- Updated: 4/15/2026
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, April 17, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (4/17) at 10:00 am | Naturefest Spring Break – Day 5 Skate Party at Anacostia Park Skate Pavilion
- Friday (4/17) at 10:00 am | Play Date: Week of the Young Child Celebration! at the National Museum of Natural History
- Experience exhibits on the 1st floor tailored to our earliest learners!
- Friday (4/17) at 10:30 am | School’s Out: Architectural Photography at National Building Museum ($) (Best for ages 8-12)
- Learn about the wonders of photography and how taking pictures can build a deeper understanding of architecture.
- Friday (4/17) at 1:00 pm | Pump it Up Palace at Kennedy Recreation Center in NW
- Experience a pop-up indoor amusement park filled with huge inflatables, life-size board games, and more exciting attractions.
Maryland
- Friday (4/17) at 11:00 am | Egg-scavenger Hunt at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring
- Kids are invited to explore the library, search for colorful hidden eggs, and enjoy a playful adventure among the bookshelves.
- Friday (4/17) at 3:30 pm | Kids Create: Pokémon Bookmarks at Accokeek Library
- Create bookmarks of some of your favorite Pokémon!
- Friday (4/17) at 5:00 pm | April’s Paint Party at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- Paint a masterpiece & enjoy a kid’s cup after. $20 includes supplies, instruction + froyo!
Northern Virginia
- Friday (4/17) at 10:00 am | Spring Scavenger Hunts: Signs of Spring at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens ($)
- Search the gardens for cheerful signs of spring—flowers, birds, frogs, rabbits, bugs, and more—colorfully painted on wooden cutouts and hidden throughout the landscape.
- Friday (4/17) at 11:00 am | Discover Nature: The City Nature Challenge at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Alexandria (Best for ages 8+)
- The City Nature Challenge is an international effort that encourages people to discover and record biodiversity in their own communities. During this guided program, we’ll take a springtime hike through the gardens and learn how to use the free iNaturalist app to make real scientific observations.
- Friday (4/17) at 12:00 pm | Family Fun Fridays at Riverbend Park in Great Falls ($)
- Family Fun Fridays offer relaxed, self-guided play that encourages curiosity, creativity and hands-on learning. Families explore at their own pace through rotating activity stations focused on science and nature discovery.
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | A Day Unplugged at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum ♥
- Participants will learn the art of Creating the Perfect Container Garden, a hands-on workshop led by garden facilitator Derek Thomas, who will demonstrate how to grow vegetables, herbs, or ornamental plants in small spaces. Includes story time & sound bath immersion too.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | DAR Celebrates America 250! – Birthday Party for America
- Includes cupcakes, face paint & more! Meet Martha Washington and learn more about the lives of historical figures from the Revolutionary War.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:30 am, 11:30 am & 1:30 pm | Look, Learn, Create: “Water’s Edge” for Families at the National Museum of the American Indian (Best for ages 4-10)
- Family-friendly interactive tour of the Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe exhibition + create your own water-inspired artwork to take home!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Arab American Heritage Festival at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- Includes children’s story time + craft
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Earth Day Celebration at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW
- Winners of the bookmark contest will be presented and more fun!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Orchid Family Day: The Connective Power of Orchids at the National Museum of African American History & Culture ♥
- Enjoy a variety of activities designed for all ages exploring this captivating plant family and discover the many ways orchids connect us with nature and each other.
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | Puro Ritmo: Salsa Family Festival at the National Museum of American History ♥
- Includes salsa dance lessons, a guided gallery tour of the exhibition, family activities, a West African percussion performance and a live salsa concert.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday at National Building Museum ($) (Best for grades 2-6)
- Explore ways to protect the planet this Earth Month by learning about recycling, reducing waste, and saving energy at home. Participants will take part in a variety of hands-on activities to apply their new knowledge.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (4/18) at 9:00 am | The Black Moms Fair at Bowie State University ($) ♥
- Includes a vending fair, panel discussions, meet & greets & more. Childcare is also available for an additional fee!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Watkins Nature Center Community Day in Kettering ♥
- Includes live reptile program, animal meet & greet, nature crafts, giveaways & more!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Old Maryland Farm Community Day in Kettering ♥
- Includes a sheep shearing demo, animal meet & greet, fiber arts demo, scavenger hunt & more!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Defenders of Freedom: A Tribute to Black Veterans, Living History Day at Surratt Historic Site & Museum
- Come meet historical reenactors who specialize in food, music, and weaponry, and practice some of their skills while learning about life on the front lines.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | Movie and a Craft: A Bug’s Life at Beltsville Library
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | STEM Fun: Snap Circuits at Mount Rainier Library
- Explore and build various circuits that do cool tasks through interactive challenges that spark curiosity and creativity.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | STEM Fun: PBS KIDS – Multiplication at Largo-Kettering Library ♥
- Learn four different ways to represent multiplication in this engaging, interactive program designed to help elementary students develop strong multiplication skills through play.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | Tanger National Harbor Earth Day Celebration ♥
- Learn about urban bees and sustainable food with Alvéole and UpTop Acres. Families can also enjoy Earth Day crafts and exciting giveaways, including honey from the 2025 hive harvest.
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Craft and Create: Soap at Spauldings Library in District Heights
Maryland
Montgomery County
- [Final Weekend] Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Good Morning, Good Night at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 1-4)
- Discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. Watch–and help–Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the fireflies, shining the stars, and banishing nightmares.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:30 am | Recycled Plant Party! at Rockville Memorial Library
- Learn all about how important native plants are and how to help them grow, then make your own plant pots from recycled materials!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | TAHIRA the Storyteller at Highland Elementary School in Wheaton ♥
- TAHIRA isn’t just a performer; she’s a tapestry artist, intricately weaving tales and melodies into experiences that ignite hearts and minds. TAHIRA’s high-energy performances are more than entertainment; they’re journeys of human brilliance revealed through laughter, tears, and the unifying power of music. With every song and story, she champions the arts as a catalyst for social change, lighting the way to a brighter future.
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | Urban Art Walk at White Oak Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring
- Enjoy a spring afternoon filled with vibrant art, live musical perforamnces and inspiring spoken word. Share your own talent during our open mic session!
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | Bunny Brunch at Coffield Community Center in Silver Spring ♥
- Enjoy egg and bag decorations, an egg hunt, pictures with the Bunny and more at our Bunny Brunch!
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | Make Beautiful Blossom Branches with Wheaton Arts Parade at Wheaton Library ♥
- Make beautiful blossom branches. They provide all art supplies and instruction – just bring your imagination.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | Earth Day Event with Author Taunya English at Gaithersburg Library ♥
- Drop in anytime from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to meet author Taunya English and listen to her new book, Honeybird Blue, then get creative with crafts and activities inspired by birding and nature as we celebrate Earth Day. Taunya will read her book a few times throughout the two hours, so there will be multiple opportunities to hear it!
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Plant, Learn, and Craft with The Garden Party at Little Falls Library in Bethesda
- Plant seeds, learn about flower bulbs, and enjoy a nature-inspired craft.
More Maryland Events
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | Earth Day Celebration at Color Burst Park in Columbia ♥
- Starting with a complimentary yoga session by Yoga Six, followed by recycling relays and a sustainable maker’s market, enjoy live music, DIY succulent workshops, face painting and the “Green Kids” craft zone. Arrive early to be one of the first 100 families to get a free tree seedling.
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | Dino Day at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($)
- Uncover fossils and learn about the creatures who roamed the Earth millions of years ago. Find out what tools and techniques scientists use to unravel the mysteries of our prehistoric planet through hands-on activity stations.
Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- Saturday (4/18) at 8:00 am | Arlington Bunny Hop 5K at Clarendon United Methodist Church ($)
- Includes a Bounce House and other children’s activities available after the race. Costumes are welcomed!
- Saturday (4/18) at 8:00 am | Clarendon FitFest 2026 at Mason Square Plaza
- Clarendon FitFest is free and open to the public and will include live fitness demonstrations on the hour, interactive wellness activities, and tabling from local fitness and wellness businesses.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | Community Garden Spring Celebration and Plant Sale at Glencarlyn Library
- Includes free activities for children and the whole family!
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | The Columbia Pike Culture Fest at Arlington Mill Community Center ♥
- From international food and performances to family-friendly activities and community engagement, this event brings together cultures, stories, and traditions from around the world to Arlington.
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | History Hike: The Arlington Tea Party?! at Fort CF Smith Park ($)
- Participants will hike from Fort C.F. Smith to Windy Run to reenact and explore the Boston Tea Party of 1773.
- Saturday (4/18) at 3:00 pm | SEEK – Science and Engineering Engagement for Kids at Central Library (Best for grades 3-5)
- Includes Bridge Breaker Lab experiments
- Saturday (4/18) at 6:00 pm | Planetarium Show “Expedition Reef” at David M. Brown Planetarium ($)
- Learn the secrets of the “rainforests of the sea” as you embark on an oceanic safari of the world’s most vibrant—and endangered—marine ecosystems.
- Saturday (4/18) at 6:30 pm | Earth Day Campfire at Long Branch Nature Center ($)
- Come Celebrate the beauty of our earth properly just days before Earth Day with songs, stories, s’mores, trivia and animals.
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria
- Saturday (4/18) at 7:00 am | 5th Annual ALX Dog Walk & Sustainability Festival at Oronoco Bay Park ($) ♥
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | Spring Scavenger Hunts: Signs of Spring at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens ($)
- Search the gardens for cheerful signs of spring—flowers, birds, frogs, rabbits, bugs, and more—colorfully painted on wooden cutouts and hidden throughout the landscape.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:30 am | Poetry Palooza at Burke Branch Library
- All-day poetry festival to celebrate National Poetry Month!
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Games of the States at Barrett Branch Library (Best for ages 6-12)
- Celebrate America 250 with board games about the states.
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Art in the Park at Winkler Botanical Preserve ($)
- After a hike to gather art resources, on an area of natural canvas, weave, position, balance and set natural mediums into beautiful art forms. Stack rocks, arrange branches, and decorate with leaves and twigs to build natural sculptures
Sunday, April 19, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (4/19) at 1:00 pm | 21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Festival, Parade & Concert at Freedom Plaza
- See performances by T.I., Mya, Black Alley, BYB & more!
Maryland
- [Final Weekend] Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Good Morning, Good Night at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 1-4)
- Discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime. Watch–and help–Winnie and August work the “day shift:” waking the birds, putting dew in the grass, and baking fresh clouds; and the “night shift:” releasing the fireflies, shining the stars, and banishing nightmares.
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lorax Tea Party at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Make a Lorax-themed craft, listen to a reading of the book, and embark on a nature walk to discover the importance of trees and wildlife.
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:30 am | Family, Food and Tradition – Local Author Storytime in Celebration of Arab American Heritage Month at Rockville Memorial Library ♥
- Includes picture books readings, author Q&A, and fun crafts!
- Sunday (4/19) at 12:00 pm | Holi Celebration at The Chrysalis, Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods in Columbia ♥
- Join friends, neighbors, and families for a free Holi celebration filled with vibrant colors, music, and community spirit.
- Sunday (4/19) at 1:00 pm | Jay’s Auto & Bike Show at Watkins Regional Park ($)
- An afternoon filled with live DJ entertainment, delicious food, local vendors, prizes, and special guest appearances.
- [Just Added] Sunday (4/19) at 2:00 pm | TAHIRA the Storyteller at Highland Elementary School in Wheaton ♥
- TAHIRA isn’t just a performer; she’s a tapestry artist, intricately weaving tales and melodies into experiences that ignite hearts and minds. TAHIRA’s high-energy performances are more than entertainment; they’re journeys of human brilliance revealed through laughter, tears, and the unifying power of music. With every song and story, she champions the arts as a catalyst for social change, lighting the way to a brighter future.
Northern Virginia
- Sunday (4/19) at 9:30 am | April Chapter Chasers Book Club: Mayor Good Boy at Old Town Books (Best for ages 6-8)
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Celebrating Spring Family Fun Series at Metropolitan Park in Arlington
- Make Paper Mosaics & DIY Pinwheels + live music!
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am | Spring Scavenger Hunts: Signs of Spring at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Alexandria ($)
- Search the gardens for cheerful signs of spring—flowers, birds, frogs, rabbits, bugs, and more—colorfully painted on wooden cutouts and hidden throughout the landscape.
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am | 2026 Earth Day Extravaganza at Loudoun Water in Ashburn ♥
- Hands-on activities, games, crafts, science demonstrations, a hike, and more are part of this event all about our Earth!
- Sunday (4/19) at 11:00 am | Free Crafts for Kids: Make Your Own Cyanotype Print at Made in ALX
- Sunday (4/19) at 1:30 pm | Little Eve: Stories of Planet Earth Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($)
- Sunday (4/19) at 2:00 pm | Archaeology at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ($) (Best for ages 6+)
- Participants will discover how the artifacts left behind by past residents reveal the stories of their lives and this place. Using hands-on activities, visitors will explore archaeology tools, techniques and procedures.
- Sunday (4/19) at 3:00 pm | The Stellars: Mission Green Planetarium Show at David M. Brown Planetarium in Arlington ($)
- Imani, Aki, and John are three friends from an alien solar system. While on a space exploration mission, their ship crashes on Earth. Follow their adventure!
- Sunday (4/19) at 4:30 pm | Meet Author Josh Frank of “A Celebration of You” at READ Book Nook in Arlington ($)
- Make butterflies and listen to a reading from the author!
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (4/17) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library in DC (Best for ages 1-5)
- Friday (4/17) at 6:00 pm | Autism Awareness Event at Glenarden Community Center in MD
- Learn about autism, challenge common misconceptions, and highlight the strengths and unique perspectives of autistic individuals. Includes sensory bins, movement activities, quiet spaces, vendors’ food, and light refreshments.
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:30 am | Down Syndrome and Friends Community Play Group at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE DC
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Shine Brighter Together at Wheaton Regional Park ♥
- Participate in hands-on, sensory-friendly activities while learning more about autism and the variety of resources available in Montgomery County.
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Accessible Movie Screening: Lilo and Stitch at MLK Memorial Library
- Includes open captions and ASL right on the screen
- Saturday (4/18) at 7:30 pm | 5K Glow Walk/Run for Autism Acceptance at Watkins Regional Park ($)
- This Inclusive fun-walk/run is designed for community members of all abilities and is not a timed race. The event is sensory-friendly and fully accessible.
- Sunday (4/19) at 9:00 am | Sensory Friendly Sunday at Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore ($)
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Friday (4/17) at 4:00 pm | Jumpstart Your Future at Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center in SE (Best for ages 13-18)
- Includes live cooking demos, a DJ, giveaways & more! Build skills, gain freedom, and shape tomorrow.
- Saturday (4/18) at 11:00 am | Volunteer Expo at MLK Memorial Library
- Saturday (4/18) at 1:00 pm | Cherry Blossom Arcade 2026 at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 7+)
- Dive into the vibrant world of indie (independently made) video games and play unique creations by talented local developers. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, an aspiring developer, or just curious about the indie scene, this is your chance to connect, play, and celebrate the DC area’s gaming community.
Maryland
- Friday (4/17) at 4:00 pm | Nature Makers Space: Easter Centerpieces at Mount Rainier Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 13+)
- Saturday (4/18) at 10:00 am | Ultimate HBCU Experience at Southern Area Aquatics Rec Complex (Best for ages 13+)
- Designed to provide an immersive experience into the rich and vibrant culture of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Attendees will have the unique chance to explore the essence of HBCU life through a dynamic blend of guest speakers, Greek life, and even a homecoming show.
- Saturday (4/18) at 12:00 pm | Teen Drop-in Sewing at Gaithersburg Library
- No matter your skill level, drop-in for an hour dedicated to sewing.
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Eat Your Art! Spring Cupcake Decorating at Davis Library in Bethesda (Best for middle & high school students)
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Teen Film Screening: Can’t Look Away at Potomac Library (Best for ages 13+)
- Teens 13 & up are eligible to earn SSL hours by attending, participating, and providing feedback!
Northern Virginia
- Saturday (4/18) at 2:00 pm | Teen Volunteer Corps at Central Library (Best for grades 7-12)
- Sunday (4/19) at 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: Supercars at Del Ray Artisans ($) (Best for ages 10+)
- This workshop focuses on using contour lines to draw iconic cars from observation and then creating an arcade-like background.
This Week's Book Recommendation
Related Blogs
Celebrate Earth Month via WHUT
In my latest article for WHUT, Howard University Television, I've outlined organizations that offer service opportunities around the DMV year round! It's a great article to save and refer back to even after Earth Day.
