Tag Archives: Children’s Activities in DC

1. The Maryland Renaissance Festival begins this Saturday, August 29, and this trip back to medieval times is full of merriment for everyone — jousting matches, kids shows, comedy acts, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music… and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There’s also a pirate playground, giant slide, labyrinth, games, and fantastic people watching opportunities as you walk among knights, maidens, pirates, and wizards in a re-created 16th-century Tudor village. It all begins Saturday and will run every weekend through October 25.  Note that there’s a waitlist for tickets for this coming weekend, but I recommend snagging them for a later date as they have been selling out in recent years.

2. Something fun to plan ahead for Labor Day weekend…  DC JazzFest will be happening at The Wharf, and there’s going to be some extra fun for young festival-goers.  On both Saturday and Sunday, kids can join a Scavenger Hunt that encourages them explore the festival, check out performances, interact with sponsors, and learn more about JazzFest.  The hunt entails completing a series of activities in different areas of the event. Upon the completion of each activity — they can be done at any pace, in any order — attendees will collect a sticker, and once they’ve has collected at least eight of them, they can receive a free DC JazzFest legacy t-shirt.  Participation is free for all ticket-holders.  There is also a Jazz Bops concert especially for kids both days at 11am. Tickets for that are free.

3. Or if you’re considering a heading out of town for the long weekend coming up September 5-7, here are some ideas for driveable family getaways.

4. DC Restaurant Week, when you can enjoy multi-course, prix fixe menus at dining spots all around the city, began yesterday and runs through Sunday, August 30.  If you’re planning to take advantage, check out Let’s Eat, DC, a free website that let’s you search and filter specific dishes, menus, restaurant vibe (eg, family-friendly), and deals.

5. The latest Smartless episode with Sandra Bullock is a such a good (and emotional) listen.

Get off the beaten museum path at Planet Word

1. There are a lot road closures to be aware of this week and coming weekend for the Freedom 250 Grand Prix taking place on the streets around the National Mall.  This WTOP article lists all the closures and parking restrictions.  Access to a few Smithsonian museums on the National Mall will also be modified August 21-23 — see details here.

This is a good time to check out some of the off-the-beaten-path museums in DC and others in Maryland and Virginia.  There are so many fantastic places to visit beyond the Mall that will be easier to access over the next week. (And if you are wondering, tickets to the racing event are no longer available.)

2. The annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is this Saturday, August 22!  It’s always a fantastic event, and I highly recommend going if you can.  Book enthusiasts, young and old, come from all over for the day of reading-related activities, including plenty that are family-friendly. Works by more than 80 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances. It’s a good idea to plan ahead if there are any authors you really want to see, so take a look at the complete list of them as well as the schedule — most presentations are first come-first serve, and people line up early to get seats. The Festival runs 9am – 8pm, and doors open at 8:30am.  Admission to all of it is completely FREE, just reserve tickets in advance.  Books and more items will be for sale.

3. Did you know that on Fridays, ice skating is free at Fort Dupont Ice Arena?  It’s a great way to stay cool on a hot day, or just have fun whatever the weather may be.  Two-hour time slots are available to reserve between 10am and 8pm — just go to this calendar to save your spots.

4. In case you missed it yesterday, there’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win a free music lesson plus more goodies from International School of Music!

5. All the first days 🥹

1. Hot air won’t just refer to the local weather this weekend…  The DC Hot Air Balloon Festival is happening on Friday and Saturday , August 14 & 15, at Rosecroft Raceway in Fort Washington.  Bring the whole crew to see the sky fill up with colorful hot air balloons — and maybe take a ride on a tethered balloon, too.  Along with the big floating spheres, there will be DJ entertainment, festival-style food, and a Kids Zone with more fun for all ages.  The grand finale each night will be a Hot Air Balloon Glow & Laser Light Show with illuminated balloons synchronized to music and high powered lasers lighting up the sky.  The festival is Friday and Saturday evenings from 5-10pm.  Admission starts at $17.85/age 5-17, $33.85/adult.

2. Great Country Farms has TWO fun events happening this coming weekend! The beloved Big Dig Potato Harvest is on both Saturday and Sunday, August 15 & 16  — bring a shovel to dig your own potatoes and see tractor “rip” demos throughout the day that help make potato hunting even more exciting and accessible for little diggers.  On Saturday only, there will also be the Big Rigs Touch-a-Truck, where guests can climb aboard massive trucks and equipment and meet the operators behind the machines.  The five-acre play area — with mini golf, an obstacle course, mazes, swings, slides, animals to visit and feed, and more — is always open to guests, too. Tickets are $12/child, $14/adult in advance ($16/guest at gate).

3. The DC Department of Parks and Rec announced the schedule for outdoor pools to close for the season.  A few have already stopped operating, and the rest will wind down through September 7.

4. So many good recipes for peak tomato season.

5. Relatable 😂