Happy Weekend!
Quick links for activities galore around the DC area:* Local Hikes with Kids* Swim Spots* The Great Indoors* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums* Baltimore with Kids* Bike Rides* Paddling Options* Stunning Spaces* Peaceful Places
Celebrate DadWhere: Around the DMVWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by activityIt’s a special day for the dads this weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas, from ballgames to big feasts to outdoor recreation to Juneteenth celebrations. See a whole round-up of them in this post, some of which are included below.
Horse AroundWhere: Horse Stables & Education Center | National Mall, DCWhen: Friday, 11am – 2pmAdmission: FreeTo celebrate one year since opening, the U.S Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center is hosting a special open house to meet-and-greet the Mounted Unit’s horses and officers who call the stables home. Explore the Education Center to learn all about the history of the Mounted Unit, and volunteers will be on hand to share facts and answer questions about the horses and their mission. Receive a free, commemorative cookie while supplies last.
The World & Me: Pollinator CelebrationWhere: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DCWhen: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pmAdmission: FreeJoin the museum for an early celebration of Pollinator Week! See pollinator specimens up close, meet scientists and horticulturists studying and providing habitats for local pollinators, create your own print inspired by pollinators, and more! Smithsonian Gardens and USDA Forest Service will be there to share about pollinators, too. Drop in to the event at any time.
Capital Book FestWhere: Wilson Plaza | Downtown DCWhen: Saturday, 10am – 5pmAdmission: FreeJoin local non-profit, Turning the Page, for a day of learning and fun! Over a dozen children’s authors and illustrators, including many from the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC. Authors and illustrators will be bringing their books and fun art activities for families to take home. Wilson Plaza is located outside the Ronald Reagan Building in Downtown DC.
Columbia Heights DayWhere: Harriet Tubman Elementary | Columbia Heights, DCWhen: Saturday, 11am – 6pmAdmission: FreeWhether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a free day of activities to help celebrate the diverse, fun, and quirky neighborhood. In its 16th year, the event brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food, live music and carnival entertainment, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors.
Summer TimeWhere: Throughout the DMVWhen: All weekend longAdmission: Varies by activityIt still may not be official on the calendar, but when it comes to local recreation, summer has arrived. Free concerts in the open air, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun, and SO much more! Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all around the area this weekend. The 2024 KFDC Guide to the Best of Summer in DC has the scoop on all of it.
Juneteenth CelebrationWhere: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MDWhen: Saturday, 12-5pmAdmission: FreeBring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom — the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the name. Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful offerings at Watkins while you’re there.
MudFestWhere: Woodstock Equestrian Special Park | Bealesville, MDWhen: Saturday, 11am – 3pmAdmission: $20/carGet down and dirty, jumping, slipping, and sliding in giant mud pits! Cook up a mud pie, make mud art, and play games! This muddy fun will be great for the whole family. This is a rain or shine event.
Taste of the DMV FestivalWhere: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd-7th St NW, DCWhen: Saturday, 12-7pmAdmission: $10/age 11+, free/10 & underSavor the day at this festival that showcases the foods of DC area! The gastronomic adventure features over 200 vendors, including food trucks, food booths, and some non-food vendors. Over 40 acts on multiple stages will bring entertainment, and a beer garden with multiple vendors will be fun for adults. This is an all-ages events, kids 10 and under get in free.
Army Birthday FestivalWhere National Museum of the US Army | Fort Belvoir, VAWhen: Saturday, 9am – 5pmAdmission: Free tickets requiredThe U.S. Army is celebrating its 249th Birthday with a free festival of fun activities for all ages. Experience live music, fun games, gaming, animals, parachutes, tanks, virtual reality ride simulators. You also will have access to the museums. Extra special happenings include a Twilight Tattoo show at the end, Selfies with Soldiers, Army birthday cupcakes and Souvenirs (limited supply). Tickets are FREE on website and required for entry and activities.
Innovations in FlightWhere: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VAWhen: Saturday, 10am – 12pmAdmission: Free, but parking is $15Head out to the Chantilly arm of the National Air & Space Museum for this special program. View over 50 vintage, modern, and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. You can even go into some of the cockpits and cabins and talk with pilots. Along with the outdoor display, museum educators will show how to spot and identify aircraft landing at Dulles Airport. If tickets are sold out for the outdoor part, there still will be activities inside.
Hill Family Biking: Kidical Mass – Team RideWhere: Around Capitol Hill, DCWhen: Saturday, 4-5:30pmAdmission: FreeJoin Hill Family Biking for their monthly group ride! This one is all about sports teams… if you’re on a team or love watching one, wear your team gear and join for a tour of ball fields around Capitol Hill ending at Watkins where there is a splash pad and playground — and popsicles for all the riders.
Spirit & JuneteenthWhere: Audi Field | Southwest DCWhen: Saturday, 7:30pm (gates open 6pm)Admission: Start at $15 (look for discount)The Washington Spirit host the San Diego Wave on Saturday and will also be celebrating Juneteenth and Black culture in DC. Along with the exciting action on the field, fans can enjoy storytelling and entertainment centered around local Black organizations, community leaders, and performers.
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 on 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.
Nats vs. MarlinsWhere: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DCWhen: Friday, Saturday, & SundayAdmission: Tickets start at $13The Nats are hosting the Marlins all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 6:45pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There are special promos and activities for a couple of them, including a Mike Rizzo Bobblehead giveaway on Friday and a bear plush giveaway for kids on Sunday.
Columbia Pike Blues FestWhere: Arlington, VAWhen: SaturdayAdmission: Free (some activities are extra) The largest annual Blues fest in the DC area celebrates women in blues this year. The event will feature performances by many local and regional blues bands and artists along with more family-friendly activities. Interact with the Arlington Art Truck, and enjoy food, beverages, arts, and a KidsZone.
Arrrgh, Mateys!Where: Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake | Annapolis, MDWhen: Throughout the weekendAdmission: $26-32, $16/ages 2 and underSomething fun to celebrate the end of the school year and start of summer… Set sail on the high seas in Annapolis for a jolly good adventure! Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake will take little buccaneers on a search for buried treasure. Several time slots are available throughout the day, and you can call in advance to reserve. Read more about the adventure in this KFDC post from awhile back.
Go for a Spin…or Tee Up!Where: Around the DC AreaWhen: Thoughout the weekendAdmission: Varies by placeSummer brings some extra delights to several parks and other places around the area that are already great outdoor places to hang with the kids. Go for whirl on a mini train or carousel, take a swing at mini golf, or even ride a Ferris Wheel. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go.
***MORE GOOD STUFF**** Watch Barbie on the Jumbotron at Audi Field on Thursday evening at this session of Movies on the Pitch.* And this family movie opens this weekend!* There’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win tickets to Knuffle Bunny: A Precautionary Tale, opening at Adventure Theatre next week.* In case you missed it last weekend, there’s a new round-up of high school graduation gift ideas… which could also be going away to college presents for later this summer. (Many of them would make great gifts for other occasions, too.)* The U.S. Botanic Garden just announced that it will stay open until 8pm on the third Thursday of the month this summer — June 20, July 18, and August 15.* The 15 best hotels and resorts for families in the US, according to Afar Magazine.* Love a pair of easy, breezy pants for summer, even better in a fun print.* A great sale on vacation styles at Athleta. Some of my travel go-tos are from the brand.* A potential Father’s Day gift that can be delivered quickly. Or keep it simple (and sweet) with this.* This documentary is on my weekend watch list.* Just ordered this for travels this summer.* Dad Jokes Ruined By Gentle Parenting 😄