Happy Long Weekend!
Find ideas for ongoing local fun in these go-to posts:
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places
Unofficial Summer
Where: Throughout the DC area
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
The season may not be official on the calendar, but summer fun has begun, and much more starts this weekend! Jump in at an outdoor pool, enjoy music in the fresh air, play in the sprays, see a movie under the stars, paddle local waterways, see a special exhibit, and pursue even more seasonal joys. The 2023 KFDC Guide to Summer Around the DC Area has the scoop on where and when to experience it all.
Take a Dip
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
With “summer” starting and warm 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.
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 including the nearby Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, and WWII Memorial makes for a good walk. On Monday, there will be a Memorial Day observance at the Wall at 1pm and at the Korean Memorial at 4:45pm.
Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!
Where: National Children’s Museum | Downtown DC
When: Starting Saturday
Admission: $15.95
Let curiosity run wild at the National Children’s Museum with the opening of Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! Introducing young children into the world of Curious George, the exhibit leads visitors ages 3-7 on a fun, interactive math, science, and engineering-based adventure while emphasizing the central role that parents and caregivers play in learning. Celebrate the exhibit’s opening on Saturday with a day of special offerings, including story time, a scavenger hunt, and tinkering activity.
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.
Model Trains and Thomas
Where: Historic Vienna Train Station | Vienna, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-5pm
Admission: Free (donations accepted)
While you’re at ViVa Vienna, stop by the Historic Vienna Train Station where you can see and hear HO scale model trolleys and trains, including Thomas and some of his friends on display and in operation. It’s a great family fun and activity for the young and young at heart. The Station is at 231 Dominion Road NE, Vienna, VA along the W&OD trail just past the Caboose.
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.
Brick City
Where: National Building Museum | Judiciary Square, DC
When: Opens Saturday
Admission: $10/adult, $7/age 3-17
Brick City will celebrate iconic architecture from cities around the world through carefully recreated constructions made from LEGO® bricks. Take a world tour and see lively streetscapes from Cartagena, Columbia; Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans; intricate temples from India to Mexico; and imaginative castles from medieval Japan to modern Las Vegas. There is also an interactive area where builders young and old build their own LEGO masterpieces and create pixelated art using the toy bricks on an expansive “graffiti wall” canvas.
Strawberry Jubilee
Where: Great Country Farms | Bluemont, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: $12/child, $14/adult, free/2 & under
It’s weekend #2 of 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 live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole fam. As if that’s not enough to keep the everyone 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!
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 pick their own. 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.
Black Birders STEM Day
Where: NMAAHC | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Did you know there is an entire week dedicated to Black birders, called Black Birders Week? Join the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Museum of Natural History, as they celebrate Black birders, birds, and nature. Participate in a bird walk on the National Mall, learn about Black birders and ornithologists, learn how to participate in Black Birders Week activities, and engage in hands-on STEAM lessons guided by Smithsonian educators. Register in advance!
Big Bounce America
Where: Rosecroft Raceway | Fort Washington, MD
When: Through June 11
Admission: Starts at $22
It’s the second weekend of Big Bounce America, the world’s largest bounce house, that’s got people jumping for joy in the area. The biggest touring inflatable event includes four massive inflatable attractions: a 16,000-square-foot World’s Largest Bounce House; the newly added Sport Slam featuring a customized sports arena; the 900-foot-long obstacle course named The Giant; and a unique, space-themed wonderland called airSPACE. Three-hour sessions for varying age groups — 3 & under, 7 & under, 15 & under, and 16 & older — are $22 for the youngest group, $38 for older kids, and $41 for 16+. Reserve tickets here.
Make A Splash With Real Mermaids
Where: Weston Wheaton Center | Wheaton, MD
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrating the return of Disney’s The Little Mermaid to AMC Wheaton Mall 9, the indoor shopping destination will transform into a thalassic underwater cove, adorned with floating light-up jellyfish, dangling seaweed and three real live mermaids. Mall patrons will also enjoy live music, little mer-makeovers with face painters, on-site photo prints with a professional photographer and exclusive promotions from retailers all throughout the mall.
Make a Doll, Make a Memory
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 1-3pm
Admission: Free
Make a doll and make a memory with loved ones during this hands-on activity. Visitors will hear a short presentation from museum staff about soft-sculpture figure dolls in the museum’s collection made by the Growing Thunder Collective followed by an artmaking activity to take home. Parents and caregivers visiting with youth ages 5–13 are invited to make a paper doll that represents a loved one. Dollmaking materials like those used to make the Growing Thunder dolls will be available for touching, smelling, looking, and listening. Art supplies provided.
Flowers of Remembrance Day
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Sunday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free
In honor of Memorial Day and those who have sacrificed for our country, members of the public are invited to place a flower at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Flowers will be provided (do not bring your own), and visitors will also have an opportunity to place a flower on headstones throughout the cemetery.
The Spirit of Women’s Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Sunday, 5pm
Admission: Tickets start at $15
Washington Spirit, our local women’s pro soccer team, are playing at Audi Field on Saturday against Gotham FC. Enjoy some amazing soccer play while supporting our home team and women in sports Plan for a pre- or post-match meal nearby — El Bebe, All Purpose Pizza, The Salt Line, and Dacha are conveniently located and my top recs for family-friendly spots to eat in that area.
National Memorial Day Concert
Where: West lawn of the Capitol | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8-9:30pm, gates open at 5pm
(or Saturday for the dress rehearsal)
Admission: Free
Why watch on TV when you can be there in person? Yes, the public is once again welcome to the National Memorial Day Concert! Taking place on the west lawn of the Capitol on Sunday from 8 – 9:30pm, the concert will be hosted by Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinese, and an all-star line-up of artists will join the National Symphony Orchestra and several military music ensembles in honoring those who have served and sacrificed for our country. If you’re planning to go, the FAQ page on the concert website is worth a read. KFDC Tip: If you can’t make Sunday’s show or don’t want to deal with the crowds, Saturday’s dress rehearsal is also always open to the public — gates open at 5pm, and the show begins at 8pm.
Memorial Day Observance
Where: Arlington National Cemetery | Arlington, VA
When: Monday, 10:30am
Admission: Free
Observe the holiday at one of the most iconic spots to honor those who have served — special Memorial Day remembrance events ae once again open to the public. A prelude concert by the United States Navy Band will begin in the amphitheater at 10:30am, and a wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at 11am followed by an observance program in the amphitheater. Space is limited to standing room only for the wreath-laying ceremony, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the amphitheater. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to ensure access to these events and should plan to be seated no later than 9:30am. Read more about Arlington National Cemetery here.
National Memorial Day Parade
Where: Constitution Avenue NW, 7th-17th St | Downtown DC
When: Monday, 2pm
Admission: Free
The annual National Memorial Day Parade celebrates and honors 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.
National Native American Veterans Memorial
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall
When: Monday, 2–6pm
Admission: Free
Observe Memorial Day with the museum as they light the flame at the National Native American Veterans Memorial to honor the sacrifice and service of Native veterans. The memorial, a tribute to Native heroes, recognizes for the first time on a national scale the enduring and distinguished service of Native Americans in every branch of the US military.
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. Patuxent River State Park and Waredaca Brewery.
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.
#OptOutside
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It looks like mostly nice weather this long weekend, 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 you’re looking indoor fun or just extra activities The Great Indoors lists over 100 suggestions for outings that take place inside.
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Save your seats: There’s a new round-up of shows coming to local stages this summer.
* The Riverfront (Re)Connect Summer Series is offering one-hour kayaking tours on June 1 for just $10/person.
* One of our favorite Capitol Hill restaurants, Joselito, is now open for lunch Wednesday – Friday (weekends, too) with special deals, to boot!
* Lots of yummy sounding recipes for Memorial Day.
* Great sales going on: adidas (cute sneakers), West Elm (pretty pillows), Boden (sweetest kids wear), Anthro (this duvet), Backcountry (best sporty sandals), and Container Store.
* Just purchased this for our very sunny back patio.
* This new thriller on Netflix is gripping and full of twists.
* Simply the best.❤️