
Free every single day, year-round. Spring baby animals make it even more magical. The ultimate DMV family go-to.
Burnside Farms
1.5 million tulips plus activities for every age, something for toddlers, something for tweens, and something for parents too.
Earth Day
Outdoor activities everyone can participate in, cleanups, nature crafts, and exhibits that span every age and interest level.
Festival of the Earth
Farm animals for toddlers, live music for adults, hands-on crafts for kids, and food trucks for everyone. Completely free.
Virginia Renaissance Faire
From ages 3 to 103, the Renaissance Faire delights every single member of the family with live shows, food, and spectacle.
Planet Word Museum
A free language museum with something for toddlers, kids, tweens, and adults. Voice art, storytelling, and word games for all.