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Outdoors & Nature

Fresh air, open spaces, family memories

DC Spray Parks
💦
FREE
Outdoors & Water Play

DC Spray Parks Open for Summer

Toddlers & KidsFREE

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.

📅 Weekends📍 Parks across DC💚 FREE
Water Festival

DC Dragon Boat Festival

All AgesFREE

Colorful dragon boats race along the Potomac while families watch from the waterfront. Live music, cultural performances, and food vendors on-site.

📅 Sat May 16📍 Georgetown Waterfront Park, DC💚 FREE
Community Festival

Arlington Palooza

All AgesFREE

Arlington's big spring celebration at Lubber Run Park with games, activities, food, and live entertainment for the whole family.

📅 Sat May 16📍 Lubber Run Park, Arlington VA💚 FREE
Park Event

Spring at Metropolitan Park

All AgesFREE

A spring outdoor celebration at Metropolitan Park in Arlington with family activities, open green space, and seasonal fun.

📅 Sun May 17📍 Arlington VA💚 FREE
Guided Nature Walk

Bird Walk at the National Zoo

Ages 6+FREE

Guided bird-watching walk at the Smithsonian National Zoo. Experts lead families through the grounds identifying bird species. RSVP required.

📅 Sat May 9, 8am–10am📍 National Zoo, DC💚 FREE (RSVP req)
Garden Festival

Flower Mart at National Cathedral

All AgesFREE

Spring blooms transform the Cathedral grounds. Browse perennials and annuals from local growers, grab coffee and treats, and enjoy the beautiful gardens.

📅 Fri–Sat May 1–2📍 National Cathedral, DC💰 FREE
Earth Day Festival

Earth Day Fairfax

All AgesFREE

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.

📅 Sat Apr 25📍 Reston, VA💰 FREE ($10 parking)
Burnside Farms
🌷
⭐ Last Weekend
Farm & Nature

Burnside Farms Tulip Festival

All Ages

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.

📅 Through Apr 19📍 Nokesville, VA💰 $19+
Earth Day
🌍
FREE
Nature & Environment

Earth Day Events

All AgesFREE

Nature walks, outdoor science activities, and community cleanups on Earth Day across DC's parks and the National Mall.

📅 Apr 22📍 National Mall, DC💰 FREE
Festival of the Earth
🌿
FREE
Festival & Outdoors

Festival of the Earth

All AgesFREE

Costume parade, bluegrass band, food trucks, farm animals, crafts and games, a beloved outdoor community festival, completely free.

📅 May 16📍 Northern Virginia💰 FREE
Outdoor Activities

DC Parks Spring Break

All AgesFREE

Free outdoor activities for kids across DC parks, from nature hikes to playground pop-ups and active sports programming.

📅 Multiple dates📍 DC Parks💰 FREE
Outdoors & Nature

National Kids to Parks Day

All AgesFREE

A national day encouraging families to explore their local parks. Special ranger-led activities at parks across DC, Maryland, and Virginia.

📅 Sat May 16 (all day)📍 Parks across the DMV💚 FREE
US Botanic Garden Children's Garden
🌿
FREE
Garden & Nature

US Botanic Garden Children's Garden

All AgesFREE

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.

📅 Daily📍 Capitol Hill, DC💚 FREE

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