Things to Do with Kids Ages 4 to 10 in the DMV
Finding Dory at the Georgetown Waterfront
Finding Dory turns 10, screened free on the waterfront with the Potomac behind the screen. Bring a blanket.
Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens
A conservatory full of live butterflies drifting close enough to land on a very still kid. Closes Sept 7; timed tickets, mornings calmest.
Virginia Scottish Games
Caber toss, border collies working sheep, and pipe bands at Great Meadow. Heavy athletics need no explaining to a six-year-old.
Apple Picking Near DC
Butler's, Homestead and Hollin Farms all open for apples from late August. The April freeze cut the crop, so call the day before you go.
Curious George: Let's Get Curious!
George's world at kid scale: working pulleys, a produce stand, mini golf physics, and a rocket. Included with museum admission.
Cox Farms Summer Market
Fresh seasonal produce, local honey, and a Corner Market. Open Friday through Sunday.
Cox Farms: Smokin' Saturdays BBQ
The farm fires up the smoker every Saturday for BBQ, fresh lemonade, and milkshakes.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
The Tony-winning play opens its DC run at the National Theatre. Try the Golden Snitch Digital Lottery for $40 tickets.
DC Spray Parks Open for Summer
Free splash pads and spray parks open across DC on weekends. The perfect way to cool off on a hot summer day.
Library of Congress Discovery Space
New interactive space for kids and teens at the Library of Congress with hands-on exhibits. Timed entry required.
Bison Standing Strong at Natural History Museum
Explore Bison Standing Strong at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
July 4th Fireworks on the National Mall
Where to watch the July 4th fireworks on the National Mall in 2026, plus Metro, timing, and tips for doing it with kids during the America25...
Fairfax County Drone Light Show
Fairfax County trades fireworks for a drone light show at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston on June 27, 2026.
Takoma Park 4th of July Parade
The Takoma Park Independence Day Parade runs the morning of July 4, 2026, with an evening street party to follow.
Cox Farms Fall Festival 2026
Hillside slides, a hayride with scenes along the route, and unlimited apples and cider with admission. Online tickets only and October sells out.
Butler's Orchard Pumpkin Festival
Pick your own pumpkins, hayrides, jump pads and the twisted corn maze. A weekday afternoon in late September skips the October crowds entirely.
DC Bike Ride 2026
Twenty car-free miles past the monuments, ending with a festival on Pennsylvania Ave. Kids 3-7 ride free, ages 8-17 half price. Passes sell out.
Past events
These already happened. We keep them here so you can see what this category looks like across the year, and so you know what to watch for next season.
Doxie Derby: Rescue Race
A dachshund race benefiting a Loudoun County dog rescue, with the farm's five-acre play area included in the afternoon.
Friday Night Fishing at Diamond Teague
Anacostia Riverkeeper provides rods, bait, and lessons, free, next to Nats Park. First-timers are the point. Register ahead.
Kidwell Farm Children's Concerts
Free Wednesday morning concert at the farm. Kids see farm animals and play on the grounds after the show.
Free Friday Skating at Fort Dupont
Free Friday skating in two-hour slots, skates included, at the only indoor rink in DC. Forty degrees inside, ninety outside. Reserve online.
Big Dig Potato Harvest
Dig-your-own potatoes with tractor demos and Saturday's Big Rigs Touch-a-Truck. Five-acre play area included, and dinner comes home in a bag.
Leesburg Festival of Kites & Crafts
A big open field at Ida Lee Park, a sky full of kites, and a craft fair for when the wind drops. Playground right there.
DC Grand Prix: IndyCar on the Mall
First-ever IndyCar race around the National Mall, Aug 22-23. Bring ear protection; this one is history.
A League of Their Own at the Library of Congress
The baseball classic free on the Jefferson Building lawn, with the Nationals' organist live at 7pm. Arrive early.
Sunset Cinema: Apollo 13
Free space classic on Transit Pier at The Wharf. Chairs at 7pm, movie 7:30, dinner from any Wharf spot welcome.
Freedom 250 Grand Prix
First street race in DC history, and general admission is free. Free fan zone on the Mall between 7th and 12th. Ear protection required.
Back to the Future at the Library of Congress
Free screening on the Jefferson Building lawn with live jazz at 7pm. No tickets; the lawn closes when full, so come early.
Putt-Putt at CityCenterDC
Six holes of free mini golf in downtown DC. Last weekend before it closes July 12.
Air & Space: Soar Together Family Day
Special family event about the sun and solar science. Hands-on activities for kids.
Jazz in the Garden
DC's summer concert series in the Sculpture Garden. Free lottery tickets, pack a picnic.
Library of Congress Film: Clueless
The Library of Congress screens Clueless on the lawn with a live performance at 7pm.
Chalk the Block at the National Portrait Gallery
Free sidewalk chalk art, ice cream, DJ, and a jazz concert at 5 PM. Part of the Smithsonian's America 250th celebration.
Juneteenth for the City Block Party
Bread for the City hosts this Anacostia block party with live music, Black-owned vendors, food trucks, face painting, and bounce houses.
Montgomery County Juneteenth Festival
Family carnival with rides, games, live performances, and hands-on activities at Cabin John Regional Park. Free parking shuttle.
Smithsonian Solstice: Museums Until 11 PM
First-ever 3-day Smithsonian Solstice weekend. Museums open until 11 PM with special programs, DJ sets, and roller skating.
17th Street Block Party (Pride)
Dupont Circle's biggest street party with food vendors, live entertainment, and community vibes. Best for families during daytime.
Capital Pride Parade + Family Fun Festival
Family Fun Festival at Stead Park with crafts, glitter tattoos, and inflatable obstacle course. Parade at 3 PM. Sunday festival with Maren Morris.
Home Rule Music Festival
Free all-day outdoor music at Walter Reed. Chuck Brown Band, Trouble Funk, Sun Ra Arkestra. Kids Zone, vinyl record fair, food trucks.
Littles Bike Ride at Eastern Market
Tiny cyclists ages 3-6 ride through Capitol Hill with a police escort. Balance bikes and trikes welcome. Register on Eventbrite.
Manassas Bee Festival
Bounce house, wagon rides, farm animals, and a pollinator costume parade for kids. Bluegrass band, food trucks, free tractor shuttle.
Science Solstice Sunday at the National Zoo
First day of summer at the zoo. Scavenger hunt with animal clues and prizes, animal demos, and hands-on STEM stations. Free with pass.
SAAM Arcade
Free video game day at the American Art Museum: arcade classics, consoles, indie games, and live game music. Quiet hours 11:30-1.
Sesame Street Live
Elmo, Big Bird, and the Sesame Street crew live on stage. Great for younger kids who still love the show.
Under the Baobab Tree
Interactive African storytelling and craft workshops at the Smithsonian. Kids make art inspired by the stories they hear.
National Gallery Block Party
Hands-on art activities, live music, and open galleries at the National Gallery of Art. A fun and free Saturday on the Mall.
Shrek 2 Outdoor Movie at The Wharf
Free outdoor screening of Shrek 2 on the waterfront. Bring blankets and snacks for a fun evening with the kids.
Sandy Spring Strawberry Festival
Strawberry picking, hayrides, pony rides, live music, and homemade strawberry shortcake in Sandy Spring, Maryland.
Spirit of Independence Festival
Three days of hands-on history activities and science demos at the American History Museum. Kids can touch, build, and explore.
Dupont-Kalorama Museum Walk
Walk between eight museums and cultural spaces in the Dupont Circle neighborhood. Special hands-on activities at each stop.
LEGO "Start Your Engines!"
Build and race LEGO cars at this hands-on workshop in Springfield. Kids design, test, and tweak their creations all session long.
Acton Children's Business Fair
Kids run their own booths, pitch their products, and make real sales at this popular entrepreneurship fair at Dupont Circle.
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.
Star Wars Day at MLK Library
May the 4th at the library with lightsaber crafts, LEGO building, a costume parade, and a full movie screening.
Hershey's Interactive Experience
Hands-on candy games, multi-sensory play, and chocolate-themed activities at Tysons Corner Center.
Bird Walk at the National Zoo
Guided bird-watching walk at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Experts lead families through the grounds identifying bird species. RSVP required.
Burnside Farms Tulip Festival
Pedal karts, jump pads, farm animals, and 1.5 million tulips, this is peak childhood adventure material.
Nationals vs Giants
Run the bases after the game, get a free hoodie, and eat free. Kids under 12 have the best experience at Nationals Park.
National Building Museum Workshops
Architecture and design workshops made for curious kids. Design your own building, learn how bridges work, and more.
Tephra ICA Arts Festival
Hands-on kids art activities alongside 200+ artists and live music at one of Northern Virginia's best outdoor festivals.
DC Parks Spring Break
Free activities across DC parks, sports, crafts, and outdoor fun. Perfect for 4–10 year olds looking for action.
Earth Day Events
Hands-on environmental science for kids, stream cleanups, nature walks, and crafts that make Earth Day meaningful.
Free Outdoor Movie: Hairspray at The Wharf DC
Grab a blanket and enjoy Hairspray under the stars at The Wharf. A free outdoor movie night the whole family can sing along to.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone DC
The National Mall transforms into a massive World Cup fan zone with big screens, soccer activities for kids, and food vendors.
U.S. Navy Band: Schoolhouse Rock Live!
The U.S. Navy Band performs Schoolhouse Rock classics live at the Navy Memorial. A free, energetic show kids and parents both love.
Free Movie: Shang-Chi at Kennedy Center
Watch Shang-Chi on a big outdoor screen at the Kennedy Center. Free seating on the lawn, bring your own snacks and chairs.
Pride on the Pier at The Wharf
A family-friendly Pride celebration at The Wharf with live music, kids activities, face painting, and waterfront fun for everyone.
ALX Jazz Fest & Tall Ships Alexandria
Jazz on the waterfront plus tall ships you can tour. A perfect weekend outing for families along the Alexandria waterfront.
FIFA World Cup Watch Party DC
Free World Cup watch parties across DC with big screens, kid zones, and the kind of energy that makes sports fun for the whole family.
Swedish Midsummer Celebration DC
Dance around the maypole, make flower crowns, and enjoy Swedish traditions at this free family celebration in Georgetown.
Innovations in Flight Family Day
Hands-on flight experiments, real aircraft up close, and STEM activities for curious kids at the Udvar-Hazy Center.
Taiko Adventure! at National Theatre
A free Japanese drumming performance for families at the National Theatre. Kids love the energy and the chance to try taiko.
Library of Congress Family Day: 250 Years of Fashion
Design your own outfit, explore fashion history, and enjoy hands-on crafts at this free family day at the Library of Congress.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Watch colorful dragon boat races on the Potomac, plus cultural performances, food, and kids activities along the waterfront.
Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor
Free outdoor movie night at National Harbor. Bring chairs and blankets for a fun family evening by the water.
Anacostia River Festival
Anacostia River Festival 2026: free canoe rides, live music, food trucks, and tons of hands-on activities for kids along the river.
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day Observance
Arlington National Cemetery Memorial Day ceremony with military bands and wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Free.
Asia on the Creek
Asia on the Creek is a free Asian culture festival with dance, music, food, and a market at Carroll Creek Park in Frederick, MD.
Asian American Book Fair
Free Asian American Book Fair at the National Museum of Asian Art in DC.
Asian BBQ Festival, Rockville
Free Asian BBQ Festival at Rockville Town Square on June 14, 2026, 11am to 6pm.
Giant National Capital BBQ Battle
The Giant National Capital BBQ Battle takes over Pennsylvania Avenue June 27-28, 2026.
National Arboretum Bonsai Festival
The National Arboretum Bonsai Festival runs May 8–10 in DC. Free admission, live demos, kids workshops, and the 400-year-old Yamaki Pine.
CiNoMatic Outdoor Movie: Top Gun
Free outdoor screening of Top Gun at Alethia Tanner Park in NoMa, DC. Hosted by Alamo Drafthouse with lawn games and food vendors.
Columbia LakeFest
The free Columbia Festival of the Arts LakeFest returns June 12-14 to the Columbia Lakefront in Maryland - live music, kids' art workshops,...
DC Chocolate Festival at the French Embassy
DC Chocolate Festival 2026 at the French Embassy: kids' chocolate-making classes, tasting stations, and pastry demos.
DelFest
DelFest bluegrass and roots music festival in Cumberland, MD. Dedicated KidZone, camping, food vendors, and live music. May 22-25, 2026.
Drive-In at Union Market
Drive-In at Union Market on May 8, 2026. Watch Mulan from your car or blankets. $25 per car or free on foot. Monthly screenings all summer.
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival on May 25, 2026.
Fete de la Musique, Georgetown
Free Fete de la Musique in Georgetown on June 20, 2026, with more than 40 acts across outdoor stages and the French Embassy.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg Book Festival May 16, 2026 at Bohrer Park. 100+ authors, kids activities, writing workshops, and live music.
Saint Sophia Greek Festival
Annual Greek festival at Saint Sophia Cathedral in Glover Park.
Heritage Days Montgomery County
27th annual Heritage Days opens dozens of historic sites across Montgomery County on June 27-28, 2026.
Hill Center Family Day
Hill Center's annual Family Day on Capitol Hill with live music, magic show, face painting, and alpacas and bunnies to meet.
Innovations in Flight 2026
Free outdoor aviation display with 60+ aircraft at the Smithsonian's Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA on June 13, 2026.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at National Harbor on June 19, 2026.
Juneteenth Community Day at NMAAHC
Free Juneteenth Community Day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on June 19, 2026.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour, May 16–17, 2026. Free self-guided tour of 20+ farms in Loudoun County, VA.
National Memorial Day Parade
Taking the kids to the Memorial Day Parade in DC? We cover the best spots to stand with a stroller, the parade route, start time, and tips f...
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend
Mount Vernon Revolutionary War Weekend May 2-3, 2026. Military drills, cavalry demos, meet General Washington, and youth muster for kids.
National Memorial Day Concert
Free National Memorial Day Concert on the Capitol West Lawn with the National Symphony Orchestra and host Gary Sinise. Live PBS broadcast.
National STEM Festival 2026
Free week-long STEM festival on the National Mall, June 22-27.
Free Outdoor Movies at the REACH
Free outdoor movie screenings at the Kennedy Center REACH every Friday, starting May 30.
Passport DC, Around the World Embassy Tour
Visit 40+ embassies for free during Passport DC's Around the World Embassy Tour.
Play Date: Marvelous Meteorites
Free drop-in play date at the National Museum of Natural History. Hands-on meteorite activities for ages 0-5.
Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park
6th annual Pride Family Day at Glen Echo Park on June 13, 2026. Free crafts, face painting, carousel rides, and playground fun for all ages.
Rockville Hometown Holidays
Your guide to Hometown Holidays 2026 in Rockville, MD. Free concerts, carnival rides, bouncy houses, face painting, and food trucks at Town...
Sails on the Potomac Tall Ships
Free Sails on the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria, June 12 to 14, 2026.
Smithsonian Solstice Saturday
Smithsonian museums on the National Mall stay open late for Solstice Saturday on June 20 - free sun-themed crafts, performances and after-ho...
Star Wars Weekend at Barracks Row
Star Wars Weekend at Barracks Row, May 1-3, 2026. Free costume contest, lightsaber battles, Jedi meet-and-greets, and Star Wars movie screen...
Strawberry Festival at Messick's Farm
Strawberry Festival at Messick's Farm Market in Bealeton VA, May 16. Strawberry picking, hayrides, barrel train, candy launch.
Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms
Strawberry Jubilee at Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA, May 23–31, 2026.
Strawberry Picking Season
Strawberry picking season is here in DC, MD and VA. Head to Miller Farms, Larriland Farm, or Yankey Farms for family-friendly pick-your-own...
ViVa! Vienna!
A parent's guide to ViVa! Vienna! 2026. Free admission, carnival rides for all ages, live music, food vendors, and practical tips on parking...
Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods
Wolf Trap's outdoor kids' theater returns to Vienna, VA for summer.
World Cup Watch Parties in DC
DC United's free FIFA World Cup watch parties come to Franklin Park (June 12-14) and Tingey Plaza in Navy Yard (June 19-21) - big screens, y...
Friday Night Concerts at Yards Park
Free Friday night concerts run June through July 2026 at Yards Park in DC's Capitol Riverfront.
Bird Migration Celebration
Free Bird Migration Celebration at the Smithsonian National Zoo on May 10, 2026.