The above photo is an indication of what we’ll be doing this weekend (and I’m getting teary just writing this), but there’s so much going on for those of you looking for fun ways to spend some QT with your kids. Savor every second because it really does fly…
Happy Weekend…and Happy Graduation to the Class of 2024! ❤️
Find ideas for ongoing local fun in these go-to posts:* Best Outdoors in the DC Area* Local Hikes with Kids* The Great Indoors* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums* Baltimore with Kids* Bike Rides* Paddling Options* Stunning Spaces* Peaceful Places
Extraordinary Cinema: Jurassic ParkWhere: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DCWhen: Friday, 7:30pmAdmission: FreeOne of summer’s best activities is watching movies outdoors, and the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage film series kicks off this weekend with a screening of Jurassic Park. Every Friday through August 30, enjoy a free outdoor film starting at sundown projected on The REACH video wall. Bring blanket and food for a picnic and make a fun, family evening of it!
DC Truck TouchWhere: RFK Lot 8 | Southeast DCWhen: Saturday, 8am -2pmAdmission: FreeThe Truck Touch event that easily is the Mac Daddy of them all is happening on Saturday. The DC Department of Public Works welcomes guests to climb aboard and explore all kinds of cool vehicles. There will also be demos of electric cars, more kids activities, and maybe even opportunities for test rides. RFK Lot 8 is located at 2400 East Capitol Street SE – enter off of Independence Avenue SE. Reserve a spot in advance here. And get a glimpse of a past DC Truck Touch here.
Fiesta Asia Street FairWhere: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 7pmAdmission: FreeRescheduled from May 17-18… Celebrate Asian heritage at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here.
Seize the SeasonWhere: Around the DC AreaWhen: All weekend longAdmission: Varies by activityEnjoy summer fun with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. See Bettelejuice under the stars at Congressional Cemetery. Attend the U.S. Air Force Band’s first summer concert at National Harbor. Stay cool at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or waterpark. Take kiddos to the new Mindbender Mansion exhibition at the National Building Museum. Go berry picking. Ride mini-trains at Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks. And much, much more! See the 2024 Summer Guide for details on all of these great pursuits.
Open SwimWhere: Around the areaWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by localeThis round-up of places to swim around the area is a good one to heck out on what’s forecast to be a beautiful weekend. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!
PinocchioWhere: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MDWhen: Through June 23Admission: $15Celebrate 50 years of Allan Steven’s Pinocchio! A young puppet goes on a journey to become a real boy. First seen on stage at the Smithsonian Puppet Theater, we are delighted to bring the original rod-puppets back to the stage to tell Carlo Collodi’s tale. Run time approximately 50 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.
Long Way DownWhere: Olney TheatreWhen: Through June 23Admission: $40-70Based o the award-winning novel by local author Jason Reynolds… Growing up, Will’s big brother taught him three iron-clad rules of how to behave when gun violence claims someone close: Don’t cry. Don’t snitch. Get revenge. So when his brother is himself gunned down, Will is determined to follow the code and gets in the elevator on the top floor of his apartment building, armed and ready to hit the streets in search of vengeance. What happens on the way down is an emotional hip-hop journey through the cycles of violence that have plagued Will’s family and too many others. Rated PG.
The Matchbox Magic FluteWhere: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DCWhen: Through June 16Admission: $35-119A brand new theatrical adaptation of Mozart’s beloved opera. Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of five following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water, and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle.
Pride Family DayWhere: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DCWhen: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pmAdmission: FreeCelebrate Pride with your chosen family at SAAM. Start the day with a performance by DC’s Different Drummers, followed by GenOUT, the youth chorus of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC. Then move your body to the Brazilian beats of Batalá Washington. Make rainbow-themed crafts, and kids ages 12 and under can get their faces painted. Enjoy special treats from the Courtyard Café and explore the galleries with a scavenger hunt to learn more about the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community to American art.
First SaturdayWhere: National Gallery of Art | NationalMall, DCWhen: Saturday, 10am – 3pmAdmission: FreeIt’s the NGA’s monthly series that presents activities for all ages the first Saturday of the month. Little ones can enjoy story time, have their faces painted, and play in a space just for them. And everyone can get creative with some drop-in art making and sketching, visit the pop-up library, and of course, check out the exhibits.
Black Birders STEAM DayWhere: NMAAHC | National Mall, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 3pmAdmission: FreeJoin the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Zoological Park to celebrate Black birders, birds, and nature. Participate in bird walks on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators.
Strawberry JubileeWhere: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VAWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pmAdmission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & underIt’s another weekend of the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. Enjoy lots of fun activities for all ages, including live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole fam. As if that’s not enough to keep the everyone entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, mazes, a tractor tire mountain, and animal encounters. Get tickets in advance!
RiverFest & Craft ShowWhere: Historic Downtown Occoquan, VAWhen: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pmAdmission: FreeThis festival celebrates Occoquan’s rich history and heritage on the river. The town will close its streets ad fill up with more than 250 artisans, makers, and creators — and festival-goers can shop for everything from accessories to wood crafts to fine art to children’s items. The Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade on Sunday will showcase decorated river vessels paddling the 1/2-mile along the coastline, and kayaks and paddle boards will also be available to rent for some fun on the river. No admission fee at the gate. There is a shuttle fee is $8 round trip, or 2 for $15. Shuttle passes can be pre-purchased here.
All Aboard…BOAT Tram DayWhere: National Capital Trolley Museum | Silver Spring, MDWhen: Saturday, 12-3Admission:Join the National Capitol Trolley useum for All Aboard! to learn about our boat tram from Blackpool, England. Your admission ticket includes a ride on the boat and participation in a craft activity.
Glover Park DayWhere: Guy Mason Rec Center | Glover Park, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 5pmAdmission: FreeAll are welcome to the annual outdoor festival celebrates the Glover Park neighborhood. Started over 30 years ago, the event has grown over the years to offer the neighborhood a chance to enjoy the outdoors together, spend time with family and friends, listen to good music, and enjoy local businesses and restaurants. Lots of kids’ activities and treats, too.
Family Day: Delicious DeliWhere: Capital Jewish MuseumWhen: Sunday, 9:30am – 1pmAdmission: FreeJoin the Capital Jewish Museum for a morning of creating, learning, and crafting to celebrate the Jewish Deli, family style. Read with children’s book authors Pamela Ehrenberg, Erica Perl, and Alan Silberberg; braid challah with Paula Shoyer; and take action on food insecurity with MAZON. Enjoy specialty crafts, games, and a scavenger hunt to guide even the littlest learners through the Museum. Note that registration for this event does not include tickets to the special exhibition “I’ll Have What She’s Having”: The Jewish Deli. You can enjoy these activities on their own or reserve your tickets to the exhibition here.
Planet MarylandWhere: Elm Street Urban Park | Bethesda, MDWhen: Sunday, 11am – 6pmAdmission: FreeJoin this family-fun event that brings together the best of Bethesda’s restaurants and eateries serving up small dishes of cutting-edge and creative plant-based cuisine! With a multicultural array of food choices, there will be something for everyone. Along with the tasty fun, there will be a Kids’ Korner, complete with a Mad Science show, Henna character art, face painting, and environmental DIY crafts; there will be a pie-eating contest, Canine Courtyard, Bier Garten, giveaways, music, and more.
World Heritage FestivalWhere: Veterans Plaza | Silver Spring, MDWhen: Sunday, 1-7pmAdmission: FreeExplore cultures across the globe at the World Heritage Festival. Taste delicious ethnic food, while getting refreshed with a scoop of ice cream, shaved ice, or even a fresh smoothie. Enjoy a beautiful cultural performance and shop from more than 60 vendors displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. A kids zone will have activities and games throughout the day.
Reap the Fruits (& Veggies)Where: Around the DC AreaWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by placeStrawberries, cherries, even spinach are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
***MORE GOOD STUFF**** It’s going to be a perfect weekend for this.* There will be some road closures in Arlington this weekend for the Armed Forces Cycling Classic.* The National Zoo will welcome new pandas later this year!* The National Gallery of Art introduced a new Paint & Play feature on their website — a fun activity to keep in mind for kids this summer!* 28 books to read this summer.* Excellent, affordable dining options in the DC area.* Spruce up your outdoor spaces… so many good deals to help with that. We have and love this set.* Also recommend this mosquito repeller.* Such a pretty “mom of graduate” (or other summer occasion) dress.* Love this DC graduation gift Owen received from a friend.* Deciphering your daughter’s “MOM” texts. (I feel this.)* Best graduation speeches that everyone should hear.