1. The lotus and water lilies have begun to bloom at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens! This is my very favorite bloom of all the big blooms in the area, the park stunningly gorgeous when it’s bursting with the pink, white, and peach-hued flowers. It hasn’t yet reached the peak, but it’s still so pretty to see, plus now is a good time to get an early look before the crowds descend. And, FYI, the annual festival to celebrate it will be virtual this year. See scenes from a past bloom here and read about a great way to combine a visit with another activity here. (PS: If you go and post photos on Instagram, please tag @kidfriendlydc (and #kidfriendlydc) to let folks know where you heard about it — and so I can see your pics! 🙂).
2. Glenstone, the indoor/outdoor modern art museum sprawling gloriously over 300 acres in Potomac, releases it’s next batch of tickets on July 1 at 10am. These will be for visits in September, and the free tickets go fast, so be ready to get them here. And note that children under 12 are not permitted, but I highly recommend a KidFree visit there if your kids aren’t old enough to go.
Lovin’ Summer
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Get your summer on this weekend with a host of activities exclusive to this time of year. Catch an outdoor concert or movie under the stars. Enjoy some water fun at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Check out a special seasonal exhibit. Do some crabbing (the feasting kind). Take a spin on a carousel or mini train, and so much more. See the 2021 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area for the full scoop on these and even more summer favorites.
Drive-In, in NoVa
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday & Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $40/car
Catch a flick from the comfort of your car! See The Greatest Showman on Friday night and Trolls on Saturday. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd. Purchase movie tickets in advance! And for more movies under the stars, the KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where.
Summer Block Party: Inside Out Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC When: Starting Saturday through Labor Day Admission:
It’s not quite as big as previous years, but the National Building Museum’s Summer Block Party is back for the season! This year’s exhibition is very family-friendly, featuring a handful of smaller projects and programs both in the museum and on the West Lawn that are better for the early post-pandemic era of smaller gatherings and social distancing aptly titled Inside Out, the Block Party includes Maze of Knowledge, a wooden maze filled with books; a hand-built cathedral truss; interactive art; outdoor films; and more! And for memories’ sake, have a look at some of the past Summer Block Parties: The Big Maze, The Beach, Icebergs,Hive, Fun House, Lawn. (Whew! I’ve been at this a long time.)
Adventure in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by age
There are a few spots still open at the Adventure Park this weekend. Kids as young five years old can experience thrills on the ropes courses and zip lines in the park’s aerial adventure forest, the largest in North America. Children ages 5-6 with an adult have access to two of the easier courses. Older kids can do much more. It may seem like a pricey venture, but it’s so worth it. Trust me. Read more about the park in this new post and this ones from several years back. And if you can’t get in this weekend, reserve ahead for another time.
Take a Dip
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
As temps rise over the weekend, this round-up of non-pool places to swim around the area will be useful. 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!
Millennium Stage: Jalsa (Remixed)
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 5:30pm & Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
This weekend’s Millennium Stage os presented in partnership with the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center. Register in advance and enjoy celebratory sounds, storytelling, and dance affirming the creativity, joy, and resilience of Global South diaspora and BIPOC communities in the DMV. Plan to visit Victura Park while you’re there. The pop-up wine garden and cafe on the grounds of The REACH is a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice day.
Community Pride
Where: Arlington Arts Center | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Join a family-friendly day of celebrating LGBTIA+ community, artists, and contemporary art at Arlington Arts Center. Outdoors, they’ll host art-making activities all day, music by DJ Natty Boom 12-3pm, and readings by Citrine from Drag Queen Story Hour at 3pm and 4pm. Summer exhibitions will be on view inside for guests to explore througout eight galleries.
Good Kid-izens: Global Passport Where: Color Burst Park | Columbia, MD When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm Admission: Free
Calling all Good Kid-izens! You’re invited to a summer long series of fun and learning at Color Burst Park. Join every other Saturday to celebrate inclusion, diversity and education. This weekend, travel the globe with reading, crafts, games and more. Good Kid-izens will go on a journey around the world to explore new and diverse cultures. Register in advance.
Beachy Keen
Where: Several destinations in Maryland
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Do something quintessentially summer and hit the beach! You don’t have to go all the way to the ocean — there is sand and surf (and shark tooth hunting, in some places) within day trip distance from DC! Head a bit past Annapolis to Sandy Point, go to one of several spots in Calvert County, or make fossil hunting your main focus at the Purse Area in Charles, County. See the 2021 Guide to Summer in DC for details and links on all of these beaches.
Fossil Hunters
Where: Calvert and Charles Counties, MD
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
Mentioned above, there are several spots that are a day trip-distance drive away from DC, where you can search for shark teeth and other remnants from the Miocene and Paleocene eras. Play paleontologist and spend a day at one of them… I can assure you from lots of experience it’s a fun and fascinating (those fossils are millions of years old!) activity. Beware that you might encounter crowds — this post is one of the most popular on KFDC if that’s any indication — so have a Plan B just in case.
Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
It’s always a good time to get out for a hike. Rambling along a trail is great for some family bonding and enjoy active time outdoors. On a warmer weekend, places with shade will be good to seek out. Some specific recs: Turkey Run Park in McLean, VA; Prince William Forest in Triangle, VA; Rock Creek Park in DC (note: post is about Peirce Mill, but includes info on a nice hike from there); and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean, VA.
Hey All You Cool Cats & Kittens
Where: Crumbs & Whiskers | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Starts at $20/30 minutes
Crumbs & Whiskers’ cafe in Georgetown is officially reopening from the pandemic on Saturday. For the first time in more than a year, cat and kitten lovers will be able to cuddle, Instagram, and, if they choose, even adopt the purrfect pet. Plus, there’s coffee and snacks too! Up to 25 kittens — all of them previously at risk of euthanasia — will once again happily frolic with their human guests in Crumbs & Whiskers’ comfy lounge at 3109 M Street NW. It will be open from 11am – 7:30pm on weekdays (closed on Tuesdays) and 11am – 8pm Friday – Sunday with a post-COVID max capacity of 16 people. Masks are required.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks in Fairfax, VA
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. Join a Campfire Friday at Lake Accotink Park. Explore Nature in the Animated World at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Visit historic Colvin Run Mill to learn about the milling process. Get more details on these activities and see what else is going on here.
Sensory Sunday
Where: Agricultural History Farm Park | Derwood, MD
When: Sunday, 12-2pm
Admission: Free
All ages are welcome to join Montgomery Parks for a special time on the Farm that will engage- but not overstimulate- all of the senses! Meet resident livestock, explore the gardens, and revel in the tranquility of a morning on the farm.
Out & About
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The round-up of the Best Places in the DC Ares to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids is a very bookmark-worthy post, highlighting a variety of spots to hang and be active outside. Even more, every single listing includes a description based on our actual experiences at them!
The view from the Potomac Heritage Trail at Turkey Run Park
1. Turkey Run Park is a great local place to hit the trail. I’m always surprised at how few people seem to know about it. Like most of our outings there, we encountered barely any other visitors on our Father’s Day hike. Located right off the GW Parkway on the Potomac, it’s a beautiful park with trails that stretch along the river banks and through the woods. We always park in lot C-1, then usually start our hike at the northwest corner, where a path leads down to the Potomac Heritage Trail. We follow it about a mile and a half to a creek area (that’s actually flowing more than usual right now), then take the trail up the hill and follow it back through the woods to the parking lot. Of course, you can do the loop the other way or even just wander around, play, and picnic in the open spaces. Park hours are 6am – 10pm, and admission is free. Check out the trail map ahead of time to help plan your visit there.
2. As you’re reserving tickets for the many reopened museums, don’t forget about Planet Word, one of the newest on the DC scene. The museum all about language is full of fun and interesting exhibits, most of them interactive. There are elements that all ages will love, though tween ages and older will get the most out of it , having more grammar lessons under their belts and generally better comprehension. It’s now open Thursday – Sunday, 10am – 5pm. Admission is free, but you need to book tickets in advance. Right now there are some available for a few weeks out, and more will be released July 1. A limited number of day-of, walk-up passes are available on the half-hour.
4. Ways to make a small backyard look super awesome — good tips from The Spruce, especially for us city dwellers who don’t have big yards. (PS: This KFDC post about creating an outdoor set-up for the Covid winter also has ideas that work for summer, too.)
Father’s Day Weekend Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s a special day for the dads this weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas, from ballgames to brunches to outdoor recreation. See a whole round-up of them in this post, some of which are included below.
Joys of Summer
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
Summer officially begins on Sunday, and there are activities galore to ring it in! Water fun, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, and more seasonal fun. Make a splash at an outdoor public pool or a spray ground, enjoy a special exhibit, and so much more. The 2021 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when you can experience all the joys of season.
Juneteenth Lighting for Freedom and Justice
Where: Washington National Cathedral | Woodley Park, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 9pm
Admission: Free
In honor and celebration of Juneteenth, the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, the Washington National Cathedral will light its west façade. Join as they celebrate the joyous day of liberation and work towards a just and equitable world for all. When visiting the grounds, wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines.
Glow With It
Where: Around Georgetown
When: Through June 27
Admission: Free
A great evening activity with the fam: Dinner in Georgetown, then a stroll around the neighborhood to see Georgetown Glow, the free outdoor public art experience featuring modern light art installations. Find a map of them here and plan your walking route. A few restaurant recs: Pizzeria Paradiso, Farmers Fishers Bakers, Pinstripes, and Peacock Cafe.
Al Fresco Films
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by location
Several movies series and drive-ins are screening films on weekend evenings. Catch a flick at the Alexandria Drive-in, PG Stadium, and in Greenbelt. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on what’s playing where. And be sure to check that they aren’t cancelled due to weather.
Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
For World Refugee Day, the Kennedy Center is presenting fun and inspiration to celebrate the courage and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, persecution and violence. Music and dance performances, an arts market, DJ sets, and more will be on the plaza. Plan to visit Victura Park while you’re there. The pop-up wine garden and cafe on the grounds of The REACH is a great place to hang out and enjoy a nice day.
Juneteeth Celebration
Where: Brookland Arts Walk | Brookland, DC
When: Saturday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Swing through Brookland Arts Walk on Saturday to shop Black owned creative businesses. All of the artist studios will be hosting a Black owned business pop up, so there will be lots of activity, handmade goods, music, art, and good vibes all around!
Make a Splash
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Starting Saturday
Admission: Free
This weekend is going to be a hot one. Luckily, spray parks, outdoor pools, and waterparks around the area have started welcoming guests to splash around and cool off. The 2021 KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go for water play — see info for sprays here, outdoor pools here, and waterparks here.
Swim in Nature
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale This round-up of places to swim around the area will also come in handy in rising temps. 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!
Nats vs. Mets
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Mets all weekend, with games Friday at 7:05pm, Saturday at 1:05pm and and 6:05pm (make-up game), and Sunday at 1:05pm. Celebrate Father’s Day at the ballpark , and kids can get a t-shirt giveaway, too!
Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10
The Nats aren’t the only team in town. If you want to enjoy baseball on a smaller scale, the Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Akron Rubber Ducks all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — post-game fireworks, Witch & Wizardry Night on Saturday, and giveaways among them. On Sunday, the first 500 dads will get a #1 Dad Baysox T-shirt, plus kids and dads can run the bases and play catch on the field post-game. Read about one of our past Baysox experiences here.
Kids, Eggs & Kegs
Where: City-State Brewing Company | Northeast DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free, but plan to purchase food and drinks
City-State Brewing’s new family-focused event begins this weekend and will be held every Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy food trucks, games, and toys, plus non-alcoholic beverages. While City-State is always family-friendly, this event is specifically tailored to families with young children. Options for kids include: board games, arcade games, sidewalk chalk, toys for toddlers, DC-themed coloring pages, free Goldfish snacks, and tasty kid-friendly drinks. City-State has changing tables in the restrooms. The fun starts at 10am at the brewery located at 705 Edgewood St NE.
Charm City Fun, Hon!
Where: Around Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only is it nice to get a change of metro area scenery sometimes, Baltimore, our sister city just a 45-minute drive away is full of fantastic, family-friendly things to do. Find a whole post about all of them, including big attractions, suggestions for places to eat, and neighborhoods to explore.
Over the Rainbow & Beyond
Where: Watkins Regional Park
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Here’s an old KFDC fave that’s finally (almost) fully back in action and a great place to spend a day enjoying loads of free, fun activities: Watkins Regional Park! Kiddos will love frolicking on the adorable Wizard of Oz themed playground. Old Maryland Farm, with animals to visit, is open (though capacity is limited, so there could be a wait). The Nature Center is also welcoming visitors by reservation (go here to book yours), and you can also hike some short trails nearby. Park hours are dawn to dusk, 11am – 4pm at the Nature Center and Old Maryland Farm. Admission to all of it is free.
StoryWalk: The Power of Everyday Heroes
Where: Downtown Kensington, MD
When: Starting Saturday through July 18
Admission: Free The Noyes Library for Young Children invites families are invited to read 10 Hidden Heroes by Mark Shriver on posted signs as they stroll through Warner Circle Park (adjacent to the library at 10237 Carroll Place) in Kensington. In this fun-filled and inspiring seek-and-find book, Shriver highlights the various ways children and adults can be real-life heroes in their everyday lives. A free craft kit related to the book will be available for pick up in a box outside the Noyes Library on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 4pm.
Wizard School Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Where: Watson Adventures Online
When: Sunday, 3-4:30 pm
Admission: $19
Grab your magic wands for a wizarding adventure that takes you to museums across America in search of art that echoes characters, places, and magical objects in the famed Harry Potter books and movies, all without leaving your home. You’ll track down slithering serpents, Hagrid-like giants and eerie figures as scary as any Dementor. This hunt references the books and provides a surprising bridge to many strange and wonderful works of art. For ages 10 and up. This game can be played either together or remotely with up to six players per team. Each team must have one adult. Advance booking is required.
How about a little trail dancing on a Father’s Day hike? 😉
It’s a special day for the dads this coming weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas. This round-up has a variety of them with something to suit every dad . Happy Father’s Day!
Take Dad Out to the Ballgame
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: June 20, 1:05pm
Admission: Ticket prices vary
For Dads who are Nats fans, take them to the ballpark for a game against the Mets. There’s an afternoon game on Sunday (that includes a t-shirt giveaway for kids). Nationals Park is now operating at 100% capacity, so you can cheer the team on with 40,000+ other fans. Plus, the playground is open again for little ones to have some extra fun.
Take Dad Out to the Minors
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Bowie, MD
When: Father’s Day Weekend
Admission: Starts at $10
The Nats aren’t the only team in town for some Father’s Day baseball. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Akron Rubber Ducks all weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy — post-game fireworks, Witch & Wizardry Night on Saturday, and giveaways among them. On Sunday, the first 500 dads will get a #1 Dad Baysox T-shirt, plus kids and dads can run the bases and play catch on the field post-game.
Walk in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: All the time
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the day and dad on the trail! Tramp in places with scenic views, walk and explore history at interesting locales, try to spot wild creatures, and enjoy a day of active fun. Bring along a picnic for lunch al fresco, too. This go-to KFDC post has a bunch of recommendations for good places to hit the trail with kids.
Father’s Day Fish-a- Rama
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: June 20
Admission: $15/child, $17/adult
Treat Dad to a fun-filled weekend with BBQ and catch-and-release fishing. Guests can compete in the Fish-a-Rama contest, fishing for catfish, bass, and blue gill in the stocked ponds, and prizes are on the line for the largest fish hooked and the most fish caught during the power hour. Bring your own pole and gear to fish (no drag hooks). GCF has worms for purchase in the country store. The amusement continues on the five-acre farm-style playground featuring the Giant Jumping Pillow, Triple Threat slide, corn bin, animal barnyard and loads more fun for all.
Kids, Eggs & Kegs
Where: City-State Brewing Company | Northeast DC
When: June 19 & 20, 10am
Admission: Free, but plan to purchase food and drinks
City-State brewing is launching family-focused events this weekend — just in time to toast the dads! Kids, Eggs & Kegs will be held every Saturday and Sunday and includes food trucks, games, and toys, plus tasty non-alcoholic beverages. While City-State is always family-friendly, this event is specifically tailored to families with young children. Options for kids include: board games, arcade games, sidewalk chalk, toys for toddlers, DC-themed coloring pages, free Goldfish snacks, and tasty kid-friendly beverages. City-State has changing tables in the restrooms. The fun starts at 10am at the brewery located at 705 Edgewood St NE.
Fun in the Trees
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring
When: June 20
Admission: Starts at $42, Dads are FREE!
For adventurous dads who love the outdoors, particularly being in the trees, an afternoon in the aerial adventure forest of the Adventure Park at Sandy Springs is the perfect way to spend the day. There are still some tickets available for Sunday, but if you can’t score them for that day, think Father’s Day gift and reserve for another day! (FYI: This is one of our very favorite adventures in the area — read more about it here.)
BBQ & Bowl (or Bocce)
Where: Pinstripes | Georgetown, DC
When: June 20, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $29/adult
Treat dad to a special barbeque brunch buffet this Father’s Day! Pinstripes’ grand brunch buffet usually includes made-to-order omelets, bottomless mimosas, a waffle bar, carved prime rib, fresh seafood, salad bar, and a chocolate fountain and delectable dessert station. Plus, they grill summer favorites like BBQ ribs, Italian sausage, pesto. Reserve a lane for some bowling or bocce after your meal (extra cost)!
Brunch Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: June 20
Admission: Cost of your meal
You can’t really go wrong with a good meal, and there are a bunch of places around DC to enjoy an especially great one for the big day. Washingtonian has a round-up of places offering special meals just for the day, and there’s something to satisfy all food cravings.
Go With the Flow
Where: Around the DMV
Admission: Varies by locale
Spend quality time with the man of the hour on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go. Quiet Waters Park showcases beautiful nature in Annapolis that you can view from the South River. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent for a great all-day deal. And if you want to go a little bigger, consider a Solomons Island pontoon boat rental. For even more recommendations, see this round-up of places for recreation on the water.
Disc Golfin’
Where: Parks Around the DMV
When: Father’s Day weekend (or anytime)
Admission: Varies by locale (usually free)
Celebrate the day by hitting the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to savor a day outdoors with the family. We’ve outings at Calvert Road Park in College Park, Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, and Burke Lake Park. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses are set up in pretty parks with opportunities for more recreation at all of them. Bring along a picnic for lunch in the fresh air, too.
A Grand Feast
Where: Crab houses around the area
When: June 20 (or any day)
Admission: Cost of the meal
Steamed crabs, cold beer, scenic views… that’s a recipe for a great Father’s Day for at least one dad I know. The 2021 Summer Guide has several suggestions on where to feast on Maryland’s best dish. I recommend making reservations if possible — this is always a popular way to celebrate.
