We’re heading into this weekend with heavy hearts, but as one reader commented on yesterday’s post, “Many of us want more than ever to cherish the time with our kids…” This round-up is full of ideas to help with that. Happy long weekend 💛
First, some (hopefully) helpful and informative links:
* What to say to kids when the news is scary.
* Reflections on the Uvalde school shooting and suggestions on how to take action. (Be sure to read the comments, too.)
* PBS NewsHour asked every senator what action should be taken on guns…here are the responses.
* How to Prevent Gun Violence? Look Around the World.
* There will be another March for Our Lives in DC and more cities around the country on Saturday, June 11.
* * * * *
Quick links to loads of ideas for local activities:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* The Great Indoors
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
* Baltimore with Kids
“Summer” Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It may not be official on the calendar, but “summer” is underway! Water fun, outdoor concerts, movies under the stars, and more ongoing seasonal treats have begun or are about to begin around DC. Start the weekend with free music at Jazz in the Garden on the National Mall. Make a splash at an outdoor public pool or a sprayground. See a family flick outdoors. Go paddling, see a special exhibit, or just plan ahead for seasonal fun. The 2022 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when you can experience all the joys of summer that start Memorial Day weekend.
Bilingual Baseball Story Time
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Friday, 11am
Admission: Free
Join National Postal Museum educators for a bilingual story time program highlighting themes from the exhibit Baseball: America’s Home Run. Sessions will be interactive and last about 45 minutes. The program is targeted for ages 3-6, but all are welcome. Of course, stay to explore the rest of the museum, which is full of interactive exhibits that appeal kids and adults. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.
FUTURES Field Day
Where: Arts & Industries Building & National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 10pm
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian’s Arts and Industries Building invites play enthusiasts of all skill levels, ages, and body types to get moving and find joy in play! In partnership with the NFL and NFL Players Association, FUTURES Field Day will feature fun activities to get bodies moving while exploring an inclusive, uplifting, and intentional future of sports. Enjoy interactive talks with experts, skill-building with pro athletes, a wacky obstacle course, hands-on crafts, and more. Advanced and on-site registration will be required for some activities. All activities will be located within AIB or on the National Mall between 7th and 12th St. NW.
Black Birders Week Family STEM Day
Where: National Museum of Natural History | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10:30am –
Admission: Free
Celebrate Black Birders Week at this special event, part of a series at the Smithsonian to raise awareness of birding and the birding community. Together, families will learn about birds and birding through various hands-on and collections-based activities that will encourage families to start their own birding adventures after the program. Registration is required to secure your family’s spot, and make sure to include how many people will be attending with you. (PS: There are even more events during Black Birders Week — view them here.)
Flowers of Remembrance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 4pm
Admission: Free
On Memorial Day Weekend, the public is welcome to pay homage to those who have sacrificed at this inaugural event at Arlington National Cemetery. Flowers will be provided or you can bring your own long-stemmed flower to place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. (Do not bring vases, wreaths, or flowers with any packaging or plastic containers.) Plan to tour the rest of the Cemetery while you’re there — read more about it in this KFDC post.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult
The longest running strawberry festival in Loudoun County takes place this weekend and next, rain or shine. Get ready for lots of fun activities for all ages, including the popular diaper derby, pie-eating contests, tart toss, strawberry princess, great food, and live music. As if that’s not enough to keep the family entertained for the day, there’s also the five-acre play area, complete with the jumping pillow, slides, rope swings, mazes, a tractor tire mountain, and animal encounters.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
There’s even more strawberries activity to enjoy as the fruits are are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. Check out this post for some of the best places to go. It’s always a good idea to check websites or call ahead to confirm availability the day you plan to go. Sunscreen and hat also recommended.
Take a Dip
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
With “summer” starting and hotter temps though the weekend, it’ll be a great time to go for a swim. This round-up has details on where to do that. Find beaches on the Bay (and even Atlantic), lakes and rivers, and swimming holes and creeks — all that welcome the public to take a dip.
Maker Morning RevelArte Celebration
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10-11am
Admission: Free
In Spanish, RevelArte means to reveal. Reveal your inner artist in this special celebration and bonus Maker Morning program! Explore hands-on maker stations, join zine and map making workshops, enjoy performances, check out books in the DC Public Library nook, and do some salsa dancing! Materials will be available in both English and Spanish. Meet in the Hirshhorn Sculpture Garden!
Design Zone
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $15.95
A new exhibit opens at the National Children’s Museum this weekend! At Design Zone, step into the shoes of video game developers, music producers, roller coaster designers, and more to discover how STEM is used everyday to solve design challenges. Throughout three interactive areas, put your creative problem solving skills to the test to see, hear, and watch STEM principles in action: Use patterns to build 3D towers, apply math to create the rhythms of your own hit song, and tweak the slopes of a roller coaster to construct the most thrilling ride! The exhibit will run through September 5, 2022 and is recommended for Dreamers ages 5-12. And for more, off-the-beaten-National Mall-path museums, see this KFDC post.
Feeling Crabby?
Where: Eastern Shore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Depends on how much you order!
Kick off summer is with one of the area’s best offerings: Blue crabs! Enjoying the seasonal treat at a waterfront crab house is a bonus. Cantler’s in Annapolis is an institution, and Mike’s Crab House in Riva is popular with delicious crabs, gorgeous scenery, and a great outdoor waiting area if tables aren’t immediately available. Kentmorr on Kent Island has a great beach scene. And you can find even more recommendations for getting crabby in the Summer Guide.
Hike+
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Enjoy a family hike — then extend (and elevate) the day with some some snacks (or a whole meal) and sips after. A few awesome combos for that: Sky Meadows State Park and Barrel Oak Winery. Sugarloaf Mountain and The Comus Inn or Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard. Great Falls (MD side) and The Old Angler’s Inn. Patapsco Valley State Park and the Guinness Brewery.
Nats vs. Rockies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Marlins part of the long weekend, and there are a bunch of special activities and promos to enjoy along with the baseball action on the field. Thursday is a value Day when you can save 30% on tickets, concessions, and more. Friday is a Juan “Soto Shuffle” bobblehead giveaway. Saturday is Pups in the Park, and kids can run the bases after the game on Sunday. Before you plan your ballpark outing, check out these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.
Summer Reading Sunday
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Sunday, 12:15-1:15pm
Admission: Free with game admission
A neat bonus for kids at the Nats’ Sunday game… This season, the Nats have expanded their annual Summer Reading program to include four events at the ballpark, all of which are free to attend with a ticket to that day’s game — read-along with a Nationals player, plus other fun activities! This Sunday, Sean Doolittle(!) will be reading to the group, and among the featured games is Mad-Libs. Even more, each child who attends will receive up to three free books to take home. This Sunday’s event takes place in the Kennedy Room located on the Club Level down the third-base line. (PS: Other Reading Sunday events are scheduled for June 12, July 17, and August 14.
Root for the Baysox
Where: Prince George’s Stadium | Landover, MD
When: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats aren’t the only baseball team in town. The Bowie Baysox, one of the local minor league teams, are hosting the Erie Seawolves part of the weekend, and there’s extra fun and special promos to enjoy, too — happy hour on Thursday, Top Gun Night on Friday, post-game fireworks on Saturday, a cat-themed Caturday on Sunday, and more. Plus, there are always fun and games especially for kids. Read more about Baysox games in this KFDC post.
Day Trippin’
Where: Around the DC area (and a bit beyond)
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by adventure
The long weekend is a great time to head a little further out and enjoy a day trip. Some ideas for where to go:
* Zip up to Baltimore, where there are so many great attractions for families
* See the spectacular underground world of Luray Caverns.
* Enjoy hiking and history at Harpers Ferry.
* Go to Calvert County for art adventures at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, a beach day at Calvert Cliffs State Park, maritime explorations at the Calvert Marine Museum, or even a pontoon boat excursion from Solomons Island.
A Museum for this Weekend
Where: National Museum of the U.S. Navy | Navy Yard, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: Free
In honor of the holiday this weekend, visit a museum that highlights a military branch that also happens to be one of the coolest museums in DC that most people don’t even know exists. Located on the Navy base in Southeast DC, the National Museum of the U.S. Navy is a trove of fascinating artifacts, stories, and art that illustrate the history and impact of the Navy over hundreds of years. If you plan to go, be sure to read this post, which includes must-know information about visiting.
ViVa! Vienna!
Where: Historic Downtown Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
Join the family and community oriented celebration of Memorial Day and the greater Vienna Community spirit. Amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment will be part of the all-ages fun. Even better, 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community, and humanitarian organizations.
Art, Flowers, & Flavors Festival
Where: Ticonderoga Farms | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: $25
After a long pandemic pause, Ticonderoga Farms (which was always one of our favorites for seasonal festivals) is reopening with a festival to celebrate their new botanic garden! The Art, Flowers & Flavors Festival will feature the work of fine artists, wine and beer tasting, gourmet food, live music, and more in or one-of-a-kind, spectacular natural setting that has never been open to the public before now.
A Monster Calls
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Throughout the weekend, 8pm
Tickets: $45-139
A play for kids age 10+… Patrick Ness’s piercing novel A Monster Calls is brought to the stage in a powerful new adaptation by visionary director Sally Cookson. Thirteen-year-old Conor and his mum have managed just fine since his dad moved to America. But now his mum’s very sick and she’s not getting any better. His grandmother won’t stop interfering and the kids at school won’t look him in the eye. Then, one night, at seven minutes past midnight, Conor is woken by something at his window. A monster has come walking. It’s come to tell Conor tales from when it walked before. And when it’s finished, Conor must tell his own story and face his deepest fears.
Show Way the Musical
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, 7pm | Saturday & Sunday, 1:30pm & 4pm
Tickets: $20 (get discount)
A show for kids age 7+… Soonie’s great-grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation without her ma and pa, with only some fabric and needles to call her own. She began to stitch a Show Way, a quilt with secret meanings to show enslaved people the way to freedom. As each generation passes, the Show Way shines a light on the past and paves a road to the future, stitching together possibility and promise. Education Artist-in-Residence Jacqueline Woodson’s book of history, love, and resilience becomes a world premiere stage adaptation. This moving, lyrical account based on Woodson’s own family pays tribute to women whose strength and knowledge illuminate their daughters’ lives—from enslavement to freedom, through segregation, freedom marches, and the fight for literacy.
Main Reading Room Holiday Opening
Where: Library of Congress | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Monday, 10a – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Where you can usually only look from a window above, you can visit on the rare occasion that it’s open to the public! The beautiful Main Reading Room of the Library of Congress is holding a special holiday open house. And being in the grand space really is a treat. There’s even more to explore at the LOC — read about it here. And note that visitors must reserve timed-entry passes.
National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th to 17th Streets | Downtown DC
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
A great way to wind down the long weekend, the annual National Memorial Day Parade is returning, celebrating and honoring American veterans with a grand procession through the city. Get a curbside view of military units and vehicles, marching bands, flag teams, and hundreds of veterans as they travel up Constitution Avenue.
Tour Memorials on the Mall
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
On Memorial Day Weekend, pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country by visiting the memorials on the National Mall that honor them. A loop of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Korean War Veterans Memorial and WWII Memorial make for a good walk. On Monday 9-10am, there will be a wreath laying ceremony at the WWII Memorial — the public is invited, but register in advance.
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like a mix of weather this weekend, including some nice days, so plan on some adventures outside! The round-up of The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids is loaded with ideas for doing just that — all of them written about from firsthand experience. But if forecasted storms roll in (or you just want shelter and AC), The Great Indoors lists over 100 suggestions for outings that take place inside.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* The annual National Memorial Day Concert will take place on the U.S. Capitol lawn on Sunday, but it is NOT open to the public again this year.
* It’s a good time to make sure you and the kids are beach ready — check out these recommendations for items to help with that.
* It’s also a good time to get some new lawn games to elevate your summer fun.
* The water features at Yards Park are closed this weekend due to maintenance.
* Recipes for your Memorial Day menu.
* Some great Memorial Day Weekend sales: Nordstrom, REI, Anthropologie, Sur la Table.
* Sam Sifton from NY Times Cooking nailed it with Grief and Cooking.
* Just finished the third season of My Brilliant Friend on HBO and Conversations with Friends on Hulu, and recommend both.
* We’re headed out of town this weekend and can’t wait to use these! (More options here.)
* Finally, a quick, fun watch.
