Capital Jewish Museum: Free Family Day
Scavenger hunt with prizes, vintage Legos and Lincoln Logs, photobooth, craft room, and book nook. All ages and backgrounds welcome.
Chalk the Block at the National Portrait Gallery
Free sidewalk chalk art, ice cream, a DJ spinning tunes, and a jazz concert at 5 PM. Part of the Smithsonian's America 250th celebration on F Street.
Under the Baobab Tree
Interactive African storytelling and craft workshops at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art. Kids make their own art inspired by the stories they hear.
National Gallery Block Party
The National Gallery of Art opens its doors for a family-friendly block party with hands-on art activities, live music, and open galleries. Right on the National Mall.
American Icon: The US Flag in Art
A Smithsonian exhibition exploring how American artists have used the flag in their work. Great for older kids interested in art and history.
Asian Festival on Main
Taiko drums, lion dances, martial arts demos, Asian food vendors, and kids craft activities. A full day of culture on Main Street in Old Town Fairfax.
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.
Bethesda Fine Arts Festival
120 artists, live music, and street performances in downtown Bethesda. Stroller-friendly and perfect for a family outing.
Storytime Studio at the Hirshhorn
Join us for interactive storytelling and creative art activities inspired by the museum's collection. Perfect for little listeners and makers.
Story Time at Postal Museum
Delightful stories and postal-themed activities for the youngest book lovers. A fun way to explore the history of mail.
Living Earth Festival
Two-day Smithsonian celebration of clay, art, and the earth. Indigenous artist demonstrations, hands-on clay activities for kids, storytelling, and live performances at the National Museum of the American Indian.
Tephra ICA Arts Festival
The 35th annual fine arts festival with 200+ artists, live music, food, and hands-on kids activities at Reston Town Center.
Planet Word Museum
A free interactive language museum where kids explore words through immersive exhibits, voice-activated art, and playful storytelling.
National Building Museum
Hands-on architecture and design workshops at one of DC's most beautiful buildings. Kids get to design, build, and create.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
The biggest free Asian festival in DC. 1,000+ performers, food vendors from 20+ cultures, Dragon Lair kids area, and a cosplay contest right on Pennsylvania Avenue.
Ho'olaule'a: Hawaiian Culture
Traditional Hawaiian hula, drums, and bamboo flute performances at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. Three shows throughout the day.
Columbia Heights Day
Neighborhood block party with live music, local vendors, face painting, tie-dye, karaoke, and a dog costume contest. The whole community shows up.
Washington Ballet Dance For All
Free open-air ballet performances and dance workshops for families. A great first ballet experience for little ones.
Capital Rare Book Fair
Rare books, maps, and prints from dozens of dealers. Older kids who love reading will get a kick out of seeing first editions up close.
Swedish Midsummer Celebration DC
Traditional Swedish Midsummer with maypole dancing, flower crown making, folk music, and Swedish treats in Georgetown. A colorful cultural experience for kids.
Library of Congress Family Day: 250 Years of Fashion
Hands-on fashion and design activities for families at the Library of Congress. Kids can try design challenges and explore 250 years of American fashion history.
Asian American Book Fair
Free Asian American Book Fair at the National Museum of Asian Art in DC.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Gaithersburg Book Festival May 16, 2026 at Bohrer Park. 100+ authors, kids activities, writing workshops, and live music.
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.
Juneteenth Community Day at NMAAHC
Free Juneteenth Community Day at the National Museum of African American History and Culture on June 19, 2026.
Passport DC, Around the World Embassy Tour
Visit 40+ embassies for free during Passport DC's Around the World Embassy Tour.