- Updated: 8/13/2026
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
Friday, August 14, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (8/14) at 3:30 pm | TeenyBopper Cinema ~ Hoppers at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW ♣
Maryland
- Friday (8/14) at 10:30 am | Pre-K Story Hour / Hora de Cuentos de Prekindergarten at Springhill Lake Recreation Center in Greenbelt
- Enjoy vibrant stories, fingerplays, and songs led by Greenbelt Branch Library Staff. After the storytime, enjoy playtime in the gym, a healthy snack, and a free book from RUAK.
- Friday (8/14) at 11:00 am | STEMusic Concert at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring ♥
- Also at 2:00 pm at Gaithersburg Library! Music meets STEM education! From mind blowing experiments to math problem-solving, coding dances, airplane songs and even rocket launches, this event has it all!
- Friday (8/14) at 6:00 pm | Nite Bite Fishing at Centennial Park South in Columbia ($)
- Bring your own fishing pole, bait, tackle, bug repellant, flashlight or lantern, chair, or boat.
- Friday (8/14) at 6:00 pm | Summer Movie Nights ~ GOAT at Millwood Park Building in Capitol Heights ♣
- Friday (8/14) at 7:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
Northern Virginia
- Friday (8/14) at 12:00 pm | Stuff a Cruiser at Tysons Corner Center ♥
- Meet officers from FCPD, tour their cruiser, and stuff it with supplies to benefit children supported by victim services.
- Friday (8/14) at 2:00 pm | 2026 Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ♥
- Entertainment at Arlington County Fair includes stage performances on the Main Stage and Indoor Stage by local and regional artists, the FREE Kids Court activities like fitness classes and obstacle courses, thrilling amusement rides and midway games, and other programming you won’t want to miss.
- Friday (8/14) at 7:30 pm | Campfire Fridays at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($)
Saturday, August 15, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | Panda Fest at 6th St NW & Pennsylvania Ave NW ($) (Ages 6+ require a ticket) ♥
- One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | Discover Summer: Music Jamboree at MLK Memorial Library in NW ♥
- Celebrate summer with a morning of music, movement, and storytelling! Enjoy interactive performances from Marsha and the Positrons, then discover the art of Indian Classical Dance.
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | Open Studio: What’s Black and White and Red All Over? at Hirshhorn Museum
- Draw inspiration from Kruger’s installation Belief+Doubt(2012) and create your own text-filled collages! Use materials like newspapers, magazines, and paint sticks to bring your collages to life.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | Sound Mapping: Discover the Park through Listening at Rock Creek Park Nature Center in NW
- Slow down and experience the park in a whole new way! In this fun, hands-on activity for kids and adults, participants will create a sound map by using their sense of hearing to explore the natural world. Listen for birds, insects, rustling leaves, flowing water, and other sounds that reveal what’s happening around you.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | Roving Leaders Backpack Giveaway at Brentwood Recreation Center in NE (Best for ages 3-17)
- Also happening at Kennedy Recreation Center in NW at 12:00 pm!
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | International Cat Day at Smithsonian’s National Zoo ♥
- Watch special animal feedings, talk to the Zoo’s animal care experts, craft your own cat-themed art, and play games that celebrate your favorite felines!
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am & 1:30 pm | Art & Me: Family Workshop – Making with Molds at National Museum of Asian Art (Best for ages 3-8) ♥
- Explore the magic of molds! Start by looking closely at the largest bronze ever cast in Southeast Asia, on loan from the National Museum of Cambodia, in the exhibition Vishnu’s Cosmic Ocean. Then learn how bronze casting works, from making a mold to forming a finished piece. Use clay and simple molds to create your own artwork, exploring how sculptures take form.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:30 am | Ms. Niki’s Music Class at Takoma Park Neighborhood Library in NW
- Join music edu-tainer Ms. Niki on a colorful adventure through upbeat original songs and classic favorites with a fresh new twist!
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | The Five Elements of Flavor with Dr. Madea Allen at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum ♥
- Join Dr. Madea Allen for an interactive, family-friendly workshop introducing participants to the Five Elements of flavor — sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty — and explore how taste influences digestion, energy, and emotional wellbeing. Participants will taste five representative flavors — date, Celtic Sea salt, cocoa nib, ginger slice, lemon wedge, and whole Schisandra berry (combines all 5 flavors) — and identify their energetic qualities.
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | Vintage Car Show & Pinewood Derby Race at MLK Memorial Library
- Come admire beautifully restored automobiles from local car clubs and individual collectors, and chat with the owners who keep them running.
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | An Afternoon with Children’s Authors at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE ♥
- An afternoon of local children’s authors, Melanie Lymon-Harris and Cherie Craney sharing their inspirational children’s books.
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | Back to School Carnival at King Greenleaf Recreation Center in SW ♥
- Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of carnival rides, music, games, giveaways, delicious food, and family fun as District families come together to celebrate the end of summer and kick off a new school year.
- Saturday (8/15) at 1:00 pm | 2nd Annual Back to School Bash at Francis A. Gregory Neighborhood Library in SE ♥
- Includes music, school supplies, moon bounces, petting zoo, face painting and family fun! To receive school supplies, the student must be present.
- Saturday (8/15) at 4:00 pm | Summer of Hope: Live Music & Movie ~ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at The Wharf ♣
- Enjoy free live music by Julian Harper, DJ Farrah Flosscett and The Jogo Project, all by the water. Plus, try a beginner yoga class, meet local community organizations and enjoy family-friendly activities with Positive Chalk DC, Playtime Project, DC Wheels and more.
- Saturday (8/15) at 8:30 pm | Exploring the Sky 2026 – Moon, Hercules, M13, Summer Triangle, M57, M31, Venus at Rock Creek Park in NW
- Exploring the Sky is a joint program between the National Capital Astronomers (NCA) and the National Park Service. The program is free and all are welcome who have an interest in observing the night sky. Visitors can come to the corner of Glover and Military Roads in the District and join the NCA to observe sky.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:30 am | Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 3-6)
- Kick off National Aviation Day with an early celebration of Orville Wright’s birthday! Enjoy a reading of How People Learned to Fly by Fran Hodgkins and discover how the Wright brothers took their very first steps toward creating the airplane.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway at Glenarden Library ♥
- Get ready for the new school year with a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies, courtesy of Grind Hard, Dream Big and their community partners!
- Saturday (8/15) at 2:00 pm | Tail Waggin’ Tutors at Bladensburg Library
- Boost your child’s confidence by reading to friendly, trained therapy dogs! Whether they bring a favorite book or choose one from the library, each child gets 10-15 minutes of one-on-one reading time with a furry friend.
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Saturday (8/15) at 9:30 am | Cabin John Train’s 60th Anniversary in Rockville ($) ♥
- Mark the milestone with special half price train tickets ($2 per person). Children 12 years and under will also receive a train whistle while supplies last.
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | Vinyl Day – Just for the Record at Rockville Memorial Library ♥
- A free family-friendly music event for all ages, dedicated to celebrating record and DJ culture in Montgomery County. Includes science and sound activities, art stations, vinyl sales, listening lounge, performances & more!
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:30 am | STEM Explorers: Make Your Own Dinosaur Egg at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg (Best for ages 4+)
- Come learn about dinosaur babies and leave with your very own dinosaur egg.
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:30 am | STEM at the Library: LEGO & DUPLO Play at Chevy Chase Library
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | Rhythmaya Dance at Aspen Hill Library ♥
- Learn about classical, folk, and modern dances from all over India.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am | Park Police Community Day at Wheaton Regional Park – Shorefield Area ♥
- A day of fun, connection, and public‑safety education. Food trucks and interactive demonstrations will be on site.
- Saturday (8/15) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:30 pm | Back-to-School Clothing Swap at Wheaton Library
- Back-to-School Clothing Swap where families can donate and pick up clean, gently used clothing in all sizes – from kids to adults.
- Saturday (8/15) at 2:00 pm | Rock the Art ~ Rock Painting Activity at Germantown Library (Best for ages 5-12)
- Bring your creativity to life with Rock Painting! Turn ordinary stones into colorful masterpieces.
- Saturday (8/15) at 3:00 pm | Funny Crew at Davis Library in Bethesda ♥
- Captain Tomado brings a family-friendly magic show full of jokes and funny stories, packed with laughs and unexpected turns.
- Saturday (8/15) at 3:00 pm | Wildlife Detectives: Digging for Clues at Kensington Park Library ♥
- Grab your magnifying glass and get ready to dig up some wild secrets! Follow the clues—tracks, feathers, bones, and more—to uncover animals that live nearby and our live animal ambassadors.
- Saturday (8/15) at 4:30 pm | Art in Nature: Nature Journaling for Kids at Locust Grove Nature Center in Bethesda (Best for ages 8-15)
- Kids love being out in nature and through journaling they can learn how to connect with nature even more. Join a naturalist to learn how to truly observe nature around you and how to get those observations and thoughts on paper.
More Maryland Events
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | Mess Fest at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($)
- Grab a brush and dip into your favorite color of paint to leave your messy mark on the Science Center’s window mural. Squirt a glob of something gloopy and watch it race down a three story drop! Plus, our expert mess makers will be ready to “wow” with live science demonstrations performed throughout the day.
Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | 2026 Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ♥
- Entertainment at Arlington County Fair includes stage performances on the Main Stage and Indoor Stage by local and regional artists, the FREE Kids Court activities like fitness classes and obstacle courses, thrilling amusement rides and midway games, and other programming you won’t want to miss.
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:15 am | Garden Explorers at Central Library (Best for grades 2-5)
- Explore the library’s gardens and complete a hands-on activity, then plant a native plant to take home.
- Saturday (8/15) at 2:00 pm | Arlington Plays: Math Carnival at Central Library (Best for grades K-5) ♥
- Play math games and puzzles curated from math education nonprofits with local high school teens, plus a chance to win prizes!
- Saturday (8/15) at 2:00 pm | PANINI Sticker Swap at Columbia Pike Library ♥
- Are you collecting World Cup PANINI™ stickers? Whether you’re missing Haaland, Mbappé or Messi, come swap with other fans and complete your sticker album! All ages welcome. Sticker trading will be limited one for one.
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | Family-Friendly Wood + Canvas Textured Art Workshop at AR Workshop Alexandria ($) (Best for ages 6+)
- Create a unique home decor item utilizing a variety of tools and techniques, our in-house collection of paints and non-toxic stains while guided by our crafty instructors.
- Saturday (8/15) at 8:00 pm | Boardwalk Astronomy at Huntley Meadows ($) ♥
- Join a park naturalist as they take you on a tour of constellations, comets and other current events happening in the skies above.
More Northern Virginia Events
- Saturday (8/15) at 8:00 am | Fishing for Parent and Child at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Saturday (8/15) at 10:00 am | Snakes Secret Lives at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Discover the sophisticated hunting strategies, sensory capabilities and ecological roles that makes this reptiles masters of evolutionary design.
- Saturday (8/15) at 12:00 pm | Pachycephalosaurus Picnic at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) ♥
- tomp your way to a most unusual picnic in the woods. Bring your picnic blanket and lunch or snack for an outdoor lesson about dinosaurs.
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:00 am | Panda Fest at 6th St NW & Pennsylvania Ave NW ($) (Ages 6+ require a ticket) ♥
- One of the biggest outdoor Asian food festivals in the US with experiential activities, tastings, and market fairs that showcases the vibrant food, art and cultural traditions from Asia.
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:30 am | One World, One Sky: Big Bird’s Adventure at National Air and Space Museum
- In this free planetarium show, join Big Bird and Elmo as they explore the night sky with Hu Hu Zhu, a Muppet from “Zhima Jie,” the Chinese co-production of Sesame Street.
- Sunday (8/16) at 1:00 pm | Woodridge Back to School Fest at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE ♥
- Enjoy an afternoon filled with free family fun, including live entertainment, games, food, free drawings, and hands-on activities. Students can pick up free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), and families can explore library programs, STEM experiences, community resources, the Nutrition Lab, and a school uniform Swap & Drop.
- Sunday (8/16) at 2:00 pm | Family Improv at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in NW
- An afternoon of Improv games created and played by you.
Maryland
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:30 am | Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 3-6)
- Sunday (8/16) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop: Light-Up Puppets at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) ♥
- Design and create your own puppet while learning basic circuitry using LEDs, push connectors, and simple circuit materials. Bring your character to life with light as you build and test your design.
- Sunday (8/16) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Sunday (8/16) at 12:00 pm | Mess Fest at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($)
- Grab a brush and dip into your favorite color of paint to leave your messy mark on the Science Center’s window mural. Squirt a glob of something gloopy and watch it race down a three story drop! Plus, our expert mess makers will be ready to “wow” with live science demonstrations performed throughout the day.
- Sunday (8/16) at 1:00 pm | Voices of Fairwood Music Series Celebrating R&B at Fairwood Community Park in Bowie
- Sunday (8/16) at 1:00 pm | Twig Sailboats! presented by the Wheaton Arts Parade at Wheaton Library (Best for ages 4-12) ♥
- Create some fun summery decorations with twigs, yarn, and paper. We provide all art supplies and instruction.
Northern Virginia
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:00 am | Mommy/Daddy & Me: Camp Cookout Party at Cookology at Ballston Quarter ($) (Best for ages 4-7) ♥
- Blend a creamy Toasted Marshmallow Milkshake, create playful Pretzel Dog Bites, and make cheesy Mac & Cheese Cups perfect for little hands. Young chefs will practice mixing, shaping, and assembling while building confidence in the kitchen with their grown-up helper.
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park
- Artist Spotlight: Aaron Tran — Cyanotype Prints & Chalk Painting / Music from Duck Chuck Goose
- Sunday (8/16) at 10:30 am | Life in the Underworld at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- Come and explore the “underworld” under fallen logs. Discover the bugs, fungi and salamanders that live under the forest floor. Collect, examine and identify creatures using magnifiers and microscopes. Learn about their important jobs as pollinators and decomposers through projects and scientific investigations.
- Sunday (8/16) at 11:00 am | 2026 Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ♥
- Entertainment at Arlington County Fair includes stage performances on the Main Stage and Indoor Stage by local and regional artists, the FREE Kids Court activities like fitness classes and obstacle courses, thrilling amusement rides and midway games, and other programming you won’t want to miss.
- Sunday (8/16) at 12:00 pm | Kids Field Day at Shipgarten in McLean
- Sunday (8/16) at 2:00 pm | Family Day with Jr. Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria ($)
- In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.
- Sunday (8/16) at 7:45 pm | Bat Night at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria ($)
- Join a naturalist to discover the facts, fiction and folklore about nature’s only true flying mammal- bats. The program will start with a presentation followed by a night walk where we will use a special acoustic device to listen for and identify bat calls not heard with the human ear.
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (8/14) at 9:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Time at Cub Run Recreation Center Indoor Water Park in Chantilly ($)
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Friday (8/14) at 7:00 pm | Late Night Hype – Back to School at Brentwood Hamilton Park in NE (Best for ages 13-18)
- Saturday (8/15) at 1:00 pm | Emerging Artists Showcase: No Connection. Please Try Again Later. at Hirshhorn Museum ♥
- Over eight weeks, fifteen teen artists in the Emerging Artists Program engaged deeply with the Hirshhorn’s exhibitions and collection. With guidance from museum professionals and teaching artists, they channeled their own experiences into their showcase No Connection. Please Try Again Later., inviting the public to engage with their perspectives on our digital age.
- Saturday (8/15) at 1:30 pm | It’s the Beach Episode! Anime Marathon at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE
- The Beach Episode: One of the most famous and enduring tropes, a mid-season palate cleanser, and provides lighthearted comedy break.
Maryland
- Friday (8/14) at 2:00 pm | Movie: Superman at Bowie Library (Rated PG-13) ♣
- Friday (8/14) & Saturday (8/15) | Community Center Teen Nights in PG County
- Saturday (8/15) at 9:00 am | Basic Birding 101 at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) (Best for ages 14+)
- Borrow a pair of binoculars for a closer look at the birds of southern Maryland. Learn basic bird watching and identification tips. Discover the life histories and great migration patterns of the birds in our area.
- Saturday (8/15) 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.
Northern Virginia
- Friday (8/14) at 1:00 pm | Summer at the Rec at Arlington Mill Community Center
- his 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.
- Friday (8/14) at 2:30 pm | Brick and Chill: Teen LEGO Hangout at Glencarlyn Library (Best for grades 6-12)
- Saturday (8/15) at 6:00 pm | DIY Ukulele Workshop at Del Ray Artisans ($) ♥
- Hand-paint and assemble your own ukulele to keep or give as a unique, one-of-a-kind handmade gift.
This Week's Book Recommendation
