Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

It’s sunflower season! The blooms are ready to be marveled at, picked and photographed!

It is county & agriculture fair time! Carousels will be spinning at Arlington County, Prince William County & Montgomery County this weekend!

Friday
4:00pm-9:30pm: Food Truck Friday Block Party
Join for this monthly food truck fest of delicious food, great music, and an amazing community atmosphere. This event is a unique opportunity to try a variety of mouth-watering dishes, all made by Black-owned food truck owners.

5:00pm-8:00pm: Friday Night Fishing
Who doesn’t love a summer Friday night spent on the river? This Friday Night Fishing program is a free, family friendly, learn-to-fish program. It takes place along the Navy Yard on the Anacostia. Open to all ages. ARK, and partner Earth Conservation Corps, provide everything you need for you and your family to learn how to fish in a fun and educational environment.

6:00pm: Starlight Cinema Drive-in – Bad Guys
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. Free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies. Gates open 6 p.m. * Pre-movie children’s show 7 p.m. * Movie starts at dark •

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

8:00pm: A League of Their Own at The REACH
Join for a FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 7:45 p.m. A League of Their Own is a comic look at the true story of two sisters who join the first female professional baseball league, and their struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry.

Saturday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard.  Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

10:00am-3:00pm: Dolley Day at Dumbarton House
Dolley Madison herself will be at Dumbarton House to share stories about her life and teach some of her favorite games! Additionally, there will be yard games and ice cream (one of Dolley’s favorite foods) available to add to the fun. The museum will be open for FREE self-guided tours with a special handout about Dolley.

1:00pm-5:00pm: Saturdays at the River Pavilion
Enjoy featured performances and activities with food and beverages available for sale at the River Pavilion. Youth Poet Laureate All Stars will perform with music by DJ B-Blast.

2:00pm-7:00pm: Chuck Brown Day
It’s that special time of the year when DPR celebrates the music and history of DC culture and the ‘Godfather of Go-Go’. This is the largest celebration of Go-Go at an even larger venue this summer. BYO chair or blanket and get ready to jam out with live performances.

Sunday
9:00am-5:00pm: The Big Dig Potato Harvest at Great Country Farms
Join for Potato Diggin’, Honey Crisp Apple & Peach Pickin’ & Sunflower Clippin’. Tickets include a full day of fun on the farm and access to the potato field & peach orchard.  Potatoes are sold separately on site by the peck and half peck box.

Cool down at some splash parks– a few are listed below:
The Wharf: 999 7th St SW, Washington, DC 20024
Color Burst Park: 6000 Merriweather Dr, Columbia, MD 21044
The Yards: 355 Water St SE, Washington, DC 20003

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DC Family Weekend Fun Guide

We recently visited the Museum of Illusions in CityCenter. We spent about an hour and a half playing in the immersive rooms and staring at illusions trying to figure out how our eyes were seeing such surprising and strange things. It was a lot of fun so be sure to add this to the long list of places to visit in Washington, DC.

Museum of Illusions

All weekend

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
The 2023 Lotus and Water Lily Festival will be July 15th through July 22nd! More information to come soon!

Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one, but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing, dancing life. Showtimes: Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Best for ages 5-11.

MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration at The Wharf
Saturday: 4:30pm – 9:30pm and Sunday: 3pm – 7pm
Kick off MLS All-Star at MLS Soccer Celebration presented by Coca-Cola Zero Sugar at The Wharf. The ultimate fan experience will feature special guest appearances by MLS players, musical activations and performances, culinary offerings, a watch party experience for MLS matches and the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola refreshments. There will be special programming tied to Coca-Cola’s partnership with Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington that will feature a limited-edition design drop that you don’t want to miss.

Friday

7:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back on the Yards Park boardwalk! Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

7:00pm-9:00pm: Space Jam at Metropolitan Park
Join the National Landing BID for our summer outdoor movie series at Metropolitan Park. Come anytime after 6 p.m. to grab a bite to eat at one of the provided food trucks, or pack a picnic! Movies will begin at 7 p.m.

7:00pm: Music at B&O Railroad Museum
Free admission into the Museum will begin at 4 PM, where guests will have the opportunity to view the Underground Railroad: Freedom Seekers on the B&O Railroad exhibit and all the Museum has to offer. Crafts and activities will be available for kids to join and partake in and Baltimore-based painter Phil The Artist will be on-site doing a live painting. The Museum’s newly-opened Groundwork Kitchen Café will also be open with a variety of locomotive-themed sandwiches, salads, and other hot foods for purchase. Witness a performance like no other during this community-based, family-friendly, evening to remember as Wordsmith’s thought-provoking lyrics resonate with everyone in attendance. The B&O Railroad Museum marks the perfect intersection for this fusion of Hip-Hop artistry and historical grandeur to collide at one of this summer’s signature events.

8:00pm-10:00pm: Puss in Boots at Arlington Mill Community Center Outdoor Plaza
All movies start at sunset (between 8 and 8:30 pm) and are shown in English with Spanish subtitles. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs/blankets, etc. Leashed pets are welcome.  

8:30pm-11:30pm: Sing at BlackRock Center for the Arts
Concessions available for purchase. No outside drinks allowed. Bring your most comfy blanket or lawn chair. The movie begins at sundown! For this screening, that is approximately 9pm. Come early to claim your spot on the lawn and enjoy some pre-show treats.

8:30pm: Top Gun Maverick at Cabin John Village
Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

Saturday

10:00am-3:30pm: Archaeology Family Day
Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about George Washington, Martha Washington, and the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon at our Archaeology Family Day! Meet a Mount Vernon Archaeologist and ask questions about their tools of the trade.

10:00am-1:00pm: Bastille Day for Families
This event is perfect for kids of all ages. We’ll have a moon bounce, photo booth, petting zoo, face painting, music, crafts and food for everyone to enjoy. The best part is that it’s all free! Get ready to celebrate French culture and history while having a blast!

11:00am-4:00pm: “Spanish is the Language of My Family” Book Festival
Come by the National Postal Museum for a day of fun-filled activities for the whole family that celebrates the release of the new book Spanish is the Language of My Family. Written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by NPM’s Guest Artist, John Parra, Spanish is the Language of My Family demonstrates the importance of cultural heritage, community, and identity. No registration required.

Sunday

12:00pm-6:00pm: Kids & Paws Family Festival
Shipgarten, the top Tysons Corner Restaurant for families, is hosting a Kids and Paws family festival with the Great Zucchini as the magical host on July 16th from 12-6pm! Join for a magical day with the Great Zucchini at 3:15pm and music bingo from 5-7pm. There will be moonbounces, face painting, magic tricks, out door games and activities, and more!

2:00pm-4:00pm: Decades Summer Dance Party at MLK Library
Enjoy singing along and dancing to hits from across the decades and have a blast playing party games like ping pong and giant chess, checkers and Jenga. 

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Summer bucket list in and around Washington, DC

If you don’t see an image click here to be redirected to our summer bucket list.

Quick links:

National Building Museum’s SummerBlock Party Late Night: July 27
Nationals Schedule + Salt Line + Atlas Brewery
Dutch Wonderland
Breweries
Outdoor movies
Live music
Friday night fishing
Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
DC Jazz Fest: Aug. 30-Sept 3
Renaissance Festival: Weekends Aug. 26-Oct. 22
Montgomery County Agricultural Fair: Aug. 11-19

Outdoor summer movies in and around Washington, DC

Photo; The REACH

The Drive-In at Union Market – Washington, DC
Let’s roll down the windows, feel that warm breeze and turn up the radio because the 11th Annual Drive-In at Union Market is back. A DC “must-do,” the series of eight movies launches April 7, and will continue on the first and third Friday of every month through July 21st. Movie audio will be transmitted through an FM transmitter on the radio and through speakers placed on Neal Place. As always, all movies are shown with open captioning. The movie plays rain or shine! Each movie showing costs $20 per car. “Sold Out” means that all 170 parking spaces have been reserved. All sales are final, no refunds issued.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick
  • July 21: Hairspray

Starlight Cinema – Fairfax, VA
Welcome to another exciting season of Starlight Drive-in Cinema. These movie nights bring the community together and nurture community spirit with features that appeal to both children and adults. The 2023 season provides four movies, free for the public to enjoy. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal so feel free to bring a picnic, blanket and chairs, and enjoy the movies.

  • Aug 5: Minions: The Rise of Gru
  • Aug 12: Lightyear
  • Aug 19: Bad Guys
  • Aug 26: DC League of Super Pets

Movies in the Park – Montgomery County, MD
Get outside this summer and get into Rockville’s free outdoor movies in the parks on the big screen. Enjoy four different movies at four different neighborhood parks throughout the city. Movies begin at dusk (approximately 8 p.m.) and are free. Bring your own chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Bengie’s Drive-In – Middle River, MD
The BIGGEST movie theatre screen in the USA! Bengie’s offers TriPPPle features almost every Friday and Saturday night, DouBBle features on Sunday night with non-stop projection. The show always begins with the National Anthem. In between movies, they play intermission clips, classic cartoons, and vintage trailers. On Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, they have Dusk till Dawn, All Nite Shows!

Extraordinary Cinema at The REACH– Washington, DC
Join for FREE film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. Films start at sundown or around 8:30 p.m.

  • June 30: The Iron Giant
  • July 7: Jaws
  • July 14: True Grit
  • July 21: Fantastic Mr. Fox
  • July 28: The Princess Bride
  • Aug. 4: Moana
  • Aug. 11: Close Encounters of the Third Kid
  • Aug. 18: A League of Their Own
  • Aug. 25: O Brother, Where Art Thou?

DowntownDC Summer Flicks – CAN I KICK IT? – Washington, DC
This movie series is back for its sixth season at Franklin Park! This free event series begins June 1 and will run every Thursday evening through July 13. Join us for action-packed films, live DJs, and more. Seating starts at 7:30 p.m., when guests can enjoy music by an impressive lineup of special guest DJs. All movies are mixed with a LIVE music soundtrack of Hip Hop & Soul by Shaolin Jazz‘s own DJ 2-Tone Jones. Movies start at sunset. Attendees can expect free swag items while supplies last, fun movie trivia with prizes, and so much more! Moviegoers can also enjoy 20% off from Pow Pow using code “canikickit” for online and in store orders (ordering ahead is strongly encouraged).

  • June 29: Everything Everywhere All At Once 
  • July 6: Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings 
  • July 13: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

Summer Movies on the Lawn– Washington, DC
The Library of Congress will host its annual “Summer Movies on the Lawn” series starting July 6. The series featuring films from the Library’s National Film Registry will be presented Thursday evenings at sundown on the southeast lawn of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building. Music will be presented prior to each film, with live performances on July 6, July 20 and Aug. 3. Music for the evening will begin at 7 p.m., followed by the film at sundown. Located on the corner of 2nd Street SE and Independence Avenue, the southeast lawn of the Thomas Jefferson Building is a scenic space to enjoy films on Capitol Hill. No tickets are required, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early as space is limited. Visitors must stay with their items on the lawn at all times. 

  • July 6: Iron Man (2008)
  • July 13: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
  • July 20: Shrek (2001)
  • July 27: Groundhog Day (1993)
  • Aug. 3: Mary Poppins (1964)
  • Aug. 10: Jaws (1975)

The series is a feature of the new Library after hours experience, Live at the Library. From 5 – 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, visitors are invited to enjoy happy hour drinks and snacks available for purchase in the Great Hall overlooking the Capitol and the Thomas Jefferson Building’s beautiful architecture while immersing themselves in the Library’s exhibits, collections and programs. Free timed-entry passes for entrance to the Thomas Jefferson Building are required and can be reserved here.

Movie Under the Stars – Cabin John, MD
Movies Under the Stars will screen every second Friday on the plaza. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Cabin John Village’s plaza. Live music and kids’ activities available from 6:30 pm.

  • July 7: Top Gun Maverick, movie starts at 8:30pm
  • Aug. 4: Toy Story, movie starts at 8:00pm
  • Sept. 1: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, movie starts at 7:30pm
  • Oct. 6: Encanto, movie starts at 7:30pm

Family Drive-In – Stephens City, VA
This is a two screen, 65 year old classic, 484 car drive-in theatre. They offer movie sound via the traditional speakers or via stereo sound (through your car radio). There is a concession stand that offers theatre snacks or full meals. The space has a playground and is pet friendly.

Sunset Cinema at the Wharf – Washington, DC
All summer long, come to The Wharf for free movies on Transit Pier presented by Pacifico onThursday evenings starting at 7:00pm. With action movies, rom-coms, blockbusters, and classics, there is something for everyone

  • June 29: Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 6: Forrest Gump
  • July 20: Bend It Like Beckham
  • July 27: Where the Crawdads Sing
  • August 3: A Dog’s Purpose
  • August 10: The Sandlot
  • August 17: Ratatouille
  • August 24: School of Rock
  • August 31: Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

Bethesda Outdoor Movies – Bethesda, MD
Enjoy three nights of blockbuster hits at downtown Bethesda’s 19th annual outdoor movie series!  Show times begin at 9pm at the corner of Norfolk & Auburn Avenues. A limited number of chairs will be provided – please bring your own lawn chairs. Admission is FREE! Spend an enjoyable evening in Woodmont Triangle and have dinner at one of the neighborhood’s delicious and diverse restaurants before the show!

  • July 28: Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody
  • Aug. 5: 50 First Dates
  • Aug. 11: Top Gun: Maverick

Movie Night in the Park at the UDC Amphitheater – Van Ness, DC
The park will be open one hour before showtime to select your seats and enjoy food and drinks before (or during!) the show. Seating is limited and will be based on capacity limits provided by UDC. Outside food and drink, including alcoholic beverages, are permitted. Please support our local restaurants and eateries during Movie Night!

  • June 28: Sister Act
  • July 19: 101 Dalmatians (1996)
  • July 26: Minions: The Rise of Gru

Mosaic – Strawberry Park, VA
Films in the Park are every Thursday evening at 7pm through August 17. Film lovers can watch their favorite flicks on the larger-than-life outdoor screen while sitting picnic-style in Strawberry Park. All movies are shown rain or shine unless otherwise noted.

  • June 29: In & Out
  • July 6 Top Gun: Maverick
  • July 13 Fast X
  • July 20 Puss In Boots: The Last Wish
  • July 27 Ticket to Paradise
  • Aug. 3: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
  • Aug. 10: Moana
  • Aug. 17: E.T.

Adam’s Morgan Movie Nights – Adams Morgan, DC

Voted as one of the best outdoor movie series in DC by readers of the Washington City Paper, Adams Morgan Movie Nights is a can’t-miss event!This year’s series focuses on “The Road Less Traveled,” showcasing movies that find our heroes on a quest of one sort or another. Series runs from May-June.

  • June 27: Shrek (Family Night)

Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor – National Harbor, MD
Pack your chairs, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet on the Plaza’s big screen for a *FREE* evening of fun for all ages! Family Movie Nights: Sundays at 6pm | Date Night Movies: Thursdays at 7pm

  • June 29: King Richard
  • July 2: DC League of Super-Pets
  • July 6: Black Adam
  • July 9: Up
  • July 13: Wonder Woman (2017)
  • July 16: The Princess Diaries
  • July 23: Her Best Move
  • July 27: Gracie
  • July 30: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
  • Aug. 3: Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania
  • Aug. 6: Incredibles
  • Aug. 10: A Journal for Jordan
  • Aug. 13: Incredibles 2
  • Aug. 17: Invictus
  • Aug. 20: Air Bud: World Pup
  • Aug. 24: Sister Act
  • Aug. 27: Space Jam: A New Legacy
  • Aug. 31: Cruella
  • Sept. 3: Shrek
  • Sept. 7: A Man Called Otto
  • Sept. 10: Shrek 2
  • Sept. 14: Coming 2 America
  • Sept. 17: Coco
  • Sept. 21: La Bamba
  • Sept. 24: Encanto
  • Sept. 28: Maid in Manhattan

Movie passes to see God Bless the Broken Road & Peppermint

God Bless the Broken Road

Wednesday, August 29 at 7:00 pm at Regal Gallery Place
Get your passes here. 25 admit 2 first-come, first-served passes.

Synopsis | God Bless the Broken Road tells the inspirational story of a young mother who loses her husband in Afghanistan and struggles to raise their young daughter in his absence. The film focuses on the importance of family, friends, and faith, while paying tribute to those who serve in the United States Military.

Cast  | Lindsay Pulsipher, Makenzie Moss, Andrew Walker, Kim Delaney, Robin Givens, Gary Grubbs, Arthur Cartwright, LaDainian “LT” Tomlinson, Madeline Carroll, Jordin Sparks
Directed by | Harold Cronk
Produced by | Edgar Struble, Dustin Solomon, Andy Fraser, Jeremy Page, Stephen Afendoulis, Gary Lewis, Troy Duhon, Tracy Thomas
Rating | PG for thematic elements and some combat action
Run Time | 105 minutes

 

Peppermint

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 7:00pm at Regal Majestic
Get your passes here. 25 admit 2 first-come, first-served passes.

Synopsis | Peppermintis a high impact, Jennifer Garner led, action thriller which tells the story of young mother who awakens from a coma after her husband and daughter are killed in a brutal attack on the family. When the system frustratingly shields the murderers from justice, Riley sets out to transform herself from citizen to urban guerilla. Channeling her frustration into personal motivation, she spends years in hiding honing her mind, body and spirit to become an unstoppable force – eluding the underworld, the LAPD and the FBI- as she methodically delivers her personal brand of justice.

Cast  | Jennifer Garner, John Ortiz, John Gallagher Jr., Juan Pablo Raba
Directed by | Pierre Morel
Produced by | Tom Rosenberg, Gary Lucchesi, Eric Reid, Richard Wright
Rating | R for strong violence and language throughout
Run Time | 102 minutes
Release Date | September 7, 2018 by STXfilms

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Smithsonian Folklife Festival established in 1967, honors contemporary living cultural traditions and celebrates those who practice and sustain them. Produced annually by the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage, the Festival has featured participants from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The free Festival takes place for two weeks every summer and ends this weekend, overlapping the Fourth of July holiday. It is an educational, research-based presentation that features master artisans and other tradition bearers.Visitors are invited to sing and dance along, try craft and game workshops, learn traditional recipes, ask questions, and take part in this unique cultural exchange.

The Washington Nationals take on the Florida Marlins all weekend.

See a fabulous kid-friendly show this weekend!

  • Paper Dreams is at Imagination Stage which brings to life their first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea?
  • Imagination Stage also has You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown for the older audience. You don’t want to miss your chance to see the comic strip characters of the lovable “Peanuts” gang comic brought to life! Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Sally, and Schroeder as they sing and dance their way through the timeless struggles of childhood. This show features catchy songs, including “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, and is the perfect family outing for the young and young at heart!
  • Adventure Theatre has everyone believing in fairies with Tinkerbell. Everyone knows the story of Peter Pan. Or, at least, everyone thinks they do. But unless you have heard it from Tinker Bell’s point of view, you really have not heard it at all. A new twinkling light shines on all the characters you love including, Wendy, the Lost Boys, Peter Pan, Smee, and the nefarious Hook from a feisty fairy’s point of view.
  • Glen Echo Puppet Co has Old MacDonald’s Farm and Snow White and the 7 Dwarves for a variety of audiences.
  • The Pop-Ups take on Wolf Trap Theatre-in-the-Woods. Described as “Flaming Lips for kids” (NPR), The Pop Ups will be sure to bring the house down with their rock ‘n’ roll puppet musical.

Saturday

9:00am-12:00pm: Home Depot Kids Workshop: Fishing Game
Reel in the summer fun in our hands-on workshop where you and your child can build a fishing game while tackling educational and developmental skills. Once your fishing game is built, you and your child can decorate it with paint and stickers. Recommended Ages: 5-12. All Kids Workshop attendees must be accompanied by a parent or adult at all times. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a FREE certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Children must be present at the store to participate in the workshop and receive the kit, apron, and pin.

10:00am-11:30am: Twos Travelers at The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center: Monkeying Around
Are you ready for some monkey business? We’ll begin by learning about monkeys and some of their unique characteristics, and end our morning visiting Xu Bing’s Monkeys Grasp for the Moon that spans the three floors of the Sackler Gallery. The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center opens its doors on the weekends to local families. Their unique programs combine playful classroom activities with visits to nearby museums. Each program is developed especially for the age group and with a unique theme.

10:00am-1:00pm: Art Explorers at Glen Echo
Activities change weekly. Drop in for a 1/2 hour art project. No pre-registration; $5 per parent/child pair, or $8 for two children with adult. Parent/Child Drop-in Art Activities.  (Most activities take approximately 30 minutes). Best for kids under age 10.

10:30am: Reel Fun at National Gallery of Art
Join us for fourteen short films from around the world—Mexico, Russia, Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, France, Lithuania, and the USA! With visually innovative animation, the program features the best from the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Approximately 60 minutes. For families with children ages 4 and up

Sunday

10:00am-11:30am: Twos Travelers at The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center: Monkeying Around
Are you ready for some monkey business? We’ll begin by learning about monkeys and some of their unique characteristics, and end our morning visiting Xu Bing’s Monkeys Grasp for the Moon that spans the three floors of the Sackler Gallery. The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center opens its doors on the weekends to local families. Their unique programs combine playful classroom activities with visits to nearby museums. Each program is developed especially for the age group and with a unique theme.

11:00am: Rocnoceros at Lubber Run Amphitheater
These three bandmates of Rocknoceros “grew up” (if they ever did) in Northern Virginia, and have been making award-winning music for the whole family since 2005. They have gained significant national recognition performing at the Kennedy Center, Wolf Trap. Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits and perform regularly at Jammin’ Java.

11:30am: Reel Fun at National Gallery of Art
Join us for fourteen short films from around the world—Mexico, Russia, Australia, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, Spain, France, Lithuania, and the USA! With visually innovative animation, the program features the best from the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Approximately 60 minutes. For families with children ages 4 and up.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Little Rascals
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! . They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm

 

Plan Ahead:
Open play in Little Loft‘s Sensory Room for 2-5 year olds and their caregivers. Sand table, rice table, light table, and a new interactive art project each week. No preregistration necessary. $8/visit, half price for siblings. Summer Hours: 
June 18-August 24 (closed July 2-6) Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, 4:00-6:00pm.

July 10: Shakespeare in the Parks

Related Posts:
Outdoor Movies

Cool Off

Ice Cream!

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

Take a break from watching the World Cup and get out this weekend.

Washington, DC Boat Festival is happening Saturday & Sunday which is a family favorite. The Boat Festival, now celebrating it’s 17th year, is a two day festival held along the Potomac River complete with cultural exhibitions, craft demonstrations, and of course… dragon boat racing. The event is sponsored by the Taiwan-U.S. Cultural Association (TUSCA) and serves to promote Taiwanese culture to the Washington DC area through the sport of dragon boat racing.

Saturday & Sunday from 9:00am-10:30am you can register for the 2-3 year old class: Lion Lessons Class at the Zoo. Do they have what it takes to be part of the pride? Learn what it’s like to be a lion and test your skills with us and our wild role models! “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world.  Pre-registration is required. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. 

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm:Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Traditional New Orleans jazz, blues, swing, Ska, Funk, Blues, Pan-Caribbean salsa, boogaloo, Go-go, and more. During jazz concerts, the Pavilion Café offers a special menu of creative American cuisine and refreshments. Alcoholic beverages may not be brought into the Sculpture Garden but may be purchased at the café. 

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

10:00am-3:00pm: Innovations in Flight Family Day and Outdoor Aviation Display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Explore the engineering and design innovations that have taken place during the last century of flight. Talk with pilots of over 50 vintage and modern aircraft, on display outside the Museum for one day only. Discover the science behind flight through hands-on, STEM-based activities. Free but parking is $15.

10:30am: Ribbon cutting ceremony at Cleveland Park Library
The new Cleveland Park Library at 3310 Connecticut Ave. NW, will open on Saturday!! Join Mayor Bowser, Councilmember Mary Cheh, Councilmember David Grosso and DC Public Library Executive Director Richard Reyes-Gavilan for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10:30 a.m. followed by a day of family friendly festivities. The new library offers welcoming spaces for children, teens and adults.

11:00am-6:00pm: Columbia Heights Day Festival
The best local DC street party is back and you’re invited!! Join us in celebration of diversity and community with the neighborhood’s finest food, drink, and entertainment. Discover artisans, entrepreneurs, and area businesses in the heart of Columbia Heights. The fun is everywhere and for everyone! We have three stages of live music, dance, and free fitness classes. Kids can play at the carnival on the Harriet Tubman field while adults make their own fun at the Meridian Pint beer garden. 11th Street between Park Road and Irving Street. FREE (Donations welcome!)

2:00pm: Now & Then: Takoma Park Folk Festival 40th Year Celebration
“Now & Then” celebrates the 40th anniversary of the renowned Takoma Park Folk Festival, including its music, mission, and history. Several festival musicians will perform at the event, and festival organizers will present a multi-media program about one of Takoma Park’s most cherished cultural institutions.

6:00pm: Cinema Del Ray: The Lego Batman Movie
The fun begins at 7:00pm. Free open air movie showings sponsored by Jen Walker. Snacks are even available for purchase, bring blankets and cozy up. (No 4 legged friends)

Sunday

5:30pm: Kids Pajama Jam Party at AMP
Grammy-winning funk and hip-hop artist Secret Agent 23 Skidoo brings the excitement and energy of hip-hop to children’s music in this special Father’s Day performance. With sophisticated instrumental funk and witty wordplay, his live shows are alive with call-and-response anthems and unique and heartwarming party music that will fill the whole family with delight. In this special performance, 23 Skidoo will be joined by students from the Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras for a performance of Mozartistic. Originally commissioned by the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Mozartistic is an unforgettable blend of original hip-hop and classical pieces by Mozart. Find out why NPR said, “Nobody is making better ‘kid-hop’ than Secret Agent 23 Skidoo.” Everyone needs a ticket!

11:00am-12:00pm: Storytime at HIrshhorn
It’s Father’s Day! Join us for a special program in celebration of dad. We’ll look at sculptor Kenneth Snelson’s Needle Tower, then imagine we can climb to the moon with a read-aloud of Papa Please Get the Moon for Me by Eric Carle. Following the story, we’ll create a special take-home artwork.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Zookeeper
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie.

Memorial Day Weekend in and around Washington, DC 2018

With the holiday weekend among us, we’ve chosen a few well-known picks that pay tribute to Memorial Day in addition to some familiar events. We’ve also put together a short list of suggested day trips that won’t keep you and your family in the car too long but will get you “away”. An obvious and free pick is to visit the various memorials along the Mall. Many events at Arlington National Cemetery can be found here. Info on Rolling Thunder can be found here. 

Have you entered our current giveaways? A free month of classes at MOCO Movement? Tickets to see In the Clouds at Arts on the Horizon? Movie passes to see Adrift?

The Big Bounce America is taking over Washington, DC this weekend; 10,000 square feet of bounce fun.

And of course the kids haven’t let you forget the pools open this weekend. Here is a list of Washington, DC pools with hours and addresses. All outdoor pools and splash pads will open Memorial Day weekend and will operate on a weekend schedule through June 17.

Not a pool person? Let your child run around and splash in the spray parks or hit a waterpark (see the bottom of the list). A few sprays in DC are The Yards Park and Georgetown Waterfront Park and a list of spraygrounds in Arlington.

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
National Gallery of Art’s 2018 Jazz in the Garden lineup features acclaimed musicians presenting a wide variety of jazz styles—swing, funk, hip-hop, Latin, go-go, ska, Dixieland, blues, and more. Every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. through August 24, 2018, the Gallery will invite visitors to find a seat among the monumental works of art in the Sculpture Garden and enjoy one of the city’s favorite summertime activities. To date, more than 1,735,000 visitors have started their weekend off with the long-standing concert series. Pack a picnic or purchase food there. 

6:30pm: Four Mile Summer Movie Festival at Four Mile Conservatory Building-Featured movie: Coco 
Bring your friends, family and neighbors for games, giveaways, popcorn, picnicking, and of course, great films under the stars. Movies start at dusk and are screened with Spanish subtitles. We encourage moviegoers to bring chairs, because this year’s location will be on asphalt. Bring blankets, outdoor games, and picnic coolers when the fun starts at 6:30 pm.

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 8th Season. Every Friday night this summer, come to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

10:00am: Kids Can Cook at Frying Pan Park
Programs at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Create a healthy snack with food straight from Kidwell Farm. Participants get to harvest tasty treats from the garden and learn fun ways to put them together to make kid-friendly dishes. Children must be accompanied by an adult registered in the program.

11:00am-3:00pm: DC Duck Race
The 3rd annual D.C. Duck Race is at The Yards Park along the Anacostia River. This fun event and festival brings the community together in support of local non-profits and organizations and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. through a collaboration with the Capitol Riverfront BID. The race will begin at 2 PM!

9:00am-5:00pm: Strawberry Jubilee Festival at Great Country Farms is the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County. To celebrate the royal strawberry, our Jubilee is packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, a visit from the Strawberry Princess, great food and fun games for the whole family! (Taking place on Sunday also).

10:00am-5:00pm: Delaplane Strawberry Festival allow you to enjoy hayrides, old fashioned field games, dancing, music, magic, storytelling, crafts, a petting farm, bake sale, hikes in the shadow of the Appalachian Trail, face painting, cake-walking, Corn Hole, a monkey and much more! (Taking place on Sunday also).

Sunday

2:00pm: National Memorial Day Parade
The National Memorial Day Parade, held annually along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital – Washington, DC – shares the story of American honor and sacrifice from across the generations. The parade, commemorating its fourteenth year, is our nation’s largest Memorial Day event, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators to the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served, are serving, and most importantly those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while in service to our country.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor- Featured movie: The Lego Batman Movie
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of our delicious dining establishments, and meet us at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once, so end times may vary with each movie. A schedule of movies to be shown can be viewed below. (They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.)

8:00pm-9:30pm: National Memorial Day Concert
Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public. The gates open at 5:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm.

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