Tag Archives: July 4th Weekend

July 4, 2019 · 5:27 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: July 5-7

Hang out on the LAWN at the National Building Museum

Happy Weekend!

Hang out on the LAWN
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16/adult, $13/age 3-17
LAWN, this year’s big summer installation at the National Building Museum transforms the Great Hall into an inviting, expansive green space that encourages recreation and relaxation, whatever your preference. Kids of all ages (that includes us really big kids 😉) are welcome to frolic along the turf, roll down hills, play lawn games, get bird’s eye views, enjoy special programming, or just relax in a hammock and listen to stories of summer.

Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire in Concert
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 8:30pm
Tickets: $35-60
The Harry Potter™ film series is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural phenomenon that delights millions of fans around the world. This concert will feature the NSO performing every note from Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™. Audiences will be able to relive the magic of the film in high-definition on a giant HD screen while hearing the orchestra perform Patrick Doyle’s unforgettable score live to picture.

Drive-In Movie Time
Where: Union Market | NoMa, DC
When: Friday, 8-11pm
Admission: $15/car, walk-ups are free
A League of Their Own is this month’s featured film at Union Market’s outdoor movie series. Watch the classic flick about an all-female baseball league on the big screen from the comfort of your car in the UM parking lot. Get there as early to enjoy delicious foods from market vendors and fun pre-show activities for movie-lovers of every age! The film begins at 8:55pm. Advance purchase is recommended.

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Enjoy activities that make this time of year so much fun. Start the weekend off on Friday with a free outdoor concert or an evening of fishing, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Cool off indoors at special summer museum programs like free admission to the Newseum or Lawn at the Building Museum. Feast on crabs or hit the beach to fulfill a seasonal must-do. Complete it all with a family movie under the stars at National Harbor on Sunday night. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2019 summer guide.

Bike to the Blooms
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Garden | Northeast DC
When: Daily, 7:45am – 4pm
Admission: Free
The annual lotus flower and water lily bloom has begun at the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, and it’s pretty spectacular! You can add some adventure to an outing to see it by biking the Anacostia River Trail there, which I just posted about. No matter how you get there, try to see it during the peak, but do keep in mind the annual festival celebrating them is next weekend, July 13-14, and it’s a fun one for families. See scenes from a past bloom here and read more about Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens here.

Nats vs. Royals
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Kansa City Royals on Friday and Saturday and there some special programs to enjoy along with the baseball action of the field. Friday evening is Apollo Night, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing with space-themed activities, including stargazing, special guest appearances, and giveaways. And Saturday is Cat-urday, a purr-fect day for Cats fans. Before you plan your ballpark outing, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Enjoy fun and antics with The Cat in the Hat at Adventure Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* See a storybook character come to life in Matilda the Musical at Olney Theatre (look for discount tickets)
* The Ballad of Mulan is now on the Imagination Stage
* And little ones will love Balloonacy at the Bethesda theater
* Catch a performance of Circus! at The Puppet Co.
* Imaginary Friends is the featured Tiny Tots show there
* Take teens to see Byhalia, Mississippi at the Kennedy center

Dinosaur Park Open House
Where: Dinosaur Park | Laurel, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Discover an ancient world right in Prince George’s County! Paleontologists and educators will display fossils, casts, and models of Astrodon johnstoni, Maryland’s state dinosaur, along with other 112 million-year-old creatures found at Dinosaur Park. Weather permitting, visitors help search for new fossils and make discoveries that will be preserved with their names for all time.

Where’s Waldo Tour
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Join Universal Kids, the TV Network that playfully celebrates kids’ everyday adventures, on their tour in support of the new series “Where’s Waldo?” Stop by the family-friendly mobile truck at Yards Park to watch a sneak peek episode of “Where’s Waldo?” And enjoy a fun, interactive experience. Plan to stay and hang out at Yards Park — let the kids play in the water features and grab a bite at one of the many eateries.

Weekend Walk-In: Crazy Crowns
Where: American Visionary Art Museum | Baltimore, MD
When: Saturday, 1-4pm.
Admission: $5
Join the museum for their hands-on, drop-in, once-a-month art-making workshop in the AVAM classroom! Education staff will help you explore new creative territory & make a project inspired by one of their beloved visionary artists. During this session, create a custom royal headpiece just for YOU using shiny tape, faux flowers & more. No reservations are necessary, just pop in any time 1-4pm.

Creativity Workshop
Where: Phillips Collection | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am – 12:30pm
Admission: $18/adult & child
Let your creativity fly in several art-making stations — it’s an art materials “petting zoo” for the whole family! Each station has a different project with art materials, instructions, and artistic inspiration from The Phillips Collection. A professional art educator is on site to support families who would like guidance. Comes with Artful Wellness Kit for parents and caregivers. Geared for families with children ages 2 to 8. See the website for more details! Read more about the Phillips and an upcoming annual event in this KFDC post.

ArtsFest 2019
Where: Riverdale Park Station | Riverdale,MD
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
The 12th Annual ArtFest and welcome dozens of local artists and purveyors showcasing and selling their original artwork, crafts and books. Find everything from original stained glass, oil paintings to hand-made jewelry and author signings, alongside a Children’s Pavilion featuring gardening crafts and face paintings. There will be local vendors selling food and a free, day-long concert featuring blues, rock, and classical musicians, dance and poetry.

UniverSoul Circus
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Tickets: $13+ (look for discount tickets)
The world-class, live entertainment attraction that has captured the hearts and imaginations of a new generation of families is celebrating its 23rd year of FUN. UniverSoul connects with progressive, upwardly mobile, urban pop cultures from around the world, embracing and celebrating the unique and familiar aspects of global cultures and ethnicities into a stellar production that blends circus arts, theater and music. A fresh, cool, and hip approach to live family entertainment!

Infinite Space
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $16/adult, $8/age 2+
The latest exhibition at ARTECHOUSE, Infinite Space explores the concept of infinity and “invites visitors to open their senses to the endless transformation and infinite possibilities at the intersection of man and machine.” Six immersive installations will delight and amaze and some will make you feel like you’re floating in, well, Infinite Space. Family-friendly hours are 10am -5pm, and evening hours 5:30-11:30pm for ages 21+ when exhibit-themed cocktails are served make for a fun date night.

Women’s World Cup Viewing Party
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Cheer on team USA on the waterfront at The Wharf! Watch the Women’s World Cup Final with other fútbol fans on a 16-foot jumbotron screen on Wharf Street, broadcasting to the Pearl Street party zone. Enjoy food and drink on the patios of Kirwan’s on the Wharf, Kaliwa, Pearl Street Warehouse, and Lupo Marino (must purchase, of course). The event is free to attend, all ages welcome.

World Cup Watch
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Sunday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Kick it at National Harbor for the USA vs. Netherlands final. The World Cup celebration will feature live broadcasts; VIP stadium seating in the new District Stadium, a converted cargo crate complete with LED lighting, ceiling fans, shaded seating, and beverage service; plus food and beverage specials.

DC Art Book Fair
Where: National Museum of Women in the Arts | Downtown DC
When: Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
This curated, kid-friendly event in the Museum’s Great Hall brings together small presses, artists, and more to sell their independently published (largely paper-based) works. More than 40 artists will be selling creations from zines to books, comics to prints, and plenty in between. The Fair is part of the monthly Free Community Day, so be sure to explore the current exhibitions and permanent collection, too!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* With mixed weather this weekend, both The Great Indoors list and the round-up of the best outdoor places will be good to keep handy.
* Jaco Juice & Taco Bar is a great little place to get a tasty bite with kids in Georgetown. (Pair it with a visit to Dumbarton Oaks, like we just did!)
* Get ready for Amazon Prime Day (well, days,)…on July 15 & 16 you can score some amazing deals!
* Free in DC is a great local blog to follow for the scoop on free and low-cost things to do.
* Pop-up cuteness!

The Weekend Round-Up: June 8-10

A view of Baltimore Inner Harbor from the Maryland Science Center – lots of fun to be had in Charm City!

DC is heating up, but there are plenty of happenings around the area that are way cool. This round-up has the scoop on a bunch of them, and you can find even more ideas for ongoing fun on the Everyday Play page. Happy Weekend!

On the Fringe
Where: Theatres around DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performances
It’s the first weekend of the Capital Fringe Festival, and the lineup of shows includes a bunch that kids can enjoy. Barry Beaver’s Adventures in Happy Valley will keep tots engaged with activities and singing as they learn about giving, sharing, and accepting differences. Watch Medieval Story Man, a fantasy epic performed by one man. And 1! A Dansical is a dance parody that will have the whole fam chuckling. Lil Women: A Rap Musical combines the classic story with rap music. Those are just a few shows with the all-ages tag; there are many more for ages 13 and up to entertain tweens and teens. More details and ticket sales are on the Capital Fringe Festival website. And, parents, consider catching a performance for a KidFree night out!

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the area
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Enjoy activities that make this time of year so much fun. Start the weekend off on Friday with a free outdoor concert or an evening of fishing, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or spray park. Cool off indoors at special summer museum programs like free admission to the Newseum or ICEBERGS at the Building Museum. Feast on crabs to fulfill a seasonal must-do. Complete it all with a family movie under the stars at National Harbor on Sunday night. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more here.

Stories in Art
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Free
One of my favorite museum programs for kids returns this weekend after a hiatus during renovations! Children ages 4-7 can pack their imaginations and travel to the National Gallery of Art. This season will explore the Netherlands as guests “meet” Dutch artists and investigate their paintings and sculptures. Read a KFDC review of the program from a few years back (we’ve been since, and it was just as good!). There are several time slots available each day. Sign-in takes place in the West Building Rotunda, beginning at 10am on Saturday and at 11:00am on Sunday, and will continue until all spaces are filled. And they do often fill up, so plan to get there early to register.

French Festival
Where: Hillwood Estate & Gardens
When: Saturday, 9:30am – 7pm
Admission: $18/adult ($12/members), $5/ages 6-18, free for 5 and under
Calling all Francophiles: Celebrate Bastille Day in grand French splendor! With exquisite French 18th-century interiors, collections, and gardens as a backdrop, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is a perfect place for a fête. Throughout the day, games, lively theatrics, dance, pantomime, French fare, and music bring the life of the French court to the lush gardens at Hillwood.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* Dive into the magical world of Cirque Italia!
* See Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap where Dinorock are playing a concert al fresco
* The UniverSoul Circus is wowing audiences at National Harbor
* Go on a wild journey to Jumanji at Adventure Theatre
* Reserve free tickets to The Velveteen Rabbit, this week’s Saturday Morning at the National show
* The Little Mermaid is a collaboration between Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet
* Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
* And Dragon Babies is their featured Tiny Tots show
* Enjoy a picnic and a play as Chesapeake Shakespeare presents The Three Musketeers at PFI Park in Ellicott City, MD (bonus: kids are FREE)
* Take your teen or make it a date night to see The Bridges of Madison County at the Kennedy Center
* MOXIE: a Happenstance Vaudeville is on stage at RoundHouse Theatre
* Everybody cut Footloose at Alden Theatre
* Little Ones will enjoy Inside Out, a performance geared toward ages 1-5, at Imagination Stage
* Born for This: The Bebe Winans Story is running at Arena Stage

Happy Birthday, Alexandria!
Where: Oronoco Bay Park
When: Saturday, 4-10pm
Admission: Free
The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 267th – and the USA’s 240th belated – birthdays this weekend. Enjoy festivities for the entire family, including musical entertainment, children’s activities, community exhibits, and birthday cake. The highlight of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and fireworks to close out the celebration.

Kick it with Spirit
Where: Maureen Hendricks Field at the Maryland SoccerPlex
When: Saturday, 7pm
Admission: Tickets start at $25
The United aren’t the only soccer game in town. Women’s pro soccer team, Washington Spirit, plays in Germantown, and this weekend they’re hosting the Chicago Red Stars at home. Per a KFDC reader: “You get affordable tickets and concessions, picnic seating behind the goal, a really intimate, family-friendly environment and top-level soccer.”

The Nextival
Where: Anne Arundel Fairgrounds
When: Saturday, 11am – 1pm
Admission: $15/adult, free for 14 and under
Entertain the whole crew at this new, one-day music event featuring three stages and a diverse lineup of artists representing multiple music genres! Junior Marvin’s Wailers, Milkshake, and Kidsinger Jim will be among the many fun acts will perform. Enjoy treats and crafts from 30+ food trucks and vendors, along with a dedicated children’s zone complete with jumpy houses, a puppet show, juggling, games, and more. And a unique bonus: attendees will have the opportunity to purchase a 10-minute helicopter ride from the fairgrounds to downtown Annapolis and back for $50 a seat, something that has never been done there or at any music festival in the region.

Baltimore, Hon!
Where: Inner Harbor Area
When: All Weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
You won’t escape the heat by heading north just 45 minutes, but you’ll find a few wonderful places to take shelter from it where the kids can have a blast. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art ever at the American Visionary Art Museum. Play the day away at Port Discovery. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Tour the historic ships at the Inner Harbor. Or view history in the works at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Park it in Maryland
Where: Montgomery County Parks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Montgomery Parks presents loads of special activities for visitors of all ages. Watch a raptor feeding at Meadowside Nature Center, go on a junior bird hike at Brookside, enjoy stream adventures at Black Hill, and more. The online calendar has even more events happening this weekend.

Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Several Fairfax parks
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Look for critters in the waters of Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, take a wagon ride at Riverbend, learn about constellations at Burke Lake Park, go on a Teddy Bear Picnic at Hidden Meadows, and more! Go here to see all of your options, this weekend and beyond, and register for activities.

Discover Rembrant
Where: National Gallery of Art
When: Sunday, 11:30am
Admission: Free
The National Gallery’s film program for young guests presents three animated short films based on children’s books. The series introduces audiences to the works of Rembrant and the imaginative world of art. Combine it with the Stories in Art program, and you’ve got quite an art lesson for kids! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Read more about the films on the NGA website.

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall at 3rd-4th Streets
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The annual Festival celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions is underway. Visitors of all ages will have ample opportunity to discover and explore the culture of Basque Country through special exhibits, workshops, performances, exhibits, demos, and more, including plenty of activities especially children. California Sounds is also a highlight s more than 60 artists perform throughout the festival and many host special activities and demos for guests. For specifics, see the festival schedule. And it all takes place right on the National Mall where you can have plenty more fun at all the museums.

Last Call for WONDER
Where: Renwick Gallery
When: Through Sunday
Admission: Free
This weekend is your last chance to experience the extraordinary WONDER exhibit. While a couple of the installations have been acquired by the museum for their permanent collection, some of the most popular (according to Instagram, anyway) are going, including Plexus A1, the rainbow of thread and Shindig, the giant nests (my fave).

Uke It
Where: Lake Anne Plaza in Reston
When: Saturday, 10:30-6pm
Admission: Free
Let the happiest instrument in the world entertain your fam for the day. The 7th Annual Lake Anne Ukelele Festival presents of line-up of uke-playing acts starting at 12:30pm, and before that there is a jam session that anyone can join — bring your ukelele and strum along! While you’re enjoying the entertainment, you can also stay cool in the fountain, shop art vendors, and savor the festival concession.

Summer Board Game Olympics
Where: MLK Memorial Library
When: Saturday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Teens ages 13-19 can get their game on as they challenge each other at a variety of games and win achievements. The world of board games is as diverse and interesting as the world of books, and they can explore different genres of games and collect points.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Hit the trail with the fam to enjoy the sunshine and some quality time. See flowers in bloom, tramp in places with scenic views, hike and explore history at interesting locales, and enjoy a day of active fun. This post, started in the early KFDC days and updated several times since, has a a bunch of recommendations for good walks in the woods with the kids.

The Weekend Round-Up: July 1-4

owen_july4

The holiday weekend gives us extra time for fun, and there so many ways to indulge. Live entertainment, summer activities, baseball, museums, even indoor “icebergs” among them. Happy Weekend! And have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Come Fourth!
Where: Around the area
When: Monday, July 4th!
Admission: Varies by activity
Our lovely city is one of the most exciting places to be this time of year, as people from all over the world come to celebrate America’s birthday. And from fireworks on the Mall and concerts at the Capitol to special events at George Washington’s house and the home of the Declaration of Independence to neighborhood parades and ballpark fun, they (and you!) won’t be let down. This post has details on the many ways to celebrate July 4th in DC.

Happy Birthday, Tudor Place!
Where: Tudor Place
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: $5, $3/member, free for military families
America’s Story Lives Here – now marking a rare American Bicentennial. Join Tudor Place to celebrate #TP200 and patriotism in a festive, one-time event for all ages in the historic gardens. Play traditional American outdoor games, take self-guided garden tours, make patriotic crafts, and enjoy a piece of the giant Tudor Place birthday cake from Dog Tag Bakery (while it lasts).

Summer Staples
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get your summer on this holiday weekend with a host of activities exclusive to this time of year. Kick it off with an outdoor concert or some free fishing, hit a public pool for some outdoor swimming, get in some good play at a spray ground, check out a special seasonal exhibit, and much more. Go here for the full scoop on these joys of summer, and keep in mind that some regular events might not be happening due to the holiday.

ICEBERGS
Where: National Building Museum
When: Opens Saturday! (Through September 5)
Admission: Varies, see below
Th Building Museum’s big summer exhibit opens this weekend. Floating sculptures, an environmental narrative, interactive features, and shaved ice treats make ICEBERGS pretty cool to experience. While you probably won’t stay and play for hours like you did at The BEACH last year, it’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, the admission fee gets you into all of the other NMB exhibits, too! Cost is $5/youth member, $10/adult member and $13/youth non-member, $16/adult non-member.

Nats vs. Reds
Where: Nationals Park
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Cinncinatti comes to DC, as the Nats host the Reds all weekend. See Freedom Fireworks after the game on Friday (6:05pm), enjoy Rat Pack night on Saturday (7:05pm) and take advantage of the Herbert Hoover bobblehead promo on Sunday (1:35pm). There’s a Monday game, too, that you can read about here. Be sure to check out these tips for doing a Nats game for less as you plan.

Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
See baseball on a smaller scale as minor league team Bowie Baysox takes on the Akron Rubberducks. Friday is a Community Heroes celebration, and Saturday will feature fireworks after the game. Sunday has even more special promos: Daniel Tiger visiting, Educator Appreciation Day, and Kids Eat Free! Read more about Baysox games in this KFDC post.

Jumanji
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $19.50 (Get 15% off using code KFDC)
Adventure Theatre’s latest production is as funny as it is wild. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg, the show takes its characters — and the audience — on an incredible journey to claim Jumanji. Read a KFDC review and enter a ticket giveaway here.

Show Time
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by venue
* See Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap where Dinorock are playing a concert al fresco
* The UniverSoul Circus is wowing audiences at National Harbor
* The Little Mermaid is a collaboration between Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet
* Catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs at The Puppet Co.
* And Jellybean Circus is their featured Tiny Tots show
* Enjoy a picnic and a play as Chesapeake Shakespeare presents The Three Musketeers at PFI Park in Ellicott City, MD (bonus: kids are FREE)
*Take your teen or make it a date night to see The Bridges of Madison County at the Kennedy Center
* MOXIE: a Happenstance Vaudeville is on stage at RoundHouse Theatre
* Little Ones will enjoy Inside Out, a performance geared toward ages 1-5, at Imagination Stage

Family Nature Walk
Where: Woodend Nature Sanctuary
When: Saturday, 9am
Admission: Free
Take a hike — and advantage of the Audubon Naturalist Society’s free monthly family program. On the first Saturday of each month from 9-10am, join Master Naturalists for a nature hike around Woodend Sanctuary. Each outing will have a unique and exciting natural history theme that’s appropriate for family members of all ages. Be prepared to hike in sneakers and don’t forget your water bottle. Meet at the amphitheater by the main house.

Kids Free – Summer Fun Deal
Where: Newseum
When: Begins Friday!
Admission: FREE for kids, $22.95/adult
Take advantage of the Newseum’s annual program that welcomes youth visitors for free during the summer, from July 1 through Labor Day. The Summer Fun Deal waives the regular $13.95 entrance fee for kids with one paid adult admission. The deal benefits kids ages 7 and up most, since children 6 and under always get in free, and much of the Newseum’s collection will be better appreciated by older children.

Arrrr, Mateys!
Where: Potomac River via Washington Harbour
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $20 (get a deal here)
Explore the high Potomac “seas” on a Boomerang Family Treasure Hunt Cruise. During the pirate adventure, you’ll help recover stolen treasure from scallywags who pilfered the ship’s booty. Several sail times are available throughout the weekend. When you book on the site, be sure you are looking at Treasure Hunt Cruise times, and not the Party Boat Cruise. For more pirate voyages on local waters, see the Summer Guide.

Pint Sized Breakfast
Where: Brookland Pint
When: Saturday, 9-11am
Admission: Free
Take the little ones to a breakfast designed with them in mind, featuring a FREE breakfast buffet just for kids, storytime and crafts with Barnes & Noble, and an interactive performance by Only Make Believe. Open seating is first come, first serve. If the weather cooperates, head out to the patio!

July Makers Market
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden
When: Saturday, 9am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Find handmade, homemade, or homegrown products at Annmarie’s monthly market – this particular one will feature sea glass and beach crafts. Delight in the treasures made by local artists, then continue your art explorations through Annmarie’s gorgeous gardens, where you can the kids can look for fairy houses, play in the fairy lolly, and create some art of your own in the artLAB. (Admission to the market is free, but it’s $5/adult, $3/child for the rest.)

Wee Ones Storytime
Where: Hurray for Books
When: Saturday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Enjoy a story time especially for babies and toddlers in Old Town Alexandria! Hurray for Books’ story time experts will read your young ones board and picture books, sing songs and perform, and teach some fingerplays. The weekly program is free and open to the public!

Sunday Funday at the Races
Where: Laurel Park
When: Sunday
Admission: Free
Have an exciting day at the races with the family! Starting this weekend, Sundays during the summer will include a FREE Kids Zone (1:30-4:30pm) with pony rides, a petting zoo, and crafts — each week will feature a new project for kids to enjoy. And for the adults, Laurel Park is offering a casual summer Sunday brunch 12-4pm ($22/adults, $11/ages 3-11).

The Ins and Outs of DC
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
With extra time on the holiday weekend, you may want even more options for fun things to do with the kids. If you’re looking for activities outdoors or inside, depending on the weather or simply your preference, these posts are chock full of evergreen pursuits:
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors

Smithonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall at 3rd-4th Streets
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
The annual Festival celebrating living cultural heritage and community traditions is underway. Visitors of all ages will have ample opportunity to discover and explore the culture of Basque Country through special exhibits, workshops, performances, exhibits, demos, and more, including plenty of activities especially children. California Sounds is also a highlight s more than 60 artists perform throughout the festival and many host special activities and demos for guests. For specifics, see the festival schedule. And it all takes place right on the National Mall where you can have plenty more fun at all the museums.