Tag Archives: DC Museums

March 4, 2026 · 10:35 am

Activities & Events to Celebrate Women’s History Month Around DC

March is Women’s History Month, and there are so many great ways to celebrate it around DC, with something for all ages. See some exhibits, tour local landmarks, support women in sports, enjoy live entertainment, attend a special event, visit women’s businesses… all showcasing women and their accomplishments. Find out where you can do that over the next month — and beyond!

Women’s Art
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown DC
When: Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm & Sunday 12-5pm
Admission: $16/adult, $13/DC residents, free/18 & under
Enjoy a whole museum dedicated to art made by women. The National Museum of Women in the Arts showcases historic and contemporary artwork, with both permanent and special exhibits. And heads-up: The first Sunday and second Wednesday of every month are Free Community Days when there is no entry fee, and that includes Wednesday, March 11. The museum is also hosting more events for Women’s History Month.

Women’s History Month: Native Women Leading the Way
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: March 7, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Spend the day celebrating the strength, creativity, and leadership of Native women through vibrant performances, meaningful conversations, and family-friendly activities throughout the museum. From Haudenosaunee traditional dance to hands-on artmaking and powerful stories of resilience, this program invites visitors of all ages to experience how Native women have led—and continue to lead—the way.

Women in Aviation Tour
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: March 8, 11am
Admission: Free
Discover the vital role women have played in powered flight, beginning with Katharine Wright in 1903. Explore the groundbreaking achievements of female pilots with ties to College Park Airport, and engage in a conversation about the opportunities and challenges women face in aviation careers. Recommended for ages 8+.

See a Spirit Match
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: March 13 & March 25
Admission: Tickets start at $27
Enjoy some exciting soccer and support women in sports at a Washington Spirit match! The team’s home opener is on March 13 against the Portland Thorns. And March 25 ithey pay Utah Royals FC.

Women’s History Month Events
Where: KID Museum | Bethesda, MD
When: Throughout March
Admission: Varies by event
At KID Museum — an organization founded and run by women — Women’s History Month is a big deal. Join them to honor and celebrate the achievements of women in the STEM and Maker communities who are shaping the future through innovation and creativity! Attend a special event with author Chandra Donelson on March 15, meet KID makers on other dates, and partake inal kinds of coo activities all month long. See website for details.

Freckleface Strawberry The Musical
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through March 29
Tickets: $28
See a show based on a book by celebrated actress, Julianne Moore… Freckleface Strawberry The Musical is a fun and touching family musical. Freckleface Strawberry will do anything to get rid of her freckles – from scrubbing them with soap to caking on makeup… and even wearing a ski mask to school! Will her schoolmates realize that it’s her under the mask? Will Freckleface be brave enough to finally face her complexion in the mirror? With the help of her loveable schoolmates, including an amazingly talented ballerina, a cutie jock, a charming ditz and a totally kooky teacher, Freckleface learns that everyone is different – and that’s what makes everyone special. Recommended fo all ages.

Statue-esque Women
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Yes, there are some statues honoring women amid the many memorials and monuments around DC — even one on the National Mall! Make it a mission to visit them over the month and see how many you can get to. You can find a map of them here on Curbed.

Libraries Celebrate Women
Where: Public Libraries Around DC
When: Through March
Admission Free
DC Public Library is hosting several activities and events inspired by Women’s History Month at locations across the city. Participate in a scavenger hunt, enjoy crafting sessions, go to a movie screening, and teens can join for self care bingo and trivia. See the calendar for details here.

Women’s History in American History
Where: National American History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The American History Museum houses several exhibits that focus on women, from displays about women’s suffrage to the First Ladies dresses and more. See all the ways to explore women’s history through the museum here.

Art of Women Tours
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Daily, 2-3pm
Admission: Free
Take a docent-led tour at the National Museum of Asian Art of art by the women in their collection highlighting women’s untold stories in the art world, where their contributions have frequently been overshadowed. Discover the importance of women artists, subjects, patrons, and collectors who’ve shaped history. Celebrate women’s creativity and resilience by exploring captivating narratives that include inspirational subjects, ruling monarchs, and revered figures of divinity.

More Works by Women
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art is full of remarkable works by women artists, from Georgia O’Keefe to Alma Thomas to Mary Cassat to Faith Ringgold — and so many more. Wander around the museum to explore them or take a tour (while not solely about women, they will cover some of them).

Women’s History Storytme & Craft
Where: Olney Library | Olney, MD
When: March 23, 2pm
Admission: Free
Join The Yellow Roses, a group that aims to empower, educate, and enable youth leadership, advocacy, and service learning, for a special story time and craft session to celebrate Women’s History Month. All ages welcome, and RSVP’s appreciated.

Support Women in the NCAA
Where: Local Colleges
When: Throughout March
Admission: Varies
March Madness applies to women’s teams, too! See some of our local college teams play basketball — as well as other sports. Lacrosse, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor track and field, and gymnastics are also happening this month. Check schedules for nearby schools:
* University of Maryland (Go, Terps!)
* Georgetown University
* George Washington University
* American University
* George Mason University
* Howard University
* Catholic University

Legacies on Call Boxes
Where: Around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Find old fire call boxes and see where several notable women are commemorated. The Wander Women Project, a travel blog that celebrates women’s creations and follows female legacy, landmarks, and heritage trails, has a map to follow, plus more info about all of the women on their website. It’s a fun way to explore downtown and learn about some pioneering women!

Girl Bosses
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free (but plan to spend — and support!)
Fun activities this month: Shopping! And eating! This is a great time to make a point to patronize women-owned businesses around DC, and there are many awesome, beloved places to do that. Try some unique eats and eateries powered by local women — see recs here and here. Shop some of DC’s women-owned businesses. I’m also highlighting the best family photographer in the area, an incredible interior designer if you’re in need of a home spruce up, and consignment shops in Old Town Alexandria that are all women-owned.

Do you know of any activities or events that celebrate women that you don’t see listed here? Feel free to share in the comments!

Events & Activities Around DC to Celebrate Black History Month (2026)

February is Black History Month, and there are events and activities throughout the DC area to celebrate it. Museum programs (including entire museums), special events, tours and exhibits, and more will be enlightening and fun for all ages. See where they’re all happening over the next few weeks.

African American History & Culture
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing | Mon, 12- 5:30pm, Tues – Sun, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
The National Museum of African American History & Culture may just be the best place to learn about Black history and culture in America, covering everything from early slave trading to modern day achievements by Black people. If you’ve never been, this month is a great, meaningful time to go. And if you have been, there is so much to be gleaned, teach to kids, contemplate, and celebrate, you can never visit too much. It’s a huge museum with a lot of exhibits to navigate, some of them very heavy and somber, so be sure to read the KFDC Guide to visiting the museum with kids before you go. Free, timed-entry passes are required, and they are available online here.

Museum & Memorial Tour
Where: African American Civil War Museum | Shaw, DC
When: Ongoing | Tuesday–Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Take a tour of another museum dedicated to the contributions of more than 200,000 members of the United States Colored Troops. The African American Civil War Museum tells the stories of the historic roles these brave men played in ending slavery and keeping America united under one flag. A collection of artifacts and documents, plus primary sources and technology create a meaningful learning experience for visitors about the period from the American Civil War to Civil Rights and beyond. Be sure to stop by the nearby African American Civil War Memorial, too.

Chez Joey
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest DC
When: January 30 – March 15
Tickets: $83-133 (look for discount)
This new production spotlights Black cultural life, artistry… The year is 1940-something, and Chicago’s night scene is sizzling. Enter Joey Evans. A slick-talking, velvet-voiced songster with dreams bigger than the bandstand. But in a city where the right connections mean everything, he is caught between a bright-eyed chorus girl and a wealthy baroness who can bankroll his big break—for a price. As the lights dim and the music swells, Joey’s got a choice to make: play it straight or risk it all for the spotlight. Recommended for teens and older.

Black History & Legacy with the Wizards
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: February 3, 8, 19, 28
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Washington Wizards are celebrating black excellence and honoring black pioneers throughout February. Activations and theme nights within the month will help narrate the story of unsung heroes across the DMV and provide a new generation with a rich history of basketball that resonates today. Theme Nights such as, A Night of Black Excellence, NBA Pioneer Celebration, HBCU & D9 Night and Sneaker Night all help amplify and provide a stage to display black culture to Wizards fans.

Celebrating 100 Years of Black History
Where: MLK Library | Penn Quarter, DC
When: February 7, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Drop-in at the library for youth and family activities exploring Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Black History, featuring an appearance by actor Dexter Hamlet as Dr. Woodson. Check in at the National Park Service table in the lobby and rangers will direct you to the program location in the library.

Black Aviators Tour
Where: College Park Aviation Museum | College Park, MD
When: February 7, 11-11:45am
Admission: Free
This tour highlights just some of history’s African American Aviators, from the legendary Eugene Bullard to local aviator Gus McLeod, and their impacts on aviation. We will also dig deeper into the story of nearby Columbia Air Center, which was the first licensed airfield owned and operated by black aviators in the country.

Black History Month at the Meetinghouse
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: February 7 & 21, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
In honor of Black History Month, the Frying Pan Baptist Meetinghouse will be open February 7 & 21. Interpretive signage will be posted throughout the site for guests to read about the Black History of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the community. Registration is free but required to attend — sign up for Feb 7 or Feb 21.

Explore Works by Black Artists
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Ongoing, Daily, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Explore works from Black artists across centuries, mediums and geographies, ranging from 19th century still life painter Robert Seldon Duncanson to modern and contemporary pieces by Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Alma Thomas, Sam Gilliam, Kara Walker, and more. And check the museum calendar for special programs that celebrate Black artists.

Frederick Douglass 208th Birthday Celebration
Where: Capital Turnaround | Capitol Hill, DC
When: February 14, 1-2:30pm
Admission: Free
Enjoy a 1.5-hour program featuring music by the Jubilee Voices of the Washington Revels, performances by student winners of the Frederick Douglass Oratorical Contest, keynote remarks by Jeffrey Rosen (author of The Pursuit of Happiness and President & CEO of the Constitution Center), and Black History Month Jeopardy with audience participation.

Hike the Underground Railroad Experience Trail
Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Admission: Free
A great outing with kids during Black History Month (or anytime), this hike offers insight into the experience of enslaved peoples’ escape to freedom. The walk through woods and along edges of fields (with a map and explanation of the hike) is interesting and enlightening as well as an active way to spend time outdoors.

Black History Month Family Day
Where: Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park | Sandy Spring, MD
When: February 14, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
For a bonus to an Underground Railroad Experience Trail hike, go on February 14 for a special Family Day celebrating Black History Month. Drop in to the Manor House for hands-on activities, including compass making, share what freedom means to you, map your own family tree, and more. There will also be story times at 11:30am and 1:30pm.

Black History Month Celebration
Where: KID Museum | Bethesda, MD
When: February 8, 15, 22 | 10am – 4pm
Admission: $15
From MLK Day through the end of February, KID is honoring and celebrating Black innovators both past and present. Join every Sunday for hands-on activities and fun workshops with local organizations, scientists, musicians, and makers of all kinds!

Reach for the Stars: African Americans in Space
Where: Nature Center & Planetarium | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: February 12-28 | Thurs-Sun, 9am
Admission: Free
Families are invited to explore African American contributions to space science at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium. Visitors will learn about trailblazing astronauts, scientists, and innovators through colorful pop-up panels, hands-on activities, and connections to science and exploration during Black History Month.

Black History Month at the Meetinghouse
Where: Frying Pan Farm Park | Herndon, VA
When: February 15, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Sheep are important animals to livestock farmers as they can provide milk, meat, and fiber. Learn to wash fleece by hand and discover how to prepare wool for spinning by using a drum carder. Then make a hand spun wool bracelet or felted wool flower. One adult must accompany each registered child in this program. Recommended for ages 7-14.

Library Programs
Where: Public Libraries throughout DC
When: Throughout February
Admission: Free
The DC Public Library proudly celebrates Black History Month during February with all kinds of offerings for kids (and adults) of all ages. Participate in a Black history themed scavenger hunt. Watch a related film. Go on a StoryWalk. Enjoy arts & crafts… and more! Visit the website to see what activities are being offered at each library.

Portraits of Black History Makers
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Ongoing | Daily, 11:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery anytime and look for portraits of Black people who have made great contributions to America (and the world). Head to the Hall of Presidents to view President Obama’s portrait, and see paintings and photographs of many other great African Americans throughout the museum.

Tour Memorials
Where: Several locations in DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: Free
Tour some memorials around the city that highlight notable African Americans and related historic events. Head to the MLK Memorial at the Tidal Basin, where you can view the grand sculpture of Dr. King and read some of his most inspiring quotes engraved in surrounding walls. From there, head to the Lincoln Memorial, where even more MLK words, “I Have a Dream” are etched into the steps where he gave his famous speech. On Capitol Hill, the Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial in Lincoln Park is a tribute to the civil rights leader.

Black History in Alexandria
Where: Throughout Alexandria, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
There are a few major projects and programs that highlight Black history experiences throughout Alexandria. Walk along the Duke Street Black History Trail. Or hop in the car for a Black History Driving Tour. Manumission Tour Company also offers an Underground Railroad-themed tour.

Celebrate with Dance
Where: Maryland Youth Ballet In Person & Online
When: Throughout February
Admission: Varies by event
To celebrate Black History Month, Maryland Youth Ballet is presenting virtual and in-person masterclasses, plus performances and talks led by black dance artists. It will bring together numerous dancers, choreographers, and teaching artists from throughout the metropolitan DC region as well as nationally to celebrate and recognize the culture and contributions of Black people in dance. Events will take place at various locations around the DC area and online — see the website for specifics.

The Slave Memorial
Where: Mount Vernon Estate | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Ongoing
Admission: $26/adult, $13/ages 6-11, free/5 & under
Make a point to see this on a visit to George Washington’s estate. The memorial is located approximately 50 yards southwest of George and Martha Washington’s tomb, on a bluff above the Potomac River. A gray, truncated, granite column which represents “life unfinished” is the center of three concentric brick circles. The three steps leading up to the column are inscribed, respectively, “Faith,” “Hope” and “Love” — the virtues that sustained those living in bondage. Read more about Mount Vernon in this KFDC post.

Caps vs Golden Knights: Celebrating Black History
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: February 27
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Washington Capitals will celebrate Black History Month with a theme night when they face the Vegas Golden Knights. The event features special-edition jerseys designed by The Museum DC, showcasing kente patterns to honor Black history, with proceeds benefiting the Capital Impact Fund.

Family Days : Black History Month
Where: Josiah Henson Museum and Park | North Bethesda, MD
When: February 28
Admission: $6/child, $7/adult
Reverend Josiah Henson worked tirelessly throughout his life to advocate for freedom and education. This weekend, come visit the Josiah Henson Museum and Park for educational, hands-on activities that demonstrate what a child’s life was like in Dawn, the settlement he created after taking his family to Canada via the Underground Railroad. The family-friendly event is appropriate for all ages. Free with paid admission.

*Do you know of a Black History Month event or activity that you don’t see listed here? Feel free to share in the comments!

Redirect Your Recreation During the Government Shutdown

Enjoy autumn and a fun activity playing disc golf

[Note: This post was originally published during the January 2018 government shutdown, but has been updated to reflect the status of local attractions during the October 2025 shutdown.]

The government is still shut down, which means many go-to spots to hang with kiddos in the DC area are, too. Specifically, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo, the National Gallery of Art, the National Archives , Ford’s Theatre (tours, not performances), Library of Congress, Capitol Visitors Center, U.S. National Arboretum, and U.S. Botanic Garden are closed. Locales within the National Park Service system are not necessarily closed, but they are not staffed and many are difficult to access. But not to worry! There are plenty of fantastic alternatives to enjoy in the meantime, however long that may be. You might even discover a new favorite once you step off the beaten path. Here are some of them to keep in mind — click on links for details.

* * * Museums

National Building Museum – This is already a go-to for many, but it will be especially appreciated now. And federal employees can receive free admission during the shutdown by showing their federal badges!

Planet Word – The museum all about language has three levels of exhibits, most of them interactive, all of them engaging, interesting, and fun.

Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream – This new cultural hub and exhibition space is full of installations designed to engage, educate, and inspire with elements that appeal to all ages. As they say, it’s “a place of possibility, where hope is made tangible, and solutions are forged together.”

National Children’s Museum – Located within the Ronald Reagan Building, the museum features an array of STEAM-inspired, hands-on exhibits with lessons in science, math, and more at their cores — all presented in fun, kid-relatable ways.

International Spy Museum – A visit here takes you on an “undercover mission” to explore the intriguing world of espionage.

Folger Shakespeare Library – The attraction on Capitol Hill contains the world’s largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare, including many interactive exhibits and elements especially for kids.

College Park Aviation Museum – Learn about the history of flight at the museum located on the grounds of the world’s oldest continuously operating airport.

Phillips Collection – The Gallery in Dupont Circle always has interesting special exhibits as well as a great collection of permanent works, plus a Family Gallery with specially-selected artworks displayed at children’s eye-level with conversation prompts. They are also offering free admission to federal employees!

Calvert Marine Museum – A wonderful museum about an hour’s drive from DC, full of exhibits and hands-on activities that appeal to kids.

Kreeger Museum – The small art museum in DC’s Foxhall-Palisades neighborhood is perfect for an art fix with kids that’s gratifying without being overwhelming.

Textile Museum – Also the George Washington University Museum, the gallery in Foggy Bottom houses a beautiful collection of textiles from around the world. Be aware that this museum might appeal to adults and older kids more than young children, but there are works that all ages can appreciate.

Museum of Illusions – The many installations and exhibits throughout the museum in CityCenterDC trick and test the mind in ways that are fun and illuminating.

National Museum for Women in the Arts – Highlighting women artists all over the world, works span the centuries, from the 16th to the present in a variety of mediums. And the next monthly Community Day will be on November 2, offering free admission for all!

Charm City – Baltimore’s museums are not government funded, so Maryland Science Center, American Visionary Arts Museum, Baltimore Museum of Industry, and the National Aquarium are all open. See a whole KFDC Guide to exploing Baltimore with kids here.

Parks… & other places for some fresh air

DC Playgrounds – The DC government has not shut down, so facilities operated by DCDPR are still open, including numerous playgrounds throughout the city.

Hiking Trails – Some spots are listed below, but you can find even moe in this round-up that includes local National Parks, which are still accessible.

Disc Golf Courses – A fun, easy outdoor activity. Ou favorite course is in College Park, but you can also play at Patapsco Valley State Park in MD; Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton, VA; Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD; and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.

Dumbarton Oaks Gardens – The grounds of the historic house in Georgetown have a magical feel and are lovely to explore. Even better, admission to them is free during winter. Note the days/hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 2-6pm.

Franciscan Monastery – A DC “secret” to many, visitors are welcome explore the lovely gardens (and the church, too) in Brookland.

Congressional Cemetery –Full of history, graves of notable people, lovely grounds to stroll, and even geocaching opportunities, it’s a pretty cool place to go.

Mount Vernon – George Washington’s estate is like a living history museum with his mansion and many original structures appearing just as they did over two hundred years ago. Plus, a four-acre working farm, complete with heritage-breed animals, offers demonstrations of Washington’s innovative farming practices.

Huntley Meadows Park – Explore woods and wetlands at this Alexandria gem.

Green Spring Gardens – Wander around the grounds of this pretty spot in Northern Virginia.

River Farm – Explore the grounds of the American Horticultural Society headquarters. Kids will love playing in the Children’s Gardens and taking in sweeping views of the Potomac. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Watkins Regional Park – County parks are still open, so go play on the Wizard of Oz-themed playground, visit animals at Old Maryland Farm, hike the trails, and stop in the Nature Center.

Clemyjonti – The sprawling, vibrantly colored playground in McLean is a great place to let kids burn some energy under the sky.

Yards Park – The beautiful recreational space in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood is open to the public and has nice grassy spaces for running around, a boardwalk along the river to stroll, and lots of nearby eateries to get lunch.

Walk the Mall – You can still walk among the monuments and memorials along the National Mall and Tidal Basin — less crowds may actually make it more pleasant — but there won’t be Park Rangers on duty or access to Visitors Centers and bathrooms, so plan accordingly.

Brookside Gardens – Wander around the beautiful grounds, play in the Children’s Garden, look for turtles swimming in the pond, and see if there are any special programs going on in the Visitor Center or nearby Nature Center.