Enjoy a special story time session at the National Gallery of Art’s East Building on Friday
Monday – Get outside to take advantage of warmer temps! Oxon Hill Farm near National Harbor is an ideal place for it. Visit animals, roam the lovely grounds, check out exhibits of old farm machinery and local history, and enjoy activities in the Visitors Center. Hours are 8am – 4:30pm, and admission is free. And for more places to opt outside on a lovely day, see the round-up of The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids.
Tuesday – Watch local kids recite Abraham Lincoln’s speeches at the Lincoln Oratory Festival. The annual event brings together students from the DC area to perform on the Ford’s Theatre stage some of Lincoln’s most important speeches, including both his inaugural addresses and the Gettysburg Address. The public is invited to be part of their audience. Reserve free tickets in advance online or get them at the Box Office. (Note: This also takes place on Wednesday.) Make a day of it and plan to tour the historic site, too — the museum adjacent to the theatre and Petersen House across the street welcome visitors daily, offering a fascinating glimpse into the life and death of Abraham Lincoln. Read a KFDC write-up about it. Tickets are free at the Box Office, $3/online in advance.
Thursday – Join local children’s entertainer Uncle Devin on a musical journey through the wide, wonderful, and boisterous world of percussion instruments at Discovery Theater. Showtimes are 10:15am and11:30am (on Friday, too), and tickets are $3-6/chid, $8-9/adult.
In the evening, join Green Hedges School in Vienna at 6pm for a free screening of the documentary film Like, an IndieFlix Original that explores the impact of social media on our lives with a goal to to inspire people of all ages, especially kids, to self-regulate. The public is invited, and children are welcome, though the film is intended for students in grades 4-8. RSVP in advance.
Friday – Enjoy a Storytime at the National Gallery of Art. Together with staff, you’ll read a book aloud (in both English and Spanish), move, and play. All ages are welcome, especially the youngest visitors and nursing parents. The session runs 10-11am and will gather at the East Building entrance. Admission is free. Plan to stay and explore the East Building after — see more about it in this KFDC post.
Make-your-own Valentines at the National Postal Museum’s annual workshop
Do you ❤️ celebrating Valentine’s Day with your little (and big) sweeties? If you’re looking for ways to celebrate and prep for the day, here’s an array of activities happening around the area over the next couple of weeks — with something for everyone to love. Happy V-Day!
Chocolate Lovers Festival
Where: Several locations in the City of Fairfax, VA
When: January 31 – February 2
Admission: Varies by activity
Valentine’s Day and chocolate go hand-in-hand, and you can savor it and then some at this sweetevent. The City of Fairfax presents its annual festival centered around one of the most wonderful things in the world: Chocolate! There will be all kinds of activities for all ages throughout the weekend, both chocolate and non-chocolate themed — tastings, story time, puppet shows, face painting, chocolate challenges, a chocolate caper mock trial, and much more. The schedule of events has details.
Valentine’s Day Cards for Kids & Cookies for Caregivers
Where: Your location in the DMV
When: Through February 14
Admission: Your time and card making/baking efforts
Celebrate the Valentine’s Day by giving back with Eliana’s Light. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to make cards for children who have to be in a DC, MD, or VA pediatric hospital over the holiday and cookies for the caregivers who support them. During this community service activity, participating adults and young people discuss topics such as empathy, kindness, helping others, volunteering, friendship, respect for diversity, and making a positive impact in life. The card and cookie recipients have reflected they’re touched and moved to know members of their community really care about them, and are sending them positive uplifts during their challenging times. This small act of kindness can have a big impact. More details about this volunteering program are here.
Heart String Art DIY Project
Where: Home Depot locations around the DMV
When: February 1, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Create a loving memory with your child at this Heart String Art Workshop. As you help your child piece together the symbol of Valentine’s Day, they will develop hands-on skills by sanding, nailing, painting and more. Celebrate the moment as your child makes a unique keepsake. 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. Register in advance — visit the website to find a store near you offering the class.
Kids Handmade Valentines Workshop
Where: The Paper Source | Various stores in the DMV
When: February 1, 1-3pm & February 5, 2-4pm
Admission: $30
Grab your BFF for a workshop that will give you heart eyes! Make 5-6 Valentines for your classmates, friends, and family using your favorite stickers, stamps, washi and more. Buy two seats at the same time and save 10% off each seat. For kids ages 6 and up. Area Paper Source locations are in Georgetown, Bethesda, Alexandria, and Reston.
Valentine’s Day Card Workshop
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: February 8-9, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Homemade love is in the air at the National Postal Museum’s annual Valentine’s Day Card Workshop! We’ve attended this event many times, so I can tell you firsthand it’s one you’ll adore. They provide pretty papers, stamps, and all kinds of Valentine-themed supplies for making cards; all you need to bring is your creativity and readiness for a good time. For more about the museum, see this KFDC post.
Open Studio: Love in Every Language
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: February 8-9, 12–4 pm
Admission: Free
Head to the ImaginAsia Studio in the Sackler Gallery for an afternoon all about love and art. Enjoy a digital slideshow of images of love in Asian art, then create Valentine’s Day cards using woodblock prints that say “love” in more than a dozen Asian languages, and fold heart-shaped origami.
Love Note Holder Workshop
Where: Lowe’s locations around the DMV
When: February 8, 9am – 12pm
Admission: Free
This monthly DIY workshop for kids has a focus on love…love notes, anyway. The project is perfect for holding all your child’s Valentine’s cards and treats. Workshops take 15-30 minutes, and children must be accompanied by parent/guardian. Check-in by 11am. Space is limited, so sign up in advance!
Unshrink My Heart
Where: Gateway Arts Center | Brentwood, MD
When: February 8, 2-4pm
Admission: Free
This annual Valentine’s workshop with an 80’s twist is back! Create handmade Valentine keepsakes for your loved ones using Shrinky Dinks amazing, shrinkable sheets. Craft your own jewelry, key chains, and any other Valentine’s Day gift you can imagine. Children will receive their first two sheets of blank Shrinky Dinks free, additional sheets will be available for purchase for 50 cents each.
Animal Sweethearts Dance
Where: Hidden Pond Nature Center | Springfield, VA
When: February 8, 10am – 12pm
Admission: $10
The social event of Hidden Pond’s winter season is back! There will be dancing, refreshments, crafts, and live animals to entertain. Recommended for children ages 3-5. Register in advance.
Valentine’s Party for Little Luv Bugs
Where: Foundry United Methodist Church | Downtown DC
When: February 8, 10:30–11:30am
Admission: Free, but please RSVP
Join Friends of Stead Park and Treehouse Atelier for a SWEET time making valentines and other fun crafts. Your family will also enjoy treats and hot chocolate. They also collaborating with Eliana’s Light (see above!) and asking kids to make additional valentines that will go to a child who will be in the hospital on Valentine’s Day. The church is located at 1500 16th St NW.
Animal Valentines
Where: Hidden Pond Nature Center | Springfield, VA
When: February 9, 1:30-2:15pm
Admission: $8
Play musical valentines and critter sweetheart games as you learn how animals find a mate. Meet live animals and make an animal valentine craft. Recommended for ages 4-8. Sign up in advance online.
Library Love
Where: DC Public Libraries | Around DC
When: Various dates
Admission: Free
Join story times, craft sessions, and sing-alongs at some of the city’s libraries; Valentine’s Day-themed activities are taking places on several dates over the next couple of weeks. Find one that your child will love here.
Nature Valentines
Where: Brookside Nature Center | Wheaton, MD
When: February 11, 1-2pm
Admission: $7
Everyone loves homemade Valentines and none are sweeter than those made by your preschooler! We’ll go on a short walk in search of nuts, sticks, and other natural items to decorate with, and then come inside and get to work! Recommended for ages 3-5.
Storytime: Love
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: February 12, 10-11am
Admission: Free
Can an artwork depict love? Join the Hirhshorn for a special Valentine’s Day program. Look at the large photo print Untitled (for Jeff) by Felix Gonzalez-Torres and read the book Love by Matt de la Peña. Following the story, little artists will create their own works for a friend or loved one.
Valentine’s Afternoon Tea
Where: Willard Continental | Downtown DC
When: February 14, 1-4pm
Admission: $68-75/adult, $30/age5-12
Enjoy a broad selection of the finest estate and boutique blended loose leaf tea, savory finger sandwiches, decadent pastries and The Willard’s famous freshly baked scones at this specialty tea service offered on Valentine’s Day. Reservations required — book on OpenTable. (PS: For a couple more Valentine offerings for adults, see the Willard calendar here.)
Woo at the Zoo (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: February 14, 7-10pm
Admission: $50/FONZ members, $60/non-members
Bring a special someone, grab a cocktail, learn about animal mating and dance the night away at a throwback ‘80s prom. Tickets include complimentary desserts. Guests will be given one drink ticket each for a specialty cocktail, beer, or wine. The ‘80s prom dance party will feature a DJ in a heated tent, plus there will be trivia and an Instagram-friendly photo station. When purchasing tickets, guests can add an exclusive Valentine’s Day gift to their ticket—a mini Adopt a Species package to pick up at the Zoo the night of the event.
Seeing Deeper: Cathedral Prom (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Washington National Cathedral
When: February 14, 7:30-10:30pm
Admission: $20
Dive into a magical underwater experience at this Second Chance Prom, where everyone gets a do-over on the high school dances they want to relive, forget, or experience for the first time. They provide the crepe-paper seaweed, bubbles, and snacks for an evening of Enchantment Under the Sea, and all you need to bring is your sweetie, bestie, or just yourself to the this Valentine’s dance party. Flashback to your childhood and add bricks to a LEGO model to help reach the goal of 100,000 bricks by March 1.
Valentine’s Day Cookie Decorating Class for Kids
Where: Willard Continental | Downtown DC
When: February 15
Admission: $45/child
Sweeten your Valentine’s Day weekend for your littlest ones at the Willard InterContinental. Led by Executive Pastry Chef Jason Jimenez, junior bakers will receive hands-on instruction to cookie decorating using a variety of techniques and decorating tools. Ideal for children ages 4-12 years old, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (2 parents or guardians max per ticketed child).
Naked Scavenger Hunts (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: National Gallery of Art & American Art Museum, DC
When: February 15
Admission: $24
No, you don’t get naked on these scavenger hunts with Watson Adventures! Rather, you search for nude artworks throughout the museums by tracking down tricky clues and answer quirky questions to uncover alluring and amusing pieces. The National Gallery of Art hunt is at 1pm. The American Art Museum hunt is at 4pm. Follow links for more details about both.
Wild Love
Where: City Wildlife | Northeast DC
When: February 16, 12-5pm
Admission: Suggested donation $20/person, $40/family
Take advantage of this rare occasion to visit City Wildlife, the animal rescue and rehabilitation center, as it’s the only time of the year they open their doors to the public. At the 6th Annual Valentine’s Day Open House, get a behind-the-scenes tour of the rehabilitation facility, enjoy some goodies, and get a gift for your Valentine. Free-will donations are collected to ensure that the Center can help its animal patients.
Rumpus Room Family Valentine’s Day Dance Party
Where: Black Cat | 14th Street NW, DC
When: February 16, 2-4:30
Admission: $12
They choo choo choose you…to join them with your entire family on the dance floor! (They get all the credit for the great Simpsons reference.) DC’s only family dance party is back with a special groove session to celebrate the holiday on Valentine’s Day weekend. Practice those sweet moves and get ready to have fun!
All You Need Is Love 8: A Tribute to The Beatles & Love Songs (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Jammin Java
When: February 16, 7pm
Admission: $16
Are you in love, looking for love, or scorning love? Either way, this is how love songs are meant to be heard — intimate and stripped down. Jammin Java’s official Valentine’s tradition is back by popular demand. Anthony Fiacco, Todd Wright and Luke Brindley pay homage to the group that influenced every musician out there with covers of your favorite Beatles love songs as well as originals of their own. Three singer/songwriters sharing the stage, telling stories, and playing songs, it’s like seeing the best local musicians singing your favorite songs in your living room.
Fairfax County 4-H Fair & Carnival
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Depends on activities (details below)
Head on down to the 4-H fair! Through Sunday, enjoy carnival rides, amusements, treats, farm animals and rabbits, rides and displays, horse and dog shows, the tractor pull, kids crafts and face painting, plus plenty of good food, drinks and live music. Held at Frying Pan Farm Park, hours for the many activities vary by day, so be sure to check the website before you go. Carnival ride tickets are $1 or 24 for $20 (most rides take 3-5). Unlimited carnival ride tickets are $25.
Tennis, Anyone?
Where: Rock Creek Park Tennis Center | Rock Creek, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Enjoy the on-court excitement along with other fun activities as the Citi Open Tennis Tournament wraps up. With the quarterfinals on Friday, the semis on Saturday, and the championship matches on Sunday, the event is sure to serve up some excellent tennis.
Black Panther at the Drive-In
Where: Union Market | Northeast DC
When: Friday, 8:45pm (lot opens at 6pm)
Admission: $10/car, free for walk-ups Black Panther is this month’s featured film at Union Market’s outdoor movie series. See T’Challa, the King of Wakanda, in action on the big screen from the comfort of your car in the UM parking lot. Get there as early as 6pm and have a bite to eat in the Market or bring food back to your car. The lot closes at 8:15pm, and the film begins at 8:30pm. Advance purchase is recommended.
‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Make the most of quintessential summer activities around DC! Hit the beach. Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. See a movie under the stars. Enjoy a special museum program. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Feast on crabs. Ride mini-trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more…
Art Investigators
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
This weekend’s sessions of Art Investigators, the National Gallery of Art’s drop-in program for kids ages 4-7, will explore works by Edgar Degas. Young art museum-goers will learn about his art, then use that as inspiration to create a work of their own. Sign-in takes place in the West Building Rotunda, starting at 10am on Friday and Saturday, and 11am on Sunday. Be aware that you may not get an early time slot and will have time to fill before your session, so plan accordingly. Read a KFDC review of the series back when it was called Stories in Art (it’s an older post, but still relevant, as the program is very much the same).
BrickFair ’18
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $17, free for ages 3 and under
The nation’s largest LEGO Fan Festival will be enthralling guests of all ages this weekend. BrickFair brings together LEGO enthusiasts from across the country to showcase their amazing brick constructions, from tiny intricate works to elaborate, towering creations. Over 800 exhibitors will be there to display their designs, along with vendors selling all things LEGO — T-shirts, hats, mini figures, models, and more. And guests can use it all as inspiration to do some building there themselves!
Nats vs. Reds
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Thursday – Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Reds all weekend with games Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoon, and there are a couple of special promotions to enjoy along with the baseball action of the field. Friday is an Anthony Rendon bobblehead giveaway, and fans can get a Nationals radio lanyard on Sunday as well as run the bases after the game (ages 4-12). And before you plan your ballpark outing, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.
Peach Daze Fuzztival
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10/child & $12/Adult
Celebrate peak peach picking season with Great Country Farms, Bluemont Vineyard, and Dirt Farm Brewing! Along with tons of fun activities, you can also learn how the peaches are grown and used in food and drink and enjoy the results as well. Kick off each morning with a Peach pancake breakfast, then later on get the whole family involved in peach eating and peach pit spitting contests and family water games. All the fun farm attractions will be open, and there will also be live music to entertain the crowd. And across the way at Bluemont Vineyard, enjoy special peach drinks and wine.
Dave on Stage
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission: Tickets start at
Remember the movie, Dave, about the President’s doppelgänger who fills in as POTUS when he suffers a stroke? It’s now a world premiere musical at Arena Stage! With modern day updates, references to the current political climate, Arena’s signature “DC” vibe, and ops for spontaneous audience interaction, it’s a pretty fantastic show. Recommended for ages 13+.
Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Landover, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats aren’t the only baseball team in town. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Reading Fightin Phils all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too — Daddy Daughter Night, Pirates & Princesses Night, a U.S. Naval Academy celebration, beachy fun, fireworks, and more. Plus, there are always fun and games especially for kids. Read more about Baysox games in this KFDC post.
World’s Fair
Where: DAR Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Experience the excitement, innovation, and wonder of a c.1900 World s Fair. Do you know what foods debuted at these fairs? Or what games children played? Learn about inventions that thrilled fairgoers and taste the snacks made popular by these grand events. Celebrate cultures around the world by exploring the booths of local embassies and cultural centers. Fun for children and adults alike, this event is not one to miss!
Friendship Firehouse Fest
Where: Friendship Firehouse | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
This annual family event hosted by the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association invites the public to enjoy the history of the fire department at the historic Friendship Firehouse. The popular event features antique fire apparatus, craft booths, displays by Alexandria merchants, and live music. In addition to the day’s outdoor events, festival participants will enjoy visiting the Friendship Firehouse Museum, originally built as a firehouse in 1855.
Howard County Fair
Where: Howard County Fairgrounds | West Friendship, MD
When: Through August 11
Admission: $5/ages 10 and up, $2/seniors, free for under 10
The 73rd annual fair begins this coming weekend, and you have through next Saturday to enjoy rides, magic shows, musical entertainment in the evenings, pig races and pony rides, the Kids & Critters barn, Demolition Derby, a pro rodeo, and more. Most of the rides cost extra, and packages are available, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available if you plan to go. And for details on the rest of the county fairs coming up around the area soon, see this new KFDC post.
Global Big Latch On
WHere: Breastfeeding Center | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am-12pm
Admission: Free
Join The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washingtonfor food, fun, and community to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week. Events include the latch on at 10:30am and a panel discussion at 11:30am. There will also be raffle prizes and some light refreshments. Register here.
Beachy Keen
Where: Flag Ponds Nature Park | Lusby, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8/vehicle
Do something quintessential summer and hit the beach! And you don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf and shark tooth hunting within day trip distance from DC! Flag Ponds Nature Park in Calvert county is one of our favorite spots for a beach fix. In fact, we just spent a great day there!
Ice Cream Making at the Mill
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Lean how to make hand-cranked ice cream the old fashioned way! This demonstration will show you how ice and salt creates a brine that reduces the temperature below freezing, and cranking the handle for 30 minutes can whip this frozen treat made famous by Dolly Madison after her return from France. A historic recipe will be distributed to those in attendance. Peirce Mill is located in Rock Creek Park at 2401 Tilden Street, NW, at the intersection of Beach Drive and Tilden Street, NW (Park Road if approaching from the east). Read more about Peirce Mill here.
Tinker Bell’s Fairy Festival
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Sunday,
Admission: $75 or $250/4-pack
Enjoy a day full enchantment for kids as they are transported to a magical fairy world. This special event at the beloved children’s theatre includes a performance of Tinker Bell, a handmade Tinker Bell costume (or make your own pirate hat and bandanna for those who don’t like fairy dresses), refreshments, and a painted fairy face mask by La Jolie Faces. Guests can also make their own Butterfly Fairy Crowns and Fairy Wands, as well as mix their own magic Fairy Dust with a written recipe card. And once kids’ fairy transformations are complete, they can enjoy a special photo op with Tinker Bell!
Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like it’s going to be great weather to hit the trail with the fam! See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post, started in the early KFDC days and updated several times since, has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.
***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* It’s county fair season, and there’s a new post with the scoop on where and when they’re all taking place around the DMV!
* KidFriendly DC has partnered with Thrively to curate Activity Boards with seasonal picks for family fun, starting with Summer Indoor Picks and Summer Outdoor Picks.
* This sounds like a fun, new read.
* Tickets are on sale for Zoo Uncorked, a wild after hours wine tasting (for adults, obvi) at the National Zoo on on September 13.
Where do you get carnival rides and games, farm animals, the junk food gamut, live entertainment, pony rides, piglet races, and wares for sale all in once place? Down at the County Fair. The season for them is about to begin, and you can get the lowdown on this year’s events around the area below. Happy Fairin’!
Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival What: Four days of festivities include livestock and dog demos, 4-H exhibits, fair food, carnival rides, games, vendors, live entertainment, and more. When: August 2-5, see website for daily hours. Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA Cost: Tickets are $1 each or 24 for $20 (most ride are 3-5 tickets). Unlimited Ride Wristbands for Thursday or Friday are available for $18 — purchase by August 1.
Howard County Fair What: The 73rd annual fair begins this coming weekend, and you have through next Saturday to enjoy rides, magic shows, musical entertainment in the evenings, pig races and pony rides, the Kids & Critters barn, Demolition Derby, a pro rodeo, and more. Most of the rides cost extra, and packages are available, so be sure to check out the website to see what’s available if you plan to go. When: August 4-11, 8am – 11pm daily, though activity times vary, so be sure to check schedules. Where: 2210 Fairground Road | West Friendship, MD Cost: Admission is $5/age 10+, $2/seniors, free/under 10. Rides and games are extra.
Montgomery County Fair What: This fair is a family fave. (You can get a glimpse of one of our experiences there and read a review from a few years ago), so trust me when I say that there is so much to do, you have to see the schedule on the website for yourself to get the full scope. Highlights include lots of 4-H exhibits and demos, including opportunities to visit with some of the animals; animal races, pony rides, a KidZone with interactive games and activities, tons of carnival and kiddie rides, arts & crafts, monster trucks and a demolition derby, and much more. When: August 10-18, times vary by day so check the schedule for specifics. Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds | 501 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, MD. Cost: Admission is $10/advance $12/at gate for age 12+, free/11 & under. Tickets for rides cost extra. A one-day all-u-can-ride carnival wristband is available for $25. And note that parking is $10 at the fairgrounds, but FREE parking and shuttle bus service are available from Lakeforest Mall, located at Lost Knife Rd. and Odenhal Ave.
Prince William County Fair What: Virginia’s largest annual county fair includes 4-H exhibits, rides, contests (think pie eating and water balloon tossing), animal shows, craft demos, the Children’s Barn, Kid’s Zone, live performances, and more. Note that August 10 is Kid’s Friday when all admissions are $6. And there are other special days with all kinds of promos, so be sure to check the schedule for details. When: August 10-18, Hours vary by day, so check the daily schedules. Where: Prince William County Fairgrounds | 10624 Dumfries, Manassas, VA. Cost: Admission is $10/age 14-59, $5/seniors and age 5-13, free/4 & under. Be sure to look for daily specials, too!
Arlington County Fair What: We’ve been and have had a great time. It’s big enough for a fun-filled day, but not so huge that it’s overwhelming, and you feel rushed to get to everything. There are carnival rides for everyone from toddlers to adults, and the kids especially loved the pony rides and piglet races. You can also check out competitive exhibits, enjoy live entertainment, cheer on a variety of racing animals, view outdoor movies, and take little ones to the Kids’ Court for moon bouncing, face painting, and more. When: August 16-20, hours vary by day, so check the schedule for specifics. Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Center | 3501 Second St., Arlington, VA. Get parking/shuttle information here. Cost: Admission is free. Buy tickets to use for rides and other activities: $1/ticket, $20/24 tickets, $40/48 tickets.
Prince George’s County Fair What: A variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages — 4-H exhibits magic and dance shows, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition, a chain saw artist, a K-9 show, and much more. When: September 7-10, hours vary by day. Where: Showplace Arena | Upper Marlboro, MD. Cost: Admission is $6/age 12+, $5/age 6-11, free/5 & under. Rides and games are extra.
Anne Arundel County Fair What: Carnival rides and games, animal exhibits, monster trucks, pony rides, garden tractor pulls, pig races, pie eating contests, a talent show, live music and much more When: September 13-17, check the website for hours. Where: Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds | 1450 General’s Highway, Crownsville, MD Cost: Admission is $6/age 16+, $4/age 8–15, free/7 & under. Rides and games cost extra.
The 70th Annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival returns to Frying Pan Farm Park from August 2-5. The event offers livestock and dog demonstrations, 4-H exhibits, fair food, carnival rides, games, vendors, live entertainment, and more. There is a free concert Thursday night with The Mulligan Brothers (Americana Folk Rock) at 7:30pm. Don’t miss Big Truck Night on Friday 5-7:30pm or the Tractor Pull with children’s games on Saturday 4-6pm. The park is offering more fun food options than ever!
Visit the website for full schedules and ticket information. And note that Unlimited Ride Wristbands are available for Thursday or Friday 10am-3pm — purchase through August 1. Parking is free Thursday and Friday, and $10 per vehicle on Saturday and Sunday.
This post is sponsored by Frying Pan Farm Park, however, I only promote events, places, and programs that I genuinely believe in and think would appeal to KFDC readers.
