Top Family-Friendly Activities in the DMV this Weekend (5/8 – 5/10)

Sarah and Jack smile in front of the Colombian flag
The international celebrations continue this weekend
  • Updated: 5/6/2026

Note: This weekly listing is full of events happening throughout the weekend for kids (ages 3+) – teens. I place a special emphasis on literacy, STEM & other educational based events as well as family fun festivities. Please click the links to review the most up-to-date information prior to heading out!

Coming Up this Weekend

Make beats on Friday (5/8) at Chevy Chase Neighborhood library with Words, Beats & Life at 11:00 am!
Tap here for Beat Making Info

Friday, May 8, 2026

Washington, DC

  • Friday (5/8) at 10:00 am | Books and Beyond with a Ranger at Rock Creek Park Nature Center
    • This program includes nature books, animal puppets, body movements, and songs. 
  • Friday (5/8) at 10:30 am | Kamishibai Japanese Paper Theater and Story Time at Deanwood Neighborhood Library in NE ♥
    • Kamishibai are traditional Japanese folktales told with paper theatre. The stories will be followed by a short origami workshop.
  • Friday (5/8) at 11:00 am | The National Theatre Live at the Library ~ Making Beats with Words Beats & Life at Chevy Chase Neighborhood Library in NW ♥
    • Join Words, Beats & Life, DC’s longest running, dopest Hip-Hop based arts education non-profit, for a fun, free, interactive musial experience!
  • Friday (5/8) at 11:00 am | SHOUT at the National Museum of American History
    • Learn about the ring shout—a powerful practice blending song and rhythmic movement created by enslaved communities in the 1700s and 1800s. They combined various religious practices of Europe and Africa, creating a cultural tradition that became iconically American.
  • Friday (5/8) at 4:00 pm | Author Talk with T.Z. Layton at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW
    • Join author T. Z. Layton as he discusses the newest addition to his series, The Academy, “Rise of the Scorpions.”
  • Friday (5/8) at 5:00 pm | Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Performance at Eastern Market Metro Plaza Park
    • Featuring the Aloha Boys ~ Hawaiian Group | Get ready for a day filled with music, dance, food, and more.

Maryland

  • Friday (5/8) at 6:30 pm | History of the Caboose: A Railroad Story at Bladensburg Waterfront Park ($)
    • Take an engaging tour of the 1926 B&O Caboose exhibit and imagine riding the rails while listening to stories about railroad and train history.

Northern Virginia

  • Friday (5/8) at 10:00 am | Croatian Postage Stamp Exhibit at Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria 
    • View a cross-section of Croatia’s history, wildlife, science, and heritage through over 35 years of independent postal history.
  • Friday (5/8) at 6:00 pm | Nature Facts Campfire at Gulf Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($)
  • Friday (5/8) at 8:00 pm | Spring Owl Prowl at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($)
    • As spring emerges, so do the sounds of the evening forest and many baby animals including owls. Come explore the darkness and learn about the night sights and sounds.
Liv with an I heart EU sticker covering her face
The European Union's Open House is this Saturday (5/9) from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Explore 25+ countries through free performances, food tastings & more! See participating embassies & stroller info through the link below.
Tap here for EU Open House Info

Saturday, May 9, 2026

Washington, DC

  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | European Union Open House ♥
    • The European Union Delegation and 20+ European Union member country embassies in Washington, D.C. celebrate Europe Day by opening our doors to the public so that Americans can catch a glimpse of the European cultures that make up the European Union.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Family Day: Grand Opening of The Source: Where Curiosity Sparks Discovery at Library of Congress ♥
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Look, Learn, Create: “Water’s Edge” for Families at the National Museum of the American Indian (Best for ages 4-10)
    • Join a museum educator for a family-friendly interactive tour of the Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition! Visitors will engage with three of his artworks and can participate in guided discussions, and experience items from the museum’s Teaching Collection.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Saturday Morning Live! presents: 123 Andrés at the National Theatre in NW ♥
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Beyond the Book with the Washington Ballet at Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 5-9)
    • The Washington Ballet will lead an interactive dance class that explores storytelling through movement. The movement will be inspired by the latest Beyond the Book, “Blue Sky Morning” by Kim Jihyun.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | World Migratory Bird Day at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ♥
    • Includes bird-themed games and activities for kids, keeper demos, coffee tastings, learning stations & more! 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Family Film Program: Lilo & Stitch + Bao + The Queen’s Flowers at the National Museum of American History ♣ 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Drip by Drip: Make Your Own Candle! Workshop at art Enables in NE 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Cobb Park Spring Fest at Cobb Park in NW
    • Come celebrate spring and community in the Mount Vernon Triangle neighborhood in DPR’s newly renovated COBB PARK.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Build Day: MLK Library ♥
    • Calling all budding architects: Let’s build! Take a tour of the Enchanted City, a showcase designed and built entirely by elementary school artists.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:30 am | Beyond the Book with the Washington Ballet at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 5-9)
    • The Washington Ballet will lead an interactive dance class that explores storytelling through movement. The movement will be inspired by the latest Beyond the Book, “Blue Sky Morning” by Kim Jihyun.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 12:00 pm | Roots and Wings: Honoring Mother Figures, Caregivers, and Memory at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum ♥
    • Through hands-on artmaking, oral history, and community reflection, families will celebrate the legacies that shape who we are and who we become. This program is designed for all ages and for multigeneration participation.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 6th)
    • Drop-in workshop with the National Geographic Museum of Exploration where participants will engage in fun, hands-on activities focused on protecting the planet.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Mother’s Day Gift Make and Take at Anacostia Neighborhood Library in SE
  • Saturday (5/9) at 3:00 pm | Duck Pond Party in SW
    • A free, family-friendly party at the Southwest Duck Pond with live music, BBQ, duck-themed games, and creative activities.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 3:00 pm | Beyond the Book with the Washington Ballet at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 5-9)
    • The Washington Ballet will lead an interactive dance class that explores storytelling through movement. The movement will be inspired by the latest Beyond the Book, “Blue Sky Morning” by Kim Jihyun.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 3:00 pm | TAAL Academy of Dance: Bollywood & Classical Bharatnatyam at MLK Memorial Library ♥
    • Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month with a beautiful performance presented by Taal Academy of Dance!
dinosaurs with lightsabers
Through a mix of imagination, science and magic, a friendly neon-lit dinosaur leaps to life, seeking friends and love in Dino-Light. You won't believe your eyes as a shining, luminescent world of prehistoric creatures dance, explore and even engage in lightsaber duels! Catch this performance in College Park, MD on Saturday (5/9) at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $35 with family pack & student discounts. Best for ages 7-10 + grownups!
Tap here for Dino-Light Info

Maryland

Prince George’s County
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Ready 2 Read Storytime: Filipino Fiesta at New Carrollton Library (Best for ages 3-5)
    • Bring your preschooler to a special storytime from the Philippines! It will be fun for the whole family, and includes an arts and craft activity.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 12:00 pm | The Golden Hour: Boomer & Gen Z Pour & Paint at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum ♥
    • The Golden Hour invites grandparents and grandkids (ages eight to 17) to slow down, create together, and share meaningful stories. In collaboration with Riversdale Historic Site & Museum, this pour and paint session supports their oral history workshop by celebrating family memories and voices across generations.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 12:00 pm | Heritage in Action: A Day Celebrating Community and Culture at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum ♥
    • Through storytelling, genealogy, and cultural preservation activities, build bridges between generations and ensure that these rich legacies are not lost to time. Come connect, share, and take part in preserving the history that shapes our future.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 1:00 pm | Playday at the Library: Big Feelings at Upper Marlboro Library
    • To celebrate Children’s Mental Health Matters Week, this playday will focus on exploring big feelings with our little friends. Read stories about emotions then and enjoy yoga with Healthy Bodies/Healthy Minds Yoga!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 1:30 pm | Legos: Brick Blooms – Create May Flowers, Colorful Critters & Outdoor Landscapes at Oxon Hill Library 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Be Jeweled: A Mother’s Day Jewelry Workshop at Arts’tination National Harbor ($)
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Mom & Me Cake Decorating at Capital Confectionery at Gaylord National ($)
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:30 pm | Lightwire Theater: Dino-Light at The Clarice at UMD College Park ($) (Best for ages 7-10) ♥
    • Through a mix of imagination, science and magic, a friendly neon-lit dinosaur leaps to life, seeking friends and love in Dino-Light. You won’t believe your eyes as a shining, luminescent world of prehistoric creatures dance, explore and even engage in lightsaber duels!

Maryland

Montgomery County
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:30 am | Blowing in the Wind ~ Windchimes at Rockville Memorial Library (Best for ages 5-12)
    • Make a flowerpot windchime.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:30 am | Baby Animals Storytime at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg
    • A family storytime all about baby animals and spring ~ make your own baby animal craft to take home!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Hula Maryland at Olney Library ♥
    • In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, come to the Olney Library to learn about hula, an ancient Hawaiian dance. Hula Maryland, a Polynesian dance studio located in Crofton, MD, will put on a performance with group enrichment and participation.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Aesop’s Fables at Glen Echo Park ($) 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:30 am | Discovery Days ~ Train Day at Gaithersburg Community Museum (Best for ages 6+)
    • Enjoy train-themed activities, including a fun craft. Hear railroad music by Charlie Lowery, see model trains with Local Live Loco Steamers, learn track safety with Operation Lifesaver, explore Wabtec’s display, and watch real trains pass by—don’t miss the excitement!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 1:00 pm | Water N’ Kids at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg
    • Join members of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary as they show how to be safe in the water. Topics discussed will include swimming safety, rip currents, wearing proper life jackets, basic boating safety tips, and clean marine environment. 

More Maryland Events

  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:30 am | Science Saturdays: 1001 Worms Eat My Garbage at Maryland City Library in Laurel
    • Explore the world of super-composting worms! Learn how worms convert food waste to nutrient-rich compost.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 11:00 am | Books in Bloom at Color Burst Park in Columbia ♥
    • Live performances, hands-on workshops, and great vibes + children’s zone with face paint & crafts!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:30 pm | Fairy Tale Ball at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library at Waldorf (Best for ages 3+)
    • Enter a magical world where you can create your own wand, design your shield, and bejewel your crown! Then take a spin on the dance floor to complete your fairy tale adventure!
Celebrate Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Month in Annandale, VA on Saturday (5/9) with a parade and live performances!
Tap here for the AANHPI Event info

Northern Virginia

Arlington County
  • [Just Added] Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Mommy/Daddy & Me: Breakfast Bites and Apple-Granola Stacks at Cookology in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 4-7) 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Crafty Kids Take and Make: Boba Tea at Courthouse Library
    • Each kit is complete with 2 servings of tea, boba balls (boil at home), sugar, special straws, and bonus coloring sheets.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Arlington HistoryFest 250
    • Programming will feature live reenactments, musical performances, and historical storytelling, hands-on demonstrations, children’s activities and crafts, local organizations sharing their history, and local food vendors.
  • [Just Added] Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | 2026 Mother’s Day Baking Family Class at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 6+) 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 6:00 pm | Night Sounds Campfire at Long Branch Nature Center ($)
    • Hear some stories, sing some songs to add to the nighttime entertainment.

Northern Virginia

City of Alexandria
  • Saturday (5/9) at 9:00 am | Spring Art Market 2026 at Del Ray Artisans
    • The market showcases artwork in a wide range of media including ceramics, fiber, jewelry, mixed media, paper, photography, and more. Shop original work from local artists—perfect for Mother’s Day, graduation, teacher’s gifts, birthdays, home decor, or treat yourself!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Croatian Postage Stamp Exhibit at Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria
    • View a cross-section of Croatia’s history, wildlife, science, and heritage through over 35 years of independent postal history.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Mother’s Day Cake Pops Decorating Studio Class at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 5-12) 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Teens Teach! ~ Electricity 2 at Beatley Jr. Central Library (Best for ages 6-12)
    • Explore open and closed circuits while making a simple robot!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Hiking Day at Winkler Botanical Preserve
    • Storytime + nature walk 

More Northern Virginia Events

Happy Mother's Day!

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Maryland

On Sunday (5/10) head to Falls Church, VA for the Kid's Preparedness Expo! Families can explore emergency readiness through interactive, kid‑friendly activities designed to build confidence and safety skills. This event includes a special performance by Grammy Award Winners 123 Andrés, truck touch, giveaways & more!
Tap here for Kids' Preparedness Expo Info

Northern Virginia

Sensory Friendly & Accessible

  • Friday (5/8) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 1-5) 
  • Friday (5/8) at 4:00 pm | Special Olympics Young Athletes Playgroup at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW (Best for ages 2-7) 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | Inclusive Sensory Saturday at Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood, MD ($)
    • The Farm Park is partnering with Program Access to offer an inclusive experience for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:30 am | Story Time for the Spectrum at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 0-5)
    • Read a story, sing songs, and dance.
  • Sunday (5/10) at 11:00 am | Sensory Storytelling with ReadAbility at Gaithersburg Library
    • A multisensory book and storytelling session for neurodivergent children & children with intellectual disabilities who learn best through sensory play. 

For Tweens & Teens

Washington, DC

  • Friday (5/8) at 5:00 pm | Fab Lab: Teardrop Earrings at Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library in SE
    • Learn how to make simple teardrop earrings using our Cricut Maker 3, perfect as a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift.
  • [Just Added] Friday (5/8) at 7:30 pm | Masque at the Museum at National Portrait Gallery (Best for grades 9-12) ♥
    • The Portrait Gallery’s Teen Museum Council invites teens in grades 9 through 12 to celebrate the end of the school year with a party in the Kogod Courtyard. Dress in masquerade-themed formal attire, cosplay or anything in between.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:30 am | Tour de DCPL XVII at Parklands-Turner Neighborhood Library in SE
    • free community bike ride with library stops included.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Young Archaeologists’ Club ~ Fact or Fiction? Archaeology Trivia at Takoma Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 8-14) ♥
    • Students will show off their archaeological knowledge with a friendly trivia game and create their own PSA that addresses misinformation about archaeology.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:30 pm | Teen Studio: Paint the Town at Hirshhorn Museum (Best for ages 13-19)
    • Take a closer look at Black Wall (1964) by Louise Nevelson. Then create a sculpture from found objects. Practice mixing paint to create your perfect color for your sculpture. 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 3:00 pm | Bellevue Saturday Cinema: AAPI Heritage Month ~ Gook at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW 

Maryland

  • Friday (5/8) at 3:30 pm | Project Launch Pad: Design, Print & Launch Your Own Brand at Bowie Library
    • Project Launch Pad is a high-energy, 8-session “startup incubator” where teens don’t just learn about business—they build one from the ground up. In just four weeks, each team will transform a simple idea into a fully functional T-shirt brand, mastering everything from high-level graphic design and professional garment printing to marketing their own brand and developing business plans.
  • Friday (5/8) at 4:30 pm | Celebrate Mother’s Day with Creativity at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring (Best for middle & high school students)
    • Create a heartfelt, paper handmade gift to show appreciation for the amazing mothers and mother figures in your life.
  • Saturday (5/9) at 10:00 am | S.M.A.R.T. Money with Jamaur Law Foundation at Waldorf West Branch Library (Best for ages 6-14) ♥
    • Get empowered with financial knowledge with the Jamaur Law Foundation! This program will turn the library into a practice “shoe store” so elementary and middle school age kids can learn about how to budget, save, invest, and more in a fun hands on way!
  • Saturday (5/9) at 1:00 pm | Game On: Learn “Finspan” at Bowie Library 
  • Saturday (5/9) at 2:00 pm | Souls Seeking Freedom Walking Tour: The Untold Story of Enslavement and Resistance at Montpelier Historic Site & Museum in Laurel ($) (Best for ages 14+) 

Northern Virginia

  • Friday (5/8) at 6:00 pm | Teen Nights at Thomas Jefferson Community Center in Arlington 
  • Sunday (5/10) at 10:00 am | Junk Journaling Workshop at Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 13+)  
  • Sunday (5/10) at 1:00 pm | All About Wildlife at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington (Best for ages 8-12)
    • Join the Wildlife Rescue League for a special wildlife presentation to learn about fascinating local animals!

This Week's Book Recommendation

Charlie Makes a Splash! cover image
This week's book of the week goes to Charlie Makes a Splash! written by Holly Robinson Peete & Shane W. Evans. Like many kids on the autism spectrum, Charlie finds solace and empowerment in pools, ponds, sprinklers, visiting the aquarium, and swimming in the ocean. Through his adventures and discoveries, he shows the world that even though he has autism, autism doesn’t have him. Purchase this book for $11.99 via Laces & Pages.
Tap here to purchase this book!

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DMV Teacher Resources

New this month! Check out our brand new Teacher Resources page in collaboration with DC Arts & Humanities Education Collaborative. This listing includes grants/fellowship info, educator events & more. It'll be updated each month so make sure to bookmark it!
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More Kid-Friendly Things-to-do...

Check out this list of recurring kid-friendly things-to-do for each day of the week. Most activities are free or low cost! This list is reviewed & updated frequently so make sure to bookmark it for future reference.
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