Parks, Trails and Outdoor Events for Kids in the DMV
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.
Greenbelt Labor Day Festival
Four days of carnival midway, live music, a pet show and a Monday parade, run by volunteers since 1955. Free entry.
Old Post Office Clocktower Is Back
Free Park Service rides up the 1899 clocktower, Wed-Sat mornings. One of the best views in DC, and kids see the giant clock inside.
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.
Maryland State Fair
Midway rides, livestock barns, horse racing, and fair food across three weekends in Timonium. The light rail stops right at the gate.
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.
DC Spray Parks Open for Summer
DC's spray parks and splash pads are open on weekends. Free water play across the city, perfect for hot summer days with little ones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DC Hot Air Balloon Festival
Balloons over Rosecroft Friday and Saturday evening, with tethered rides, a kids zone, and a glowing balloon-and-laser show after dark.
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.
Ended
Perseid Meteor Shower
The year's best meteor shower peaks Aug 12-13 with a new moon, so skies stay truly dark. Up to 100 shooting stars an hour from a dark spot.
Ended
MoCo Farm Tour & Harvest Sale
26 farms across the Ag Reserve open free for one weekend: hayrides, goat milking, pony rides, and farm stands with peak-summer produce.
Montgomery County Ag Fair
Nine days in Gaithersburg: animal barns, monster trucks, rodeo, demolition derby, and a full midway. Kids 11 and under free.
Howard County Fair
The 80th Howard County Fair: livestock barns, carnival rides, and a hands-on Little Farmers building. Kids 12 and under free.
Ended
Arlington County Fair
The 50th Arlington County Fair, free admission, Metro-friendly, with rides, live music, and an air-conditioned exhibit hall.
Mount Vernon: An American Celebration
Meet "George Washington," see a Revolutionary War encampment, and watch daytime fireworks over the Potomac at 1pm. Hot air balloon demo too.
Great Falls 4th of July Celebration
Little Patriots Parade at 8:30am, main parade at 10am, inflatables, face painting, car show, and live music. Fireworks at Turner Farm around 9pm.
Leesburg Independence Day Celebration
Morning parade through historic downtown, then live music from Go Go Gadjet, funnel cakes, tacos, and fireworks at 9:30pm.
Vienna Independence Day Celebration
Live music, food trucks, and kids' entertainment at Yeonas Park, with fireworks at 9:30pm. A great alternative to the National Mall crowds.
Anacostia Park Fireworks
Separate fireworks show at Poplar Point with way fewer crowds than the Mall. A relaxed fireworks experience with kids.
Manassas Bee Festival
Bounce house, wagon rides, farm animals, and a pollinator costume parade for kids. Bluegrass band, food trucks, and a free tractor shuttle from downtown.
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.
Spring at Metropolitan Park
A spring outdoor celebration at Metropolitan Park in Arlington with family activities, open green space, and seasonal fun.
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.
Flower Mart at National Cathedral
Spring blooms transform the Cathedral grounds. Browse perennials and annuals from local growers, grab coffee and treats, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.
Earth Day Fairfax
The biggest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County. Rock-climbing wall, farm animals, nature exhibits, live music, and an Earth Day Passport where kids earn a free t-shirt. At Lake Fairfax Park.
Burnside Farms Tulip Festival
8 acres of 1.5 million tulips, pedal karts, jump pad, and farm animals. The most colorful spring outing in the DMV, closes April 19.
Earth Day Events
Nature walks, outdoor science activities, and community cleanups on Earth Day across DC's parks and the National Mall.
Festival of the Earth
Costume parade, bluegrass band, food trucks, farm animals, crafts and games, a beloved outdoor community festival, completely free.
DC Parks Spring Break
Free outdoor activities for kids across DC parks, from nature hikes to playground pop-ups and active sports programming.
National Kids to Parks Day
A national day encouraging families to explore their local parks. Special ranger-led activities at parks across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
US Botanic Garden Children's Garden
Hands-on garden space where kids can dig, plant, and explore. Right next to the Capitol, perfect for a morning outing any day this week.
Pride on the Pier at The Wharf
Family-friendly Pride celebration on the waterfront at The Wharf. Live music, activities, food vendors, and a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
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.
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.
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,...
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival
Falls Church Memorial Day Parade and Festival on May 25, 2026.
Heritage Days Montgomery County
27th annual Heritage Days opens dozens of historic sites across Montgomery County on June 27-28, 2026.
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration at National Harbor 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.
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.
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 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...