Take a DC Bike Ride this weekend
Happy Weekend!
Bike to Work Day!
Where: Around the DMV
When: Friday
Admission: Free
This isn’t exactly a family activity — though you could make it one by combining your work commute with school drop-off — but it’s worth highlighting. Join the celebration of bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work. Be one of the first 20,000 to register and attend this free event, then bike to your choice of 115 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA, and receive a free T-shirt, refreshments, and be entered into a raffle for a new bicycle. Register and find pit stop locations here.
Jazz it Up
Where: NGA Sculpture Garden | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 5–8:30pm (weather permitting)
Admission: Free
Start the weekend with some live jazz amid great art! The National Gallery of Art’s free, outdoor summer music series kicks off this weekend with Rob Curto’s Forró For All’s Brazilian Folk Jaxx music. Spread out a blanket, pack a picnic dinner or purchase food and drinks there, and enjoy the tunes and the “summer” vibe. Note: BYO alcohol is not permitted, but adult drinks are available from the pavilion.
Teen Takeover: Night at the Museum
Where: Freer|Sackler Gallery | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 6-9pm
Admission:Free
Teens are taking over at this free after-hours event to discover the Smithsonian’s first museum of Asian art. Kids ages 13 to 18 can enjoy a night with a fun lineup of activities made by and for teens, including a pop-up gallery featuring teen artists, musical performances, gallery tours, art making, free food and giveaways. Bring valid student ID!
DC Bike Ride
Where: Throughout Washington, DC
When: Saturday, 8am – 12:30pm
Admission: $70/adult, $35/age 8-17, free/7 & under
This celebration of biking in DC, now in its fourth year, is a closed-roads, car-free, 20-mile bike ride through the District. Bicyclists ages 3 and up will have the opportunity to pedal past some of the capital’s most iconic sites with the city’s two-wheelin’ community. End up at a Finish Festival in front of the U.S. Capitol with beats, eats, and fun activities for all ages. Participating is easier than ever this year for riders and families. Now, riders can rent bikes on-site for only $12, thanks to a partnership with Unlimited Biking — they can pick-up and drop-off their bike at the event finish line for a seamless experience, and youth pricing is available for young riders.
Family Day: European Textiles
Where: Textile Museum | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Art Museum Day and the European Month of Culture at the Textile Museum with family-friendly activities that celebrate the rich cultures and textile traditions of Lithuania and other EU nations. Design a woven belt inspired by traditional Lithuanian folk costume, enjoy story time and Hungarian folk dance, create a lacey accessory, and more. Stop by the museum’s interactive gallery Textiles 101 to learn how textiles are made. This celebration is presented in collaboration with the Embassy of Lithuania and the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.
Kids in the Castle: Scavenger Hunt
Where: Heurich House Museum | Dupont Circle, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Once again, the Heurich House Museum will open its doors for free, kid-friendly, self-guided tours. Kids in the Castle: Scavenger Hunt gives families the chance to explore the ornate details of the Heurich family home. Children and parents are invited to wander through the house at their own pace and complete a photo scavenger hunt to win prizes. Once visitors have finished their tour, they can relax and play games in the museum’s Castle Garden (weather permitting). Typically, the museum is not open to children under 10, but during this special event, children are the main focus. This event is free, but registration is suggested.
Art Adventures
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Head to the Hirshhorn for programs especially for kids, activities for all ages, and to check out the newest exhibit. On Saturday at 10am, find a Check it Out! cart in the gallery that include a children’s book, suggested artworks for viewing, and hands-on materials, and at 2pm, drop in for a sketching session. On Sunday, take kiddos to Storytime at 11am. And if you’re with t(w)een kids, check out Rirkrit Tiravanija: (who’s afraidof red, yellow, and green), a new exhibit (and culinary experience) opening on Friday.
Lucketts Spring Market
Where: Clarke County Fairgrounds | Berryville, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15-40/adult, free/ages 12 & under
The weekend long event features all things vintage, farmhouse, industrial, garden, architectural, textiles. If you are looking for a unique one-of-a-kind piece, this is the weekend to find the perfect treasure. To insure everyone has a fun time, Vanish Brewery will be there, as well as yummy food trucks, live music, and pony rides for kiddos.
Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Where: American Indian Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5:30pm
Admission: Free
King Kamehameha—respected Native Hawaiian warrior, leader and diplomat—united the Hawaiian Islands into a royal kingdom in 1810. Learn about the King’s legacy by exploring the lua, traditional training for warriors, as well as the unique royal Hawaiian regalia, including distinctive feather capes. Other activities include scholarly presentations, music, storytelling and family activities.
Spring Fling
Where: Armed Forces Retirement Home Grounds | Petworth, DC
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: $10 donation to park
The Friends of the Soldiers Home is hpsting their 7th Annual Spring Fling o Saturday, and all are welcome to join the fun! There will be activities for children, plenty of delightful food and drink treats, music by the local rock ‘n’ roll legends Rockits.
Nats vs. Cubs
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Ticket prices vary
The Nats are hosting the Cubs this weekend, with evening games on Friday and Saturday, and an afternoon match-up in Sunday that will make for a great family outing. It’s Youth Baseball and Softball Day (special tickets required), plus kids ages 12 and under they can run the bases after the game. Before you plan your ballpark outing, checkout these KFDC tips on how to do a Nats game without breaking the bank.
Show Time
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by performance
* Join Winnie the Pooh and friends at Adventure Theatre.
* Keegan Theatre presents The Reluctant Dragon
* Enjoy Colors, a dance performance where colors become a place of relationships and emotions, at the Kennedy Center
* Create your own adventure as you Escape from Peligro Island at Imagination Stage
* See a fairytale classic on strings with Cinderella at The Puppet Co.
* Clowning Around is the featured Tiny Tots performance at The Puppet Co. on Sunday.
* Venture Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre.
SerbFest DC
Where: Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church | Potomac, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 9pm
Admission: Free
Presented by Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church of Potomac, MD, this three-day festival has something for everyone, including traditional Serbian dishes, beverages, dance and music performances, gifts and boutique items and family-friendly activities. In addition, admission and parking are free, an indoor setup has been arranged in case of inclement weather and all a la carte food item proceeds benefit Saint Luke Serbian Orthodox Church.
Gaithersburg Book Festival
Where: Gaithersburg City Hall | Gaithersburg, MD
When: Saturday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The City of Gaithersburg welcomes you to their 8th annual literary event! Festivities will include the chance to see and meet some of the world’s best writers, from best-sellers to acclaimed up-and-comers; join in literary workshops; and a full day of fun at the Children’s Village. The Gaithersburg City Hall is located at 31 South Summit Avenue.
Children’s Arts & Crafts Workshops
Where: House of Sweden | Georgetown, DC
When: Saturday, 12-3pm
Admission: Free
Let your creativity loose and draw inspiration from the current exhibits in House of Sweden and participate in STEAM activities for kids, encouraging innovation and children’s curiosity. Children will be able to create abstract art, make small popsicle stick homes in honor of Folkhem’s sustainable wooden home design in Sweden, and more! You can also check out the interactive room Children in the City – Little Library & Funky Town or listen to a Swedish children’s book (in English) after you are done crafting, during Storytime at 3pm. Located at 2900 K Street NW.
Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest, and several area farms are now welcoming guests to pick their own. 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.
McLean Day
Where: Lewinsville Park | McLean, VA
When: Friday, 2-7pm & Saturday, 11am – 5pm
Admission: Free
McLean’s annual festival to celebrate the city has something for everyone in the fam. Enjoy carnival rides, food trucks, live entertainment, a petting zoo, exhibitor booths, free field games, a rock climbing wall, Bubble Ball, laser tag, balloon animals, and more that will delight all ages.
Discover Occoquan
Where: Historic Downtown | Occoquan, VA
When: Saturday, 11am – 8pm
Admission: Free
The Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Merchants Guild are hosting a day of free activities for everyone, including including interactive classes and free demonstrations hosted by Occoquan businesses, a scavenger hunt, a history tour, a pop-up tea room, a photo booth, live entertainment, and more! The festive event culminates with a beer garden and concert in River Mill Park.
Kids Day with Valor
Where: Capitol One Arena | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday, 3:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $10
The Washington Valor of the Arena Football League is hosting “Kids Day” on Saturday when the team hosts the Philadelphia Soul. In addition to the fast-paced, family-friendly action on the field, fans will have the opportunity to participate in a number of concourse activities, including a photo booth with Valor mascot “Blitz” and a Washington Mystics-branded pop-a-shot. Additionally, kids who arrive early will receive a Valor hat. Following the game, fans will be welcomed onto the field for an autograph session with the players.
Portrait Stories & Discoveries
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 1-4pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the Portrait Gallery to listen to a story about Maya Lin, and complete a hands-on activity. When you’re done there, pick up a Portrait Discovery Kit to explore the museum (and the American Art Museum housed in the same building). For more about the program, see this post about a past experience and this one with more scenes and info.
Capitol Hill Classic
Where: Stanton Park | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 8:30-11:30am
Admission: $10-40
Get some exercise and support DC public schools at this annual race, one of my personal favorites, through the beautiful Capitol Hill neighborhood. It’s fun and family-friendly with a couple of distance options — 10k and 3k — plus a fun run around Stanton Park for little ones. The 10k starts at 8:30am, the 3k about 10:30am, and the Fun Run at 11am.
The Fiddle Diva Kids Show
Where: Capitol Cider House | Petworth, DC
When: Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free
Catch some entertainment especially for kids at a place that is making an effort to cater to families. The Fiddle Diva, this Sunday’s performance, is a big show in a small package. Based out of Washington DC, she combines 20+ years of event experience with her unparalleled skills as a violinist, singer, and DJ. Her dynamic style of event entertainment covers jazz, pop, classic rock, oldies, dance hits, and much more. Doors open at 10am. Full food and drink menus will be available. This is a family-friendly event.
Old Town Festival of Speed & Style
Where: King Street | Old Town Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10am – 3pm
Admission: Free
A collection of high performance and racing cars from the 1950’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s will span three blocks on lower King Street, showcasing approximately 60 rare and unusual supercars from around the world. Ferrari, Jaguar, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston-Martin ,and Cobra are some of the cars you can view for up close! This will be paired with a fashion exhibition presented by the Old Town Boutique District from 1-2pm featuring spring looks from Old Town Boutique District stores. The event will also include live music, street vendors, and an opportunity to explore Old Town shops and restaurants.
Takoma Park Children’s Business Fair
Where: Takoma Park Seven Day Adventist Church | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
This one-day fair that gives children the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses. Shop for a variety of original and innovative wares and treats crated by kids, including abacus bracelets, organic dog treats, T-Shirt bags, on the go hair supplies, macarons, fused glass jewelries, and more. Enjoy other activities, too, like a photo booth and raffles. Local entrepreneurs have been invited as judges for the fair and prizes will be presented at the end. The church is located at 6951 Carroll Ave.
Family Yoga: Earth Yoga
Where: Roda Movements | Takoma Park, MD
When: Sunday, 10:30am – 11:30am
Admission: $15/family (siblings/parents/relatives included)
Finally you can go to yoga class with your children! Prepare to sweat, dance, sing, strike poses, balance, play games, do partner acro-yoga, go on yoga adventures, and enjoy meditative time to relax, reflect and connect. Class includes smoothies and themes like “Earth Yoga,” “Yoga Dance Party” and “Happy Yoga.”
Southeast Porchfest
Where: Front porches | Hillcrest, DC
When: Sunday, 12-6pm
Admission: Free
Get the best seats in the house (or on the sidewalk) as front porches of homes and other venues are transformed into intimate performance spaces to be enjoyed by anyone who happens to stroll by. The Southeast Porchfest embodies the life and soul of DC, spotlighting the region’s top emerging talent. It’s an outing for the entire family. Wear walking shoes and bring a lawn chair along with cash to tip the performers.
Decoding Dislexia DC
Where: Southeast Library | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Sunday, 2pm
Admission: Free
Does your child struggle with reading, writing, or spelling? Are you a teacher and want to know more about specific learning disability (dyslexia), other reasons why far too many students have trouble learning to read, and what can be done about it? Join this group and meet concerned parents of struggling readers and like-minded educators. Learn why so many DC school children read below grade level, what resources are available, and how Decoding Dyslexia DC is advocating for changes in education policy. The topic of this meeting will be: Understanding Dyslexia and Essential Elements of an Effective Intervention. Laurie Moloney, Certified Academic Language Therapist and President of the DC Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, will give a brief talk on the reading crisis and how to solve it. All are welcome!
***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* I just posted about our fantastic getaway to Colonial Williamsburg.
* Enjoy a progressive lunch at Taste of Dupont.
* The UniverSoul Circus is coming to town this summer, and you can score discount tickets to see it now.
* The New York Times just launched a new Parenting section.
* If you need a good 😂😂😂, watch Wine Country on Netflix.
* Finally made it to St. Anselm and the hype is well-deserved.
* The Onion really nails it sometimes.
* This Humans of New York post does, too.
