Happy Long Weekend!
* Indoor Outings
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Swim Spots
* On the Water
* Peaceful Places
* Best Outdoor Spots in the DC Area
* Spring Things to Get Excited About (technically, it still is spring)
“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 in DC. Start the weekend with free entertainment and more fun at The REACH. 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.
Cruise with Martha
Where: The Wharf, DC to Mount Vernon, VA
When: Friday, 9am – 3:15pm
Admission: $50/adult, $45/senior $29/age 2-11
Catch a water taxi from The Wharf in Southwest DC to Mount Vernon with a very special guide: Martha Washington! To launch the cruise season, the first First Lady will join guests on the boat ride. Of course, your ticket includes admission to the Mount Vernon grounds, though entry to the Mansion requires a tour ticket. And if you can’t make it on the cruise, a visit to Mount Vernon is great any day!
Nats vs. Brewers
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nets host the Brewers this weekend with an evening games on Friday and SAturday, and an afternoon match-up on Sunday. Single game tickets are now available to everyone, sold in socially distanced pods of one to six seats. Be sure to take a look at the Welcome Home page, so you know what to expect. We’ve been to a couple of games and can vouch for good safety measures — and a really good time for Nats fans. I recommend bringing kiddos only if they’re truly into the game. The playground isn’t open for antsy kids to play, and getting ballpark treats is a little less fun and convenient with the new mobile ordering system. But those who are into the game will love being back at the ballpark!
The REACH Reopens
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center’s extension for arts immersion reopens this weekend — and it’s bringing Millennium Stage, the long beloved and much missed free entertainment program, with it. On the REACH plaza from Thursdays to Saturday through October 2, there will be films, live shows, arts vendors, dance and yoga lessons, plus food and drinks for sale at Victura Park! You need to register for tickets in advance. (Note: Looks like it’s sold out this weekend, but you can register for next weekend starting at 10am on Friday. And Victura Park, the family-friendly pop-up wine garden, will be open and you can pop in!]
Inside Outings
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
With rain in the forecast, you may be seeking out places to play indoors. There are plenty of options for them, especially as Smithsonians and other venues have started to open. All are taking extra precautions to ensure COVID safety, which includes limited capacity and reserving tickets in advance.
Spring Drive-In Movie Series
Where: The Stacks at Buzzard Point | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 8pm
Admission: $20/car
It’s the final weekend of the Capitol Riverfront BID’s drive-in movie series, a fun, contact-free experience for all ages at an appropriate social distance. Not the most family-friendly, but very hilarious, Bridesmaids will be screened on Friday, Get on Up will be shown on Saturday, and Ocean’s Eight on Sunday. Even more, all funds are donated to local charities — this weekend proceeds benefit Capital Area Food Bank, Anacostia Riverkeeper, and DC Central Kitchen.
Drive-In, in NoVa
Where: Alexandria Drive-In Movie Theater | Alexandria, VA
When: Friday, 8pm
Admission: $40/car
You can also catch a flick from the comfort of your car in Virginia. See everyone’s favorite ogre Shrek on Friday night. Food trucks will be there both nights offering savory and sweet concessions with online ordering through Goodfynd. Purchase movie tickets in advance!
Water, Water Everywhere
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Starting Saturday
Admission: Free
Two of the most popular places for water play, Yards Park and Canal Park reopen on Friday! Spray parks and outdoor pools within the DC Department of Parks and Rec system reopen to the public starting Saturday! And some area waterparks will start welcoming guests to the slides and wave pools, too. The weather this weekend may not be the most conducive to splashing around (unless it’s in the rain), but given that these places are finally accessible again after nearly two years, inclusion here seems mandatory. And, who knows, maybe the forecast will surprise us! The 2021 KFDC Summer Guide has details on even more places for water play — see where to play in sprays here and swim in outdoor pools here.
ViVa! Vienna!
Where: Historic Downtown Vienna, VA
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
Vienna’s community celebration is back. The family-friendly Memorial Day weekend includes lots of all ages fun — amusement rides, food, crafts, vendors, and entertainment. Even better, 100% of proceeds go to charitable, community, and humanitarian organizations. Safety measures are in places for Covid — see them on the website.
Charm City Fun, Hon
Where: Baltimore, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
There are a bunch of great places to visit with the fam in our sister city, Baltimore, just 45 minutes up I-95. Explore the exhibits and loads of hands-on activities at the Maryland Science Center. Play the day away at Port Discovery. See some of the quirkiest, coolest art around at the American Visionary Art Museum. Get an eyeful of the underwater world at the National Aquarium. Tour historic ships at the Inner Harbor. Or learn about Baltimore’s early business days at the Museum of Industry. All of these places require advance reservations, so be sure to book ahead.
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.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday
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. Get tickets in advance!
Pick Your Own
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. 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.
Salute the Sunset Summer Concert
Where: National Harbor | Oxon Hill, MD
When: Saturday & Monday, 7-8:30pm
Admission: Free
Saturday May 29 and Monday May 31, 7:00 – 8:30
Join The United States Air Force Band’s Airmen of Note for the first concert of the annual “Salute the Sunset” series at National Harbor. Enjoy jazz favorites and beautiful views under the open sky! Free concert, no tickets required. Garage and street parking available.
Wizard School Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Watson Adventures Online
When: Saturday, 4-5:30pm
Admission: $19
Grab your wizarding wands for an 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. No, you won’t need the Weasleys’ flying car: You’ll sit at your home computer, join your teammates via Zoom, and use the Watson Adventures online app to get clues, pop onto museum websites, and search for answers to fun, tricky questions on this virtual scavenger hunt. For about ages 8 and up. We’ve done the IRL version of this, and it’s super fun! We’ve also joined a virtual program with Watson Adventures and had a blast!
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. There will also be a ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial on Monday 1-2pm with limited access (so plan to visit the Memorial another time that day or even Saturday or Sunday).
Reopening | Pay Respects
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served… Arlington National Cemetery is once again open to the public. However, the reopening plus the holiday weekend could bring the crowds. Be sure to see these tips and info for visiting before you go. The traditional wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is NOT open to the public this year. But the Cemetery is still a fitting place for a visit on this holiday weekend. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery in this KFDC post.
Virtual Memorial Day Observances
Where: Televised
When: Monday
Admission: Free
Both the annual National Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Day Concert are happening, however, the public is not invited to be part of the in-person audience. Instead, both events will be televised, the parade on WJLA and the concert on PBS.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* There’s a new giveaway going on for a chance to win a free music lesson for your child with the International School of Music!
* The Classes & Camps page on the blog has quick links to info about all kinds of, well, classes and camps around the area that have been promoted here on KFDC.
* The Shakespeare Theatre Company just announced its 2021-22 season, and subscriptions are available! (I am so intrigued by and admittedly excited about this one!)
* Memorial Day sale round-ups: Clothes & Home.
* Memorial Day menu ideas (refreshments start at #26 😉).
* In case you haven’t seen it over the past week, this totally rocks. (And not just because of their name.😁)
* #OptOutside 💚