Tag Archives: What to Do in DC with Kids this Weekend

 

Happy Weekend!

Easy links to inspo for local fun:
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Smithsonian Folklife Festival
Where: National Mall, DC
When: Through July 1
Admission: Free
The annual Smithsonian Folklife Festival just began, this year celebrating Indigenous Voices of the Americas and the National Museum of the American Indian. See and experience all kinds exhibits, demonstrations, live performances, talks, food, markets, and more — all free!  Check the schedule of events to help plan your visit.

Rock on the Riverfront
Where: Yards Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 7pm
Admission: Free
Kick off the weekend with  live music in the fresh air — the Friday Night Concert series at Yards Park begins on Friday evening! Perfekt Blend is playing this first installment of the summer staple. Enjoy the music along with food and drinks for purchase (or BYO picnic), let the kids play in the water features and grassy spaces, and dance on the boardwalk — all with the backdrop of scenic river views.

Extraordinary Cinema: Ratatouille
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Friday at dusk
Admission: Free
Start the weekend with a free film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. In this charming, animated family fare, Remy is a rat who dreams of becoming a gourmet chef despite his family’s wishes. He teams up with Linguini, an inexperienced kitchen worker at a top Parisian restaurant.

Heritage Days
Where: Various locales | Montgomery County, MD
When: Saturday & Sunday, 12-4pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the history, culture, and natural beauty of Montgomery County, MD, as more than 30 even at historic sites welcome visitors for guided tours, re-creations of historic events, children’s activities, and more — all free of charge. Learn about the history of dairy farming, railroads, and trolleys; African American communities, astronomy, local arts & culture, and outdoor recreation. Check the online brochure for participating locations and activities.

Super Nova Comic Con
Where: Dulles Town Center | Dulles, VA
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Super Nova Comic Con is the place to be for fans, enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience the magic of comics and anime. Dive into a treasure trove of comic and anime products, become immersed in riveting celebrity panels, and witness fantastic costume contests. Visitors, in or out of costume, can also participate in giveaways and surprises. Free of charge and open to all; no pre-registration is required.

Show Time
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by show
There’s all kinds of entertainment on local stages this weekend. Here’s what you can see and where you can catch it (and you can find show details and any discount links here):
* Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale at Adventure Theatre
* Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap
* Miss Nelson is Missing at Imagination Stage
* The Kite Runner at the Kennedy Center
* Funny Girl at the Kennedy Center

Chinatown Park Festival
Where: Chinatown Park | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Join the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs for the Chinatown Park Festival. The event includes lively cultural performances, martial art demonstrations, family-friendly activities like face painting, henna, calligraphy, a clothing swap, raffles, Asian arts and crafts, and more! Chinatown Park is located at the corner of 5th & Mass Ave. NW

Metro Fest
Where: Springfield-Franconia Metro | Springfield, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Metro is inviting transit lovers across the region to come together for a family-friendly celebration. The event will include arts and crafts, games, entertainment, snacks, water, and Metro-branded giveaways.

Art Cart: Suspend a Sculpture
Where: Hirshhorn Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 1pm
Admission: Free
Who says a sculpture needs to be grounded? Explore the possibilities of suspense by creating a suspended sculpture using found materials inspired by artist Alexander Calder and his works in Revolutions: Art from the Hirshhorn Collection, 1860-1960. Find the Art Cart on the Lower Level and pick up your suspension materials.

Weekend Workshops
Where: National Portrait Gallery | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11:30am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery to do some art making! All ages are welcome to get creative at Weekend Workshops. Learn about artists and changemakers, then create art inspired by their stories. Of course, explore the whole museum while you’re there. See more about the National Portrait Gallery here. (PS: The museum is also hosting Portrait Gallery Kid for families on Monday, July 1.)

The Spirit of Soccer
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission:Tickets start at $15
The Washington Spirit are hosting North Carolina Courage at Audi Field on Saturday evening. Enjoy some amazing soccer play — and a fun, action-packed chance to support women in sports. The night will also include celebrations of the LGBTQ+ community as part of the annual Pride Night! Purchase tickets here.

Bethesda Big Train Baseball
Where: Shirley Povitch Field | Bethesda, MD
When:  Saturday, 7pm & Sunday, 10am
Admission: $15
Take kids out to a ball game with special features just for them!  Bethesda Big Train, a local summer collegiate team, brings baseball on a smaller scale.  And this Sunday, there’s an early start time and extra fun it’s Homer’s Birthday Party with Louie of the Baysox!  Giveaways include a Homer cake pops for first 100 kids 10 & under  and a box of color chalk for first 200 fans 12 & under. Kona Ice will be there for Ice Cream Sunday. And kids can run the bases after the game.

Pride in the Plaza
Where: Veteran’s Plaza | Silver Spring, MD
When: Sunday, 12-8pm
Admission: Free
As Pride month winds down, keep the celebrating up at this event that welcomes all ages. Fun festivities include live performances, a voguing competition and the 2024 Drag Duels championship, activities for kids, a resource and vendors fair, and more!

Take Your Pick
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Blackberries, raspberries, peaches, and more fruits and veggies are ripe and ready for harvest, and many area farms welcome guests to come PYO. 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.

Summer in the City
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
Enjoy activities that make this time of year so much fun. Start the weekend off on Friday with a free outdoor concert or an evening of fishing, then continue the fun on Saturday and Sunday with water play at a pool or sprayground. Cool off indoors at an exhibit. Feast on crabs or hit the beach to fulfill a seasonal must-do. Round it out it with a family movie under the stars. Get details about all of these summer diversions and even more in the 2024 Summer Guide.

Open Swim
Where: Around the area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by locale
This round-up of places to swim around the area will come in handy on the hot days. 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!

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Enjoy an evening at the National Arboretum on Friday — hours are extended until 8pm on the 4th Friday of the month during summer.
* July 7 is a Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts — reserve tickets now!
* An easy weekend beach getaway or even day trip.
* Did you know Groupon has deals on all kinds of  local activities and services?
* Tips for planning for 4th of July travel.
* What do you think should be the song of the summer?
* A dress to go with that summer song…I was intrigued by this one on social media, then saw someone wearing it IRL and loved it, so ordered for myself!
* REI has an awesome 4th of July sale going on. Some picks: A good deal on a Cannondale, this duffle with backpack straps (Owen has it, so we can vouch its’ great), kids footwear, these women’s water shoes, this hammock.
* And picks from a good home sale: This pretty cakestand, this unique wine rack, this fun pitcher, this mod sofa.  (Update: 50% off sale clothing, too!)
* In honor of the big debate… how to boat 😄

 

 

Happy Weekend!

Go-to posts chock full of ideas for fun around DC:
* The Great Indoors
* Swim Spots
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Best Outdoors in the DC Area
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Happy (Official) Summer!
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s the first weekend of official summer, so enjoy some activities that are quintessentially exclusive to this time of year. Catch an outdoor concert or movie under the stars. Enjoy some water fun at an outdoor pool, sprayground, or water park. Check out a special seasonal exhibit. Do some crabbing (the feasting kind). Take a spin on a carousel or mini train.  And so much more. Some activities are highlighted here, but see the 2024 KFDC Guide to Summer Around DC for even more summer faves.

Clipper Round the World (& at The Wharf)
Where: The Wharf | Southwest DC
When: Through June 25
Admission: Free
Check out some cool boats as the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race makes a stop in DC. The fleet has just completed seven of the eight legs in their 40,000nm, 11-month circumnavigation, and they will be at The Wharf through early next week. From Friday – Sunday, you can take a tour of a stripped down ocean racing yacht — go above and below deck with the Race Crew that have called these yachts home for the past eight months. Stop by the Clipper Race Fanzone set up nearby the boats to learn more about the racing adventure.

Friday Night Fishing
Where: Diamond Teague Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, 5-8pm
Admission: Free
It’s the first Friday Night Fishing session of the season! Join Anacostia Riverkeeper for their summer Friday fishing program — all ages are welcome.  All essentials are provided: rods, reels, bait, and lessons for first time fishers. Staff are there to answer any questions and help with casting, tips, and tricks. Be sure to register and fill out a waiver if you plan to go — space is limited.

Folger Grand Reopening
Where: Folger Shakespeare Library
When: Friday, 1-9pm | Saturday, 11am – 9pm | Sunday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
The Folger Shakespeare Library is welcoming visitors again after a four-year renovation, and they’re celebrating with a grand reopening this weekend. Explore new, fascinating exhibition galleries and see the beautiful historic Reading Room, play jumbo lawn games, grab a bite from local food trucks, chat with guides about the new space, and browse the gift shop. In the evening, catch a performance of Metamorphoses at 8pm (tickets starting at $20). Read more about the renovated Folger in this brand new KFDC post.

Solstice Saturday
Where: Smithsonian Museums | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – midnight
Admission: Free
The Smithsonian is marking the first Saturday of summer — Solstice Saturday — by staying open late and hosting parties, special programs, performances, and more. All of the National Mall museums will have extended hours, with the National Museum of Asian Art and the National Museum of African Art staying open until midnight. Go here for details and schedules and note that some events may require free tickets.

Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Where: Adventure Theater | Glen Echo Park, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $25
Adventure Theatre’s play based on the beloved book opens this weekend…  Toddler Trixie and her father bustle through the streets of New York City down the block, through the park, past the school, to the Laundromat. But returning home, Knuffle Bunny is gone, and Trixie cannot tell her father what is wrong. Recommended for all ages.

Extraordinary Cinema: Elemental
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center, DC
When: Friday at dusk
Admission: Free
Start the weekend with a free film screenings outdoors on the REACH Video Wall. At the center of the intergenerational, heartwarming film, Elemental is a story of inclusion and welcome—and a family building a new life and thriving community while they learn, together and with the help of friends, how to have the strength to burn bright.

Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Where: Wolf Trap | Vienna, VA
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, 10:30am
Tickets: $12
It’s the first weekend of Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods.  The annual summer series presents over 70 family-friendly performances from late June through mid-August. And it’s all on a stage nestled in a shady grove in the woods.  The productions are geared toward younger children, but all are welcome. See what’s playing this weekend.  And read a KFDC review of the series from a past summer here (it’s an old post, but the series is still very much the same).

Baseball Family Festival
Where: National Postal Museum | Union Station Area, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate the 2024 baseball season with the Postal Museum’s family festival highlighting the exhibit Baseball: America’s Home Run. The event will offer fun for all ages with activity stations, crafts, book read-alouds, and live performances from bilingual children’s music duo 123 Andrés. Read more about the museum in this KFDC post.

Moonshot Studio
Where: The REACH | Kennedy Center
When: Saturday & Sunday, 11am – 4:30pm
Admission: Free
Get creative at this studio within The REACH at the Kennedy Center, where all are groups are welcome and encouraged to partake in various art projects and activities. This weekend, the hands-on activities in Moonshot Studio explore the five elements of Hip Hop Culture: DJing, MCing, Breakdancing, Graffiti, and Knowledge.

Inside Info
Where: Around the DC area
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
One word: Heatwave. These posts are always good to keep in your back pocket, and they’ll be especially useful on this hot, hot weekend: The Great Indoors list, the round-up of off-the-beaten-path museums in DC, ideas for fun and games inside, and the post highlighting museums in MD & VA.

Splash & Swim
Where: Around the DC area
When: Starting Saturday
Admission: Free
For outdoor fun where you can still stay cool, head to the water. You can splash and swim at a bunch of places, in a bunch of  ways around the area.  Spray parks, outdoor pools, and waterparks are open and welcoming guests to splash around and cool off.  The 2024 KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go for water play — see info for sprays here, outdoor pools here, waterparks here, and beaches/lakes/swimming holes here.

Miss Nelson is Missing
Where: Imagination Stage | Bethesda, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $9.50-36.50
It’s opening weekend for Imagination Stage’s new show… The students of Smedley Elementary School’s Room 207 are not just badly behaved–they’re the “worst kids of all!” No matter what their sweet and caring teacher Miss Nelson tries, they simply won’t listen (or stop throwing paper airplanes across the room). Fed up with their behavior, Miss Nelson leaves her class in the hands of dreaded substitute teacher Miss Viola Swamp, infamous for bringing “woe to those who misbehave.” Terrified of “the Swamp,” the kids must work together and with Detective McSmogg to find their kindhearted teacher and win her back. Recommended for ages 4+.

Pinocchio
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $15
This classic on strings closes after this weekend…  Celebrate 50 years of Allan Steven’s Pinocchio! A young puppet goes on a journey to become a real boy. First seen on stage at the Smithsonian Puppet Theater, we are delighted to bring the original rod-puppets back to the stage to tell Carlo Collodi’s tale. Run time approximately 50 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.

Long Way Down
Where: Olney Theatre
When: Through Sunday
Admission: $40-70
Last chance to see this play based on the award-winning novel by local author Jason Reynolds… Growing up, Will’s big brother taught him three iron-clad rules of how to behave when gun violence claims someone close: Don’t cry. Don’t snitch. Get revenge. So when his brother is himself gunned down, Will is determined to follow the code and gets in the elevator on the top floor of his apartment building, armed and ready to hit the streets in search of vengeance. What happens on the way down is an emotional hip-hop journey through the cycles of violence that have plagued Will’s family and too many others. Rated PG.

Pride Family Day
Where: Glen Echo Park | Glen Echo, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
Celebrate Pride with Glen Echo Park on Saturday, where there will be festivities for the whole family. Check out an interactive chalk maze designed by Chalk Riot. Ride the carousel for free (while comp tickets last; otherwise $2/ride or $5/all day). Pick up a carousel-themed craft activity bag for all ages (while supplies last). Enjoy snacks and specialty Glen Echo Park Root Beer. Plan to see a show while you’re there at The Puppet Co. or Adventure Theatre. The playground, picnic area, Glen Echo Park Aquarium (book tickets in advance), and a variety of art galleries throughout the park will be open, too!

Barbecue Battle
Where: 3rd-7th Streets |  Pennsylvania Ave NW, DC
When: Saturday 11am – 9pm & Sunday, 11am – 7:30pm
Admission: Starts at $20/adults, free/12 & under
Join one of the biggest summer barbeques around as the Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle returns to pit some of the nation’s best barbequers against each other to compete for big prizes. The reward for attendees: Samples from all the entrants (plus, more food), 13 bands on four stages, cooking demos, kids’ fun featuring 90s-inspired activities, games, crafts & more!  It all takes place along Pennsylvania Avenue NW, from 3rd to 7th Streets.

Sound Scene 2024: Solstice
Where: Hirshhorn museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
This free sound and sensory arts festival featuring local and worldwide artists welcomes all ages to engage with interactive audio art installations, small group workshops, and live performances on the longest night of the year. Hold the cosmos in your hands with a “sonified” star experience. Harness the power of the sun as you build a solar synth, an alt-energy-powered electronic instrument. Receive a personalized celestial serenade inspired by planetary movements and the melodies of eighteenth-century. Enjoy South Indian classical music. Dive into the world of EEG-based sound workshops, where music responds to the power of your mind.

Family Activity: Sampler Bookmarks
Where: DAR Museum | Downtown DC
When: Saturday,
Admission: Free
Take kids to a fun-filled time of creativity and crafting, where they can make their very own sampler bookmarks to take home.  Knowledgeable educators will guide them through the process, providing all the materials needed to create a unique and personalized bookmark. Recommended for ages 7+. Registration recommended.

Create by the Creek 
Where: Peirce Barn | Rock Creek Park, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 4pm
Admission: Free
Create by the Creek is a day-long celebration of art and community in Rock Creek Park. Join for free workshops taught by local artists, organized by the Washington Studio School. Or borrow some art supplies and find a quiet spot to draw in Rock Creek Creek Park. There will also be milling And read more about Peirce Mill in this KFDC post.

Bugapalooza!
Where: National Museum of Health & Medicine | Silver Spring, MD
When: Saturday, 10am
Admission: Free
It’s 2024 Bug Week at the museum and the public is invited to join museum staff to discover which bugs are bizarre, beneficial, or downright deadly. Learn how to battle the bugs or use them to your advantage. Bug costumes are encouraged! Plan to tour the rest of the museum whole you’re there — but be sure to read more about it first if you’re with young children.

Astronomy Festival
Where: 7th-9th Streets | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 6-11pm
Admission: Free
Presented in association with the Smithsonian Solstice Saturday events, get an eyeful of the night sky and a chance to mingle with astronomers at the Annual Astronomy Festival on the Mall. This free public stargazing event features optical and radio telescope observations of the sun, star clusters, and colorful double stars. You can also enjoy hands-on activities, and astronomical image exhibits.

Vamos United!
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm
Admission: Tickets start at $40
DC United is home this weekend with a match against Houston on Saturday. As always, I recommend taking public transportation as parking can be difficult. Or park in the Navy Yard neighborhood and plan to walk from there (and maybe grab a bite to eat before the match — see recs for family-friendly eats in the area.

Kid’s Jellyfish Terrarium Workshop
Where: PlantHouse | Alexandria, VA
When: Sunday, 10-11am
Admission: $22
Children can let their imagination soar as they create their very own jellyfish terrariums. Using rocks, sand, air plants, and a variety of decor pieces, kids will craft unique underwater scenes that will captivate and inspire. All materials and expert guidance from staff are included. Recommended for ages 5-12.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* See the new round-up of shows coming to local stages this summer (includes ticket discounts).
* If you’re looking for weekday activities indoors now that kids are on break from school (and because it’s insanely hot out), be sure to check these regularly occurring programs at DC museums.
* A tried-and-true beat-the-heat activity: See a movie!  The Alamo is a great place to catch a flick along with a good meal.
* Futbol fans: Where to watch the Euro Cup around DC.
* The Library of Congress announced the full author line-up for the National Book Festival taking place August 24.
* No cook recipes for a heatwave.
* Something like this will be handy for the hot days, too.
* I’ve mentioned it before, but Acorns is worth sharing again. It’s a neat, easy way to invest and save money, offering bonuses when you buy certain brands and the option to invest “spare change” from credit card purchases — we’ve been signed up for a few years now!
* One of the best family games in a travel set — perfect to bring on vacation.
* So many cute, easy breezy dresses, perfect for hot weather — and 50% off!
* Can’t wait to watch this new documentary and this docuseries about two of the GOATS.
* JGL does TS 💖

 

Happy Weekend!

Quick links for activities galore around the DC area:
* Local Hikes with Kids
* Swim Spots
* The Great Indoors
* Off-the-Beaten-Path Museums
* Baltimore with Kids
* Bike Rides
* Paddling Options
* Stunning Spaces
* Peaceful Places

Celebrate Dad
Where: Around the DMV
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by activity
It’s a special day for the dads this weekend, and there are a bunch of great ways for the whole fam to celebrate if you’re still looking for ideas, from ballgames to big feasts to outdoor recreation to Juneteenth celebrations. See a whole round-up of them in this post, some of which are included below.

Horse Around
Where: Horse Stables & Education Center | National Mall, DC
When: Friday, 11am – 2pm
Admission: Free
To celebrate one year since opening, the U.S Park Police Horse Stables and Education Center is hosting a special open house to meet-and-greet the Mounted Unit’s horses and officers who call the stables home. Explore the Education Center to learn all about the history of the Mounted Unit, and volunteers will be on hand to share facts and answer questions about the horses and their mission. Receive a free, commemorative cookie while supplies last.

The World & Me: Pollinator Celebration
Where: Natural History Museum | National Mall, DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 12:30pm
Admission: Free
Join the museum for an early celebration of Pollinator Week! See pollinator specimens up close, meet scientists and horticulturists studying and providing habitats for local pollinators, create your own print inspired by pollinators, and more! Smithsonian Gardens and USDA Forest Service will be there to share about pollinators, too. Drop in to the event at any time.

Capital Book Fest
Where: Wilson Plaza | Downtown DC
When: Saturday, 10am – 5pm
Admission: Free
Join local non-profit, Turning the Page, for a day of learning and fun! Over a dozen children’s authors and illustrators, including many from the Children’s Book Guild of Washington, DC. Authors and illustrators will be bringing their books and fun art activities for families to take home. Wilson Plaza is located outside the Ronald Reagan Building in Downtown DC.

Columbia Heights Day
Where: Harriet Tubman Elementary | Columbia Heights, DC
When: Saturday, 11am – 6pm
Admission: Free
Whether or not you live in the Columbia Heights neighborhood of DC, you’re invited to bring the fam out for a free day of activities to help celebrate the diverse, fun, and quirky neighborhood. In its 16th year, the event brings together residents and businesses for all kinds of festivities. Enjoy local food, live music and carnival entertainment, a beer garden, and tents full of fun and unique vendors.

Summer Time
Where: Throughout the DMV
When: All weekend long
Admission: Varies by activity
It still may not be official on the calendar, but when it comes to local recreation, summer has arrived. Free concerts in the open air, outdoor swimming, movies under the stars, sprayground fun, and SO much more! Activities exclusive to the season can be enjoyed all around the area this weekend. The 2024 KFDC Guide to the Best of Summer in DC has the scoop on all of it.

Juneteenth Celebration
Where: Watkins Regional Park | Upper Marlboro, MD
When: Saturday, 12-5pm
Admission: Free
Bring the whole family to celebrate this historic date and enjoy free concerts, exhibits, and activities honoring African American culture. Juneteenth is the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States, marking the date that the last enslaved people learned of their freedom — the month of June and the nineteenth day were combined to form the name. Be sure to enjoy all of the wonderful offerings at Watkins while you’re there.

MudFest
Where: Woodstock Equestrian Special Park | Bealesville, MD
When: Saturday, 11am – 3pm
Admission: $20/car
Get down and dirty, jumping, slipping, and sliding in giant mud pits! Cook up a mud pie, make mud art, and play games! This muddy fun will be great for the whole family. This is a rain or shine event.

Taste of the DMV Festival
Where: Pennsylvania Ave. 3rd-7th St NW, DC
When: Saturday, 12-7pm
Admission: $10/age 11+, free/10 & under
Savor the day at this festival that showcases the foods of DC area! The gastronomic adventure features over 200 vendors, including food trucks, food booths, and some non-food vendors. Over 40 acts on multiple stages will bring entertainment, and a beer garden with multiple vendors will be fun for adults. This is an all-ages events, kids 10 and under get in free.

Army Birthday Festival
Where National Museum of the US Army | Fort Belvoir, VA
When: Saturday, 9am – 5pm
Admission: Free tickets required
The U.S. Army is celebrating its 249th Birthday with a free festival of fun activities for all ages. Experience live music, fun games, gaming, animals, parachutes, tanks, virtual reality ride simulators. You also will have access to the museums. Extra special happenings include a Twilight Tattoo show at the end, Selfies with Soldiers, Army birthday cupcakes and Souvenirs (limited supply). Tickets are FREE on website and required for entry and activities.

Innovations in Flight
Where: Udvar-Hazy Center | Chantilly, VA
When: Saturday, 10am – 12pm
Admission: Free, but parking is $15
Head out to the Chantilly arm of the National Air & Space Museum for this special program. View over 50 vintage, modern, and commercial aircraft that will fly in for the day and be on display outside the museum. You can even go into some of the cockpits and cabins and talk with pilots. Along with the outdoor display, museum educators will show how to spot and identify aircraft landing at Dulles Airport. If tickets are sold out for the outdoor part, there still will be activities inside.

Hill Family Biking: Kidical Mass – Team Ride
Where: Around Capitol Hill, DC
When: Saturday, 4-5:30pm
Admission: Free
Join Hill Family Biking for their monthly group ride! This one is all about sports teams… if you’re on a team or love watching one, wear your team gear and join for a tour of ball fields around Capitol Hill ending at Watkins where there is a splash pad and playground — and popsicles for all the riders.

Spirit & Juneteenth
Where: Audi Field | Southwest DC
When: Saturday, 7:30pm (gates open 6pm)
Admission: Start at $15 (look for discount)
The Washington Spirit host the San Diego Wave on Saturday and will also be celebrating Juneteenth and Black culture in DC. Along with the exciting action on the field, fans can enjoy storytelling and entertainment centered around local Black organizations, community leaders, and performers.

Pinocchio
Where: The Puppet Co. | Glen Echo, MD
When: Through June 23
Admission: $15
Celebrate 50 years of Allan Steven’s Pinocchio! A young puppet goes on a journey to become a real boy. First seen on stage at the Smithsonian Puppet Theater, we are delighted to bring the original rod-puppets back to the stage to tell Carlo Collodi’s tale. Run time approximately 50 minutes. Recommended for ages 4+.

Long Way Down
Where: Olney Theatre
When: Through June 23
Admission: $40-70
Based on the award-winning novel by local author Jason Reynolds… Growing up, Will’s big brother taught him three iron-clad rules of how to behave when gun violence claims someone close: Don’t cry. Don’t snitch. Get revenge. So when his brother is himself gunned down, Will is determined to follow the code and gets in the elevator on the top floor of his apartment building, armed and ready to hit the streets in search of vengeance. What happens on the way down is an emotional hip-hop journey through the cycles of violence that have plagued Will’s family and too many others. Rated PG.

The Matchbox Magic Flute
Where: Klein Theatre | Penn Quarter, DC
When: Through June 16
Admission: $35-119
A brand new theatrical adaptation of Mozart’s beloved opera. Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and an orchestra of five following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water, and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle.

Nats vs. Marlins
Where: Nationals Park | Capitol Riverfront, DC
When: Friday, Saturday, & Sunday
Admission: Tickets start at $13
The Nats are hosting the Marlins all weekend. Catch a game on Friday at 6:45pm, Saturday at 4:05pm, or Sunday at 1:35pm. There are special promos and activities for a couple of them, including a Mike Rizzo Bobblehead giveaway on Friday and a bear plush giveaway for kids on Sunday.

Columbia Pike Blues Fest
Where: Arlington, VA
When: Saturday
Admission: Free (some activities are extra)

The largest annual Blues fest in the DC area celebrates women in blues this year. The event will feature performances by many local and regional blues bands and artists along with more family-friendly activities. Interact with the Arlington Art Truck, and enjoy food, beverages, arts, and a KidsZone.

Arrrgh, Mateys!
Where: Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake | Annapolis, MD
When: Throughout the weekend
Admission: $26-32, $16/ages 2 and under
Something fun to celebrate the end of the school year and start of summer…  Set sail on the high seas in Annapolis for a jolly good adventure!  Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake will take little buccaneers on a search for buried treasure. Several time slots are available throughout the day, and you can call in advance to reserve. Read more about the adventure in this KFDC post from awhile back.

Go for a Spin…or Tee Up!
Where: Around the DC Area
When: Thoughout the weekend
Admission: Varies by place
Summer brings some extra delights to several parks and other places around the area that are already great outdoor places to hang with the kids. Go for whirl on a mini train or carousel, take a swing at mini golf, or even ride a Ferris Wheel. The KFDC Summer Guide has details on where to go.

***MORE GOOD STUFF***
* Watch Barbie on the Jumbotron at Audi Field on Thursday evening at this session of Movies on the Pitch.
* And this family movie opens this weekend!
* There’s a giveaway going on for a chance to win tickets to Knuffle Bunny: A Precautionary Tale, opening at Adventure Theatre next week.
* In case you missed it last weekend, there’s a new round-up of high school graduation gift ideas… which could also be going away to college presents for later this summer. (Many of them would make great gifts for other occasions, too.)
* The U.S. Botanic Garden just announced that it will stay open until 8pm on the third Thursday of the month this summer — June 20, July 18, and August 15.
* The 15 best hotels and resorts for families in the US, according to Afar Magazine.
* Love a pair of easy, breezy pants for summer, even better in a fun print.
* A great sale on vacation styles at Athleta.  Some of my travel go-tos are from the brand.
* A potential Father’s Day gift that can be delivered quickly. Or keep it simple (and sweet) with this.
* This documentary is on my weekend watch list.
* Just ordered this for travels this summer.
* Dad Jokes Ruined By Gentle Parenting 😄