Happy Long Weekend!
Go-to posts full of ideas for ongoing DC fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Kid-Friendly Dining
* Indoor Action
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Ice Skating
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
A Love-ly Time Around DC
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Love is in the air — and at places all around DC! There are several events and activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day through the weekend. And they’re sure to be especially sweet. This post has details on all of them.
Celebrate Black History
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout February (and beyond)
Admission: Varies by activity
February is Black History Month, and there are all kinds of great events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs, guided and self-guided tours, visits to significant sites, story time sessions, special exhibits, and more will be enlightening, enriching, and entertaining for all.
NSO in Your Neighborhood
Where: Areas in Northwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra’s annual program presents free performances in some of the city’s northwest areas: Takoma Park, 16th Street Shepherd Park, Petworth, Brightwood, and Crestwood.This weekend there will be concerts at Busboys & Poets, Art of Noiz, Shepherd Park Library, Flowers by Alexes, St. Stephens Church, Washington Adventist University, and Raymond Rec Center. See the website for details on the shows. All are open to the public with first-come, first-served seating.
Orchids Galore
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Grounds, DC
When: Starting Friday through April 27
Admission: Free
The Botanic Garden will flourish with extra blooms as their annual orchid exhibition opens this weekend. Orchids: Masters of Deception features thousands of orchids in a changing display of the flowers. See them as 9-foot tall tree sculptures meant to look like the cherry blossoms, wrapped around lamps, dangling as 8-foot curtains, and in more displays around the Conservatory. The USBG is always such a neat place to explore, especially in winter when, as I like to say, it kind of feels like beating the weather gods because you can get a nice dose of the outdoors even on the dreariest days. Read more about it in this KFDC post.
Great Backyard Bird Count
Where: Outdoors around the DC Area (or anywhere)
When: Through Monday
Admission: Depends on where you go
Each February, for four days, the world comes together for the love of birds. Over these days, people are invited to spend time in their favorite places watching and counting as many birds as they can find and report them to the Great Backyard Bird Count. The observations help scientists better understand global bird populations before one of their annual migrations. Participating is easy — learn more about it here.
A Monumental Experience
Where: Washington Monument | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
For a presidential pursuit this holiday weekend, the Washington Monument is super fun to tour. You can go up inside to check out interesting exhibits and take in DC views. most tickets needs to be booked in advance, but there are some same-day, free tickets available on a first-come, first-served basis daily starting at 8:30am at the Washington Monument Lodge, located on 15th Street NW, between Madison Drive NW. Get a glimpse from the inside here.
Lincoln Memorial Tour
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
An activity for Presidents Day weekend: Tour the Lincoln Memorial. Every Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, you can explore the art and history of the structure with a National Park Service ranger. And on Monday at 11am and 2pm, there will be a special tour called “Thank You, President Lincoln” to celebrate President Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents Day. Of course, you can go anytime and explore on your own.
Kid Workshop: Tool Chest
Where: Lowes locations around the area
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Join a fun day of DIY and exploration, where your child can gain confidence and pride in their handiwork. At this Lowe’s Tool Chest kids workshop, children can discovery their inner craftsman and learn essential skills, organization, and creativity as they build and personalize tool chests — perfect for future family projects and imaginative adventures.
Be a Junior Naturalist Hike
Where: Nature Center | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Connect with nature on a junior naturalist hike with a ranger and learn how to observe and study the natural world around you. Meet on the front porch of the Rock Creek Nature Center for a one to two-mile hike through the Rock Creek Valley. Recommended for ages 8+.
Seeing Deeper Family Yoga Session
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest, DC
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: $15
Join a special yoga session for families at the National Cathedral on the final day of its exhibition Seeing Deeper: Mindfulness Through Light & Movement. Experience ethereal light shows and the class in the magnificent nave, intended to “foster your sense of wonder, imagination, and community.”
Presidential Family Fun Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Presidents’ Day at the Portrait Gallery’s annual festival for all ages! Learn about U.S. presidents through guided tours of the museum’s “America’s Presidents” exhibition, enjoy story times, do some art-making, try writing activities, and more — there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
The Story of Chocolate
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Head to the American Indian Museum for their annual festival themed around the story of chocolate, right on time for Valentine’s Day weekend. Enjoy a weekend of chocolate history, culture, and food. Create your own cacao-inspired codex, participate in a cacao-inspired mural painting, or follow the path from blossom to beverage with interactive presentations.
George Washington’s Birthday Parade
Where: Fairfax & Royal Streets | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
Alexandria hosts the largest parade in the country celebrating George Washington’s birthday with marching bands, historic re-enactment troops, and more. Watch the procession as it travel through Old Town Alexandria. See the website for more info and route details.
Science Saturday: Ballistics
Where: National Law Enforcement Museum | Union Station area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am, 12pm, & 1pm
Museum Admission: $18-22/adult, free/17 & under
Ready, aim, investigate! Dive into the science of ballistics at the National Law Enforcement Museum. Discover how experts match bullets to firearms, reconstruct crime scenes, and crack open cold cases. Visitors will examine mock evidence, test trajectories, and see how ballistics science hits the target every time. This educational experience takes roughly one hour to complete. Science Saturday programming is free with an admission ticket.
Model Trains & Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 1-5pm
Admisison: Free
Stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family activity for the young and young at heart. Hosted by the Northern Virginia Model Railroaders, the station is located at 231 Dominion Road NE in Vienna, VA.
Hang Out at George’s Place
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Throughout the Weekend
Admission: $26/adult, $13/age 6-11, free/5 & under
What better place to visit over Presidents’ Day weekend than our first POTUS’ former home? While Mount Vernon is neat to explore anytime, George’s 292nd birthday is a good occasion to go. Tour the expansive grounds with original buildings, the mansion where he lived, and the Education Center full of interesting exhibits about Washington’s life and colonial times. Enjoy the sunny weather outside as you take in views of the Potomac River from the backyard. To celebrate the holiday, admission is free on Monday, and tickets will be distributed on-site upon arrival (though limited). And FYI: There is also free admission on Thursday, February 22, (Washington’s actual bday), if you can swing a weekday visit. Read more about Mount Vernon here.
Learn about Lincoln’s Last Days
Where: Ford’s Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Daily, 9am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free – $3
Ford’s Theatre isn’t just a place to catch live entertainment. The site of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination highlights its historic significance through exhibits about the president, the circumstances surrounding his assassination, and that fateful night at the theatre. The National Historic Site features a museum, theatre walk-throughs and a presentation, and guests are welcome to explore it all. Best for about ages 8 and up. Reserve tickets online in advance for $3 or get them at the Box Office for free.
Stop by Abe’s Old Digs
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday – Monday, 9am – 4:30pm
Admission: $10-15/adult, $4-5/ages 6-12, free for 5 and under
Another great way to honor our 16th prez is with a visit to his “summer” house. Located on the Armed Forces Retirement Home (AFRH) campus in Petworth, the cottage was Abraham Lincoln’s country home and workplace, where he spent one quarter of his presidency. Take a guided tour and see the current installation or go on a self-guided tour of it all — pricing depends on what you opt for.
Paper Dreams
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am & 11:30am
Tickets: $22.50
This charming and dreamy dance-based performance for little ones imagines two friends who live inside a wastepaper basket! Together they discover what imaginative ideas might unfold from a crumpled piece of paper–can mistakes inspire our greatest ideas? Because the show is non-verbal, it can be enjoyed by people speaking all languages and of any age.
In the Heights
Where: Signature Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Fri & Sat, 8pm | Sun, 2pm & 7pm
Tickets: $40-103 (find discount)
Lights up on Washington Heights, NYC, where the streets are full of music, and everybody’s got a dream. With the neighborhood on the brink of gentrification, and a life-changing winning lottery ticket somewhere in their midst, the vibrant inhabitants share hope, loss and love as they plan their futures while cherishing their home. Recommended for ages 8+.
Waitress
When: Olney Theatre | Olney, MD
When: Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Tickets: $40-101 (find discount)
The beloved musical by Sara Bareilles is coming to the Olney stage.Jenna is stuck in a lousy marriage and dreaming of an escape while she bakes pies and waits tables at her small town’s local diner. But it “Only Takes a Taste” of something different to spark some drastic changes – but are they for better or worse? With the help of her fellow waitresses and a cast of colorful characters, Jenna learns the winning recipe’s been hers from the start. “Rated PG-13.”
Laurie Berkner Band
Where: Gordon Center for Performing Arts | Owings Mills, MD
When: Sunday, 10am & 3pm
Tickets: $$45-70
Best selling children’s music artist Laurie Berkner is returning to the DC area for two shows. A true pioneer in children’s music, beloved by generations of children and parents for over twenty years, she’ll be playing well-loved hits like “We Are the Dinosaurs” and “Victor Vito,” plus popular newer songs, like “Chipmunk At The Gas Pump” and “Waiting For The Elevator,” and even some brand new singles! Kids should plan to bring their dancing shoes and a stuffed animal (for their heads). FYI: We took a toddler Owen to one of Laurie’s shows years ago, and it was a blast!
Step Afrika! Step Show
Where: Warner Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 6pm
Admission: Starts at $47 (check for discount)
The Step Afrika! Step Classic is a three-day celebration of stepping in the heart of our nation’s capital! Inspired by the legacy of HBCU Classics, this inaugural weekend highlights the powerful artform of stepping, bringing together community, culture, and celebration in a way only Step Afrika! can. With step teams from across the country, the Classic centers stepping’s origins within the Divine Nine and its evolution into a unifying tradition that bridges generations and honors African American heritage.
NCAA Play
Where: Colleges around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by game
Basketball season is going strong, and with so many universities in the area, there’s always some good hoops action going on around town. Here are some games to catch this weekend:
* American women vs Loyola on Saturday at 12:30pm
* George Mason men vs St. Joseph’s on Saturday at 12:30pm
* GW women vs Dayton on Saturday at 2pm
* Maryland men vs Iowa on Sunday at 5pm (Go, Terps!)
* Maryland women vs Michigan on Monday at 6pm (Go, Terps!)
Presidents Day with Rocknocerous
Where: Jammin Java | Vienna, VA
When: Monday, 11am (doors open 10:30am)
Tickets: $10
A stalwart presence in the D.C. area for nearly twenty years, Rocknoceros returns to their roots with a school holiday concert at the venue they call home. They will play original songs, new arrangements of children’s songs, and an eclectic mix of danceable pop and classic rock songs. All ages are welcome.
Baltimore, Hon!
Where: All Around Charm City | Baltimore, MD
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The long weekend is a great time for a day trip (or even overnight) to Baltimore — there are so many great family-friendly attractions there, you may want an extra day to enjoy a few. Explore the exhibits at Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. View history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry. And even more! This KFDC guide has the scoop.
Inside Out(ings)
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Weather might have you seeking indoor options this weekend. If you’re seeking places that offer opportunities for active fun and games, there are plenty around DC. From pickleball and roller skating to tennis and ping pong to escape rooms and scavenger hunts to an indoor waterpark, there are plenty of great ways to have fun inside.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Adventure Theatre’s Dragons Love Tacos show is sold out this weekend, a good indicator to reserve tickets for a later date!
* The round-up of regularly occurring museum programs for kids is always good to check for both weekend and weekday activities.
* The Atlas Intersections Festival begins this weekend at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, and while the Family Day is on March 8, there are lots of performances for adults (and possibly older kids) to enjoy before that.
* A group that is looking to establish an Early College Public Charter School, would like to get feedback from parents of prospective high school students. If you’re interested in offering it, take their survey here.
* Detroit-style pizza around DC. (We love Emmy Squared!)
* My friend, Margaret, and I just did lunch at Osteria Mozza, the new-ish Italian restaurant in the old Dean & Deluca space in Georgetown, and it was SO good. Highly recommend!
* Gap has a great Presidents Day sale going on! FYI: Their hoodies are so soft and comfy (for men and women, too). Also love all of the linen sets for warmer weather..
* If you’re gearing up for a beachy Spring Break getaway, don’t forget a cute coverup, like this or this. (PS: Presidents Day Sale going on there, too.)
