Sports and Active Days Out with Kids in DC, Maryland & Virginia
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.
Kids Bowl Free
Two free games per child every day all summer at participating bowling alleys. Sign up at kidsbowlfree.com.
Virginia Gold Cup Steeplechase
Watch horses leap over hedgerows at this 100-year-old steeplechase in Virginia's Blue Ridge. Kids are mesmerized, pack a picnic!
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.
Marine Barracks Evening Parade
The Marines' precision marching, drum and bugle corps, and the Silent Drill Platoon perform every Friday evening. Impressive and completely free. Arrive early for seats.
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.
Totally Trucks Reston
Dump trucks and mowers parked in a lot, kids climbing on all of it, free hard hat on the way out. No registration.
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.
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.
Mubadala DC Open Tennis
Pro tennis in Rock Creek Park, July 25 to Aug 2. Opening weekend has the cheapest tickets and the closest look at the pros.
Putt-Putt at CityCenterDC
Six holes of free mini golf in downtown DC. This is the last weekend before it closes July 12.
Washington Capitals Development Camp
Watch the Caps' top draft picks hit the ice at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. All sessions are free and open to the public. Through July 3.
Littles Bike Ride at Eastern Market
Tiny cyclists ages 3-6 ride through Capitol Hill with a police escort. Balance bikes and trikes welcome. Live band at start/finish. Register on Eventbrite.
Nationals vs San Francisco Giants
Baseball at Nationals Park with Kids Eat Free, run-the-bases after the game, and a free Kids Hoodie giveaway for ages 12 & under.
DC Parks Spring Break Activities
Free sports, active play, and fitness activities for kids across DC parks, from soccer clinics to playground circuits.
Nats vs Orioles: Beltway Series
Three-game Beltway Series at Nationals Park. Friday hot dog hat giveaway, Saturday bobblehead, Sunday kids sliding mitt.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
100+ exotic and classic cars on display on King Street in Old Town Alexandria. Special Ferrari tribute for 2026.
Truck Day (Montgomery County)
Touch-a-truck event where kids climb on dump trucks, snowplows, and heavy equipment at the county depot. Plus the Paint the Plow art contest.
Armed Forces Cycling Classic
Pro cycling races through Clarendon on Saturday and Crystal City on Sunday. Free to watch from the sidewalk. Exciting and fast.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Fan Zone DC
The official FIFA Fan Zone on the National Mall with giant screens, interactive soccer activities, and live entertainment. A once-in-a-lifetime experience for the whole family.
FIFA World Cup Watch Party DC
Watch the World Cup on big screens at bars and restaurants across DC. Many venues are family-friendly during daytime matches with food and drink specials.
DC Dragon Boat Festival
Colorful dragon boats race along the Potomac at Georgetown Waterfront. Live music, cultural performances, food vendors, and kids activities on-site.
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...