With a long weekend ahead, there’s even more time to enjoy some fun with the family. And one great way to spend some of that time is at the National Gallery of Art ‘s monthly First Saturday! The special day-long affair offers multiple free programs for kids of all ages.
On Saturday, September 2, the fun begins with a story time session for little ones. Hear a reading of the children’s book Brown Bear, Brown Bear by Eric Carle in English and Spanish and stay for a little play time, too.
Then starting at 11am, all ages can enjoy even more: Create sculptures using Model Magic clay, try out the new Sketching Lab, and visit the museum’s pop-up library, where you can browse special selections from the Library collection and enjoy quiet activities for kids.
These free activities are offered throughout the East Building and don’t require registration. View more details and the full schedule of the day’s activities here.
Of course, plan for time to tour the exhibits, too!
First Saturday Where: National Gallery of Art, East Building | National Mall, DC When: Saturday, September 2, 10am – 3pm Admission: FREE!
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This post is sponsored by the National Gallery of Art, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Looking for a place to beat the heat and get your 4th of July celebration started this weekend? Join the National Gallery of Art for their July First Saturday, a special day-long affair with multiple free programs for kids of all ages!
These activities will be offered throughout the East Building (+ one in the West) and don’t require registration. View more details and the full schedule of the day’s activities here.
First Saturday
Where: National Gallery of Art, East Building | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, July 1, 10am – 3pm
Admission: FREE!
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This post is sponsored by the National Gallery of Art, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
This Saturday, April 30, the National Gallery of Art welcomes you to join the Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival, a special day-long event highlighting the arts and culture of the African Diaspora.
This John Wilmerding Community Celebration will be offered in conjunction with the new Afro-Atlantic Histories exhibition, an enlightening and in-depth look at the historical experiences and cultural formations of Black and African people since the 17th century. If you haven’t yet experienced it, this weekend is a perfect time to go, when there will be activities for all ages to enjoy along with the collection of art!
Highlights of the festival include:
Jamaican cooking demonstrations and free samples from Executive Chef Christopher Curtis (12pm, 1pm, and 2pm — registration required)
The first live performance of visionary artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons’s When We Gather — a procession from the East Garden Court to the steps of the museum’s National Mall entrance (1pm)
The Festival will take place in various locations of the museum’s West Building. Catch musical performances at the National Mall entrance and the West Garden Court. Food Demos will be held in the Cascade Café, and you can find creator pop-ups and other festivities in the East Garden Court. View more details and the full schedule of the day’s activities here.
Afro-Atlantic Histories Festival
Where: National Gallery of Art | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, April 30, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This post is sponsored by the National Gallery of Art, however, I only promote events, programs, and places that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
Fun and fall on a recent disc golf outing with friends
Happy Weekend!
Leaf Peep on the Trail
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Take in the brilliant color spectrum of autumn and get a little exercise to boot on a family hike. From right here in the city to country locales, you’ve got your pick of places where you can enjoy the fall foliage and some time outdoors. This post about good area hikes with kids started in the early KFDC days, and with many new recommendations added since — including a new write up about Sky Meadows State Park — there are lots of great recommendations to make for happy trampers.
Inside Out(ings)
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Not all outing have to be outside. Lots of indoor places have reopened their doors, and they are all taking extra precautions to ensure safety during COVID. This post has details on outings that take place inside and this one has suggestions especially for little kids.
Spooktacular Drive-In Flicks
Where: Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday
Admission: $20/vehicle
Grab your popcorn and join the Capitol Riverfront BID for a drive-in movie at the Akridge Lot (First and V St. SW) in Buzzard Point next to Audi Field. The movie is a fun, contact-free experience for all ages with space for 75 vehicles set at an appropriate social distance. Us is the spooktacular flick being screened this weekend. Proceeds will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.
Drive-In “Spooky” Movie Nights
Where: DC Party Box | Rockville, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15/adult, $10/13 & under
Enjoy Sppoktacular theater at this drive-in, featuring an LED screen, FM broadcasting, and spooky surprises. There are two showings each night, a family-friendly film at 7pm and a classic or scary movie 10pm. This weekend it’s Goosebumps and Pet Sematary on Friday, Casper and The Exorcist on Saturday, and Gremlins and Scream on Sunday. Reserve in advance online, one reservation per car.
Halloween Szn at Park Up Drive-In
Where: RFK Parking Lot | Northeast DC
When: Saturday & Sunday
Admission:
There are several films in Park Up’s drive-in movie lineup this weekend, both family-friendly and for adults. Hocus Pocus, Goosebumps, Vampire in Brooklyn, and Child’s Play are among the options. Visit the website for days and times.
More Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are even more ways to get the Halloween party started that also allow for social distancing. See what’s coming up around the area and access virtual activities from some of your favorite places. This annual post has details on where to find the tricks and treats.
Victura Garten
Where: The REACH | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Admission: Free
On weekends, the grounds of The REACH, the Kennedy Center’s immersive extension, transform into Victura Park, an outdoor family-friendly pop-up wine garden & café. For October, however, they’ve partnered up with Solace Outpost for a Bavarian themed month at the Park. Enjoy craft beers and great foods as you hang out in the lovely outdoor area overlooking the Potomac River. Victura Park hours are Friday 3-10pm, Saturday 12-10pm, and Sunday 12-8pm (also, Thursday 3-10pm).
Pumpkins in the Park
Where: Canal Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Saturday, 12-4pm
Admission: $20
Canal Park will be transformed into the neighborhood’s very own “pumpkin patch” as the community is invited to pick their pumpkin in a safe, socially-distanced fashion (no more than 15 people in the pumpkin patch at one time) while supplies last. Take-home decorating kits will also be available along with the option to have your pumpkin painted by local artist Painted Palettes. Purchase tickets in advance.
Drive-Thru Trot or Treat
Where: North Star Stables | Delaplane, VA
When: Sunday
Admission: By donation
It’s all horsing around at the trick-or-treat for a cause! Support North Star’s equine team and therapeutic riding scholarship fund with a drive-thru trick-or-treat! While Covid restrictions preclude them from hosting their normal Halloween celebration, North Star is excited to offer a drive-thru Halloween! Join to see their awesome horses in costume and collect treats (non-candy treats available) along the facility’s fence line! They ask each car to contribute a small, monetary donation.
Fall Festing
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the season at a fall festival. From pumpkin patches and petting zoos to corn mazes and hayrides, many farms around the DMV (or just beyond) are still offering traditional activities to enjoy in safe ways. This post has details on where all the fall fun is happening.
Other Autumn Adventures
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Farm festivals may be the go-to autumn outing, but there are lots of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post lists a bunch of great places for fall adventures.
Disc Golfin’
Where: Courses around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Free
Hit the links, the chain links, that is! Disc golf is a great way to enjoy a nice fall day outdoors with the family. Not only is it fun and challenging, the courses, many of them set up in scenic places, are lovely this time of year. This post has info about one in College Park, and there are also great courses at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, MD, and Burke Lake Park in Burke, VA.
Go Green Design Challenge Kick Off
Where: KID Museum | Online
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
KID Museum and Pepco are teaming up to bring you a free, family design challenge! Families are invited to use common household materials to come up with a prototype of their own environmentally-friendly invention. Your idea might involve the creative re-design of an existing item, like a more efficient window or appliance, or something entirely new. Join the museum on Saturday morning for the virtual kick-off, where you’ll receive a rundown of challenge guidelines, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the Pepco WaterShed Sustainability Center. Then put your imagination and your design skills to work!
Virtual Artful Conversations
Where: National Gallery of Art | Online
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am
Admission: Free
The National Gallery of Art’s popular program for art enthusiasts ages 7–12 is returning virtually with a special guest. Haywood Turnipseed Jr., a writer and stand-up comedian, will help participants find the humor in art. Sign up for an online session — it’s free, but registration is required.
Crystalline
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through January 3
Admission: $12-17/child, $19-24/adult
To wrap up this unprecedented year, ARTECHOUSE has transformed their gallery into a blue-hued haven intended to evoke calm and peace during a turbulent time. Like all of their exhibitions, just about all of it is interactive, as the images change with viewers’ motions, encouraging play. Immersing into the depths of the color, even just for a little while, is a beautiful — and fun — escape from the bizarre Covid world outside.
Euro Entertainment
Where: Online
When: Through November 29
Admission: Free
International travel may not be possible right now, but you can still enjoy European adventures. The annual Kids Euro Festival has gone digital this year, offering families all over the world access to an extended virtual festival with a full 6 weeks of online programming — all of it free! Through November 29, tune in for performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and more.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Make a scarecrow with the fam at Sully Historic Site. Solve a Halloween mystery at Riverbend Park. Appreciate colors of the forest at Lake Fairfax Park. Details and registration for these and many more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Monuments: Creative Forces
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Through October 25
Admission: $5-30
This unique outdoor art installation throughout Strathmore’s 16 acres sounds like an ideal exhibition for COVID times, being in fresh air with a lot of space. Monuments: Creative Forces by Australian artist Craig Walsh features moving, dimensional video portraits of artists whose work and artistic endeavors are changing the shape of our community in profound ways. The expansive portraits of these creative heroes were chosen by a diverse panel of community and arts leaders are projected on to towering trees, transforming them into animated sculptural monuments.
Even More Activities
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want even more ideas for things to do over the weekend, this post has plenty of inspo, listing both ongoing activities around the area as well as information on reopenings.
***MORE GOOD STUFF*** * Washingtonian’s recs for 6 nearby wineries with lots of space and great views. * Tickets are available for Free Community Days at the National Museum of Women in the Arts. Reserve them for November 1 and November 15. * Due to COVID, the annual DC Bike Ride, usually a one-day event that takes place throughout DC streets, will become the DC Virtual Ride from November 1-21. Find out how to participate here. * Get 25% off Tea Collection during their Friends & Family Event. * Cancelled: Enchant Christmas, the event that transformed Nationals Park into a holiday wonderland last winter, will not take place this year. * Watson Adventures has a Wizard School Virtual Scavenger Hunt coming up on November 15. These fill up fast, so sign up soon! * An informative article perfect for the weekend.😉 * The panda cam is always a heartwarmer.🐼
Soul Strolls
Where: Congressional Cemetery | Capitol Hill, DC
When: Friday & Saturday
Admission: $25/adult, $12/child
Trespass into the past and discover the secrets of some of Congressional Cemetery’s “residents.” Soul Strolls, the Cemetery’s annual twilight tours, explore the stories of individuals buried there through guided tours and costumed interpreters. Experience the history of this hallowed ground exactly the way it should be experienced in October — in twilight and darkness, happening upon vignettes and individuals under the guidance of one of the “Dozen Decent Docents.” Hour-long tours depart every 15 minutes. Beer, wine, and cider tickets will be for sale on-site to enjoy a drink before your tour, plus there will be a bar located along the tour route to redeem your drink tickets for a refresher.
Spooktacular Drive-In Flicks
Where: Akridge Lot at Buzzard Point | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday
Admission: $20/vehicle
Grab your popcorn and join the Capitol Riverfront BID for a drive-in movie at the Akridge Lot (First and V St. SW) in Buzzard Point next to Audi Field. The movie is a fun, contact-free experience for all ages with space for 75 vehicles set at an appropriate social distance. Frankenstein & Dracula is the spooktacular flick being screened this weekend. Proceeds will be donated to DC Central Kitchen.
Drive-In “Spooky” Movie Nights
Where: DC Party Box | Rockville, MD
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: $15/adult, $10/13 & under
Enjoy Sppoktacular theater at this drive-in, featuring an LED screen, FM broadcasting, and spooky surprises. There are two showings each night, a family-friendly film at 7pm and a classic or scary movie 10pm. This weekend it’s Scoob and Sixth Sense on Friday, Hocus Pocus and The Shining on Saturday, and The Addams Family and Nightmare on Elm Street on Sunday. Reserve in advance online, one reservation per car.
More Wicked Fun
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are even more ways to get the Halloween party started that also allow for social distancing. See what’s coming up around the area and access virtual activities from some of your favorite places. This annual post has details on where to find the tricks and treats.
Art Safari
Where: Online
When: Saturday
Admission: Free
An Alexandria tradition for 25 years, Art Safari is moving online in 2020. On Saturday, professional artists will lead a series of creative hands-on projects via Facebook Live with sessions running 11am – 4pm. Other recorded sessions will be posted throughout the day via Facebook videos and will be archived on the Torpedo Factory website for later viewing.
Crystalline
Where: ARTECHOUSE | Southwest DC
When: Through
Admission: $12-17/child, $19-24/adult
To wrap up this unprecedented year, ARTECHOUSE has transformed their gallery into a blue-hued haven intended to evoke calm and peace during a turbulent time. Submerge in the sights, sounds, and sensations and discover creative curiosities as you interact with the digital art.
The Great Pumpkin Experience
Where: Ballston Quarter | Ballston, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Pumpkin spice things up with festive, fall fun! Watch local artist, Natalie Rogers, create custom painted pumpkins and have an opportunity to support R.E.A.D. and the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation. Capture memorable photo ops with larger than life, hand-painted pumpkins and take home a DIY pumpkin painting kit with a qualifying purchase of $75, while supplies last.
Fall, Y’all!
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Celebrate the season at an area festival. From pumpkin patches and apple picking to corn mazes and hayrides, there are still traditional activities to enjoy in safe ways. This post has details on where all the fall fun is happening.
Autumn off the Farm
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
Farm festivals may be the go-to autumn outing, but there are lots of other fantastic ways to enjoy the season around the area. This KFDC post lists a bunch of great places for fall adventures.
Kids Euro Festival
Where: Online
When: Though November 29
Admission: Free
International travel may not be possible right now, but you can still enjoy European adventures. The annual Kids Euro Festival is going digital this year, offering families all over the world access to an extended virtual festival with a full 6 weeks of online programming — all of it free. From October 17 – November 29, tune in for performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, and more. Create your own Finland with Minecraft, do some pumpkin carving with Cypress, bake baguettes with France, and see what other Euro activities are available.
Fun at Fairfax Parks
Where: Parks around Fairfax County, VA
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
The Fairfax County Park Authority hosts all kinds of events on weekends for guests of all ages. Volunteer with kids age 12 and up for a watershed clean-up at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park. Pick, learn about, and decorate pumpkins at Sully Historic Site. Check out a woodcarving demonstration at Colvin Run Mill. Details and registration for these and more nature activities this weekend and beyond are available here.
Monuments: Creative Forces
Where: Strathmore | Bethesda, MD
When: Through October 25
Admission: $5-30
This unique outdoor art installation throughout Strathmore’s 16 acres sounds like an ideal exhibition for COVID times, being in fresh air with a lot of space. Monuments: Creative Forces by Australian artist Craig Walsh features moving, dimensional video portraits of artists whose work and artistic endeavors are changing the shape of our community in profound ways. The expansive portraits of these creative heroes were chosen by a diverse panel of community and arts leaders are projected on to towering trees, transforming them into animated sculptural monuments.
Go with the Flow
Where: Waterways around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
It doesn’t have to be summer to enjoy some recreation on the water. In fact, paddling our local rivers and lakes is a great way to do some leaf peeping and have some active fun. Boating in DC is still offering rentals as are a couple of other area places. Find details for them all here.
The Great Indoors
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
There are some great ways to enjoy getting out with out being outside. A lot of indoor places have reopened with extra precautions to ensure safety during COVID. This post has details on where you can hang out inside, and this one has suggestions especially for little kids.
N Street Village SHERO Walk
Where: Online
When: Saturday
Admission: Donation
Join this annual walk, taking place virtually this year, to benefit N Street Village, the city’s largest provider of housing and services for women experiencing homelessness. Also, checkout their toolkit for families and kids to help discuss issues like poverty, food insecurity, and homelessness.
Even More Activities
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
If you want even more ideas for things to do over the weekend, this post has plenty of inspo, listing both ongoing activities around the area as well as information on reopenings.
