Quick links for activities galore around the DC area:
* Spring Things to Get Excited About
* Best Outdoor Spots in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Peaceful Places
* Indoor Outings
* On the Water
* Bike Rides
DC Reopenings
Where: Around DC
When: Staring this weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
Several DC museums and other beloved places are opening their doors to visitors again starting this weekend after being closed for many months due to Covid. You’ll once again be able to visit the National Museum of African American History & Culture, National Portrait Gallery & American Art Museum, Renwick Gallery, National Gallery of Art, and Dumbarton Oaks Garden. Ford’s Theatre also opened earlier this week, and the Udvar-Hazy Center reopened last week. Timed-entry passes are required for all of them, and they’re going fast. If you can’t get them for this weekend, reserve for a later date! Click links to get yours.
Open Play
Where: The Lane Social Club | Ivy City, DC
When: Timed-entry on Sunday
Admission: $15/person (adults, too)
Snag a block of time for Open Play at the family hang out spot in Ivy City. With super cool play elements that kids will dig and lots of thoughtful details that parents will appreciate, it’s a place where you’ll all enjoy spending time. Covid safety measures are in place, and note that they are not offering food or drinks right now, but you can BYO small snack.
Spring Drive-In Movie Series
Where: The Stack at Buzzard Point | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: $20/car
Remember the Titans will be on the big outdoor screen in the Capitol Riverfront this weekend. The neighborhood BID’s drive-in movie series is a fun, contact-free experience for all ages at an appropriate social distance. Even more, all funds are donated to local charities — this weekend proceeds benefit Unity Health Care.
Drive-In, in NoVa
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $40/car
You can also catch a flick from the comfort of your car in Virginia. The Secret Life of Pets will be screened on Friday night, and Jaws on Saturday (dun-dun, dun-dun…). Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd. Purchase movie tickets in advance!
A Fairytale of a Farm
Where: Clarks Elioak Farm | Clarksville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $8
Enjoy all kinds of farm fun — with a side fairytale charm, to boot. Clark’s Elioak delights with its old storybook park installations and mini rides for kids. There are also animals to visit and pony rides. A bonus: JoAnn Hill, author of the book Secret Washington, DC, which features Clark Elioak, will be there signing books and happy to chat about obscure and interesting things to see and do around the area.
Arrrgh, Mateys!
Where: Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake | Annapolis, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $22, $12/ages 2 and under
Set sail on the high seas in Annapolis for a jolly good adventure. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake has reopened for the season, taking little buccaneers on a search for buried treasure. Several time slots are available throughout the day, and safety measures are in place for Covid. Read more about the adventure in this KFDC post, but note that it’s from pre-Covid days.
Ride On
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
There’s a quick link to bike routes above, but here’s a stronger recommendation to get out for a family ride. Last weekend, we had a great time biking the National Mall, stopping at the memorials and Constitution Garden, then making our way to West Potomac Park and over to The Wharf, where we grabbed an easy, delicious bite at Falafel Inc. You can find even more recs for good two-wheel trips here.
Day Out with Thomas
Where: B&O Railroad Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Friday – Sunday
Admission: $26-30
All aboard, little engineers! Thomas the Tank Engine is rolling into town with the Party Train Tour! Take a train ride behind him, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of activities and family fun!
More Charm City Fun, Hon
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Have even more fun in our sister city, just 45 minutes up I-95. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. Play the day away at Port Discovery. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Tour historic ships at the Inner Harbor. Or learn about Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. All of these places require advance reservations, so be sure to book ahead.
Lambdapalooza
Where: National Colonial Farm | Accokeek Park, VA
When: Saturday
Admission: Depends on activities
Head to the park for Lattes with Lambs: Lambapalooza festival — they’re going out with a baa-ng. Enjoy music, hayrides, DIY activities, sheep shearing demonstrations, and a special book signing. This is a hybrid event that also takes place online — visit the website for details.
Secret Agent Scavenger Hunt
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $15-25
Join Imagination Stage for an outdoor adventure perfect for families. Complete missions, take pictures and video, and enhance spy skills as you explore your local park, neighborhood, or even a guided walk of downtown Bethesda. You can participate right on your phone through the Goose Chase app, which comes complete with everything you need for this COVID-safe adventure. If you enjoyed Imagination Stage’s Spy Academy, you’ll be sure to enjoy the Secret Agent Scavenger Adventure.
Quarterfest Crawl
Where: Around Ballston, VA
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: Free
Savor, sip, and seek at this street festival around Ballston! The 2021 Quarterfest Crawl that benefits Homeward Trails Animal Rescue combines safe and socially-distanced activities with specials on food and drinks from many neighborhood restaurants. Enjoy a pup-friendly scavenger hunt, live music from local artists, giant-size games, and a fun day outdoors in the community.
Fiesta de Chihuahua
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 3pm
Admission: $30 for up to 6 people
The Wharf can’t bring back their annual Chihuahua races yet, but they’re still hosting a day of Chihuahua fun. See little pooches dressed up for a costume contest and get a look back at prior years’ races on the 20 foot LED movie screen, followed by a special screening of the movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua. All ticket sales and raffle proceeds benefit Rural Dog Rescue. Each ticket is good for up to six people.
Strawberry Fields
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. 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.
Victura Park Pop-Up
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Friday 4-9pm, Saturday & Sunday, 12-9pm
Admission: Free
The weekend wine garden at The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s immersive extension, is family-friendly and a lovely spot to hang out. The cafe offers snacks and sips that you can enjoy at socially distanced tables or in other areas. Explore the beautiful grounds, including the large plaza (we’ve seen skates and scooters there) and the Kennedy Center terrace, where you can enjoy sweeping Potomac River views. PS: Victura Park is now there on Thursdays, too!
A Cicada Inspired StoryWalk
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Starting Saturday through June 6
Admission: Free
The fifth Noyes StoryWalk spotlights cicada season in the DC area. Families are invited to read Cecily Cicada by Kita Helmetag Murdock and Patsy Helmetag posted signs on a self-guided stroll through Clum-Kennedy Park (10298 Frederick Ave., Kensington, MD). It will be on view from this Saturday through June 6. The event is likely to coincide with swarms of 17-year cicadas in the D.C. region
Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Tickets start at $6
DC United is home this weekend, and there’s a match against Orlando City SC on Sunday evening. Safety measures for Covid are in place, including limited capacity, which is 5,000 fans right now. But FYI: It will be increased to 36% next weekend and to full capacity starting June 11!
We Can…Write! Workshop
Where: Rosie Riveters Online
When: Saturday, 9-10m
Admission: Free
Children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade are invited to this virtual young writers workshop on Saturday morning! Participants will meet Fabian Ferguson, author of Jackie Wins Them All, and learn about the creative process that goes into writing a children’s book. Then, Rosie Riveters instructors will explore the five parts of a story with participants, encourage them to write their own children’s book, and engage in an interactive book binding demo so participants can bind the books they wrote at home! Register here.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Vaccinations are now available for kids ages 12-15– and very easy to get in DC! (And go to vaccines.gov to find them everywhere.)
* Get a glimpse of the fantastic Forces of Nature exhibit at the Renwick, which reopens this weekend. A new post with has scenes from our visit there in the fall.
* Tickets for Great Country Farm’s annual Strawberry Jubilee Festival taking place May 22-23 and May 29-31 are now available.
* Who else is so excited for the Friends reunion on May 27?
* An impressive, beautiful essay.