Tag Archives: Summer 2017

September 7, 2017 · 5:44 pm

The Weekend Round-Up: September 8-10

Great hiking and even greater views at Great Falls

Hope you and the kids have lots of spare time in your schedule, because there are loads of great ways to fill it over the next few days — see for yourself below. Happy Weekend!

Back to School Friday Night Concert
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5:30-8:30
Admission: Free
Celebrate the first month of school in the Capitol Riverfront! Arrive early to Yards Park’s last Friday Night Concert of the season to enjoy kids activities, face painting, balloon art and more from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Of course, stay for the music, food, and fun. Near Southeast Community Partners will be taking donations to benefit the purchase of art supplies for Van Ness Elementary School. Come for family fun and support the community.

Lumbee Nation Festival
Where: National Museum of the American Indian | National Mall, DC
When: Friday & Saturday, 10:30am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Join the Lumbee Nation of North Carolina as they host their first cultural festival at the National Museum of the American Indian. This unique celebration of Lumbee traditions will showcase storytelling, music, social dances, pine-needle basketry, patchwork quilting and more.

Virginia Indian Festival
Where: Riverbend Park | Great Falls, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: $8
Eight American Indian tribes from Virginia, including the Rappahannock dancers and drummers, will convene for this annual festival at the park along the Potomac River. Enjoy hands on activities and live demonstrations including American Indian storytelling, shooting bow and arrows, throwing spears and making stone tools. Also, assist in building a dugout canoe and visit our marketplace of American Indian crafts, pottery and jewelry. Read more about Riverbend Park here.

Ren Fest
Where: Revel’s Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $19/age 16+, $8/age 7-15, free/6 & under
Enjoy the bounty of merriment at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The annual faire recalls medieval times with a village full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. This is one of my very favorite events in the DC area, and it could very well become one of yours, too. Read more about Ren Fest here. Huzzah!

Fall Fests
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The calendar may not say fall yet, but that’s not stopping the seasonal celebrations. Go on hayrides, get lost in corn mazes, pick some pumpkins and apples, whoosh down slides, and so much more. This recent post has a list of all the festivals happening around the area where you can get a head start on fall this weekend or plan your autumn amusement for later.

DC Shorts Family Showcase
Where: Throughout DC
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
As part of the DC Shorts Film Festival & Screenplay Competition happening in venues all around DC through September 17th, a Free Family Showcase will present a special selection that kids can see, too! Short films from all over the world appropriate for children aged 3 and up and their families will be screened at DC Public Library branches throughout 7 wards. Go here to register and for more information on locations and times.

Savor the Bay
Where: Sandy Point State Park | Annapolis, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $10, free for ages 12 and under
How about a day filled with delicious seafood, live entertainment, kids activities, food demos and competitions, loads of shopping options, vendors, exhibits, contests? You can enjoy all that and more at the 51st annual Maryland Seafood Festival. Even better, it all takes place on the beautiful shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

Walks in the Woods
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Looks like it’s going to be great weather to hit the trail with the fam! 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.

WashingCon
Where: Georgetown U Hotel & Conference Center | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $40
If you’re serious about board games, this tabletop gaming convention is an event you don’t want to miss. There will be opportunities to demo new games, enter tourneys to test your gaming skills against some of the best players, meet people who make and sell games, and much more. Some highlights: Miranda Everts, game designer of Sleeping Queens, will be there, as will Susan McKinley Ross, designer of Qwirkle and Hoot Owl Hoot. Guests can hear a panel about Women in the Gaming Industry. And sponsors Peaceable Kingdom, Haba, ThinkFun, and Gamewright will be giving out a bunch of swag for kids!

Family Day
Where: Dance Place | Brookland, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Stop by the dance studio in Brookline to try a wide variety of kids classes and celebrate the thriving artistic community. They believe it’s never too early to start dancing and offer a “Mommy and Me” class that begins at 18 months along with various classes for different age groups through high school. Get the kids moving in sample classes, make something beautiful with guided arts and crafts, and so much more!

The Legend of Pufferfish Pat
Where: Montgomery College Cultural Arts Center | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $12.50/age 12+, $10/age 4-11, free/under 3
InterAct Story Theatre is returning to Silver Spring with a whole new season of family entertainment. First in the line-up this September: The Legend of Pufferfish Pat: A Tall Tale for Mad Times about a legendary cowboy hero who can outride, outrope, and outrun just about anything — except his own hair-trigger temper!

Nats vs. Phillies
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Thursday – Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are back at home this weekend to host the Phillies. There are games tonight, Friday, and Saturday at 7:05pm, and on Sunday at 1:35pm. Stay after on Sunday for Kids Run the Bases, and be sure to check these KFDC tips for doing a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Pawpaw Festival
Where: Meadowside Nature Center | Rockville, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $5
Get your paws on this delightful native fruit and celebrate it with Meadowside Nature Center. They’ll have music, crafts, games, face painting, and advice on growing pawpaws. You can also get a taste of the fruit and purchase pawpaw trees, so you grow your own at home.

Park After Dark
Where: Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens | Northeast DC
When: Saturday, 6-9pm
Admission: Free
Embark on ranger led tours through the gardens during this special evening event. Tours will highlight the giant water lilies, with leaves measuring over five feet in diameter and flowers that bloom at night. Active nocturnal wildlife, a beautiful sunset over the ponds, and the collection of exotic night bloomers are only a few reasons to visit for this nighttime activity.

Kensington Train Show
Where: Kensington Town Hall | Kensington, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: $7/adults, $2/kids, $15/family
The Kensington Train Show with model trains, live music, and kids activities chugs into Kensington! The event is a benefit for the Noyes Children’s Library Foundation and the Kensington Historical Society.

Adams Morgan Day
Where: Along 18th St & Columbia Ave NW | Adams Morgan, DC
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate one of the city’s most diverse communities at the 39th Annual Adams Morgan Day, offering a day full of music, art, culture, dancing, and more. The family-friendly celebration will have activities for all ages, including free crafts for kids and adults, bike demos, live entertainment, and tons more. More details and the schedule of performances are available on the website.

Rosslyn Jazz Festival
Where: Gateway Park | Rosslyn, VA
When: Saturday, 1-7pm
Admission: Free
Head across the Key Bridge from the city for this free annual music festival. Enjoy six hours of performances, fun, and drinks, plus a Kids’ Jazz Zone where children can create their own instrument by the Sandbox and play lawn games. See the website for the line-up of bands and details on parking.

PG County Fair
Where: Show Place Arena | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $6/ages 13+, $5/age 6-11, free/5 & under
The county fair season continues! Enjoy a variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages at PG County’s annual event — 4-H exhibits, magic and dance shows, pig and duck races, a horse pull competition, a chain saw artist, a K-9 show, and much more carnival-style fun.

Rainbow Families Picnic
Where: Hillwood Estate | Upper Northwest, DC
When: Sunday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: $5/adult in advance, $18/day of, free/under 18
Connect with LGBT families and enjoy Hillwood’s urban oasis at this family celebration. Pack a picnic or purchase food from the café’s express menu, play lawn games, get faces painted, try on costumes, make a craft, explore the exhibitions, and more!

The Rumpus Room
Where: U Street Music Hall | U Street NW, DC
When: Sunday, 11am
Admission: $10/person or $30/4-person pack
It’s a daytime dance party for families, with sounds provided by DC’s top club DJs (who both happen to be parents themselves)! Created by respected D.C.-based DJs Marc Meistro and Stereo Faith, two parents who wanted to share the nightclub experience with their kids, The Rumpus Room adapts the club environment (think disco ball, lights, and, of course, music) into safe, family-friendly fun. Get ready for a dance floor filled with little ones, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. The event’s soundtrack will be a family-friendly mix of dance hits and classics, all at a kid-friendly volume. They’ll provide the shakers, hula-hoops, beach balls, and other props. You just come to dance! There will be some grown-up treats, too: U Street Music Hall will be serving brunch drink specials, including Bloody Mary’s and mimosas, to entertain parents.

Takoma Park Folk Fest
Where: Takoma Park Middle School | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 6:30pm
Admission: Free
Folk music and performances from around the world will be on six stages at the annual Takoma Park Folk Festival. The Grassy Nook Stage will offer activities for children — folksinging, musical games and dancing, storytelling, and more. And a crafts show and sale will showcase the works of local artisans. Pack snacks or purchase food from vendors there. Rain or shine.

Falls Church Feeds the World
Where: Christ Crossman UMC | Falls Church, VA
When: Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free
Join in to help pack 30,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger. There will also be a children’s meal packing event through Arlington Food Assistance Center (AFAC) and a Mad Science Show for ages 3-11. Child care will be provided at no cost for children aged 3 and younger, and food and beverages will be provided to participants at no cost during the event. Register in advance to let them know you’re coming.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Looking for a fun and enriching extracurricular activity for your kids? Enrollment is still open for Adventure Theatre’s fall programs!
* Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a chance to win 4 weeks of a class at My Gym Bethesda and My Gym Potomac!
* DC Theatre Week is coming up Septemeber 19 – October 1. The 12-day event with value pricing encourages ticket-buyers to attend live theatre and experience the many offerings in the area.
* There are so many great concerts coming up at The Anthem, the new music venue opening at The Wharf in October. Do you have tickets for any yet?

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Filed under 2017, All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Exhibit, Fall, Farm, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Nature, Outdoor, Seasonal, Special Event, Sports, Theatre, Virginia, Weekend

Tagged as Best Kids Activities in DC, Children's Activities in DC, DC outdoors, DC with kids, Family Activities DC, Family Friendly DC, Fun Things to do with Kids in the Washington DC Area, Fun with Kids in Maryland, Fun with Kids in Northern Virginia, Indoor Activities, Kid Friendly Activities, Kids Entertainment in DC, Summer 2017, Things to do with Kids in DC, Washington DC Events, Weekend September 9-10

September 4, 2017 · 6:50 pm

Where to Play on the Weekdays: September 5-8

Tudor Place gardens in winter… they’re even lovelier this time of year

Tuesday – Go to Tudor Place for Tudor Tots. The weekly program at the historic estate in Georgetown invites little ones to learn about the world around them through songs, stories, crafts, and movement, all tailored to growing children with a different theme each session. The fun takes place 10-10:45am, and admission is $5/child (accompanying adults free). Stay to explore the lovely gardens while you’re there, and if you’re up for more play, head to nearby Montrose Park.

Wednesday – Discover the history of flight at the College Park Aviation Museum. It’s a great place for young visitors, with eye-popping displays and hands-on fun. They can view early airplanes up close, dress up like aviators, create flight-inspired art, and much more. Keep an eye on the runway right outside the floor-to-ceiling windows — you might see planes take off and land at the College Park Airport, the oldest continuously operating airport in the world! Open daily 10am – 5pm. Admission is $4/adults, $2/children, free for ages 1 and under.

Thursday – Explore the grounds and play in the gardens, particularly the Children’s Garden, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as lovely as they are fun, and the weather should be perfect for an outing there. Hours are 9am – 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Friday – Join the Lumbee Nation of North Carolina as they host their first cultural festival at the National Museum of the American Indian. Festivals at the NMAI are always lively with activities for all ages. This one includes storytelling, music, social dances, pine-needle basketry, patchwork quilting, and more. Be sure to stop in the imagiNATIONS family activity center for some play time, too! The Festival begins at 10:30am, and admission is free.

The Weekend Round-Up: September 1-4

Labor Day adventure in the trees, a perfect last hurrah of summer

Labor Day weekend may mark the unofficial end of summer, but we’ve got an extra day and lots of great options for fun to squeeze the last bit of juice out of the season. Happy Weekend!

Season Finales
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
This weekend is the last for many pursuits that we’ve been enjoying all summer long — outdoor swimming, concerts and movies under the stars, special museum programs among them. If you’re hoping to get in one final jazz show in the Sculpture Garden, check out the Building Museum’s HIVE, take the kids to the Newseum for free, see the fairy houses at Annmarie Sculpture Garden, or jump in at an outdoor public pool, then check out the 2017 Summer Guide, which has details on all of these diversions, plus many more.

National Book Festival
Where: Washington Convention Center | Mount Vernon Square, DC
When: Saturday, 9am – 7:30pm
Admission: Free
Call all bookworms! The 17th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival will feature more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators from every literary genre. Even better, they will all be there presenting book readings, talks, Q&A’s, book signings, and more. These will take place along with lots of other reading-related activities for all ages.

Celebration of Textiles
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4pm
Admission: Free
All ages are invited to explore the art of recycling at the 38th Annual Celebration of Textiles! Try your hand at weaving with recycled materials, watch local fiber artists at work, enjoy live music and dance, and explore the ingenious fashions on display in the exhibition Scraps: Fashion, Textiles, and Creative Reuse. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a fantastic museum that is usually a bit mature for young children.

Merriment Galore!
Where: Maryland Renaissance Festival | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: $19/adults, $17/seniors, $8/7-15, 6 & under/free
Take a glorious day trip back to medieval times at Ren Fest, where there is something for everyone. Besides the amazing variety of entertainment — jousting matches, cheeky comedy shows, fire eaters and sword swallowers, juggling acts, Celtic music, and much more — walking among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in puffy shirts in a 16th-century village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead is an interesting little jaunt back in time that any age can enjoy (well, maybe not the mead).

Page-to-Stage Festival
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 10:30am – 11:30pm
Admission: Free
More than 60 theater companies will present readings and rehearsals of plays and musicals during the 16th annual Page-to-Stage Festival — all free and open to the public. Several performances are family-friendly, including Outside The Lines: a Play-shop with Arts on the Horizon, Adventure Theatre’s Tinker Bell, and The Misadventures of the Not So Super Superheros by City Kids Theatre. Plus, there are many more for older kids and adults. See the schedule for details and the full list of shows. And note that while tickets are not required, seating is limited.

Apple Gala & Cider Fest
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: $12/adult, $10/child
September may mean back to school for many, but at Great Country it means back to the farm for freshly pressed cider and freshly picked apples. Celebrate the start of the apple picking and cider pressing season with tastings of Rinkers freshly pressed cider — touted as the best in the Valley — demos, picking, donuts, and more. Of course, the farm’s five-acre play area will be open for fun and amusement, too!

Escape Velocity
Where: Marriott Wardman Park Hotel | Woodley Park, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $25-100/adult, $10/age 11-16, free/10 & under
Pop culture meets science at this convention presented by the Museum of Science Fiction. Expect cutting-edge technology and panels on science and pop culture, hands-on STEAM activities for kids, cosplay and evening events for adults, plus astronauts, authors, artists, gaming, drone-racing, and more. There’s plenty that appeals to all ages.

Labor Day Weekend Festivities
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, Sunday, & Monday
Admission: Free
It’s an exciting weekend at Glen Echo. Along with the 47th Annual Labor Day Art Show throughout the weekend, there will be an Open House to check out all kinds of art classes on Saturday, and the 11th annual Irish Music and Dance Showcase on Monday. The public is welcome to enjoy all of it for free!

DC Veg Fest
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Bring the kids to the largest celebration of vegetarian and vegan living in the area. DC VegFest is a full day of delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine, cooking demos, music, and more. A Kids Zone will feature storytime, yoga, Ask-A-Vegan Parent, kid-friendly cooking demos, and music. Attendees will enjoy free food samples along with tasty vegan cuisine from food vendors.

PLAY-RAH-KA: Big Fish
Where: Keegan Theatre
When: Sunday, 3pm
Admission: $45-55
Catch a special family-friendly perforamnce of Keegan Theatre’s latest production that centers on a traveling salesman who lives life to its fullest. (FYI: You can also see a grown-up version other days through September 9.) The theatre’s PLAY-RAH-KA program offers both theatrical experiences for families and creative exploration that helps empower young people and emerging artists to find their authentic voices.

hiSTORY Time
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 12pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum for this special program for early learners ages 0-6. The 1st and 3rd Saturdays in September are all about farming. Bring your child to hear a story about their favorite farm animals, build their own farm, and see a tractor in the collection. The story will be read at 11am and 11:30am.

Family Movie Time
Where: Arlington Cinema Drafthouse | Arlington, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Varies by show
The whole gang can enjoy some entertainment at the Arlington Cinema Drafthouse this weekend. See a screening of the super cute Despicable Me 3 (Saturday @ 12:30pm, Sunday @ 1pm, & Monday @ 1:30pm). Or watch the amazing Wonder Woman (Saturday @ 3pm, Sunday @ 7pm, & Monday @ 7:30pm).

Brews and Pony Rides
Where: Waredaca Brewing Company | Laytonsville, MD
When: Saturday, 2-4pm
Admission: Free ($5/ride)
Parents can sample craft beers, and kids can have fun, too! There will be a great pony for everyone to pet and for kids to take a ride around the orchard. Be aware that this is weather dependent, and parents must be present and sign a waiver.

Mini Golf Pop-Up
Where: Shops at Penn Hill | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 12pm – 8pm & Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Admission: $3/person or $10/group of 4
Grab a putter and putt away at the Penn Hill Mini Golf Pop-Up! Every weekend through Columbus Day, The Shops at Penn Hill bring a fun, family friendly, artist-designed nine-hole course to Southeast, DC. The unique site produced by Building Creative is part art exhibit, part interactive entertainment. Built for the community, each hole is individually designed and built by local artists, taking an unconventional approach combining contemporary installation with leisurely recreation. After the game, players can vote on their favorite design, play their favorite lawn games, and grab a bite from local food trucks.

Labor Day Zip & Climb
Where: Adventure Park at Sandy Spring | Sandy Spring, MD
When: Monday
Admission:
End summer with some adventure! Bring the families and a picnic to the park for a day in the trees before fall arrives! They’ll have a day of music as you navigate the ropes courses and have a blast. (It’s open the rest of the weekend, just without the tunes.)

Virginia Scottish Games
Where: The Plains, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 9am – 9pm
Admission: $20adults, $5/ages 5-12, free for under 5
Celebrate Scottish heritage at this annual fair featuring everything from music and dance to sports and games to food and cars, even Scottish dogs. Much of it will be showcased through competition, but there is plenty that all visitors can partake in, too. Two-day adult passes are available for $30. Festival gates will close at 6pm both days, but Saturday’s concert will continue until 9pm. And children under 12 are free on Sunday!

Arrrgh, Mateys!
Where: Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake | Annapolis, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $22, $12/ages 2 and under
Set sail on the high seas in Annapolis for a jolly good adventure. Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake takes little buccaneers on a search for buried treasure. Several time slots are available throughout the day, and admission includes face painting and dress up along with the on board fun. And police, fire fighters and teachers get a 20% discount with valid ID over Labor Day weekend. Read about one of our experiences on the adventure.

Labor Day Concert at the Capitol
Where: U.S. Capitol Building West Lawn | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8pm
Admission: Free
The National Symphony Orchestra continues its annual Labor Day Weekend tradition with a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Aoife O’Donovan joins the National Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor John Morris Russell this year. Gates open to the public at 3pm, and if the 8pm show is too late, you can catch the open dress rehearsal at 3:30pm. In the case of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the Kennedy Center Concert Hall (and there will be no rehearsal). You can call the NSO Summer Concert Hotline at 202.416.8114 after 2:30pm for updates.

Labor Day Parades
Where: Around the DMV
When: Monday
Admission: Free
For some holiday pageantry on Monday, head to Maryland — both Gaithersburg and Kensington celebrate with Labor Day parades. The 79-year tradition in Gaithersburg will include fire engines, high school marching bands, giant balloons, horses, and clowns in its procession through Olde Towne. Kensington is hosting its 50th Annual Labor Day Parade and Festival. Dance troupes, equestrian groups, fire trucks, circus performers will be part of the show making its way through town starting at 10am. The fun will continue afterward at a festival on Antique Row with live music, food vendors, crafts, and more.

Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by boathouse
Enjoy the weekend on the water, where you can paddle and explore. A bunch of places around the area rent kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, rowboats, and pontoons. Fletcher’s Boathouse is a popular place to go, and you can also paddle from nearby Thompson Boathouse and Ballpark Boathouse next to Yards Park. Bladensburg Waterfront Park also has vessels for rent along with free pontoon boat tours on weekends from 5-5:45. If you’re up for a bigger excursion, you can rent your own pontoon at Solomons Island. And you can see where else you can explore by water in this round-up of great places to go with the flow.

Weather or Not
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The forecast calls for both sunshine and rain (who’s got Rob Base playing in their head now?), so if you want to plan your activities accordingly, keep these two posts bookmarked:
The Great Indoors
The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

**MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW**
* This New York Times article has good information on how to help Hurricane Harvey victims.
* And the Washington Post has a piece on local bars and restaurants hosting fundraisers to benefit American Red Cross relief efforts.
* Prince George’s Public Schools offers Creative Kids Days, all-day structured art classes when students have days off from school. Get more info and register for October 20 & November 10 here.
* DC Baby’s 6-week Fall Session begins September 21. The program offers new moms and their babies a supportive place to connect, learn, and build community.
* District Winery just opened. Clink!

Where to Play on the Weekdays: August 28 – September 1

Enjoy some beach time – and great fossil hunting! – at Purse State Park

Monday – Get to a special summer exhibit or museum program while you can! Several around the area will come to an end after Labor Day. Enjoy free admission for kids to the Newseum thanks to the Summer Fun Deal (and get a deal on adult admission here). See Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree for Washington, DC at the Hirshhorn. Look for fairy houses and enjoy more artistic delights at Annmarie Sculpture Garden. Visit HIVE at the National Building Museum. Find info on even more soon-to-be over activities in the 2017 Summer Guide.

Tuesday – Enjoy mountains of indoor adventures at Badlands Play Space. From active fun to creative explorations to learning experiences to relaxation options, the recently opened facility in Rockville has it all! Hours are 9am – 6pm (Tuesday – Sunday). Admission is $22.50/child and $12.50/toddler.

Wednesday – Take a hike at Riverbend Park. The Great Falls locale may not be as popular as its national park neighbor, but it’s just as fantastic a place to enjoy some time in nature, especially with kids. Trails are mellow for little hikers, the views are lovely, there are plenty of nice picnic spots, and admission is free. And if you want to see the magnificent falls up river, they’re an easy two-mile walk in the woods away. Riverbend Park hours are 7am to dusk.

Thursday – Catch a lunchtime performance by Step Afrika! as they make a stop at Pepco Edison Place Gallery during the Step Xplosion tour that takes them through all 8 Wards in DC. Showtime is 12pm, and tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance.

Friday – Spend what’s one of the last days of summer break for many local kids at the beach! Several places within day trip-distance from DC are great for sand and surf. Enjoy picturesque views of the Bay Bridge along with beach fun at Sandy Point State Park. Head out to Calvert County for a day at Flag Ponds Nature Park, including some fossil hunting. Head a little further out to North Beach or Brownies Beach (Bayfront Park). You can also play paleontologist and look for prehistoric fragments along the Potomac at Purse State Park in Charles County, MD.

The Weekend Round-Up: August 25-27

Arena Stage’s Community Festival isn’t the only place you’ll find great costumes this weekend!

Whether you’re finishing up the first week of school, savoring the final weekend of your summer break, or still going with the flow of the season, there are options galore for making it awesome. Happy Weekend!

Free Parking
Where: National parks everywhere
When: Friday
Admission: Free
The National Park Service is celebrating it’s 101st birthday with a fee free day at national parks, which means there’s no entrance fee where they usually charge to get in. Take advantage of complimentary admission and visit and some of our local parks that normally require you to pay. Hit the trail at Shenandoah or Great Falls, take a ride on Skyline Drive, head to Fort McHenry, or explore Harpers Ferry.

Comcast Outdoor Film Fest
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Thursday, Friday & Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Free
‭Enjoy summer fun under the stars during the Annual Comcast Outdoor Film Festival. The free event gives the community an unrivaled outdoor movie experience with digital cinema ‬projection. ‬See Moana on Thursday, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story on Friday, and The Lego Batman Movie on Saturday. Gates open at 7:30pm, and movies begin at dusk.

Smithsonian Sleepover
Where: National Museum of American History | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 7pm – Saturday, 9am
Admission: $120-135
Registration is still open for a real night at the museum: Become a detective and roam through the galleries. Use your cunning and skills to collect clues that guide you to the crime scene. Along the way, take part in some great games, experiments, and craft projects — and even become a presidential candidate. After you have solved the crime, roll out your bag and sleep soundly knowing that you’ve protected some of America’s treasures — and had plenty of fun.

Ren Fest!
Where: Revel Grove | Crownsville, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 7pm
Admission: $19/adults, $16/seniors, free for 15 and under
Merriment, anyone? The Maryland Renaissance Festival is all about it. The fantastic trip back to medieval times is an event that appeals to all ages and sensibilities. Enjoy jousting matches, kids shows, cheeky comedy acts, tight rope walkers, jugglers, puppetry, Celtic music…and that’s just some of the live entertainment. There are also pony rides, a pirate playground, a giant slide, and some of the best people watching opportunities ever. Walk among knights, maidens, pirates, and villagers in puffy shirts in a 16th-century Tudor village as you chomp on turkey legs and down cups of mead. It all begins Saturday and will run every weekend through October 22. And this weekend only, kids ages 15 and under get in for FREE. Huzzah!

Community Day & Costume Sale
Where: Arena Stage | Southwest, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Join Arena Stage to celebrate the American Voices that have shaped our country and their 2017/18 season! This Community Day is fun for the entire family with live entertainment, dance performances, face painting, story telling, poetry readings, cultural presentations, and more! You’ll also have the chance to buy costumes from historic Arena productions including Guys and Dolls, Oliver!, Carousel, The Music Man and other shows — perfect for early Halloween costume planning!

Hot Air Balloon Fest
Where: Spider Hill Farm | Prince Frederick, MD
When: Saturday, 1-9pm
Admission: $10/adult, $5/ages 3-12, free for 2 & under
Head out to Calvert County for the first ever Southern Maryland Balloon Festival! The family-friendly event will feature tethered hot air balloon rides, live bands, food vendors, a KIDZONE, and more. You can also enter a raffle for a chance to win a 45-minute non-tethered hot air balloon ride to be scheduled at a later date.

Summer Fun
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There’s not much time left to enjoy some of the best activities of the season. Outdoor pools and spraygrounds, special museum programs and exhibits, music and movies in the open air, beach fun, mini golf and carousels rides, or a good ol’ crab feast. The guide to Summer in DC has all the inspiration you need to eke the most out of the summer wind-down.

Celebrate 17th Street
Where: 17th Street, Riggs Place to P Street | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 12-6pm
Admission: $10
The event in the Dupont Circle neighborhood will feature all kinds of activities for the whole fam. Live entertainment; more than 100 vendors selling food, art, and other cool wares; a kids zone with bouncy fun, face painting, games, and more; exhibits by non-profit groups, and appearances by city officials will be part of the festivities that celebrate the community and businesses.

Dragon Boat Regatta
Where: The Wharf | Southwest, DC
When: Saturday, 8am – 5pm
Admission: Free
The 4th annual Capital Dragon Boat Regatta will be an experience for athletes and spectators alike. The family-friendly event features the best premier and local dragon boat teams from along the east coast racing in multiple distances over the course of the day. The public is welcome to watch this unique event for free!

Irish Festival
Where: Waterfront Park | Alexandria, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 7pm
Admission: Free
Head to Old Town for a day of fun and music to celebrate Irish history and culture. Along with lots of live Celtic music and Irish dancing, shop the vendor booths featuring a variety of Irish items, arts & crafts, and traditional festival foods.

Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook
Where: Adventure Theatre | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission: $19.50
Adventure Theatre’s summer production closes after this weekend! When Junie B. Jones, with her two bestest friends in the world, loses her new furry mittens to some “stealers,” she has to investigate. But Junie B. might have something she forgot to return, too. Recommended for all ages.

Shows on Strings
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $6-12
It’s your final chance to see Circus!, the Main Stage performance at the puppet theater in Glen Echo Park — recommended for children of all ages. And really little ones will love Dragon Babies, this weekend’s featured Tiny Tots show, where the lights stay on and doors stay open for an atmosphere suited to small fries.

Nats vs. Mets
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
It’s a weekend at home for the Nats as they host the New York Mets. There are games Friday night, Saturday afternoon, and two on Sunday — at 1:35pm and 8:08pm. (Note: Because of the doubleheader, there will be no Kids Run the Bases.) Check out all the family fun there is to enjoy, and get some KFDC tips for doing a Nats game without breaking the bank.

Military Family Appreciation Day
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Join the Portrait Gallery in recognizing and honoring the US armed forces veterans with a program for the whole family. Create art, learn about American heroes, design your own exhibition, have your photo taken, and tap your toes to live music in the courtyard.

StepFest
Where: Kingman Island | Northeast, DC
When: Saturday, 5pm
Admission: Free, but reserve tickets!
Join Step Afrika! for their first-ever StepFest on Saturday. The show will feature performances by Step Afrika!, Coyaba Dance Theatre, Soul in Motion, Dem Raider Boyz, The Lady Raiders as well as creative activities for all ages, including a scavenger hunt, drum making, talks on percussive history, boat tours. Be sure to check the website for schedule and details to help you plan.

Children’s Day at Run of the Mill
Where: Peirce Mill | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
The historic mill in Rock Creek Park is hosting it’s regular program with some extra fun this Saturday. Along with the opportunity to see the 2,000-pound millstone convert corn to cornmeal using good old-fashioned renewable energy of water, kids can enjoy activities and games, too. At 11am and 12:30pm, there will be hands-on tours of the mill designed especially for young children. And up at the barn, they can make toys such as marbles, tops, cornhusk dolls, and cup and ball toys. There will be even more traditional toys and games for kids to try out on the lawn!

Discover BlackRock @ Open House
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Help BlackRock kick off its 2017-18 season at complimentary day of fun and activities for the whole family. Get a taste of all that BlackRock offers through demo classes in dance, music, theater, and art; exciting performances; and exhibits in their gallery. There will also giveaways, music, face painting, art sales, and more!

Movies On The Green – Double Feature
Where: Fort Dupont Park | Anacostia, DC
When: Saturday, 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Catch a couple of flicks under an amazing LED Wall that you don’t have to wait for the dark to see! Movie On The Green will host a double feature of The Jungle Book 2016 and the 41st Anniversary of Car Wash. Gates open at 4:30pm with a concession stand that hosts all your snack favorites.Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

Little Mover & POP! Open Houses
Where: CityDance | Tenleytown, DC & Rockville, MD
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
CityDance invites Little Movers ages 3 to 7 to sample dance classes at an Open House this weekend. Children can try out Ballet, Hip Hop, Flamenco, and Sri Lankan – for free! Register for Tenleytown here and Rockville here.

Colonial Arts & Crafts
Where: Old Stone House | Georgetown, DC
When: Sunday, 11am & 1pm
Admission: Free
Children ages 5 and up are invited to drop in to discover the oldest home in Washington, DC! A corn husk craft and colonial era games will also be part of the day’s activities. Plan for a stroll, shopping, and brunch (or lunch) while you’re in the neighborhood full of restaurants and retail.

How ‘Bout Them Apples?
Where: Farms around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
The apple picking season has begun! Several farms in the area have opened their orchards for guests to start gathering. This round-up of area farms and orchards offering PYO opportunities has details. And I always recommend calling ahead to be sure the pickings are good the day you plan to go.

***MORE GOOD STUFF TO KNOW***
* Does your kid like to swim, bike, and run? JUST TRYAN IT hosts triathlons for ages 6-14 with proceeds benefiting local families that have a child with cancer in the DC area — and there’s one coming up on September 17.
* The next release of timed passes for December 2017 to the National Museum of African American History & Culture is on September 6. And remember that you can try for same-day tickets online daily starting at 6:30am, and a limited number of walk-up passes are available on weekdays starting at 1pm.
* Don’t forget to enter the giveaway for tickets to InterAct Story Theatre’s The Legend of Pufferfish Pat: A Tall Tale for Mad Times!
* If you haven’t yet bookmarked these KFDC posts, I recommend doing so: The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids
The Great Indoors.