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Family Fun in AU Park, Washington, D.C.: A Guide for Kids and Parents

Nestled in the heart of Northwest Washington, D.C., American University Park (AU Park) is a charming neighborhood that offers plenty of family-friendly spots. AU Park has plenty of places to keep kids entertained and parents happy.

1. Playgrounds

  • Friendship “Turtle” Park: A favorite among local families, this playground is located at 45th and Van Ness Street NW. The large turtle sculptures that give the park its nickname are a hit with kids, making for perfect photo ops. The park offers two separate playground areas, one for toddlers and one for older kids, with slides, swings, and climbing structures. There’s also a splash pad during the warmer months, plus plenty of benches and shaded areas for parents to relax. In the summer and fall you are sure to be able to catch a baseball game too.
  • Fort Bayard Park: For a more laid-back playground experience, head over to Fort Bayard Park at River Road NW and Western Avenue. This smaller, quieter park has swings, a slide, and open green spaces where kids can run around or play ball. It’s also a peaceful spot for a family picnic.
  • St. Columba’s Playground: Tucked behind St. Columba’s Episcopal Church, this lesser-known gem offers a small but well-maintained playground that’s great for younger kids. It has a shaded area, swings, and climbing structures, providing a quieter space for play compared to larger parks. Families often stop by after attending one of the church’s community events or preschool programs.

2. Family-Friendly Restaurants

  • Millie’s: Located just across the street from Turtle Park, Millie’s is perfect for family dining. With a relaxed atmosphere and a menu featuring tacos, burgers, salads, and seafood, there’s something for everyone. Their outdoor seating area is great for kids, who can enjoy ice cream from Millie’s own ice cream stand while parents savor a margarita.
  • Pizzeria Paradiso: Just a short drive away in nearby Spring Valley, this beloved pizzeria is great for grabbing a quick bite. The wood-fired pizzas are a big hit with kids, and they also offer sandwiches, salads, and small plates. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great choice for a casual family meal.
  • Playa Bowls: A popular chain known for its healthy, tropical-inspired bowls and smoothies. Playa Bowls focuses on offering nutritious options with fresh ingredients like acai, pitaya (dragon fruit), coconut, chia pudding, and oatmeal as the base. These bowls are then topped with a variety of fresh fruits, granola, nuts, seeds, honey, and other delicious add-ons, creating colorful and refreshing meals.
  • Compass Coffee: A popular Washington, D.C. based coffee roaster and café known for its commitment to simplicity, quality, and community. Compass Coffee was created with the goal of providing high-quality coffee that’s easy to enjoy without any pretension.

3. Things to Do with Kids

  • American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center: For families with older kids or those looking to introduce their little ones to art and culture, the Katzen Arts Center offers rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. The museum is free and is just a short walk from the heart of AU Park.
  • Tenley-Friendship Library: Just a few blocks away from AU Park, the Tenley-Friendship Library is a great spot for a rainy day. They offer storytime sessions for toddlers and kids, as well as various children’s programs throughout the week.
  • The National Zoo: Although not directly in AU Park, the National Zoo is just a short drive away and makes for an excellent family outing. Kids will love seeing the animals, and the zoo’s educational exhibits make it both fun and informative.

4. Seasonal Events

  • Halloween and Holiday Celebrations at Turtle Park: Around Halloween and the winter holidays, Turtle Park hosts community gatherings that often include costume parades, games, and treats for kids. It’s a great way to meet other families in the neighborhood and join in the festive spirit.

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Family Fun in St. Louis: A Guide to Museums, Indoor Spaces, Historical Sites, Playgrounds, and More!

St. Louis, Missouri, is a city brimming with activities that cater to families with kids of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the city’s rich history, visiting interactive museums, or enjoying outdoor playgrounds, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly attractions in St. Louis.

1. Museums That Spark Curiosity

  • The Magic House, St. Louis Children’s Museum: This is a must-visit for families. The Magic House offers hands-on exhibits that encourage learning through play. Kids can explore the world of art, science, and pretend-play in various interactive exhibits, including a mock courtroom, a construction zone, and an outdoor garden.
  • City Museum: Unlike any other museum you’ve visited, the City Museum is an eclectic wonderland housed in a former shoe factory. With its labyrinth of tunnels, slides, and climbing structures, the museum is a giant playground for both kids and adults. Don’t miss the rooftop Ferris wheel and the outdoor MonstroCity, where kids can climb through wire tunnels suspended in the air.
  • St. Louis Science Center: Ignite your child’s curiosity at the St. Louis Science Center, where exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to space exploration. The OMNIMAX Theater is a highlight, offering immersive films that bring science and nature to life on a giant screen.

2. Indoor Spaces for Active Play

  • Myseum: This interactive museum is designed specifically for kids, with exhibits that encourage learning through play. From a giant dinosaur dig to a laser maze, Myseum offers a wide range of activities that keep children engaged and entertained.
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Perfect for active families, Sky Zone offers wall-to-wall trampolines, a foam pit, and dodgeball courts. It’s a great way for kids to stay active while having a blast.
  • Main Event: Located just outside of St. Louis in Chesterfield, Main Event offers gravity ropes, bowling, billiards, and games. It’s a fantastic spot for families looking for a day of high-energy fun.

3. Exploring St. Louis’ Historical Gems

  • The Gateway Arch and Museum: No trip to St. Louis is complete without visiting the Gateway Arch. Take a tram ride to the top for breathtaking views of the city and explore the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which delves into the history of St. Louis and the westward expansion of the United States. Join the St. Louis Arch and River Cruise Small Group Walking Tour. Ascend the world-famous St. Louis Arch for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. Then, embark on a leisurely walk past legendary sites such as Busch Stadium, City Hall, the National Blues Museum, Magnolia Hotel, Federal Reserve Bank, Civil Courts, Wainwright Building, and the serene Sculpture Park (City Garden). Our expert guide will provide captivating insights into each stop. The adventure finishes with a Gateway Riverboat Cruise, offering a unique vantage point of the Gateway Arch, the Mississippi River, and the city skyline. Our crew will enhance the experience with informative commentary. Immerse yourself in the best of St. Louis, blending history and modern charm.
  • The Dred Scott Trial site is located at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis, part of the Gateway Arch National Park. The Old Courthouse is where Dred Scott and his wife Harriet filed their historic lawsuit for freedom in 1846, which eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court. The Old Courthouse is free to visit, and it offers exhibits related to the Dred Scott case, as well as other important moments in St. Louis and American history. Guided tours are available, and there are interpretive panels to explain the significance of the trial and its impact on the country.
  • Missouri History Museum: Located in Forest Park, the Missouri History Museum offers engaging exhibits that explore the history of St. Louis and the surrounding region. The museum is free, and special events and activities for kids are held regularly.
  • Root Root Root for the Home Team: St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues & St. Louis City Soccer Club
  • Campbell House Museum: Step back in time at the Campbell House Museum, a beautifully preserved 19th-century home that offers a glimpse into St. Louis’ Victorian past. The museum hosts family-friendly events, including Victorian-themed holiday celebrations.
  • Saint Louis Art Museum: This museum, also free to visit, houses an impressive collection of works spanning ancient to contemporary art. Special family events and tours make it accessible to all ages.
  • Boathouse at Forest Park: Rent paddleboats, kayaks, or canoes at the Boathouse and explore the waterways of Forest Park. It’s a fun, leisurely way to enjoy nature with your family.
  • The World’s Fair Pavilion: This grand pavilion offers breathtaking views of the park and is a great picnic spot. It commemorates the 1904 World’s Fair, which took place in Forest Park.
  • Ted Drewe’s Frozen Custard: Ted Drewes has been selling frozen custard for over 80 years. Throughout the years, Ted Drewes Frozen Custard has become a popular treat for St. Louisans and tourists to enjoy after visiting the Arch, the Fox and Muny Theaters, the St. Louis Zoo, or a Cardinal’s baseball game. Along with the delicious hot fudge sundae, Ted’s “concrete” has been the most popular treat at the custard stands. The concrete, which was created in 1959, is a malt or shake so thick that it is served upside down.
  • BBQ & Breweries anyone? Wether it is the boutique single barrel brewery experience of Side Project Brewing or the million barrel plus brew house of the Anheuser-Busch campus, guest will be entrenched in brewery history, tasty brews, and delicious St. Louis barbecue.

4. Playgrounds

  • Forest Park’s Turtle Playground: This unique playground features giant turtle sculptures that kids can climb on and explore. It’s a whimsical spot for imaginative play and is conveniently located near other attractions in Forest Park.
  • The Playground at Kiener Plaza: Located downtown, this modern playground features climbing structures, slides, and water play elements. It’s a great spot to let kids run free while parents take in views of the Gateway Arch.
  • Citygarden: While not a traditional playground, Citygarden in downtown St. Louis is a fun and interactive urban park with sculptures, fountains, and splash areas where kids can cool off on hot days.
  • Laumeier Sculpture Park: A unique 105-acre outdoor museum in St. Louis, blending art with nature. It showcases large-scale contemporary sculptures in a picturesque natural setting, making it a great spot for families, art lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Hit the trails, see over 70 sculptures, and visit indoor galleries.
Grant’s Farm

5. More Family Fun in St. Louis

  • St. Louis Zoo: One of the best zoos in the country, the St. Louis Zoo in Forest Park is free to visit and offers incredible exhibits, including the Penguin & Puffin Coast, the River’s Edge, and the ZooLine Railroad.
  • The Muny: As the nation’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theater, The Muny in Forest Park offers a summer season of family-friendly productions. With shows like The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast, it’s a perfect evening out for families.
  • Missouri Botanic Garden: One of the oldest and most renowned botanical gardens in the United States. Founded in 1859, it covers 79 acres and offers a diverse array of gardens, greenhouses, and exhibitions that attract visitors of all ages. It’s a perfect place for families to explore nature and enjoy beautiful outdoor settings
  • Grant’s Farm: A historic site and family attraction, Grant’s Farm offers animal encounters, tram rides, and a look into the life of Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States.
  • The Butterfly House: Located in Chesterfield, the Butterfly House is a tropical conservatory filled with thousands of butterflies. It’s a magical experience for kids and adults alike.
  • Purina Farms: Located in Gray Summit, outside of St. Louis. Visit Purina Farms to enjoy live canine performances, up-close encounters with farm animals, wagon rides, and more! You can also check out our event calendar to join us for a special event, plan a field trip for your students, or even throw your child’s or pup’s next birthday Paw-ty.  

The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Fun for Kids in and around Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is not only the political heart of the United States but also a city bursting with vibrant cultural, educational, and recreational activities—many of which are perfect for families! If you’re looking to escape the weather or simply enjoy some indoor fun, D.C. has plenty to offer. From world-class museums and creative play spaces to indoor sports and interactive exhibits, here’s your comprehensive guide to all the best indoor places to take kids in Washington, D.C.

Museums with Kid-Friendly Exhibits

  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
    Explore the wonders of the natural world at this iconic museum. Kids will love the Dinosaur Hall, featuring life-sized skeletons, and the Hall of Mammals, where they can see their favorite animals up close. Don’t miss the Butterfly Pavilion, where they can walk among free-flying butterflies.
  • Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
    Perfect for young aviators and astronauts, this museum offers interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and a planetarium. Children can learn about the history of flight, explore space through virtual reality experiences, and even touch a real moon rock!
  • Smithsonian National Museum of American History
    Step back in time to explore America’s past. Highlights include the Spark!Lab, a hands-on invention space where kids can become inventors, and the Draper Spark!Lab, which encourages creativity and innovation.
  • International Spy Museum
    For little detectives, the Spy Museum is a thrilling experience. Kids can learn about espionage, test their skills in interactive spy challenges, and see real-life spy gadgets.
  • National Children’s Museum
    A blend of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) exhibits, this museum is designed specifically for young minds. Interactive exhibits like the Dream Machine and the Innovation Sandbox encourage learning through play.
  • National Geographic Museum
    This museum offers rotating exhibits that often feature stunning photography, interactive displays, and hands-on activities. Kids can learn about wildlife, space, and world cultures.
  • United States Botanic Garden
    While primarily known for its outdoor gardens, the Conservatory offers a warm, humid escape with lush greenery, a children’s garden, and educational exhibits about plant life. It’s a fantastic spot for kids to learn about nature while staying indoors.
  • National Gallery of Art – East Building
    While not specifically for children, the East Building’s modern art collection is vibrant and colorful, making it accessible for younger viewers. They also offer family workshops and programs to help kids engage with art creatively. Kids will also love the lit-up moving walkway.
  • The National Postal Museum
    A Smithsonian Institution that is under visited will keep your child busy, especially the older ones. There are many hands-on exhibits as well as replica mail cars and mail carrying planes hanging from the ceiling. Visitors can create their own stamp designs, sort through the Museum’s collection and create their own stamp collection based on the topics that interest them at touchscreen tables and kids can pretend they are mail-clerks and try to toss packages into their proper bin. Union Station is located next door so you can take the Metro (red line or stop by Union Station to admire the architecture or grab lunch.
  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing
    Located in the heart of the Nation’s Capital, the BEP’s Washington, DC Tour & Visitor Center is a great place to learn all about U.S. paper currency. You can see millions of dollars bring printed as you walk along the gallery overlooking the production floor. The free 40-minute experience includes an introductory film and gallery tour of the production process. The visitor center includes exhibits and currency products for sale. 
  • The National Capital Trolley Museum 
    This museum is not very large but will have the attention of those train enthusiasts in your family. Summer is the perfect time to go as they have family programs throughout; storytelling, crafts and videos featuring trolley cartoons. They have a model train, a working trolley kids can take rides on (rides are unlimited with paid ticket), silent films displaying trolley life, and a large area full of old street cars.
  • Port Discovery Children’s Museum
    Choose your own adventure with a day full of play, exploration, and family-friendly fun at Port Discovery. Featuring hands-on experiences, interactive exhibits, and entertaining programs all designed to spark imaginations and help children and adults connect, discover, and learn through play.
  • U.S Capitol Tour
    The Capitol Visitor Center is open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tours begin every 10 minutes until 3:20 p.m. All tours are led by our professional tour guides and visit the Crypt, the Rotunda and National Statuary Hall.

Indoor Play Spaces and Activity Centers

  • Be With Me Playseum
    A unique children’s play museum where kids can role-play in different themed rooms, from a grocery store to a dentist’s office. The Playseum encourages imaginative play and is designed for children up to age 9.
  • Scramble
    An indoor play facility in Alexandria, Virginia, Scramble offers a massive play structure, a mini-soccer field, and even a separate toddler zone. This European-style play space is designed to encourage active, imaginative play.
  • Magic Ground
    A unique children’s entertainment center and indoor playground design to create a fun, educational, and memorable experience for both children and their parents. Urban parents and children will find a place to spend valuable family time, play safely, eat healthy, and also relax while your children play and participate in activities especially designed to stimulate their development.

Creative Spaces and Art Activities

  • Red Panda Art Studio
    They offer classes, camps and day-off workshops designed to engage children’s creativity, enhance their imagination, and explore their artistic abilities – with an overall focus on having fun and collaborating with peers.  They provide different activities and materials to keep them engaged and interested, and allow more time to explore in depth when desired. 
  • The Loft Collective
    An art studio for children and families, located in Takoma Park, MD, just at the edge of Washington DC. They offer classes that focus on making as a conduit for making meaning and making connections. With an eye on public art and a diverse group of artists, they choose projects and stories that explore the power of art to amplify voices, shift mindsets, and impact change.
  • District Dabble Lab
    District DabbleLab is a space that seeks to inspire imagination, develop skills, spark curiosity, and promote creativity.  
  • All Fired Up
    Another fantastic pottery painting studio, All Fired Up offers a variety of ceramic pieces to paint, from figurines to plates. They also host workshops and birthday parties.
  • Kids Create Art Studio
    This art studio offers a range of art classes and workshops for kids, including painting, drawing, and sculpture. It’s a great way to nurture creativity in a structured environment.
  • ArtJamz
    An art playdate or a time to go get messy. Each child gets their own canvas to paint and keep, an easel, smock, and unlimited access to a huge selection of art materials. Glitter, stencils, palettes, and other materials are sure to excite and inspire any young artist. Parents can get their own easel and canvas or grab a drink at the bar and hang out in the artists lounge while the kiddos unleash their inner artists. Multiple locations in the DMV.

Indoor Sports and Recreation

  • Lucky Strike Bowling
    This upscale bowling alley located in Chinatown is perfect for a family outing. They offer kid-friendly lanes, bumpers, and even lightweight balls for younger children.
  • Pinstripes Bowling
    The Georgetown & Bethesda locations offers a unique variety of entertainment and events every day of the week. Enjoy our made-from-scratch Italian-American cuisine during Saturday & Sunday Brunch with the family, happy hour after work, or a night of bowling and bocce.
  • Swingers Putt-Putt
    Swingers Dupont Circle takes crazy golf from the 1920’s British seaside, Tanqueray infused plus-fours, adds DC’s best street food, banging beats and sticks it in Dupont Circle. Game on… 
  • Beat the Bomb
    Beat the Bomb players pull on hazmat suits, helmets, and face shields and move through a series of high-tech rooms while cracking codes and navigating laser mazes. If you don’t succeed, you get blasted! Children must be at least 8 years old to participate, and kids 10 and up can play on their own.
  • My Gym Potomac
    Whether you’re looking for a fantastic Parent and Me program or high-energy classes for big kids – you’ve come to the right place! The Guest Experience includes Unlimited Classes and Open Gym sessions for one week!
  • Sky Zone Indoor Trampoline Park
    Another trampoline park that offers fun for all ages. Sky Zone has toddler time during the week, Sky Jam (16 and older) and they offer birthday parties.
  • Woodrow Wilson Aquatic Center
    An amazing aquatic center in Tenleytown that offers an Olympic size indoor lap pool and kiddie pool that is open year round, seven days a week. Kiddie pool includes basketball hoops, a wade in area and buckets that dump water. Free to DC residents.
  • Five Iron Golf
    A mix of indoor golf and entertainment. State-of-the-art simulators and world-class instruction meet premium events and amenities plus delectable food and cocktail menus. Five Iron is fostering a dynamic, engaging, and fun atmosphere for golf enthusiasts and party-goers alike. They also offer children’s birthday parties.
  • DC Improv Comedy Club – Family Shows
    While most shows are for adults, DC Improv occasionally hosts family-friendly comedy shows and improv workshops, which can be a fun and unique indoor experience for older kids.
  • The Escape Game
    9 escape rooms for all skill levels.
  • ZavaZone
    This indoor adventure park, located just outside D.C., offers trampolines, climbing walls, zip lines, and ropes courses. It’s an ideal spot for energetic kids looking to burn off some energy.
  • Monster Mini Golf
    Monster Mini Golf is an exciting indoor monster themed glow in the dark 18 hole miniature golf course that offers a host of fun activities at every turn. This is not your average mini golf course! Whether you’re visiting for the first time, or the hundredth, you feel the excitement and adventure of playing mini golf among a scary but cool monster décor with custom and animated props at every turn.
  • Shadowland Laser Tag
    An indoor laser tag facility featuring a large, multi-level arena filled with glowing walls, fog, music, and special effects that create an immersive gaming environment. The venue is designed to resemble a futuristic labyrinth with plenty of nooks, crannies, and hiding spots, making it an ideal setting for strategy-based play.
  • HyperKidz
    Themed zones for kids ages 0-13. Other attractions include an interactive LED dance floor, laser light show, interactive screen games, bubble machine, glow-in-the-dark play, a concession stand, souvenir stand, and giant lite brite boards. Various locations in the DMV.
  • Laugh Out Loud Stations Mega Fun Center
    CRAZY FUN Rides and AMAZING attractions all in one place to develop LOL Stations as the Best Indoor Theme Park and Birthday Party Place in the Washington metropolitan area, where the entire family can play together!! LaserTag, Challenge Course, Tumbler, Bumper Cars, Ball Blaster, Bouncers, 4-Level Playground, Himalaya, and much more!! Purchase a package or pay for single games.
  •  Silver Stars Gymnastics
    Offering classes, birthday parties and open gym (you do not have to be enrolled in classes).
  • Climb Zone
    Indoor rock climbing with individual walls, each with a theme. There are a few bounce houses, an area for kids 3 and under to play in, video games and a small cafe. You can have a birthday party here too. Put your harness on and climb aboard your favorite art whether it be Mt. Rushmore or the Alice in Wonderland themed wall, you’ll have a great time.
  • Play N’ Learn: The Playground Superstore
    Spend up to 2 hours at Play N’ Learn’s indoor playground in Columbia, MD. Your children are welcome to come play on swing sets, basketball goals, trampolines, air hockey and foosball tables in the 6,000 sq ft facility. The facility, which features safe rubber flooring throughout, is best suited to entertain ages 2-8. However, they do have baby swings to accommodate the little guys.

Science and Discovery Centers

  • KID Museum
    Located in Bethesda, Maryland, KID Museum offers hands-on activities focused on science, technology, and creativity. Kids can engage in maker activities, robotics, and other STEM-related workshops.
  • Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History – Q?rius
    A unique discovery room designed for older kids and teens, Q?rius offers a hands-on learning environment where kids can touch real fossils, use microscopes, and explore various scientific fields.
  • Planet Word
    This unique museum dedicated to language and words offers interactive exhibits that are perfect for older kids and teens. They can participate in word games, explore the history of languages, and even record their own stories.
  • Maryland Science Center
    In addition to all of the great hands-on science exhibits MSC has a Kids Room designed for children ages 0-8. Highlights include large water play area, undersea world with periscope and submarine theme and pneumatic messaging system, streetscape, and giant pinscreen. The museum also has an IMAX and Planetarium. 
  • imagiNATIONS Activity Center at The National Museum of the American Indian
    The interactive, family-friendly imagiNATIONS Activity Center provides young visitors a lively space with a wide variety of learning experiences. The cultural and scientific knowledge of Indigenous peoples reflects a tradition driven by innovation that is both unique and universal. Today many of their innovations and inventions are part of daily life for millions worldwide. Visitors to the center may explore some of these ingenious adaptations through a variety of play-based interactives.
  • Wegman’s Wonderplace at The National Museum of American History
    Wegmans Wonderplace is the first exhibition on the National Mall designed for children 0 to 6. This 1,700-square-foot interactive space provides the youngest historians with age-appropriate activities and experiences.
  • Glen Echo Park Aquarium
    The Glen Echo Park Aquarium is a Chesapeake Bay Discovery Center in historic Glen Echo Park. Their mission is to promote awareness of the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed through education, in order to encourage stewardship and conservation. The Aquarium features live animal exhibits, static and interactive displays, activities, a live touch tank, a giant sand pit, a submarine, and a pirate ship in a tree, all designed to help our visitors learn about our nation’s largest estuary!

Family Friendly Theaters

Nature Centers with Indoor Exhibits

Don’t Miss These End-of-Summer Festivals & Events Before Fall Arrives

As the summer sun begins to set, there’s still time to squeeze in a few more memorable moments before fall arrives. Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas are buzzing with late-summer festivals that offer the perfect way to celebrate the season’s final days. From lively cultural celebrations to outdoor music festivals, these events are a great way to enjoy the last warm days of summer. Here’s a look at a few festivals you won’t want to miss as we bid farewell to summer and prepare to embrace the beauty of autumn.

August 23 from 6pm-9pm: Mid-Autumn Festival Community Day
Join the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA) for a movie night to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival! MOAPIA will show for a movie night to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival! MOAPIA “Raya and the Last Dragon,” a captivating family-friendly film, and unleash your creativity with fun lantern-making activities for all ages. Don’t miss out on this joyful celebration filled with excitement, creativity, and community spirit!

August 24 from 9am-8pm: The 2024 National Book Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center
The event is free and open to the public. A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival. Check here for family-friendly options. Plan your day with the filterable Festival schedule. You can also view and download the Festival program PDF and Festival map.

August 24  from 10am to 4pm: Turning the Page Back to School Festival
The space will be filled with thousands of high-quality used books of all genres, for all ages. 4,000+ used children’s books, CDs, and more, along with community vendors and partners, DJ, arts, crafts, activities, and author’s readings. All items are $7 or less and proceeds support local non-profit, Turning the Page.  Turning the Page is a nonprofit that engages public school families for student success; collecting and selling donated used books is one way they raise capital for their programs and has been working with DC families since 1998, providing family engagement and literacy development programming. Learn more about Turning the Page and Carpe Librum’s book sales here.

August 24 at 6:30pm: Opera in the Outfield
Join Washington National Opera at Nationals Park for a FREE broadcast of Puccini’s Turandot! Here’s your chance to see the acclaimed production that sold out in May. The doors open at 4:30 p.m. and production starts at 6:30 p.m.

August 25 from 10am-6pm: WOW! Indonesia Festival
Vibrant mixture of Indonesian-American cultural performances such as music, dance, and act performances. There will be arts and crafts (batik workshop, mask painting, etc.), sports and games, cooking demonstration and food sampling as well as corporate exhibitions. The festival will take place between 3rd and 7th Street, Pennsylvania Avenue.

August 28-September 1: DC JazzFest
Enjoy stellar performances by rising stars and world-renowned artists at venues across Washington, DC. Don’t miss the headlining performances Labor Day Weekend at DC JazzFest at the Anthem and DC JazzFest at The Wharf. DC JazzFest at the Wharf Seated and VIP tickets include access to indoor performances at Arena Stage and Union Stage. DCJazzPrix tickets are sold separately. 

September 6 from 5:30pm-8:30pm: Back to the Yards
Get ready to groove at Back to the Yards, our electrifying retro neon dance party at Yards Park! Celebrate the best of the 80s and 90s with an epic playlist featuring chart-toppers, one-hit wonders, and fan favorites. Be sure to rock your brightest neon gear as you dance the night away. This family-friendly event offers a variety of exciting activities for kids and adults alike. Enjoy thrilling breakdance performances, get creative with groovy crafts, and have fun with face painters and glitter tattoos. Capture your retro moments at our photo booth, and don’t miss out on the glow giveaways. With free admission and entertainment for all ages, this celebration is one you won’t want to miss. Join us for a night of unforgettable fun and nostalgia!

September 7 from 10am-5pm: DC State Fair
The DC State Fair is a free showcase of the District’s creative talents and a daylong celebration of all things homegrown. Inspired by time-honored state fair traditions—growing and gardening, contests, and deep-fried foods—the DC State Fair honors the things that make the District of Columbia unique. This means the DC State Fair holds competitions to find the tastiest mumbo sauce, best honey, and the top photographers with a creative eye. Among many activities, the 15th Annual DC State Fair will include 50+ exhibitors including local makers, community organizations, food vendors, government agencies, and universities, live performances, children’s activities, arts, demonstrations, and blue-ribbon presentations for 30+ contests.

September 7 from 11:30am-4pm: Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond Opening Festival
Celebrate the opening of Sightlines: Chinatown and Beyond, an exhibition organized by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center that showcases the impacts of Asian American culture and creativity on Washington, DC. Enjoy an afternoon of martial arts presentations, visual arts demonstrations and hands-on craft activities, a discussion with local Asian American chefs, and music and dance performances, including DJ sets. Representatives from local Asian American community organizations will talk with visitors about their work and histories in the area. This event is co-presented by SAAM and the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. 

September 14 from 11:30am-4:00pm: Holiday Stamps Family Festival
The winter holidays have come to the Museum early this year! Come and meet Guest Artist Katie Kirk in person while we celebrate the new 2024 Christmas stamps issued by the Postal Service. There will be crafts, games, and all sorts of winter holiday family fun.

September 15-October 15: Hispanic Heritage Month at American Indian Museum
A variety of activities throughout the month, ranging from concerts to corn craze and more fun for the whole family.

September 21 from 10am-3pm: Homecoming at President Lincoln’s Cottage
Enjoy the grounds as the Lincolns did with a full day of family fun at Homecoming! During the Civil War, the Lincoln family called the Cottage home. Tad Lincoln spent three summers of his childhood exploring the grounds of the Soldiers’ Home as well as the rooms of the Cottage. Here he played with friends, soldiers, animals, as well as his own family. You can expect arts & crafts, storytelling, pony rides & a petting zoo, enjoy a picnic from food trucks, music and more.

September 21 from 12pm-7pm: H Street Festival
H Street Festival is one of the most anticipated and highly attended single day festivals in Washington D.C.  The festival is 12 blocks long and has 15 staging areas that are diversely themed and programmed to target the different segments of audiences.  The staging areas feature music of different genres, dance, youth based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more.

September 27-28: Art All Night
With activations in all 8 wards, there is more to explore than ever before. Join your favorite artists and local businesses and discover new ones as we come together to celebrate the District of Columbia. Scroll down to explore each neighborhood’s activation!

September 28-29: Fiesta DC
This two-day extravaganza transforms Washington, DC into a global fiesta celebrating latino cultures. Savor authentic and diverse Latin American cuisine, lose yourself in the infectious rhythms of live music and dance performances, and explore a marketplace brimming with handcrafted artisan creations. Fiesta DC is a celebration for all ages, offering engaging activities and fostering a spirit of community and cultural exchange.

October 7 from 11am-4pm: Chuseok Family Festival
Celebrate Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving Day, with NMAA! Learn about both past and current traditions of one of the biggest holidays in South Korea. Take pictures in traditional Korean clothing known as hanbok and view a charye table display, which is a traditional feast prepared for a family’s ancestors. Enjoy special performances, food talks, programming from local community groups, and more! This event is co-presented by the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC, and Onjium.

Fall Festivals Post Coming Soon!

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide


It’s a rainy weekend, so take advantage of some indoor fun. This post is out of date (note to self to update this asap) but has some indoor spaces that are sure to entertain the Bambinos this weekend. You can add Lego Discovery Center to an indoor option for the weekend. They are celebrating their 1st Birthday Bash today.

Knuffle Bunny at Adventure Theatre


This weekend:
Miss Nelson! at Imagination Stage: Ends Aug. 10

Howard County Fair: Ends Aug. 10

Montgomery County Fair: Aug. 9-17

Prince William County Fair: Aug. 9-17

Back to the Future Musical at the Kennedy Center: Ends Aug. 11

Saturday:

11:00am & 2:00pm: Knuffle Bunny at Adventure Theatre
Toddler Trixie and her father bustle through the streets of New York City down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. But returning home, Knuffle Bunny is gone, and Trixie cannot tell her father what is wrong.

11:00am-8:00pm: Caribbean Sports & Family Day at RFK (see image below)

5:00pm: Jazz in the Parks
The region’s most acclaimed jazz musicians are returning to the ever-popular Jazz in The Parks on the Great Lawn this summer! Bring your neighbors and friends for the city’s favorite laid-back summer evenings. Bring your own picnic, blanket and refreshments, and enjoy popular local food vendors and giveaways. Stop by the wonderful restaurants around the Marketplace, just a block away up 12th Street. Pick up charcuterie (or a pizza!) at Whole Foods, or amazing chicken or noodles from JINYA Ramen Bar. Everything works well for takeout! The events start at 5 pm with a children’s performer (get ready to dance!), followed at 6 pm by the headliners. Jazz performers Elijah Easton w/ Allyn Johnson, Kris Funn, and Quincy Phillips with opener Baba Ras D

7:00pm: Kidz Bop Live at Wolf Trap
KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024 is the ultimate family-friendly pop concert for children (and their parents!). Featuring awesome sets, costumes, choreography, and surprises, families can sing and dance along with the KIDZ BOP Kids as they perform today’s biggest hits on stage, including “Anti-Hero,” “About That Time, “As It Was,” and many more.

Sunday:
11:00am-12:00pm: Milling Day and Ice Cream-Making Demonstration
Come learn about old-fashioned ice cream, made famous by Dolly Madison, Quaker friend of Betsy Peirce, and invented by Augustus Jackson, who was the White House chef from 1817 until 1837. They’ll show how ice cream was made in the early 19th century–and talk about why it was such a rare and special treat. Kids can watch the ingredients being poured into the dasher, learn about the brine that freezes the cream, and take a turn cranking the handle to make old-fashioned ice cream. A historic recipe by Thomas Jefferson with a modern adaptation will be available to take away. After the demonstration, they’ll have free ice cream treats for the kids! When you are there be sure to print off this scavenger hunt for even more fun in Rock Creek Park.

11:00am & 2:00pm: Knuffle Bunny at Adventure Theatre
Toddler Trixie and her father bustle through the streets of New York City down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. But returning home, Knuffle Bunny is gone, and Trixie cannot tell her father what is wrong.

Save the Date:
Strathmore Square’s Music On The Square: August 13
Cirque du Soleil: Sept. 11-15
Blippi Live: Sept. 16 & 27
Disney on the Ice: Oct. 10-14
Disney Jr. Live at Warner Theatre : Oct. 10
Laurie Berkner Band: Oct. 20

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

Aug. 1-4: Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival
Enjoy some old-fashioned family fun at the Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival. Enjoy carnival games and rides, tractor demos, fair food, farm animals, 4-H exhibits and shows, and live entertainment.

Aug. 2-4: Otakon
This event celebrates Asian pop culture, including anime, manga, and video games. It’s a great option for families with older kids who are fans of this genre​​. Otakon is taking place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center,

Aug. 2-4: The Wizard of Oz at the Puppet Co.
This award-winning musical production uses the original Denslow design from the books. Using several styles of puppetry, we tell the great American fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum. The story takes place at the 1900s Kansas State Fair, with performers in costumes, guiding the audience down the yellow brick road. Recommended for ages 4+. Run time approximately 60 minutes.

Aug. 2-10: Miss Nelson! at Imagination Stage
The students of Smedley Elementary School’s Room 207 are not just badly behaved–they’re the “worst kids of all!” No matter what their sweet and caring teacher Miss Nelson tries, they simply won’t listen (or stop throwing paper airplanes across the room). Fed up with their behavior, Miss Nelson leaves her class in the hands of dreaded substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, infamous for bringing “woe to those who misbehave.” Terrified of “the Swamp,” the kids must work together and with Detective McSmogg to find their kindhearted teacher and win her back. Tuneful and hilarious, this Imagination Stage original has been a hit at theatres from coast to coast. This show runs approximately 65 minutes with no intermission.

Aug. 3-10: Howard County Fair
This fair offers classic fun with carnival rides, games, pony rides, and more. It’s a great way to enjoy a day out with the family.

Aug. 3-4: Peach Fuzztival at Great Country Farms
Celebrate Peach Picking!  Enjoy peaches in great food and drink at this collaboration between Bluemont Vineyard, Dirt Farm Brewing, Henway Hard Cider, and Great Country Farms, all located in Bluemont, VA. Get the whole family involved in the Peach fun with our Peach Eating Contest, Peach Pit Spitting Contest, and Family Water Games starting at 1 p.m. After picking your own peaches, enjoy peach slushies, peach ice cream in the Knead It Bakery or grab lunch at the Roosteraunt concession stand featuring Henway’s Peach Smash Peach Hard Cider. 

Saturday

10:00am-11:00am: First Saturday at The Kreeger Museum
Young artists ages 3-5 and an adult companion are invited to use their imagination as they explore the paintings, sculpture, and architecture of The Kreeger Museum. Each program focuses on a theme supported by a story, works of art from the collection, and a hands-on art-making experience. This month explore the different shapes in the collection with our theme “Shape Up.”

4:05pm: Harry Potter Day at Nationals Park
If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, head to Nationals Park for themed activities and a baseball game between the Washington Nationals and the Milwaukee Brewers. The first 10,000 fans will receive one of four Mystery House Jerseys – sizes & styles are subject to availability. Expect photo booths, themed entertainment, and the chance to win a Mystery House jersey.

Sunday

9:30am-11:30am: The National Children’s Museum is hosting Sensory Friendly Hours today. Through limited admission and added resources, Sensory Friendly Hours allow families more control over how they interact with our space and exhibit offerings. 

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