Spring Activities Near Me | KidFriendly DC

Spring is always a much anticipated time of year. The emergence from cold weather, the return of color to the landscape, and the end of bulky clothes and extra layers are some of the reasons why. It’s also when many of DC’s best events and activities occur or restart for the warm months. From big blooms and their celebrations to new exhibits to live entertainment to local sports to warm weather recreation, there are so many things to get excited about around DC during the season. Here’s a round-up of them to help you plan for it all. Happy Spring!

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Signature scene of cherry blossoms at the Tidal Basin

Cherry Blossom Time
Where: Around the DC Area
When: March 20 – April 13
Admission: Varies by activity
Not only is DC at its prettiest during this time of year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, running March 20 – April 13, presents all kinds of fun and enriching activities over a few weeks every spring. Signature events include the Blossom Kite Festival, National Cherry Blossom Parade, Sakura Matsuri, Bloomaroo, and Petalpalooza, and there are many more blossom inspired happenings around the area. See this round-up of the best ones for families. And, of course, the cherry blossom peak is an iconic DC attraction. If you’re planning to see them, I very strongly recommended reading these tips for viewing them. (While they were originally geared toward families with young children, most of the tips are helpful for anyone!)

Wisteria and more blooms at Dumbarton Oaks Garden

Bloom Town
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Varies by locale
Admission: Varies by locale
We all know about the cherry blossoms that brighten up the land and cityscape during the season. But there are even more big blooms to enjoy around the DC area, and they’re literally coming up soon. Magnolias, wisteria, bluebells, azaleas, tulips, and roses are what you can stop, smell, see, and relish in the loveliness of during spring. This post has details on where and when to enjoy them at their best.

Cheer on the black and red!

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Throughout spring (and summer)
Admission: Ticket prices vary
So, the MLS season actually kicked off during winter in February, but spring is a great time to see some soccer action as the weather warms up. The DC United matches are always fun to experience, and tickets are available for just about all of them (but check for deals here). While there are good concessions at the stadium, you can also make a longer outing of it, and grab a bite to eat before or after matches. There are a lot good dining options in the Capitol Riverfront area just a short walk away.

Get in the spirit of women’s soccer

We’ve Got Spirit, Yes We Do!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Starts March 22
Admission: Tickets start at $25
Even more exciting soccer is starting as the Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, also kicks off their season in early spring. Audi Field is also their home pitch, so all matches will take place right in the city. They are so fun to watch — the team made it to the finals last season and are sure to be strong again. You’ll get to see some amazing play and support women in sports!

Traversing the aerial fort at Sandy Spring

Adventure in the Trees
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
Many of the local climbing and ropes courses open for the season this time of year. You can see a round-up of them here — and while it mentions fall climbing, they are all open in spring (and summer), too! The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring is a KFDC fave, offering a thrilling aerial forest adventure. If you want to do something special, active, challenging, and super fun, I highly recommend it. See more about some of our experiences at the park here and here.

See the Caps & Ovie in action!

Ovechkin Goal Watch
Where: Capital One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Several dates this spring
Admission: Ticket prices vary
Hockey has been happening for awhile, but it’s getting exciting this spring as Alex Ovechkin gets close to breaking the all-time goal scoring record. Washington Capitals games will be popular events as fans will want to be there when he hits 895. Tickets are available for most games, and you can check for deals here.

See Kimberly Akimbo at National Theatre this spring [Photo courtesy of National Theatre]

Show Time
Where: Theaters Around DC
When: Various dates
Admission: Varies by show
The new season brings new live entertainment to local stages, and there are some great shows coming to town. A few to check out:
* Sister Act at Ford’s Theater
* Annie at National Theatre
* Sleepova at Olney Theatre
* Charlotte’s Web at Adventure Theatre
* Kimberly Akimbo at National Theatre
* Frankenstein at Klein Theatre
* See all the spring shows here

Go back in the galleries at Glenstone

Back Inside Glenstone
Where: Glenstone Museum | Potomac, MD
When: Starting March 20
Admission: Free
Glenstone, the fantastic modern art museum that showcases works both inside and outdoors on its sprawling 300 acres, is reopening its indoor galleries after a year of renovations. And FYI: They have a Guaranteed Entry program, which admits students and one accompanying adult without having to reserve tickets. Be sure to note that they don’t allow children under 12 at all, but it’s a wonderful place to visit with tweens and teens! Read more about Glenstone in this KFDC post.

Catch a Nats game this spring

Play Ball!
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Starting March 27
Admission: Varies
MLB Opening Day is March 27, and the Nats are playing a game at home against the Phillies. If you’ve followed KFDC for awhile, then you know I recommend catching a Nats game as great way to spend a family day out. I discussed it in the very early KFDC days, include ballgames in Weekend Round-Ups whenever they play at home, have endorsed the Jr. Nationals Kids Club for years, and know it all well enough to have plenty of tips for spending less on a day at the ballpark. This is all to say, check your Natitude — and the useful promo schedule — and get ready for spring ball!

Go from Earth to Space [Photo courtesy of The Kennedy Center]

Earth to Space Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: March 28 – April 20
Admission: Varies by activity
For three weeks this spring, Earth to Space: Arts Breaking the Sky will fill the Kennedy Center with musicians and astronauts, poets and researchers, visual artists and engineers, actors and environmentalists, architects and astronomers, dancers and scientists, filmmakers and space designers. This will include performances and events especially for families, like an NSO Family Concert and To the Moon & Back, and three family weekends March 29-30, April 5-6, and April 12-13.

Hike & Hangs
Where: Around the DC area
When: Ongoing
Admission: Varies by place
Sometimes it’s just as fun to plan a hike around the après hike destination, places where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks, the kids can play, and the scenery adds to the enjoyment. And spring is the perfect time for it! There are a bunch of great combos for that detailed here. And a couple more here.

Egg-Cellent Adventures
Where: Around the DC area
When: Through April 21
Admission: Varies by place
Egg hunts, bunny visits, and more seasonal activities will be happening all around the area leading up to Easter. There are also attractions beyond bunnies and candy-filled eggs for your whole gang. This post has a round-up of all the Easter fun happening around the area over the coming weeks.

There’s no place like a fairy & gnome home

Fairies in the Garden
Where: Annmarie Sculpture Garden | Lusby, MD
When: April 4 – September 1
Admission: $5 suggested donation
The annual magicalicious exhibit of fairy and gnome houses at Annmarie begins in spring. As if the sculpture garden in Calvert County wasn’t already wonderful, this annual display adds extra delight to a visit there with a collection of handmade fairy and gnome homes scattered throughout the grounds. It’s fantastic to see anytime, but the annual festival to celebrate them takes place April 27 this year. This is a place kids of all ages — and even the kid in us adults — will love. Read more about Annmarie Sculpture Garden in this KFDC post and this one.

Take an artsy stroll around Adam’s Morgan

AdMo Art Walk
Where: Around Adams Morgan, DC
When: April 4-30
Admission: Free
Think of Adams Morgan as your own personal art gallery, thanks to this free way to experience art brought to you by the Adams Morgan Partnership BID, the DC Arts Center, local artists, and neighborhood businesses! Walk the streets of Adams Morgan and admire an impressive selection of artworks displayed in various storefronts in a self-guided tour or join the DC Arts Center for a guided tour — they’ll be offered on select weekends in April.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden at the White House

White House Spring Garden Tours
Where: White House Grounds | Downtown DC
When: April 5-6
Admission: Free with tickets
Here’s a chance to see the Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, Kitchen Garden, and South Lawn at the White House. The annual Spring Garden and Grounds Tours are a tradition that dates back to 1972 when Pat Nixon first opened the gardens to the public. It’s a very“DC” activity and a lovely way to enjoy the emerging spring color — and gaining admission to the event is as easy as picking up tickets day-of. They will be distributed at a National Park Service tent located near the White House Visitor Center (1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) each day starting at 8:30am. (That means you could be getting entry times for later in the day, so plan accordingly as best you can.) See more details and info on how to get tickets.

All aboard for a mini trian ride!

Go for a Train or Carousel Spin
Where: Cabin John & Wheaton Regional Parks, MD
When: Starting April 5
Admission: $4
All aboard! Montgomery Park’s Cabin John Train and Wheaton Train and Carousel are opening for the season. Go for a spin around the parks on replicas of the 1863 C.P. Huntington, a 4-2-4T steam locomotive. Or enjoy a whirl on a brand new carousel at Wheaton! Read more about Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda here and Wheaton Regional Park here.

Butterflies will be back at Brookside

The Butterfly Experience
Where: Brookside Gardens | Wheaton, MD
When: April 10 – September 21
Admission: $14/age 13+, $9/age 3-13, free/2 & under
Butterflies are coming back to Brookside Gardens! Formerly called Wings of Fancy, the exhibbition will be returning to the park’s conservatory starting this spring. Numerous species of live butterflies and caterpillars from North America, Costa Rica, Africa, and Asia will not just be on display, but flitting about the space filled with plants and flowers — and it’s such a delight! Get a glimpse at what to expect in this KFDC post and this one about a couple of our past visits there. And see more about the wonderful Brookside Gardens here.

See a printing press demo at the Folger

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: April 19, 11am
Admission: Free
‘Tis Shakespeare’s 461st birthday, and the Folger Shakespeare Library is hosting its signature Open House to celebrate, back for the first time after several years. In true Renaissance fashion, there will be song and dance, Elizabethan crafts, sword fighting demos, printing press demos, a chance to write sonnets, and a giant birthday cake. The celebration will begin when the Folger opens its doors at 11am. Activities on the front lawn will run from 1-3pm.

See some sports action at UMD or another local college

College Sports
Where: Universities around the DC area
When: Throughout spring
Admission: Varies by event
All of the March Madness games are taking place elsewhere, but there are plenty of other college sports to watch this season, and there are some really good local teams. Lacrosse, softball, tennis, and gymnastics are some where you can spectate. Check schedules for nearby schools:
* University of Maryland (Go, Terps!)
* Georgetown University
* George Washington University
* American University
* Howard University
* Catholic University
* George Mason University

Bonjour, Georgetown!

Georgetown French Market
Where: Book Hill Neighborhood | Georgetown, DC
When: April 25-27
Admission: Free
The Georgetown French Market returns to the Book Hill neighborhood bringing the signature European open air market back for its 22nd year. More than 40 Georgetown boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, galleries, and more will be featured. But it’s not all about the shopping! Strolling mimes, hands-on activities, live music, and French cuisine from Georgetown cafes and restaurants offer something for all ages to enjoy. Visit the website to see the schedule of events and list of participating shops.

Spring is strawberry season…go PYO!

Strawberry Season
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Starting late April
Admission: Varies by place
The pick-your-own season around the area always begins in spring with strawberries. A few area farms open their strawberry fields to the public around late April/early May, so you can get out there and gather your own. More places start welcoming guests later in May, and a few more crops will become available towards the end of spring. This KFDC round-up has details on where you can enjoy a PYO outing.

Flowers & fun at the National Cathedral

Flower Mart
Where: National Cathedral | Northwest DC
When: May 2-3
Admission: Free
This festival ran for 80 years until its two-year hiatus due to Covid. But it’s back on track — and a fun, fab way to spend a spring day! Plant sales, floral and horticultural displays, and boutique booths are great to browse and shop. There’s also music and entertainment, games and carnival rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and many more fun activities to delight Mart-goers of all ages. If you go with kids, be sure to visit the Beauvoir Playground, too! Read more about Flower Mart and the National Cathedral here.

Run, doggies, run! Photo courtesy of The Wharf]

Running of the Chihuahuas
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: May 3, 2-5pm
Admission: Free
The Wharf’s annual event includes live music, family fun, a Pacifico Beer Garden for adults, and of course, the highlight of the afternoon: Chihuahuas racing for fame and fun! It’s a family and pet-friendly event — all dogs are welcome, though only chihuahuas can race. If you don’t have a dog yet, keep an eye out for your forever furry friend during the Adoptable Dog Parade that takes place between the Chihuahua races. Read more about The Wharf in this KFDC post.

Peruvian dancing at an Around the World Embassy Tour

Around the World Embassy Tour
Where: Local Embassies | Dupont Circle, DC
When: May 3
Admission: Free
The wonderful Around the World Embassy Tour is like a local passport to countries around the world as embassies from Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania open their doors to the public. It’s a free showcase of art, music, traditional dress, and culinary delights from nations across the globe. (It’s also your chance to check out the interiors of those mansions along Mass Ave & International Drive that you usually just admire from the street.) Read about one of our past globetrotting-in-DC experiences and get a glimpse of what to expect. And note that the EU Open House is on May 10 and FiestaAsia on May 17.

Play and plants in the Children’s Garden

Children’s Garden Opens
Where: US Botanic Garden | Capitol Hill, DC
When: May – October
Admission: Free
The outdoor play area at the Botanic Garden reopens every spring, the exact date still TBA. The sweet area welcomes young visitors to explore the plant world and exercise their green thumbs. There’s a terraced climbing structure to play on, plus an area where they can dig, water, plant, and see what’s in bloom.

Head to Lincoln’s old digs for music and fun [Photo courtesy of Lincoln’s Cottage]

Bourbon & Bluegrass
Where: President Lincoln’s Cottage | Petworth, DC
When: May 17 & 18, 1-5pm
Admission: $50-70/adult, $35/age 7-20, free/6 & under
Admission: $65/adult, $35/age 7-17, free/6 & under
It’s a little more of an adult event, but kids are very welcome… Lounge on Lincoln’s lawn, sip bourbon, and enjoy live bluegrass music at the 10th Annual Bourbon & Bluegrass event! Admission includes an afternoon of live bluegrass music from local musicians, bourbon and beer tasting, an exterior preservation tour of Lincoln’s Cottage. There will also be activities such as beard grooming, square dancing, lawn games by DCFray, and more! All proceeds from the event go towards preservation efforts at President Lincoln’s Cottage to help keep the historic gem open and available to share Lincoln’s untold stories.

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DC area
When: Varies by place
Admission: Varies by place
With warmer weather comes opportunities to enjoy time on the water, and you can rent kayaks, canoes, and other vessels to paddle at a bunch of places around the area. Boating in DC runs many of the boathouses in the District and nearby. Some locations begin operating in early April, others open in May, so be sure to check the website for opening dates. A few places within the NoVA Parks system offer boat rentals even sooner. And if you don’t want to do the work of paddling (though I highly recommend it), enjoy a Water Taxi ride — there are several options for places to catch it! This KidFriendly DC post has a round-up of places to go with the flow.