Did you know that The National Theatre presents FREE shows especially for kids? On select Saturday mornings at 9:30am and 11am, fun takes center stage at Saturday Morning Live!
Join for wow-inspiring children’s entertainment of all sorts, from interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music – all designed to light up imaginations and celebrate a world of wonder. It’s free. It’s fun. It’s a great way to Saturday.
Once upon a time, the letters V, I, O, R, and E were living their best lives — happy, active, and joyful. One day, there was a huge storm of magical bubbles, and suddenly everything went topsy-turvy – turning upside down, getting dizzy, they were all facing new situations, completely different from what they had always known. With the help of each other, they realized they could change – or “ADAPT” – and do things differently, becoming active and joyful in a whole new way.
Run time is 45 minutes, and the show is recommended for ages 3-6, but all are welcome to join the fun. Register in advance!
VIORE: An Adaptation Story Where: The National Theatre | 1321 Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC When: Saturday, June 10, 9:30am & 11am Admission: Free
This post is sponsored by the National Theatre, however, I only promote programs, events, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Celebrate World Ocean Day at the Natural History Museum!
1. This Thursday, June 8, is World Ocean Day, and the National Museum of Natural History is celebrating with a day of special programming in the Sant Ocean Hall. Join ocean scientists and artists for all kinds of interactive experiences. Check out ocean collection specimens and create ocean-inspired art at a family play date, meet penguin puppets throughout the day, chat with experts, view stunning projections on the Hall’s giant globe, be among the first audiences to see NOAA’s new animation series, Teek and Tom…and more! All of it is free and open to the public. See the day’s full schedule here.
2. Another fun way to celebrate World Ocean Day: Search for fossilized shark teeth! This KFDC post has details on some of the best places for the pursuit within day-trip distance from DC.
3. The USDA Farmers Market just reopened for its 2023 season — and it’s more than just a weekly stop for fresh fruits and veggies. Open every Friday through September 29, the market also has offerings especially for children. Produce Pals, a tent with crafts and fun activities that teach kids about the benefits of fruits and vegetables, welcomes young market-goers to explore. Kids can also meet market vendors, enjoy pretend play in a kid-size farmers market stand, learn about growing produce in The People’s Garden, and play games to win produce-themed goodie bags. It all takes place Fridays from 10am – 2pm at the corner of 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW (note that this is a new location). Admission is free — but, of course, plan to stock up on produce, cheese, bread, and other locally made food!
Storytime
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am
Admission: Free
Bring little ones to the museum to play and hear Barnyard Dance by Sandra Boynton in English and Spanish. All ages are welcome, especially the youngest visitors. The program will take place in the East Building Atrium — no registration required.
Cinematery: Alice in Wonderland Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC When: Friday, 7:30-10:30pm Admission: $10
The first installment of Congressional Cemetery’s monthly summer movie series of Tim Burton films features Alice in Wonderland. Bring the whole fam (and your own low-lying chairs, blankets, food, and drinks — alcohol okay, too, also for sale) to watch among the tombstones. Gates open an hour before sunset and the movie begins at sunset, around 8:30pm. The Cemetery is a great place to enjoy during the day, too — one of my favorite neighborhood places! Read more about it here. And check out Teddy as a pup enjoying it here.
Catch the Ultimate Breeze
Where: Catholic University | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: $15-20, free/age 12 & under
Start the weekend with a sporting event that probably isn’t on your radar… Bring the fam out for fun, fresh air, and Pro Ultimate Frisbee! See some exciting Frisbee action as local team DC Breeze plays the Carolina Flyers. Concessions will be for sale, no outside food or drink is permitted.
Family Day: Thread of Color
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join the Textile Museum for family-friendly activities inspired by Anne Lindberg’s installation what color is divine light? (It’s a breathtaking exhibit that inspires reflection — read more about it here.) Learn about color through art activities for all ages and participate in mindfulness activities that explore color, including yoga, meditation, and a sound bath. This is a great opportunity to bring kiddos to a wonderful museum that usually might be a bit sophisticated for them.
DC Truck Touch
Where: RFK Lot 8 | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The Truck Touch event that easily is the Mac Daddy of them all is happening on Saturday. The DC Department of Public Works welcomes guests to climb aboard and explore all kinds of cool vehicles. There will also be demos of electric cars, more kids activities, and maybe even opportunities for test rides. RFK Lot 8 is located at 2400 East Capitol Street SE – enter off of Independence Avenue SE. Reserve a spot in advance here. And get a glimpse of a past DC Truck Touch here.
Washington Folk Festival
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Get folksy at Glen Echo Park this weekend, as the 40th annual Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in Washington. All of the artists hail from the DC area, but cultures from around the nation, as well as the world, will be represented through music, dance, crafts, and stories. Children and adults can hear tall tales at the Storytelling Stage, take a ride on the Dentzel Carousel, romp on t he playground, and enjoy jams in the picnic area. BYO food or enjoy Praline at Glen Echo Park’s delicious variety of food and treats.
Open Swim
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale This round-up of places to swim around the area will come in handy as temps rise. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!
Sound Scene
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Sound Scene celebrates the creative work of artists around the world through audio art installations: sculptural works, headphone-based and multi-channel exhibits, live performances, and small group workshops. All ages are invited to explore acoustics, beat-making, sound production, sonic meditation, group improvisation, and more. Especially for littles is a Sound Playground (10am – 1pm) with stations to build their own instrument, play in a tot “sound space,” and create a collaborative sound sculpture.
Drop-In Art Making
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Get your creative juices flowing as you make some art at the National Gallery of Art’s monthly program. The East Building Atrium is transformed into a drop-in art making space on the first Saturday of every month! This session, make sculptures inspired by Alexander Calder’s mobiles! And get faces painted in the Cascade Cafe from 11am – 3pm.
Nats vs. Phillies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at (look for discount)
With Philly an easy drive from here, games against the city’s baseball team always draw a lot of their fans and make for exciting match-ups. Catch a game on Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There will be an arm hug doll giveaway for kids on Sunday as well as a chance to run the bases after the game. Be sure to check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.
Walk the Museum Walk
Where: Dupont-Kalorama Neighborhoods, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Get off the Mall and explore the many museums in the Dupont-Kalorama neighborhood during the annual Museum Walk Weekend. See the exhibits and enjoy special programs for free at several diverse museums, including The Phillips Collection, Dumbarton House, the National Museum of American Jewish Military History, Anderson House, Dupont Underground, and the President Woodrow Wilson House.
In-Person Pride Family Day
Where: American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Pride at this SAAM Family Day in the Kogod Courtyard and march to the beat of DC’s Different Drummers. Then dance to the sounds of Afro-Brazilian group Batala and enjoy the a capella music of Snowday. Embrace your creativity with hands-on crafts, strike a pose in a photobooth station, and show your inner spirit with face painting (for ages 12 and younger). Explore the galleries to learn more about LGBT+ artists in the museum’s collection with an art scavenger hunt. And if you’re hungry, enjoy a special menu offered by the Courtyard Café.
Seize the Season
Where: Around the DC Area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Enjoy summer fun with a host of activities that only occur this time of year. See Jurassic Park under the stars at the Rosslyn Cinema series. Attend the U.S. Air Force Band’s first summer concert at National Harbor. Stay cool at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or waterpark. Take kiddos to the new Curious George exhibit at the National Building Museum. Go berry picking. Ride mini-trains at Cabin John and Wheaton Regional Parks. And much, much more! See the 2023 Summer Guide for details on all of these great pursuits.
Chinatown Community Festival
Where: 5th & Mass NW | Chinatown, DC
When: Saturday, 11am -2pm
Admission: Free
Experience the tastes, sights, and sounds of Asian & Pacific Islander cultures! Lively cultural performances, fitness demonstrations, face painting, henna design, K Make-up, Asian arts & crafts, free bike repair, and much more. Register for free here.
Culture Queen Kids Hour: Create a Culture
Where: Anacostia Community Museum | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12-1pm
Admission: Free
Grammy-nominated teaching artist Culture Queen cordially invites your royal children to create cultural holidays celebrating the people, milestones, and things that matter most to them through fun, interactive, and engaging music, movement, storytelling, and craft activities. Register in advance!
DinoRock presents Dinosaur Babies
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Tickets: $15
DinoRock returns to the Puppet Co. with their life-sized, colorful prehistoric puppet friends. The show is sure to delight little ones who love dinos and musical fun! Run time approximately 45 minutes. Recommended for ages 5+.
Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair
Where: Waterfront Park | Old Twow Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
This free fair features over 90 local and regional artists and crafters showcasing works in various mediums — pottery, stationery, fabrics, paintings, jewelry, photography, and more. Along with the arts to browse and shop, there will be children’s entertainment and activities, food and sweets, beer and cider, music, and more fun!
Glover Park Day
Where: Guy Mason Rec Center | Glover Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
All are welcome to the annual outdoor festival celebrates the Glover Park neighborhood. Started over 30 years ago, the event has grown over the years to offer the neighborhood a chance to enjoy the outdoors together, spend time with family and friends, listen to good music, and enjoy local businesses and restaurants. Lots of kids’ activities and treats, too.
All Aboard…Sun’s Out, Fun’s Out!
Where: National Capital Trolley Museum | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 12-3
Admission:
Streetcars, trolleys, and trams brought people to more places than just work, school, and home. How about the beach? Get ready for the season with a summer craft and learn about our very own BTS 606 and its years of service at the shore in Blackpool, England (and one summer in Glasgow, Scotland).
Town Square Soirée
Chevy Chase Lake | Chevy Chase, MD
When: Saturday, 2-6pm
Admission: Free
Chevy Chase Lake is celebrating the opening of the neighborhood’s town square with a fun-filled summer soirée! Guests can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including lawn games and children’s crafts, curated wine tastings from UnCorked with sommeliers to guide the experience, a special preview and tasting of the upcoming Elena James restaurant, custom wine glasses engraved on-site, the unveiling of a new public art instillation, and live music from local DC band, Too Much Talent.
RiverFest & Craft Show
Where: Historic Downtown Occoquan, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This festival celebrate Occoquan’s rich history and heritage on the river. The town will close its streets ad fill up with more than 200 artisans, makers, and creators, and festival-goers can shop for everything from accessories to wood crafts, fine art to children’s items. The Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade on Sunday will showcase decorated river vessels paddling the 1/2-mile along the coastline, and kayaks and paddle boards will also be available to rent for some fun on the river. No admission fee at the gate. There is a shuttle fee is $8 round trip, or 2 for $15. Shuttle passes can be pre-purchased here.
Dinos Alive
Where: Rhode Island Center | NoMa, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Starts at $22 (look for discount)
Celebrate National Dinosaur Day (June 1) through the weekend at this family-friendly immersive experience transports you back millions of years, allowing visitors of all ages to journey through the jungle, interacting with the largest creatures to have ever walked the earth. Dinos Alive will have special interactive activities for the occasion, like a fossil dig and scavenger hunt along with opportunities to ride a dinosaur, swim alongside prehistoric sea creatures in a digital aquarium, and more!
3D Collage Workshop For Kids
Where: Transformer DC | Logan Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 2-5
Admission: Free, but reserve a spot!
In this free 3D Collage for Kids workshop, young learners (and those of all ages!) are invited to explore methods of collaging through sculptural materials. Encouraging imaginative approaches to create using clay, wire, and pipe cleaner, we will take inspiration from figures and natural elements. All participants will be able to take home vivid and dynamic forms! This event is part of a larger ongoing exhibition titled Sticky Entanglements at the nonprofit visual arts organization.
Spirit Pride Night
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $15
Support our women’s soccer team, and the LGBTQ community at the Washington Spirit match against Racing Louisville FC on Saturday. Along with the action on the field, enjoy pre-game, Pride-themed photo ops, face painting, and the FIFA lounge, plus a drag show at halftime. It’s sure to be a celebratory night, hopefully with a win, to boot! Purchase tickets here.
Planet Bethesda
Where: Elm Street Urban Park | Bethesda, MD
When: Sunday, 11:45am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Join this family-fun event that brings together the best of Bethesda’s restaurants and eateries serving up small dishes of cutting-edge and creative plant-based cuisine! With a multicultural array of food choices, there will be something for everyone. Along with the tasty fun, there will be a Kids’ Korner, complete with a Mad Science show, Henna character art, face painting, and environmental DIY crafts; there will be a pie-eating contest, Canine Courtyard, Bier Garten, giveaways, music, and more.
The Rumpus Room
Where: Hi-Lawn | Union Market, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $10
DC’s only daytime family dance partyreturns to the rooftop of Union Market, just in time for summer! They’ve got Alice Cooper’s “School’s Out” cued up, so get ready to hit the dance floor. Relive your night-life glory days — with your little ones in tow. The soundtrack for the day will be a family-friendly mix of dance floor classics, current hits, and guilty pleasures, all at a child-friendly volume. And Hi-Lawn will be open for food and beverages. Rumpus Room is designed for kids Infants/crawling children enter free.
World Heritage Festival
Where: Veterans Plaza | Silver Spring, MD
When: Sunday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
Explore cultures across the globe at the World Heritage Festival. Taste delicious ethnic food, while getting refreshed with a scoop of ice cream, shaved ice, or even a fresh smoothie. Enjoy a beautiful cultural performance and shop from more than 60 vendors displaying everything from fine art to jewelry, ceramics to crafts, and every creative item in between. Other vendors include area nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, and local businesses. A kids zone will have activities and games throughout the day.
Open Swim
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale This round-up of places to swim around the area will also come in handy this weekend to enjoy the warm sunny days. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip!
Reap the Fruits (& Veggies)
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Strawberries, cherries, even spinach are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * As you’re planning summer activities, the round-up of volunteer opportunities where kids can help out may be of interest. * Spots are still open in some DC DPR Summer Camps. * Have you seen a movie at The Alamo yet? It’s a great place to catch a flick — just saw this one there, and both the film and theater setting were excellent. * A family lawn game that looks like a fun one to bring on summer excursions. * The New York Times says this beach tent is the best. (This one looks exactly the same but costs much less.) * For all the Succession fans, a few good podcast discussions about the amazing, perfect finale: Here, here, and here. * Thank you to my teen daughter for introducing me to this. * These are the Things that Must Happen to You (this would be an excellent graduation address!)
1. Get revved up for DC’s Annual Truck Touch this Saturday, June 3! I’ve always called it the Mac Daddy of these kinds of events — hosted by the DC Department of Public Works, it’s the biggest of them all and includes activities beyond climbing on the various vehicles. This year, there will be electric vehicle races and demos by the students who built them, plus basketball, tennis, and fitness activities, and more. In the past, there have been Segways to test-ride and mounted police horses to meet, and hopefully they’ll be back this year. The event takes place at RFK Stadium, Lot 8 (2400 East Capitol Street SE – enter off of Independence Avenue SE) from 8am – 1pm. Reserve a spot in advance here. And get a glimpse of a past DC Truck Touch here.
2. This Thursday, June 1, is National Dinosaur Day, and one way to celebrate it is at the immersive experience, Dinos Alive. From June 1-4, there will be special interactive activities to celebrate all things dino. Visitors will get to enjoy all the wonders of the experience, plus extras like a fossil dig and scavenger hunt, challenging young adventurers to think like a paleontologist. There are also opportunities to ride a dinosaur, swim alongside prehistoric sea creatures in the digital aquarium, explore the natural habitat of the ancient creatures, and more. Dinos Alive runs though the summer (but the special activities are just this coming weekend) at Rhode Island Center in DC. Hours are Wednesday & Thursday 10am – 6pm, Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am – 8pm with entry times on the half-hour. Admission starts at $18.20
3. If you want to celebrate dinos without an admission fee, head to the Hall of Fossil at the National Museum of Natural History. It may seem like an obvious spot, but it never hurts to be reminded of the world-class FREE museums right in our backyards — and how lucky we are to have them.
4. The New York Times’ Wirecutter reviewed and ranked the best bug repellants. (Spoiler: This one is their top pick.)
Unofficial Summer
Where: Throughout the DC area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The season may not be official on the calendar, but summer fun has begun, and much more starts this weekend! Jump in at an outdoor pool, enjoy music in the fresh air, play in the sprays, see a movie under the stars, paddle local waterways, see a special exhibit, and pursue even more seasonal joys. The 2023 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when to experience it all.
Take a Dip
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
With “summer” starting and warm temps though the weekend, it’ll be a great time to go for a swim. This round-up has details on where to do that. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Starting Saturday
Admission: $15.95
Let curiosity run wild at the National Children’s Museum with the opening of Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Introducing young children into the world of Curious George, the exhibit leads visitors ages 3-7 on a fun, interactive math, science, and engineering-based adventure while emphasizing the central role that parents and caregivers play in learning. Celebrate the exhibit’s opening on Saturday with a day of special offerings, including story time, a scavenger hunt, and tinkering activity.
ViVa! Vienna!
Where: Historic Downtown Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
Join the family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit. Amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment will be part of the all-ages fun. Even better, 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community, and humanitarian organizations.
Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
While you’re at ViVa Vienna, 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 fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.
Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
The long weekend is a great time to head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go: *Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families * See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns. * Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry. * Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beach day at Calvert Cliffs State Park, maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum, or even a pontoon boat excursion from Solomons Island.
Brick City
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Opens Saturday
Admission: $10/adult, $7/age 3-17
Brick City will celebrate iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO® bricks. Take a world tour and see lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Columbia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. There is also an interactive area where builders young and old build their own LEGO masterpieces and create pixelated art using the toy bricks on an expansive “graffiti wall” canvas.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & under
It’s weekend #2 of the longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County takes place this weekend and next, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole fam. As if that’s not enough to keep the everyone entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, mazes, a tractor tire mountain, and animal encounters. Get tickets in advance!
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s even more strawberries activity to enjoy as the fruits are are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come pick their own. Check out this post for some of the best places to go. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
Black Birders STEM Day
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Did you know there is an entire week dedicated to Black birders, called Black Birders Week? Join the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Natural History, as they celebrate Black birders, birds, and nature. Participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators. Register in advance!
Big Bounce America
Where: Rosecroft Raceway | Fort Washington, MD
When: Through June 11
Admission: Starts at $22
It’s the second weekend of Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, that’s got people jumping for joy in the area. The biggest touring inflatable event includes four massive inflatable attractions: a 16,000-square-foot World’s Largest Bounce House; the newly added Sport Slam featuring a customized sports arena; the 900-foot-long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. Three-hour sessions for varying age groups — 3 & under, 7 & under, 15 & under, and 16 & older — are $22 for the youngest group, $38 for older kids, and $41 for 16+. Reserve tickets here.
Make A Splash With Real Mermaids
Where: Weston Wheaton Center | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrating the return of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to AMC Wheaton Mall 9, the indoor shopping destination will transform into a thalassic underwater cove, adorned with floating light-up jellyfish, dangling seaweed and three real live mermaids. Mall patrons will also enjoy live music, little mer-makeovers with face painters, on-site photo prints with a professional photographer and exclusive promotions from retailers all throughout the mall.
Make a Doll, Make a Memory
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Make a doll and make a memory with loved ones during this hands-on activity. Visitors will hear a short presentation from museum staff about soft-sculpture figure dolls in the museum’s collection made by the Growing Thunder Collective followed by an artmaking activity to take home. Parents and caregivers visiting with youth ages 5–13 are invited to make a paper doll that represents a loved one. Dollmaking materials like those used to make the Growing Thunder dolls will be available for touching, smelling, looking, and listening. Art supplies provided.
Flowers of Remembrance Day
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
In honor of Memorial Day and those who have sacrificed for our country, members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided (do not bring your own), and visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.
The Spirit of Women’s Soccer Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC When: Sunday, 5pm Admission: Tickets start at $15
Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, are playing at Audi Field on Saturday against Gotham FC. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting our home team and women in sports Plan for a pre- or post-match meal nearby — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat in that area.
National Memorial Day Concert
Where: West lawn of the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8-9:30pm, gates open at 5pm
(or Saturday for the dress rehearsal)
Admission: Free
Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? Yes, the public is once again welcome to the National Memorial Day Concert! Taking place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday from 8 – 9:30pm, the concert will be hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinese, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra and several military music ensembles in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. If you’re planning to go, the FAQ page on the concert website is worth a read. KFDC Tip: If you can’t make Sunday’s show or don’t want to deal with the crowds, Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public — gates open at 5pm, and the show begins at 8pm.
Memorial Day Observance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Monday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served — special Memorial Day remembrance events ae once again open to the public. A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30am, and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11am followed by an observance program in the amphitheater. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events and should plan to be seated no later than 9:30am. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery here.
National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th St | Downtown DC
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
The annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors American veterans with a grand procession through the city. Get a curbside view of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans as they travel up Constitution Avenue.
National Native American Veterans Memorial
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall
When: Monday, 2–6pm
Admission: Free
Observe Memorial Day with the museum as they light the flame at the National Native American Veterans Memorial to honor the sacrifice and service of Native veterans. The memorial, a tribute to Native heroes, recognizes for the first time on a national scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the US military.
Feeling Crabby?
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
Kick off summer is with one of the area’s best offerings: Blue crabs! Enjoying the seasonal treat at a waterfront crab house is a bonus. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. Kentmorr on Kent Island has a great beach scene. And you can find even more recommendations for getting crabby in the Summer Guide.
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like mostly nice weather this long weekend, so plan on some adventures outside! The round-up of The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids is loaded with ideas for doing just that — all of them written about from firsthand experience. But if you’re looking indoor fun or just extra activities The Great Indoors lists over 100 suggestions for outings that take place inside.
