Top Family-Friendly Activities in the DMV this Weekend (8/7 – 8/9)

Manny Jennings, author of "It's OK to be me" stands with his parents and Sarah Acors, founder of 4DMV Kids.
Thank you to everyone who signed up for our Summer Storytime in July!
  • Updated: 8/6/2026

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

Elefest at National Zoo
It's Elefest Weekend at Smithsonian's National Zoo! Visit the Zoo from Friday, Aug. 7, through Sunday, Aug. 9, and enjoy a mix of free family-friendly activities and special ticketed programs, including live cultural performances, hands-on activity stations throughout the Zoo & special animal demonstrations and keeper talks & more!
Tap here for Elefest Info

Friday, August 7, 2026

Washington, DC

  • Friday (8/7) at 10:00 am | EleFest at the National Zoo ♥
    • In honor of World Elephant Day, celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a three-day festival packed with culture, conservation and community! Includes live cultural performances, hands-on activities, animal demos & more. 
  • Friday (8/7) at 10:00 am | Storytime: The Very Lonely Firefly at National Gallery of Art – East Building 
  • Friday (8/7) at 10:00 am | Books and Beyond with a Ranger at Pierce Barn at Rock Creek Park
    • Come read and sing all about nature with a park ranger! This program includes nature books, animal puppets, body movements, and songs.   
  • Friday (8/7) at 4:30 pm | Ukulele Sing-Along at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 0-5)
    • Come sing together with Rachel and her ukulele. Sing familiar songs and learn some new ones. Move and play with song.

Maryland

Northern Virginia

Join Artist and Doll-maker, Francine Haskins, for a doll-making workshop with hand-stitched soft sculpture, mixed-media fiber dolls. Participants will use fabric, yarn, and a mixture of adornments to create their dolls. Dolls are created to tell a triumphant story of their life or the life of someone they know. Basic sewing knowledge is helpful but not required. Recommended for ages 8 and up!
Tap here for doll workshop info!

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Washington, DC

  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | EleFest at the National Zoo ♥
    • In honor of World Elephant Day, celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a three-day festival packed with culture, conservation and community! Includes live cultural performances, hands-on activities, animal demos & more. Join DC Public Library too!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Krewe of Pyros Mardi Gras Parade & Fiyah Festival at Gallery Place/Chinatown
    • The parade is complete with floats, marching bands, and brass bands from DC and Louisiana. Spectators of all ages can expect to “catch” parade giveaways all along the route.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | The Phillips Plays ~ Artist Process: Sam Gilliam at The Phillips Collection ($) ♥
    • Find inspiration in Sam Gilliam’s experimental approach to creating art and mirror how he plays with color, scale, and fabric in this Art Workshop. 
  • [Additional Selection] Check out Art-Play-Practice at Phillips@THEARC, the museum’s satellite location in Southeast DC. This inaugural installation is inspired by Gilliam’s Broad Cape (1972) and invites all ages to play while exploring art in a hands-on, imaginative way. ♥
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | DockDogs at the Wharf
    • For the first time in DC, you can cheer on these canine athletes as they attempt to earn the title of Iron Dog!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Author Meet & Greet ~ “If you went to the Bottom of the Ocean” at Politics and Prose on Connecticut Avenue in NW (Best for ages 3-8)
    • Includes a story time, face painting, and an art activity!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Friends of Peirce Mill Ice Cream-Making Demonstration at Peirce Mill in NW
    • Come learn about old-fashioned ice cream, made famous by Dolly Madison, Quaker friend of Betsy Peirce, and invented by Augustus Jackson, who was the White House chef from 1817 until 1837. After the demo, there’ll be free ice cream treats for the kids!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Family Program ~ Once Upon an Incense Road at Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art
    • Ready for an adventure? Join Rawis (storytellers) as they reveal AlUla’s role in the enduring stories of the legendary Incense Road.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Doll Workshop with Francine Haskins at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum  in SE (Best for ages 8+) ♥
    • Please join Artist and Doll-maker, Francine Haskins, for a doll-making workshop with hand-stitched soft sculpture, mixed-media fiber dolls.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Summer Art Market at the Chinese American Museum
    • Explore beautiful paintings, handcrafted treasures, delicious baked goods and juicy dumplings from local artists & vendors!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Carnegie Library (Best for ages 8-12)
    • Explore using the Procreate app on iPad with Apple Pencil Pro to draw an emoji to take home.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday: Swings at National Building Museum ($)
    • Explore the science behind your favorite playground equipment! Discover how forces like momentum and kinetic energy work in a swing. Participants will conduct experiments to learn about these scientific forces and make their own swing using craft supplies.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Georgetown (Best for ages 6-10)
    • Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided. 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 4:30 pm | 123 Andrés at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW ♥
    • 123 Andrés are GRAMMY-winners, beloved for their high-energy, interactive concerts, en español y en inglés.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 5:00 pm | Kid: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth at Apple Carnegie Library in NW
    • Attention, families: your mission is to protect something you love on planet Earth. Together you’ll imagine a story with your own characters on a fun adventure.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 6:00 pm | Can I Kick it? Outdoor Movie Series featuring Black Panther at Skyland Town Center in SE ♣ 
Undersea mosaic adventures at National Harbor
There's a $10 kids workshop at National Harbor on Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm. Participants will choose from a starfish, dolphin, fish, or sea turtle and learn the fundamentals of mosaic art—from arranging colorful glass gems to gluing, grouting, and finishing a beautiful piece they can proudly display at home.
Tap here for ticket info

Maryland

Prince George’s County
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Unsung Heroes Who Shaped America at Surratts-Clinton Library ♥
    • Featuring a reading of “They Call Me Teach: Lessons in Freedom” by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome. For the craft activity, participants will create “Power of Words” signs inspired by the book. 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:30 am | Legos: Dinoramas at Bladensburg Library
    • Kids can let their imaginations soar by making scenes of their favorite Tyrannosaurus Rex, Brontosaurus, or Troodon.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:30 am & 4:00 pm | CSAA presents: Akeela and the Bee at Creative Suitland ($)
    • Akeelah and the Bee follows Akeelah Anderson, a bright 11-year-old girl from a South Los Angeles neighborhood who discovers she has an extraordinary talent for spelling.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 pm | Craft and Create: Watercolor Bookmarks at Mount Rainier Branch Library ♥
    • With step-by-step guidance, you’ll create something unique and have fun along the way.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Undersea Mosaic Adventures for Kids with Kimberly Saunders at Arts’tination National Harbor ($) (Best for ages 8-12) ♥
    • Participants will choose from a starfish, dolphin, fish, or sea turtle and learn the fundamentals of mosaic art—from arranging colorful glass gems to gluing, grouting, and finishing a beautiful piece they can proudly display at home.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 5:30 pm | Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor SouthPointe ($) 
The Big Bloom Festival is back! Bring a chair, enjoy live music, food trucks, moon bounce, arts and crafts, county resources and more. Live performances included featuring Kanysha and The Crush Funk Brass Band.
Tap here for Big Bloom Festival Info

Maryland

Montgomery County
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Summer Saturday Silly Songs & Stories at Connie Morella Library in Bethesda (Best for ages 3-10)
    • Listen, laugh, smile, and sing along with some hilarious children’s books, songs, jokes, and rhymes!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Science Heroes ~ STEM for the Whole Family at Rockville Memorial Library ♥
    • Unearth your love for science in this fun and interactive S.T.E.M. show for the whole family.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Wildlife Adventures: Digging for Clues at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg ♥
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 3:00 pm | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 8-12)
    • Create a theme song for a favorite show, book, or game using GarageBand on iPad.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 5:00 pm | Big Bloom Festival at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center in Silver Spring ♥
    • Bring a chair, enjoy live music, food trucks, moon bounce, arts and crafts, county resources and more. Featuring Kanysha and The Crush Funk Brass Band.

More Maryland Events

Learn how to play the new game Trapdoors! Inventory Maritza Maxwell of Hatch Skills will be on site at Made in ALX in Alexandria, VA with the prototypes of her game to guide you through this competitive puzzle game.
Tap here for Trapdoor Game Day info

Northern Virginia

Arlington County
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Crafty Kids Take and Make at Courthouse Library 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Unite & Rise for Voting Rights at READ Book Nook in Arlington ♥
    • Bake sale starts at 10:30 am!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:15 pm | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Clarendon (Best for ages 8-12)
    • Create a theme song for a favorite show, book, or game using GarageBand on iPad.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Pentagon City (Best for ages 6-10)
    • Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided. 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Family Class: BBQ Bash at Cookology in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
    • In this class the whole family will work together to create a yummy menu of tasty summer foods as we learn and practice essential culinary skills.

Northern Virginia

City of Alexandria
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Learn to Play Trapdoors at Made in ALX ♥
    • Learn how to play the new game Trapdoors! Inventory Maritza Maxwell of Hatch Skills will be on site with the prototypes of her game to guide you through this competitive puzzle game.
  • Saturday (8/8) at Parent & Me: Teddy Bear Cake Pops Decorating Studio Class at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 5-12) ♥
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Nature Play at Buddie Ford Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 2-5) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Film Screening featuring Sheep Detectives at Burke Branch Library ♣
  • Saturday (8/8) at 7:45 pm | Bat Night at Huntley Meadows ($)
    • Join a naturalist to discover the facts, fiction and folklore about nature’s only true flying mammal- bats. This program will start with a presentation followed by a night walk where you will use a special acoustic device to listen for and identify bat calls not heard with the human ear.

Arts in the Parks in Northern Virginia ♥

  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Uncle Devin Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly 
    • “Uncle Devin” Walker is a celebrated children’s drummer and music educator. His dynamic shows, like The Uncle Devin Show®, featuring Drum Tales! and Be Yourself!, inspire children through engaging rhythms.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | The Vibe Check at Lorton Community Center in Lorton 
    • Singer/songwriter Roberta Lea uncovers the various ways music can positively impact mental health, promote self-expression, regulate emotion, and reduce stress.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | the grandsons, Jr. at Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean 
    • Kids and their parents will dig the upbeat mix of rock, swing, New Orleans R&B, country, and Latin music.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Munit & Z Love Bugs at Wakefield Park/Audrey Moore Recreation Center in Annandale 
    • Munit & Z Love Bugs is an Ethiopian-Haitian-American family band that plays music from around the world, and love it when the audience sings with us making one big musical community.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Mr. Lilo at Burke Lake Park Amphitheater in Fairfax 
    • Mr. Lilo Gonzalez is a singer and songwriter who has touched the lives of many people with his fun yet thoughtful music, sending a message to adults and children of all cultures that we can and should unite to build a better world for all.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Groovy Nate at The Rooftop Park Space at Springfield Garage in Springfield 
    • High energy funky grooves in children’s music that entertain and educate! Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy.

More Northern Virginia Events

  • Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 am | Gustave Art & Craft Market in Alexandria ♥
    • Celebrate community and family fun, shopping, kids’ activities and games, & Gustave’s delicious seasonal treats!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 9:00 am | Fishing for Parent and Child at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($) (Best for ages 5+) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Nature’s Hidden Heroes at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
    • Meet native crawlies, friendly giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches as you discover the important roles these “creepy crawlies” play in keeping our ecosystems healthy. This hands-on family program reveals why these incredible invertebrates are actually the unsung heroes of the natural world.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | The Wonders of Wiggly River presented by River City Puppets at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) ♥
    • Tag along with River City Puppets as they discover a world of enchanting folk tales. Featuring fantastical handmade puppets, silly voices, and a good measure of audience participation, this aquatic crew finds that true friendship lies just beneath the surface.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:30 am | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Fairfax Corner (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
    • Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together. Devices provided.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:15 pm | Super Snakes at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
    • Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why snakes are important. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm | Ice Cream and Games at the Mill at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Tysons Corner (Best for ages 6-10)
    • Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided. 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 6:30 pm | Zootopia 2 at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ♣
  • Saturday (8/8) at 7:30 pm | West African Cultural Heritage Night ~ Dogo du Togo & The Alagaa Beat Band at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale ♥
    • Experience the vibrant West African sounds of Dogo du Togo with their high-energy blend of traditional Togolese rhythms and psychedelic Afro-rock. 
Intro to Cyanotype for Kids
Cyanotype printing is equal parts chemistry and magic. Engineers and architects used cyanotype printing for ages to make “blueprints,” and Anna Atkins famously used this process to document and photograph specimens as a botanist. Artists, too, are drawn to this process for the beautiful and vibrant blue hues and nearly endless creative opportunities. In this session, kids can learn to make stunning cyanotype prints from start to finish. They will learn to safely handle the two key chemicals to create a photosensitive solution, prepare the paper, create unique designs, expose and finally, develop your print. Tickets are $40! Class to be held at Merry Pins in NW DC.
Tap here for Cyanotype for Kids Class info

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Washington, DC 

  • Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 am | EleFest at the National Zoo ♥
    • In honor of World Elephant Day, celebrate the Zoo’s newest Asian elephant calf, Linh Mai, with a three-day festival packed with culture, conservation and community! Includes live cultural performances, hands-on activities, animal demos & more. 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 am | Vintage, Vintage, Vintage Car Show at Union Market in NE ♥
    • Features a curated mix of vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles from local collectors across the DC area. Family-friendly bonus: Bring the little ones to the “Touch-A-(Tow)-Truck” experience with Roda + grab fun giveaways for your own ride.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 am | Sunday Storytime at Planet Word (Best for ages 2-6)
    • Featuring songs and read-alouds presented by children’s librarians from the DC Public Library!
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
    • Draw, record sounds, add fun 3D shapes, and more as they dive into the world of creative storytelling. Devices will be provided. 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | Drag Story Hour with Charlemagne Chateau at Loyalty Books Petworth in NW 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 12:15 pm | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
    • Washington Nationals vs. Cincinnati Reds 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 pm | Intro to Cyanotype for Kids! at Merry Pins in NW ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
    • [Scroll to get to this listing] Cyanotype printing is equal parts chemistry and magic. Engineers and architects used cyanotype printing for ages to make “blueprints,” and Anna Atkins famously used this process to document and photograph specimens as a botanist. In this session, kids can learn to make stunning cyanotype prints from start to finish. They will learn to safely handle the two key chemicals to create a photosensitive solution, prepare the paper, create unique designs, expose and finally, develop your print. 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 pm | Roving Leaders’ Sunday Funday at Deanwood Community Center in NE, Emery Heights Recreation Center in NW & Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in NE ♥
    • free community fun-Play in the Park, Open Skate, and Movie/Gaming-at recreation centers across the city.

Maryland

  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | Tanger National Harbor Back to School Bash
    • Bring the family out for face painting, balloon art, fun photo ops giveaways and more. Plus, take advantage of the best back-to-school deals, as well as tax free shopping,
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($) 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop: Wooden Mobile at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) 
    • Design and build a wooden mobile by balancing shapes and forms. Use hand tools like saws and drills to create your pieces, then assemble your design as you explore movement and balance.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:30 am | Summerfest 2026 at Olney Theatre Center ♥
    • Come for activities all over campus, see some of your favorite Olney performers, as well as local, community-based performance groups. Take a sample class as well! 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 12:30 pm | Ice Cream Sundays at the National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation in Baltimore ($)
    • These Sunday train rides are extra sweet – because everything is better with an ice cream treat!  
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 pm | Animal Encounters at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
    • Meet the nature center’s live animals including reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey! Interacting with animals can boost your mood and promote mental wellness. Learn more about them and their natural habitats.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:45 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Montgomery Mall (Best for ages 8-12)
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:45 pm | Animal Encounters at Clearwater Nature Center ($)
    • Get up close with reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey in this exciting, hands-on animal experience! Through fun, interactive learning, you’ll explore how animals survive in the wild, why their habitats matter, and how we can all help protect the planet they call home.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 pm | Turn the Page: Book Exchange at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
    • Celebrate National Book Lovers Day with a FREE program aimed at promoting literacy and the joy of reading. All are welcome to come read, review, exchange, and take a few!
  • Sunday (8/9) at 3:00 pm | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 8-12)
    • Create a theme song for a favorite show, book, or game using GarageBand on iPad.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 4:00 pm | Kids: Direct Your Own Friendship Film on iPad at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
    • Kids will collaborate as they direct, record, edit, and more to make a friendship film that celebrates how we’re better when we come together. Devices provided.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 5:30 pm | Water Lantern Festival at National Harbor SouthPointe ($) 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie at National Harbor ♣
  • Sunday (8/9) at 8:00 pm | Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical Jr. with a Caberet in Laurel ($)
    • The children are rising up. Join the revolt in this Broadway Junior adaptation of the Tony Award-winning hit!

Northern Virginia

  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park in Arlington
  • Sunday (8/9) at 10:00 am | Groovy Nate at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District in Fairfax ♥
    • High energy funky grooves in children’s music that entertain and educate! Groovy Nate® is a children’s entertainer who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments, and comedy.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 10:30 am | The Wonders of Wiggly River presented by River City Puppets at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) ♥
    • Tag along with River City Puppets as they discover a world of enchanting folk tales. Featuring fantastical handmade puppets, silly voices, and a good measure of audience participation, this aquatic crew finds that true friendship lies just beneath the surface.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | Cookie Cafe at Cookology in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8-17) 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 12:00 pm | Kids and Family Festival with Spider-man and Frozen at Shipgarten in McLean 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 pm | Family Day with Jr. Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria ($) 
    • In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 pm | Science Meets History – Flight at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($) (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
    • Discover how flight developed from birds and insects to balloons and kites, then to planes and rockets. Conduct hands-on experiments to see how lift, drag, weight and thrust make flying possible.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 4:00 pm | The Virginia State Insect Photo Walk at Long Branch Nature Center in Silver Spring ($) (Best for ages 8+)
    • Capture a butterfly with your camera! Learn about the Tiger Swallowtail butterfly, Virginia’s State Insect and look for this species and other butterflies on a walk in the park.

Sensory Friendly & Accessible

  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Sensory Storytime at Central Library in Arlington (Best for ages 2-11)
    • Inclusive and modified storytime for children with specialized sensory processing needs, including neurodivergence, autism, and/or disabilities.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Storytime for the Spectrum at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE DC (Best for ages 2-7)
    • Read a story, sing songs, and dance.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Sensory-Friendly Days in Nature at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
    • Each sensory-friendly day will feature a “touch table” of animal artifacts, access to sensory play bins and fidget toys, and a fun, easy craft.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 11:00 am | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($) 
    • ASL-interpreted & Sensory-friendly show!

For Tweens & Teens

Washington, DC

  • Friday (8/7) at 1:00 pm | Friday Movie featuring The Fantastic Four: First Steps at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Best for teens & adults) ♣
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Kente Weaving Workshop for Kids! at Sankofa Cafe ($) (Best for ages 10-15) ♥
    • Young participants will learn the art and history of traditional Kente weaving in a creative and hands on environment.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 10+)
    • Code and create as a family with Swift Playground using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.
  • Saturday (8/8) & Sunday (8/9) | Sneaker Con Washington DC at Washington Convention Center ($) ♥
    • Find your treasure with 100,000+ sneakers and collectibles from 200+ vendors from across the country. From rare gems to everyday pairs—Jordans, Travis Scotts, SBs, vintage tees, collectibles, and more—it all comes together under one roof.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 pm | Teen Volunteer Project: Oatmeal Kits for SAMU at Edlavitch DCJCC in NW ♥
    • Spend your morning supporting survivors of natural disasters, asylum seekers, and first responders with SAMU First Response.

Maryland

  • Friday (8/7) at 2:30 pm | Movie: Godzilla (2014) at Accokeek Library (Rated PG-13) ♣
  • Friday (8/7) & Saturday (8/8) | Community Center Teen Nights in PG County 
  • Friday (8/7) – Sunday (8/9) | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: Mean Girls in Columbia ($) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Youth Aviators Air Traffic Control at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 13-18)
    • Participants will learn the phonetic alphabet and real radio lingo, explore essential procedures and protocols, and gain insights from industry professionals who keep our skies safe.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Virtual Dungeons and Dragons Homebrew hosted by Charles County Public Library
    • From the comfort of your home, you can become a grand adventurer with a story tailored specifically for you!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 pm | Teen Movies at the Library: Superman at Gaithersburg Library ♣
    • Rated PG-13
  • Saturday (8/8) at 1:00 pm | Game On: Learn “Flamecraft” at Bowie Library (Best for teens & adults)
    • Join the Bowie Board Game Group to learn “Flamecraft”, play one of the hosts’ other games, or bring some of your own!
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Teens Night Out – College Sports Recruiting Panel at Mid-County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring (Best for ages 13+) 
    • Featuring current and former college coaches and athletic directors, this panel is designed to educate both parents and teens about the recruiting process and tuition assistance while providing valuable insight into navigating the path to collegiate athletics.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 5:00 pm | Outtabounds Teen Fest 2026 at Southern Area Aquatic and Recreation Complex (SAARC) in Brandywine (Best for ages 13-18) 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 2:00 pm | Intergenerational Graphic Novel Book Club – Hey Kiddo at Wheaton Library (Best for high school students & adults) 
    • A graphic novel book club where you’ll share different perspectives and a love for reading across generations, between older adults and high school students.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Columbia (Best for ages 10+)
    • Code and create as a family with Swift Playground using iPad. Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.

Northern Virginia

  • Friday (8/7) at 1:00 pm | Summer at The Rec at Arlington Mill Community Center in Arlington
    • Includes an End of Summer Bash at 6:00 pm! This free, drop-in summer program provides a daily hot lunch (that’s actually good) and activities chosen by teens like music, games, cooking, art, and sports. Learn new skills at our weekly DJ and Music Production classes, game with friends in our state of the art esports lounge, get some energy out in the gym, or enjoy a space just to chill and be yourself.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:00 am | Brushes and Blooms at Winkler Botanical Preserve in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 10+) ♥
    • Led by NOVA Parks’ Roving Naturalist, this event will include a short nature walk to view the flowers up close, followed by a painting workshop showcasing simple techniques to capture these gorgeous, blooming native plants.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 10:30 am | Basic Self-Defense Class with EvolveAll at Courthouse Library in Arlington (Best for high schoolers & adults) 
  • Saturday (8/8) at 11:00 am | Groovy 60s & 70s Tie-dye for Teens at Glencarlyn Library (Best for ages 12-18) ♥
    • As the country recognizes its 250th birthday, create some great T-shirts using dyes. All materials will be provided.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 12:00 pm | Resin Orchid Jewelry Making Class – Workshop at Dov & Company in Arlington ($) ♥
    • Create your own pressed flower resin earrings in this hands-on jewelry workshop that’s equal parts creative, aesthetic, and wearable.
  • Saturday (8/8) at 2:00 pm | Dungeons & Dragons – The Wild Beyond the Witchlight Adventure at Aurora Hills Library in Arlington (Best for middle schoolers) 
  • Sunday (8/9) at 1:00 pm | Crafternoon: Learn to Punch Needle at Made in ALX ($) ♥
    • Learn and develop basic punch needle skills to make a punch needle flower! No experience is required, and materials are included.
  • Sunday (8/9) at 6:00 pm | Junk Journaling Workshop at Del Ray Artisans in Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 13+ & adults)
    • In this workshop, you’ll handcraft a journal using everyday “junk” and receive guidance on using found paper, packaging, tags, embellishments, to create layered, expressive journal pages that reflect your personal perspective and storytelling style.

This Week's Book Recommendation

The Day You Begin book cover.
It's Back to School Season! Check out "The Day You Begin" by one of our favorite authors, Jacqueline Woodson. "There are many reasons to feel different. Maybe it's how you look or talk, or where you're from; maybe it's what you eat, or something just as random. It's not easy to take those first steps into a place where nobody really knows you yet, but somehow you do it." This book is best for ages 5-8!
Tap here to purchase this book for $10.17 on Amazon [Affiliate]

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End of Summer Movies + Fall Screenings

Plan a last minute outdoor movie night in the DC metro area using our list! I'll also add Fall outdoor screenings as I see them. Save this list for years to come.
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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.
Tap to see Daily Activities

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