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.
1. ‘Tis the season to go with the flow! Kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards, and more vessels for recreation on the water are available to rent all around the area. Boating in DC has several locations in the District, a few NoVa Parks offer it, and there are also some places in Maryland where you can paddle local waterways. This post about local places to rent paddling gear has all the details. (PS: Depending on where and when you go, you may recognize a certain KFDC teen helping you get set up with your boat! 🙂)
2. In case you weren’t aware, tickets for the National Gallery of Art’s Jazz in the Garden summer music series are now distributed by lottery for each weekly concert. The lottery is currently open for the June 2 Tabago Bay performance — through May 26, you can register to try to reserve up to four passes,. Results will be announced May 29 at 10am.
3. How awesome does this nature-inspired LEGO exhibit at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley look? Perfect for a summer day trip or even an overnight, since it’s about a two-hour drive out there.
“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the DC area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It may not be official on the calendar, but “summer” is underway! Spray play, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal treats have begun around DC. Start the weekend with free music at Bethesda’s summer concert series. Cool off at a DC splash park. See a family film outdoors at Union Market. Go paddling, see a special exhibit, or just plan ahead for seasonal fun. The 2023 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when you can get summer started early — and plan for even more!
Mystics Tip Off
Where: Entertainment & Sports Arena | Congress Heights, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $30
The Washington Mystics, our local women’s pro basketball team, begins its season this weekend with a game against New York Liberty on Friday evening. It’s a great chance to watch some good on-court action and support women in sports! The team plays at the Entertainment and Sports Arena located on the St. Elizabeths East Campus, in southeast DC. Purchase tickets here.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & under
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!
Dragon Boat Festival
Where: Thompson Boat House | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The annual DC Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 20th year — an experience for athletes and spectators alike! The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free, and there are cultural activities to enjoy, too.
Big Bounce America
Where: Rosecroft Raceway | Fort Washington, MD
When: Starting Saturday – June 11
Admission: Starts at $22
Boing! Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, is returning to the DC area starting this weekend. 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.
Fiesta Asia Street Fair
Where: Entrance at 400 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Asian heritage at the annual street fair presented by the Asia Heritage Foundation and Passport DC. This showcase of Asian art and culture will include music and dance performances, martial arts demos, a parade, yummy food, a marketplace, hands-on activities, and more. While admission is free, be prepared to spend on food and in the marketplace. Reserve free tickets here.
Bourbon and Blue Grass Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: $86/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under
The rollicking annual fundraiser is back for its 8th year! Featuring an extraordinary line up of music, bourbon and beer tastings, and fun activities for the whole family, this is an event you don’t want to miss. Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy lots of live bluegrass music. Two-day passes are also available.
Anacostia River Festival
Where: Anacostia Park | Southeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
The 9th annual Anacostia River Festival will offer an afternoon of fun to guests! This year enjoy musical performances, canoe rides, a fishing workshop, a vintage car parade, and more fun at the park along the Anacostia River. Read more about Anacostia Park here.
Nats Weekend: Pups, the Force, & Freebies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary (get deal for Sunday) The Nats host the Detroit Tigers this weekend, and there’s a lot of extra fun to accompany the action on the field. Friday night is Pups in the Park when canine fans can attend the games. You needed to have a special ticket already, but you can spectate with Fido and friends. Saturday’s game is Star Wars themed, and the ballpark will transform into a galaxy far, far away with character appearances, photo booths, DJs, balloon twisters, caricaturists, face painters and more (plus Hawaiian shirt giveaways for the early fans)! Sunday there is a Teddy Handmade by Robots Vinyl Figure giveaway for the first 10,000 fans ages 3-12, plus Kids Run the Bases after the game. So much fun baseball fun! Before you go, get some KFDC tips on doing Nats game without breaking the bank.
Loudoun Spring Farm Tour
Where: Farms around Loudoun County, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Enjoy over 40 local farm stops full of delicious produce, cute animals, farm demonstrations, and fun & educational programs. Visit the website for a map of the locations and more info on each one.
Truck Day Where: MCDOT Truck Depot and Salt Barn | Gaithersburg, MD When: Saturday, 10am – 3pm Admission: Free
The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is kicking off “Public Works Week” with Truck Day. The free, family-friendly event welcomes the community for a hands-on exploration of the many first-response, construction, and transportation vehicles that make the county run. Climb aboard a bucket truck, tractor, semi-truck, and bus. The event also will feature first responder vehicles and a fire engine, plus a chance to meet the essential workers who operate them. The Truck Depot and Salt Barn is located at 17000 Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg.
We Fly Together
Where: National Arboretum | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Join Urban Adventure Squad, a local nonprofit for this free, all ages, all-community event at the U.S. National Arboretum on Saturday. Led by UAS educator Randi Jones and funded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Celebrate Urban Birds project, you’ll perch at the Arboretum’s Arbor House and create field guides, learn to use binoculars, and practice bird identification. The event is designed for children with a range of abilities.
Adams Morgan PorchFest Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC When: Saturday, 2-6pm Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as the front porches of homes and store fronts of local businesses are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. Enjoy a variety of music styles from about 70 bands playing on porches, patios, and stoops in the neighborhood. At the corner of Adams Mill and Columbia Road NW on Porchfest Day, pick up a music map and free wristband that will get you discount at over 30 Adams Morgan businesses.
Gon’ Country Family-Friendly Concert
Where: The Hall CP | College Park, MD
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: $20/adult, $10/age 4-12 & under, free/3 & under
Will Overman along with fellow Virginia natives and Country powerhouse Crawford & Power will be performing at The Hall CP’s Gon’ Country Concert. The show will kick off UMD Graduation Weekend along with a portion of the proceeds benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Overman’s heart-worn vulnerable lyrics and dynamic vocal delivery are front and center in his recent releases “Dotted Line,” “Heartpine” and “The Winemakers Daughter.” Watch the official music video for “Dotted Line” here. The show this Saturday is [extra] significant because it comes on the heels on the announcement of Overman becoming an official ambassador of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital!
KidStory Theatre Festival
Where: Highland Elementary School | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 11am & Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
InterAct Story Theatre presents this theatrical celebration of stories written by kids for kids. All year long, InterAct artists create stories with kids, and invite them to share their epic stories with them. Now, they’ve chosen some favorites from over the years that they’ll as short plays and stories performed by InterActors! Best for ages 4 and up.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Bohrer Park | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. Bohrer Park is located at 506 S. Frederick Avenue.
United vs Galaxy
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $29 (look for discount)
DC United is playing at home on Saturday evening, hosting LA Galaxy. As always, I recommend taking public transportation or parking in the Navy Yard neighborhood and walking to Audi Field from there. Plan for a pre-match bite — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat there.
Fairy & Gnome Home Festival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Sunday (timed-entry)
Admission: $8/age 2+
This annual festival at one of the most enchanting places will delight the whole family — and we know from experience. Join a magical day of family nature play as you travel through six realms of Annmarie to discover a variety of activities in the garden. Make new fairy friends, find hidden gnome homes, enjoy crafts and nature explorations, meet sweet baby animals, ride a unicorn (!), listen to live music, and frolic in the sweet Fairy Lolly. Food and drink will be available. Advance timed-entry tickets are required for admission and unicorn rides ($10). Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden and get a glimpse in this KFDC post and this one.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Where: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
View dozens of rare and exotic cars up close, made famous by their speed, performance and elegance. This will be enhanced by a presentation of style, fashion and live music provided by over 40 local merchants. The Old Town Festival of Speed & Style highlights the unique offerings of the Old Town community – history, architecture, great food, fabulous people, art, style, energy. All proceeds benefit ALIVE! and Campagna Center.
Once Upon a Mattress
Where: Children’s Theatre of Annapolis | Annapolis, MD
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday, 11am & 4pm | Sunday, 2pm
Admission: $18/age 13+, $15/12 & under
Catch a performance of this show at the nonprofit children’s theatre… Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larkin and Sir Harry to the altar? This rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans.[Note: The theatre is just 35 minutes from DC, 10-15 minutes from Cantler’s crab house, and less than five minutes from Sandy Point State Park beach — perfect for a day out!]
Jack & the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Friday, 10:30am | Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am & 1pm
Admission: $15
In the Puppet Co.’s version of Sleeping Beauty, a funny frog storyteller ribbits the tale of offended fairies, silly royalty, and magic spells. Relive this classic fairy tale in this lovely Legacy rod-puppet show. Directed by Elizabeth Dapo. Recommended ages 4+. Run time approximately 55 minutes.
Monty Python’s Spamalot Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $69-325
Telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table and the quest for the Holy Grail in song, Monty Python’s Spamalot features a chorus line of knights, men in tights, killer rabbits, and sexy dancing divas. The score will be performed onstage by the Kennedy Center Opera House Orchestra. Recommended for ages 13+.
Beetlejuice
Where: National Theatre | Downtown DC
When: Through May 28
Tickets: $60-140 (look for discount)
It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. Under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O!
Row Your Boat Where: Fletcher’s Boathouse | Foxhall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Rentals start at $/hour
On the water pursuits are linked at the top, but one of our favorites is paddling the Potomac from Fletcher’s Boathouse. That area of the river is particularly pretty, verdant with trees flanking the shoreline. Wildlife sightings are likely — we always see turtles, egrets, and ducks, and have spotted hawks and herons, too. And if you paddle east toward Georgetown, you’ll catch views of the Washington Monument. Read about our first Fletcher’s paddling adventure here. And find more places for recreation on the water here.
Pick Your Own
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries and a few veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. This post has a round-up of where 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.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may get a small commission. This helps me continue to bring you KFDC, all completely for free. Thank you so much for the support!
1. Yesterday, the DC Department of Parks and Rec opened 16 spray parks throughout the city! From 12-4pm daily, kids can splash around, stay cool, and have fun at the locations equipped with fountains and more water features. The rest of DC’s spraygrounds will open Saturday, May 27. Use this map to find a spray park close to you.
2. And since others are getting the water fun started, it’s a good time to (re)share this round-up of swim spots beyond the pool, all within a couple hours’ drive of the city. Beaches, lakes and rivers, and swimming holes are included, and there have been some additions since last swimming season, so be sure to check it out and bookmark!
3. Starting this Thursday, May 18, you can once again watch a monthly movie at Audi Field! The stadium will transform into an outdoor cinema as Movies on the Pitch presents films on the stadium’s jumbotron screen, all of them family-friendly. The lineup: DC League of Super-Pets on May 18, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on June 22, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish on July 6, Minions: The Rise of Gru on August 27, and Jurassic World Dominion on September 7.
4. These are perfect — practical and pretty — for the spray park and swim season.
