Tag Archives: July 2023

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts loaded with ideas for ongoing fun:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places

Stay Cool in the Sprays
Where: Spray parks in DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Free
With the Hot Weather Emergency activated, Mayor Bowser and DC DPR are extending hours at 16 District spray parks. They will be open from 10am – 9pm through the weekend. See the locations where you can splash into the evening here. (PS: See more spray park locations around the area here.)

The Great Indoors
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This list of over 100 ideas for adventures around the area that take place indoors is always a good one to keep handy in the summer (or any time of year, really), but especially as temps soar. Many are well known attractions, but sometimes we need reminders about even the most obvious spots. You’ll likely find lots of nice surprises listed, too! (PS: This post is a good one to check, too.)

Ladybug Release
Where: American Indian Museum Gardens | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am
Admission: Free
See firsthand how the museum’s croplands are protected natural pests!  Convergent lady beetles, aka ladybugs, are a natural pesticide used by groundskeepers to maintain the health of the gardens. Join experts from Smithsonian Gardens outside the museum on the National Mall to learn how to identify a ladybug and other fun insect and garden facts. Guests will be able to place a few ladybugs on plants, too!

Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures
Where: National Museum of Natural History | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 7-11pm
Admission: $70-85
Hang at the Natural History Museum after hours!  Kids ages 8-14 and their adult chaperones can join other night owls in this unique experience. Smithsonian Nighttime Adventures welcomes guests to one of the world’s most visited museum after the crowds shuffle out for the day… Wander through the Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows. Learn about Earth’s past, discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders, blast off to the moon, visit pollinators, and walk softly past mysterious mammals. Enjoy games and challenges, hand-on crafts, and learn how to eat like a T-rex while playing The Game of Survival. Ticket sales close at noon on Friday, July 28.

Kids World
Where: Franklin Park | Downtown DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
The DowntownDC BID is hosting an immersive celebration of youth and learning: Kids World will debut at Franklin Park for three fun-filled days. Free and open to all, the action-packed event feature a variety of creative pop-ups, hands-on activities, playful installations, and more to entertain and educate young visitors and their families. Dive into the worlds of literacy, health and fitness, creativity, science and nature, entrepreneurship, and more! The park is located at 13th & I NW.

Otakon
Where: Washington Convention Center | Downtown DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Starts at $40, free/ages 8 & under
This weekend-long convention is a celebration of Asian pop culture — think anime, mange, video games, etc. — and its fandom. There are tons of fun opportunities for all ages. Pore over all kinds of manga, see some amazing costumes (and wear one yourself), play video games, check out other kinds of games and battles, join a dance party, bring little ones to the Ota-chan area where there are activities just for them… and so much more!

Summer at the Reach
Where: The Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Enjoy free programming all weekend at the The REACH at the Kennedy Center. On Friday evening, see a screening of The Princess Bride at sundown. on Saturday, enjoy performances and activities at the River Pavillion from 1-5pm, then a happy hour with DJs, dancing, and lawn games from 6-11pm. And the Moonshot Studio will be open with artsy fun for all on Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm.

The Spirit of Women’s Soccer!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $15
You don’t need to travel across the globe to catch some exciting women’s soccer action. It’ll be right here at Audi Field on Friday as the Washington Spirit play NJ/NY Gotham FC. Some of the team’s stars will be missing — they’re playing in the World Cup! — but it’s still a great opportunity to enjoy some fútbol and support women in sports!

Serve Up Some Tennis Fun
Where: Rock Creek Tennis Center | 16th St Heights, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, gates open at 9am
Admission:Tickets start at $15
The annual Mubadala Citi DC Open Tennis Tournament swings into action this weekend. Among the many players competing this year are Andy Murray, Nick Kyrgios, and the legendary Venus Williams! Saturday is the first day of qualifying rounds, and they’ll continue on Sunday.

Build-a-Brick Weekend
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $7/child, $10/adult
Build with LEGOs at the museum dedicated to building! In this special program, kids (or anyone) can assist artist Rocco Buttliere in the construction of a 6-foot-tall LEGO brick that will be on display in the new exhibition, Brick City! The gigantic brick requires 610 lbs of LEGO bricks and lots of helping hands, so join in. No registration to participate in building, but tickets are required to see Brick City — purchased ahead online or day-of in the visitor center.

Maker Morning Summer Celebration (POSTPONED!)
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
It’s a Summer Celebration at the Hirshhorn before their in-person programming takes a nap in August! Guests should bring their unique selves to this one-of-a-kind art party. They’ll be reuniting with Boolean Girl to share inspiration with favorite artworks and create n bold and innovative LED sculptures.

Virginia is for Cat Lovers
Where: Dulles Expo Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: $20/adult, $15/senior, $10/child
Here kitty, kitty! The CFA Cat SHow will be in the area with over 35 different types of purebred and household pet cats will compete for top cat in six different judging rings throughout the day. Meet Egyptian Mau, Maine Coon Cats, Persians, Siamese, Norwegian Forest Cat, American Shorthair, Burmillas, and as many as 30 more breeds. You can sit and watch cats on the judging table or walk around and visit with the cats between judging. No matter what time you arrive you’re bound to see your favorite breed being judged — and guaranteed cute kitty sightings.

‘Tis the Season
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Make the most of quintessential summer activities around DC!  Enjoy an open air concert at one of the many series in the area. Hit the beach.  See a movie under the stars. Enjoy a special museum program. Get wet at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or waterpark. Feast on crabs. Ride mini trains and carousels at local parks. And so much more.  Info for all of these pursuits is in the KFDC Summer Guide.

Kids in the Castle
Where: Heirich House | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 2-3pm
Admission: Free
The historic Heurich House is hosting Kids in the Castle, when they present activities especially for young visitors. With a theme of “Immigrant Stories” and recommended for ages 4-8, the event will explore the history of people who have migrated to our country with discussion about what immigration looks like in DC, a related book reading, and a craft activity. After that, families are invited to meet and support their immigrant neighbors at the 2nd annual KAMA x Heurich Immigrant-Owned Mini Markt from 3-7pm. Register in advance!

Adams Morgan Eats in the Streets
Where: Around Admas Morgan, DC
When: Saturday, 1-8pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the culinary scene in Adams Morgan in the neighborhood streets! Taking place during the launch of the 2023 Adams Morgan Pedestrian Zone, Eats in the Streets will showcase around 50 restaurants and retailers in streatery spaces along the road closure. Sample cuisines, purchase meals to go, enjoy free entertainment, and wander through an open street closed to vehicular traffic. Free fitness classes, face painting, a Foamboree for kids, balloon twisting, chalk art murala, and other fun activities will be available, too –- see a schedule here.

All Ages Dueling Pianos
Where: Bobby McKey’s | National Harbor, MD
When: Saturday, 3:30-6pm (doors open at 2pm)
Admission: $25-29.75
The whole crew can enjoy an afternoon of music and fun at this dueling piano shows. The two hours of all-request live music paired with a lunch buffet is a great way to stay cool on a hot summer day. And this is a performance where kids are encouraged to wiggle in their seats, dance in the aisles, and sing along!

Show Time
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
There’s all kinds of entertainment on local stages this weekend. Here’s what and where you can catch it (and you can find show details and any discount links here):
* Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
* Freaky Friday at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
* Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* Cambodian Rock Band at Arena Stage
* The Play That Goes Wrong at The Kennedy Center
* The Fisherman and His Wife at Adventure Theatre
* Disney’s The Lion King at the Kennedy Center
* Seussical: The Musical at Keegan Theatre
* UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor
* Cyrano de Bergerac at Synetic Theater

United vs Pumas
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 8:30pm
Admission: Tickets prices vary
DC United is playing Pumas on Saturday evening in the Group Stage of the Leagues Cup. 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. Look for tickets here.

See the Sunflowers
Where: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
You can still see the sunflower bloom at McKee-Beshers. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and it’s a brilliant scene. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here .  Sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and water highly recommended. KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. Or stop by Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like temps on will drop a bit on Sunday, a good time to hit the trail.  And while there’s a link up top for a round-up of local hikes,  specific recs are also helpful: Fountainhead Regional Park in Lorton, VA (paddling ops, too!); Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA; Riverbend Park also in McLean, VA;  Prince William Forest Park  in Triangle, VA;  Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD (more paddling ops!); and Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, MD (swimming ops too!).

Family Feast
Where: All around DC
When: Ongoing
Admission: The cost of your meal
Sharing a fun meal out, is always a great (and tasty) family activity.  The recent post sharing KFDC picks for kid-friendly eats in DC includes all kinds of places for it, from nicer sit-down restaurants to fast casual eateries to neighborhood grab-and-go spots. So, make plans — and, in some cases, reservations — and bon appétit!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The Women’s World Cup schedule for your weekend match viewing.
* Joselito, one of our favorite neighborhood restaurants, has some great summer specials going on!
* A good DC IG to follow.
* Watermelon recipes to help stay cool.
* Been seeing these travel sets all over the internet. Very cute, but are they really worth it??
* What are your Top 5 Taylor Swift eras?

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to posts with loads of ideas for local fun:
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* The Great Indoors
* Peaceful Places

USDA Farmers Market Kid’s Takeover
Where: 14th St & Independence Ave SW | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 10am – 12pm.
Admission: Free
The USDA’s Friday market is all about kids this week. There will be many activities across the market especially for children. Fun games and activities will be available, kindie band Marsha and the Positrons will be performing, and there will be horses provided by USPP to celebrate National Meet a Horse Day!

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Docks | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program — all ages are welcome! All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. Be sure to register and fill out a waiver if you plan to go. When you’re done, head right down the boardwalk to Yards Park for the Friday Night Concert or get a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants.

Friday in the Park Jazz
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday, 6:30 pm
Admission: $15, free for age 4 &under
Congressional Cemetery is excited to welcome the DC Strings Workshop for live orchestral music and jazz under the stars. Come out to enjoy summer in the cemetery!Limited seating in chairs is available on a first come, first served basis. You are welcome to bring a picnic, blanket and low chairs of your own. Cold beer, wine and soft drinks will be available at the bar. Sorry, but dogs are not allowed. Gates open at 6pm.

Freaky Friday
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre | Arlington, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $15/adults, $12/child
Start the weekend with Freaky Friday (or enjoy it Saturday or Sunday)! Encore Stage & Studio presents by kids for kids theatre with their new musical based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films about a mother and daughter who magically swap bodies and have one freaky Friday to get back to normal. Performances are on Friday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm & 7:30pm, and Sunday, at 2pm.

World Cup Watch Parties
Where: Around the DC area
When: Friday evening
Admission: Free
The Women’s World Cup is about to begin, and the USNWT first match airs on Friday evening. The Washington Spirit will be hosting watch parties at the Bullpen in the Navy Yard and a few other places around the area for the game against Vietnam and the next one on July 26 against the Netherlands. RSVP for the Bullpen parties here.

Discover Summer with DC Library
Where: The Rubell Museum | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The DC Public Library welcomes families to join this session of their summer series at The Rubell Museum, a new(ish) contemporary art museum in DC’s Southwest community. They’ll host a special storytime for families, share library resources, and more! Enjoy the collection, What’s Going On, as well as Sylvia Snowden: SHELL; GLIMPSES. It’s a small, but neat museum with interesting and some provocative art.

SAAM Arcade
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum | Penn Quarter, DCa
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 7pm
Admission: Free
The annual SAAM Arcade is on Saturday. This is a great event for families, especially if your kids (or you!) are into gaming. The exploration of video games and art showcases games from indie developers and classic arcade games, and this year’s show will highlight music and sound design in video games.  Test out some new games, replay some of the beloved older ones, and get some fresh perspectives on the gaming world. A special Art Quest that connects video games and SAAM’s collections will also be available. See more about the American Art Museum in this KFDC post.

Sea of Sunflowers
Where: McKee-Beshers Wildlife Management Area | Poolesville, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get your cameras ready for one eye-popping bloom! The sunflowers at McKee-Beshers are peaking, and visitors are welcome to take in the happy scene. Nine fields showcase 30 acres of flowers — and they should be blooming for at least couple of weeks. Read more about it and see pics from a previous bloom here.  Sunscreen, hat, bug repellent, and water highly recommended. KFDC Tip: If you plan to go, pair it with a PYO blackberries outing at Homestead Farms, which is just minutes away. Or stop by Rocklands Farm Winery, also nearby.

Lotus and Water Lily Festival
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 8am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The  lotus flower and water lily bloom is peaking at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and I can assure you it is spectacular.  Along with the flowers, there will be activities to celebrate the bloom through Saturday, but you can still see the flowers after that.  View scenes from a past bloom here and learn about a great way to combine a visit with another activity here.   And this post has more general info and background on Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens.

DC Teen Scene
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by activity
Got teens? There’s a brand new post about activities with teens — written by one of my own! From museums to outdoor recreation to live entertainment to a neighborhoos with lots of things to do, it’s full of recommendations for hanging out with older kids.

Show Time
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
There’s all kinds of entertainment on local stages this weekend. Here’s what and where you can catch it (and you can find show details and any discount links here):
* Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
* Beauty and the Beast at The Puppet Co.
* Cambodian Rock Band at Arena Stage
* The Play That Goes Wrong at The Kennedy Center
* The Fisherman and His Wife at Adventure Theatre
* Disney’s The Lion King at the Kennedy Center
* Seussical: The Musical at Keegan Theatre
* UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor
* Cyrano de Bergerac at Synetic Theater

Seize the Summer Days
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Summer is zooming by, so seize the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. From outdoor concerts and movies to water-inspired fun to special exhibits to tasty feasts, there are so many ways to enjoy the season.  Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2023 Summer Guide.

Summer Sounds
Where: Town Square | Chevy Chase Lake, MD
When: Friday, 6pm
Admission: Free
Chevy Chase Lake, a thoughtfully designed neighborhood in the heart of Chevy Chase, is proud to present Summer Sounds at Chevy Chase Lake, which will take place in the neighborhood’s new Town Square July through September. Guests of all ages can enjoy live performances by local artists, along with free giveaways from Chevy Chase’s newest vendor, The Charmery. For each concert, Chevy Chase Lake will be making a donation to Hope for Henry, a non-profit that is reinventing how hospitals care for children and their families, with a chapter at Children’s National Hospital in Chevy Chase. The Chevy Chase Lake Town Square is loctatd at 8525 Chevy Chase Lake Terrace.

Happy Birthday, Mei Xiang!
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free, but timed tickets required
This is really just an excuse to visit the Zoo, since there’s not a big event for visitors, but it’s always fun to see the pandas. One of them, Mei Xiang, is celebrating a birthday on Saturday and you can watch her receive some special treats for the big day. Visit Asia Trail at 9am for the little celebration (or go later and stop by to wish her well). Of course, plan to visit more of the Zoo while you’re there — ead more about it in this KFDC post.

Insectival
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: Saturday, 9am – 1pm
Admission: $8/advance, $10/at gate
Buzz on down to Calvert County as Annmarie Sculpture Garden celebrates and investigates insects through educational and artsy activities, crafts, demos, challenges, and fun photo ops. Be sure to explore the rest of the gardens and art center while you’re there — artistic delights and play abound! Read more about Annmarie here and view scenes from a visit here.

Montgomery County Farm Tour
Where: Area Farms | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
Learn about agricultural heritage, see local farms, and indulge in seasonally fresh food as Montgomery County celebrates its Farm Tour and Harvest Sale. Activities will vary from farm to farm, but fruit, veggies, and flower picking;  animals to visit; farm made brews and cider to purchase are just some that will be offered. There are 19 participating farms, but not all will be open both days, so be sure to check the brochure for schedules before you go.

Family Fun at the Freer
Where: National Museum of Asian Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Join museum docents in the Peacock Room and in the Japanese art exhibition Rinpa Screens (Freer gallery 5) for engaging and collaborative hands-on activities that are geared toward families with children ages 5 and up. Exciting stories, scavenger hunts, sketching, and other activities will bring the whole family together to imagine, create, and learn.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Where: Reston Town Center | Reston, VA
When: Saturday, 7:30
Admission: Free
Swing into Saturday! Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the renowned swing band from southern California, will is performing as part of the summer-long Reston Concerts on the Town series. The free, all-ages show will take place rain or shine, at the Reston Town Center Pavilion. Both the band and the concert series are celebrating their 30th anniversary this year.

Nats vs Giants
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $16 
The Nats are hosting the Marlins all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 7:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There will be a CJ Abrams bobblehead giveaway on Saturday, and a kids water bottle on Sunday, plus they can run the bases after the game. Be sure to  check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Nature Calling
Where: Nature centers around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Get a dose of the outside world in the cool comfort of the indoors at a nature center. There are several great ones around the area that offer engaging exhibits, including live creatures. Rock Creek Nature Center in DC,  Buddie Ford in Alexandria (Saturday only), Watkins in Upper Marlboro, Potomac Overlook in Arlington, Long Branch in Arlington, and Brookside in Silver Spring all make for a great outing.

Super, Awesome, & Amazing Fun
Where: The St. James | Springfield, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday (see hours below)
Admission: See below
If the kids have a lot of energy to burn, but you don’t want to endure the heat, take them to play at the St. James. The Super, Awesome, and Amazing (that’s the actual name of it) activity center is filled with all kinds of climbing structures, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Kids can don harnesses and clip onto wires to climb, rappel, navigate walkways 20 feet above the ground, plus bounce, flip, swing, and execute acrobatic moves. There’s also an indoor waterpark where they can splash and slide and play out of the sun — and it’s just as super awesome. The activity center is open 9am – 8pm, admission is $15/hour, $27/two hours. The waterpark is open 10am – 6pm, admission is $20/two hours.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Where to watch the Women’s World Cup around DC.
* Have you checked out National Landing yet?  There’s a lot going on there this summer.
* Rock Creek Park will be presenting all kinds of free programming with Summer in the Parks on Thursdays in August.
* Pet people, check out these amazing ideas for pet-friendly home design.
* Adidas has big shoe sale going on. (How cute are these?)
* As the caption on this IG post says, manifesting the same energy!

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links to loads of ideas for ongoing activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Peaceful Places

Last Call for One with Eternity
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Free
This weekend is the final chance to see the Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Hirshhorn. Including two Infinity Rooms, the yellow and black polkadot Pumpkin, plus a couple more pieces and elements that illustrate Kusama’s fascinating life and artistry, all ages will dig it. Important to note is how to get tickets: Next-day passes to the exhibit are released daily at noon on the Hirshhorn website. All visitors age 12 and up must have a pass; children ages 12 and under do not need a pass if they are accompanied by an adult passholder. Each adult passholder may bring up to two children into the exhibition and each Infinity Mirror Room.

Rock Out on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 6:30-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Take a little time trip back 20-30 years at the Yards Park’s Friday Night Concert series — Friends of Pluto will be performing tunes from the 90s, 2000s, and beyond. Stake out a spot in the grass to enjoy the show (or dance on the boardwalk) and plan for dinner there, too — food and drinks will also be available for purchase or you can BYO picnic.  Go early to let the kids play in the water features and run around in the grassy areas.  It’s a fun time for the whole fam!

Celebrate the Lotus & Water Lilies
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Northeast DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Experience the glorious wild wetlands of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! The annual Lotus & Water Lily Festival begins on Saturday and runs through July 22, with special programming every day (view the schedule here). Of course, the spectacular beauty of blooming lotus flowers and water lilies at the only national park dedicated to growing aquatic plants is a main focus of the event. Get a glimpse of the amazing flower display before you go — and consider biking there for a little extra adventure!

Spanish Is the Language of My Family Book Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Join a family-friendly book festival following the release of Spanish Is the Language of My Family, written by Michael Genhart and illustrated by the National Postal Museum’s Guest Artist John Parra. The day’s events will include tons of fun games, interesting crafts, and entertaining live music for the whole family! This event is free and does not require advanced registration.

MLS All-Star Soccer Celebration
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 4:30-9:30pm & Sunday, 3-7pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the MLS All-Star celebration  at The Wharf. The ultimate fan experience will feature special guest appearances by MLS players, musical activations and performances, culinary offerings, a watch party experience for MLS matches, and the opportunity to sample Coca-Cola refreshments.

Seize the Season
Where: Around the DC Area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Summer is whizzing by, so enjoy the season while you can with activities that only occur this time of year. Some ideas: Start off the weekend with a free outdoor concert at Yards Park, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Or enjoy a special summer program like Look Here at the Building Museum or Fairies in the Garden at Annmarie Sculpture Garden. Wind it all up with crab feast on Sunday. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2023 Summer Guide.

Little Critters Nature Play
Where: National Zoo | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9:30am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Drop in with little ones for hands-on activities and story time at the Zoo! Have a wild time exploring animals and the natural world through creative, free-choice activity stations in a brand-new indoor/outdoor classroom. Dig for horseshoe crabs in the sand table, make lunch for a bird in the mud kitchens, or just join for a story or two. Read Aloud Storytimes take place at 10am 11am, and 12pm. The play area is designed for ages 0-5 and their caregivers and families, but all ages are welcome.  (PS: The Zoo is fun for older kids, too… read more about it in this KFDC post.)

Take a Hike
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like it will be a mix of weather this weekend, but there should hit the trail.  And while there’s a link up top for a round-up of local hikes,  specific recs are also helpful: Roosevelt Island within the Potomac; Fountainhead Regional Park in Lorton, VA (paddling ops, too!); Riverbend Park in McLean, VA;  Prince William Forest Park  in Triangle, VA;  Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis, MD (more paddling ops!); and Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, MD (+ swimming ops!).

Touch a Truck Community Day
Where:  Westfield Montgomery Mall | Bethesda, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Head to  Westfield Montgomery Mall for this free, family-friendly Touch a Truck Community Day event. The day’s main attractions include special appearances, games, and giveaways by the Rockville City Police, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Bethesda Chevy Chase Fire Department, Gaithersburg City Police, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Maryland Department of Transportation, and Montgomery County Police Department. Each department will showcase their vehicles — a police car, fire truck, and a SWAT Armored Truck — in the Cheesecake Factory parking lot on There will also be bouncy fun, a kids magician/entertainer, face painting, and giveaways.

Summer Fest Market
Where: Woodley Park Metro | Woodley Park, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Woodley Park Main Street’s Summer Fest Market is bringing the ultimate summer shopping experience. Join an exciting day filled with local artisans, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

High Wheelin’
Where: Frederick, MD
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Penny farthing, anyone?  Get a curbside seat to America’s only high wheel race in historic downtown Frederick, MD. The National Clustered Spires High Wheel Race is a unique event that celebrates the history of bikes.  Watch the fun along the .4 mile route and plan to enjoy more time in the Frederick — the downtown area is great to stroll, eat, and shop!

Model Trains + Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, 2-7pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
Chug on down to the Historic Vienna Train Station for their first Open House since the pandemic  began. 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.

Show Time
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
There’s all kinds of entertainment on local stages this weekend. Here’s what and where you can catch it (and you can find show details and any discount links here):
* Nate the Great at Imagination Stage
* The Fisherman and His Wife at Adventure Theatre
* Disney’s The Lion King at the Kennedy Center
* Seussical: The Musical at Keegan Theatre
* 1776 at the Kennedy Center
* DinoRock presents Dinosaur Babies at The Puppet Co.
* UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor
* Cyrano de Bergerac at Synetic Theater

On the Fringe
Where: Theaters around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performances
The Capital Fringe Festival is underway, and while most of the entertainment lineup this weekend is recommended for tween ages and up, there are a few all ages events, too. More details and ticket sales are on the Capital Fringe Festival website. And, parents, consider catching a performance for a KidFree night out.

Word Up
Where: Planet Word | Downtown DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Passes are still available for this weekend to visit Planet Word, the outstanding museum all about language.  It’s full of fun and interesting exhibits, most of them interactive, with something for all ages to enjoy — including wonderful bits of magic. Our whole family loves it! Admission is free, but you need to reserve timed-entry passes.  Be sure to read a KFDC write-up about it before you go!

Off the Beaten Museum Path
Where: Around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by museum
There are many more museums that are off the well-trodden path of the National Mall. And with the heat and rain in the forecast, it’s a good time to explore.  If you don’t veer from it now and then, you could miss out on some other amazing exhibits and experiences that aren’t as well known. Check out this round-up of some museums in DC that may not be on your museum radar — but should be.

Nature & Recreation in Annapolis
Where: Quiet Waters Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $6/car
Head east to explore a new park! We discovered Quiet Waters kind of serendipitously several years back, and have enjoyed it many times since. Hike in the woods under a leafy canopy, paddle the South River, take in scenic vistas, and even view some art. Read more the locale in this KFDC post.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Just a reminder about the recent post of KFDC Picks for Kid Friendly DC Restaurants — because it always come in handy.
* Finally dined at The Bazaar by  José Andrés and it did not disappoint!
* Nordstrom’s big Anniversary Sale begins on Monday, but you can preview it now.
* Looking forward to watching Season 2 of this show with my girl.
* And this movie later this year.
* Perfect summer cocktail… clink!