- Updated: 4/22/2026
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 24, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (4/24) at 2:00 pm | Family Program: Plants Make Their Own Food! Exploring Photosynthesis at U.S. Botanic Garden
- Explore how plants make their own food using energy from the sun! Explore scientific instruments like CO2 sensors and refractometers. These tools will help measure the changes that occur within a plant during the process of photosynthesis, and discuss why plants are necessary for the health of our planet.
- Friday (4/24) at 4:00 pm | MJ Skate Party at Kennedy Recreation Center in NW ♥
- A night full of music, energy, and legendary vibes inspired by the king of pop, Micheal Jackson ~ Skate to all the classic hits, show off your best moves, and celebrate the timeless music that keeps us dancing.
Maryland
- Friday (4/24) at 1:00 pm | April Family Farm Tour at Old Maryland Farm in Kettering ($)
- Take a guided tour of Old Maryland Farm and get up close with the animals! Learn about daily farm life and enjoy exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas.
- [Opening Weekend] Friday (4/24) at 7:00 pm | Aesop’s Fables presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($) ♥
- Adapted by acclaimed playwright Mike Kenny, this fast-paced production features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers—Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barry—who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw.
- Friday (4/24) at 8:30 pm | Urban Astronomy at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($)
- A guided tour of Baltimore’s nighttime sky!
Northern Virginia
- Friday (4/24) at 1:30 pm | Afternoon Tea and a Movie: Earth at Aurora Hills Library
- Friday (4/24) at 4:45 pm | Bug Bingo at Potomac Overlook Regional Park in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- Explore the park while looking under logs, searching the gardens, and more to find creepy crawly friends. Learn what makes these critters unique and why they’re so important.
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Herring Heroes Obstacle Course at Rock Creek Park in NW
- Learn about the spring herring migration, and see if you’re as strong as a fish! Can you swim up imaginary rapids and find your way on a Rock Creek balance beam? Go up the fish ladder, and carry an egg on a spoon?
- [For Educators] Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Eyes on Reading: Turning the Science of Reading into Classroom Practice at Planet Word in NW ($)
- Research on how children learn to read points to two essential skills: the ability to turn printed letters into spoken words and the ability to understand the meaning those words convey. Learn why it can take years for research findings to be incorporated into everyday teaching practice.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Independent Book Store Day at Loyalty Books in Petworth (NW)
- Includes a huge sidewalk sale, exclusive launches & preorders & more!
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Just Drop In! at National Building Museum ($)
- Kids are invited to drop in and design their own sturdy lighthouse alongside structural engineers from TYLin, exploring how real towers like the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are built to stand strong against wind and waves while experimenting with different building materials to test what makes a structure stable and durable.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | STAR Fest 2026 at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- STAR Fest is a free, family-friendly festival celebrating all the fun ways you can support your child’s learning through singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing. Includes reading, talking, singing and writing stations!
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Saturday Morning Live! presents: Good Morning, Good Night at The National Theatre ♥
- In this Main Stage presentation, children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Anacostia Park Cleanup – Earth Day Arbor Day
- Projects include tree care + litter & invasive plant removal!
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Living Earth Festival: “Always Becoming” at National Museum of American Indian ♥
- Join the museum for a weekend of stories, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, performances, and more centered on the relationship between art and the earth.
- Saturday (4/25) at 2:00 pm | Family Improv at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library
- We will be playing a variety of fun, wacky and absurd games and skits. No experience necessary-all you need to bring is your imagination and your sense of humor.
- Saturday (4/25) at 2:00 pm | FCPL Chamber Music Concert at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW
- Free chamber music concert with Mount Vernon Virtuosi’s “Cello Gang!”
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Maryland Day at University of Maryland College Park ♥
- Bring family and friends to enjoy interactive demonstrations, performances and workshops that celebrate community, discovery and Terp pride.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Annual Montpelier Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts at the Montpelier Historic Site & Museum
- Explore the Vendor Marketplace, attend a talk on gardening and herbs, tour the Museum, and relax to live music.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Family Discovery Hike at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
- Take a hike with the whole family and enjoy a guided adventure together in nature. Experience the sights and sounds of the outdoors as you explore the trail.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Local Author Expo at Bladensburg Library ♥
- Celebrate the vibrant writing community in Prince George’s County by meeting our talented local authors.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Animal Encounters: Herp Awakening at Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center ($)
- Meet the nature center’s live reptiles, amphibians, and birds of prey, and discover how interacting with animals can boost your mood and support mental wellness, while learning about their natural habitats.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Patuxent River Park Community Day in Upper Marlboro ♥
- Come for free nature activities, arts & crafts, giveaways, and more!
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:30 am | 2026 NFL Draft Day Party presented by SeatGeek at National Harbor Waterfront
- Join us to celebrate the conclusion of 2026 NFL Draft! Enjoy this watch party style event featuring live entertainment, exclusive giveaways, and meet-and-greets with Washington Legends.
- Saturday (4/25) at 3:30 pm | All Ages Family Show at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar at National Harbor ($)
- Saturday (4/25) at 7:00 pm | Dallas Black Dance Theatre Weekend at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville ($) ♥
- The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of experienced, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic, and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers.
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Community Science Festival at Lake Needwood Boats in Rockville ♥
- Take part in hands-on and minds-on discovery with Nature on Wheels pop-up exhibits for Journey of the Seed Game, history of native plants & more!
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:30 am | STEM Explorers: Recycle City at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg (Best for ages 4+)
- This hands-on program will provide children with the opportunity to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to achieve a result. All materials will be provided, just bring your ideas, creativity, and readiness to build with recycled materials.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Teddy Bear Picnic at Noyes Library for Young Children in Kensington ♥
- Bring your favorite stuffy and come enjoy Storytime, crafts, activities (or retro toy petting zoo) and light refreshments.
- [Opening Weekend] Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Aesop’s Fables presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($) ♥
- Adapted by acclaimed playwright Mike Kenny, this fast-paced production features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers—Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barry—who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw.
- Saturday (4/25) at 12:00 pm | Montgomery County Recreation’s Upcounty Family Festival at Germantown Community Recreation Center ♥
- This festival will feature activities for all ages, including arts and crafts, face painting, a petting zoo, music, games and more.
- Saturday (4/25) at 12:00 pm | Long Branch Earth Day at Flower Ave Park in Silver Spring ♥
- There will be Plant Crafts, Family Activities, and lots of Earth Day fun in the park!
- Saturday (4/25) at 3:00 pm | Earth Month Drum Circle at White Oak Library
- Come join the beat with drum circle facilitator extraordinaire, Katy Gaughan.
More Events in Maryland
- Saturday (4/25) at 9:00 am | Family Fun Day: Day Out with Thomas at B&O Railroad Museum ($) ♥
- Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing!
Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | The Military Child World Expo at Hyatt Regency Crystal City (Best for ages 5-18) ♥
- Includes STEAM labs, workshops, MILACON, exhibitors, performances for kids!
- Saturday (4/25) at 3:00 pm | Ritorno a Musica: Lyric Celebrations at Central Library
- Spoken program notes are shared before each piece is performed, providing insight into the historical background of the compositions. As a tribute to America’s 250 Anniversary, the concert will highlight works by American composers.
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria
- Saturday (4/25) at 9:00 am | Exhibit : Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ~ The Struggle and Beyond at Alexandria Library Special Collections
- The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Parent & Me: Sweet Spring Candy Creations Studio Class (Parent & Me) at Tiny Chefs ($) ♥
- Families will learn simple candy-making techniques while designing and decorating their own edible creations to package and take home. It’s a fun, high-energy bonding experience filled with creativity, laughter, and plenty of sweet memories.
- [Just Added] Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Blooming Together: Spring ‘Markets for Good’ Fundraiser for Families at Cowo & Créche ($) ♥
- Blooming Together is the first Markets for Good pop‑up of 2026 — a spring market celebrating family well‑being, community connection, and local makers. Expect a warm, family‑centered atmosphere with local makers, spring‑inspired goods, kids’ activities, and opportunities to connect with neighbors and small businesses doing meaningful work in the DMV.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Alexandria Art Show & Craft Spring Fair at John Carlyle Square Park in Alexandria
- Browse a curated selection of handmade art, crafts, and gifts, including jewelry, fine art, home decor, and more. Enjoy the park’s vibrant spring atmosphere, indulge in delicious food and drinks from local vendors, and make it a day to remember with friends and family. Whether you’re shopping for a one-of-a-kind gift or simply soaking in the creative energy, this event is the ideal spring outing.
- Saturday (4/25) at 1:00 pm | K-Pop Hunters Glow Party at Charles Houston Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
- Kids can dance to hits from the movie, enjoy creative arts & crafts activities, and munch on tasty snacks—all while glowing under colorful lights! It’s the perfect time for friends, fun, and imagination.
- Saturday (4/25) at 1:00 pm | Build Your Own Time Capsule at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library ♥
- All ages are welcome to create a personal time capsule to commemorate America’s 250th anniversary. Materials will be provided.
- Saturday (4/25) at 2:00 pm | Crafty Kid Series at Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library
- April Showers and Flowers (putting together craft requires painting, cutting, and gluing)
- Saturday (4/25) at 6:45 pm | Classical Piano Concert: A Walk through Music History at Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum ($)
More Events in Northern Virginia
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Earth Day Fairfax at Lake Fairfax Park
- Learn how you can make a positive impact on the planet through exciting, interactive activities and games.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Grit and Grain – African American Millers at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($)
- African Americans’ labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County.
- Saturday (4/25) at 5:00 pm | Holi at Mosaic in Fairfax ♥
- Mark your calendars and get ready for an evening filled with authentic Indian flavors, great music, dancing, cocktails and festivities.
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am | Kente Weaving Workshop at Sankofa Cafe in NW ($) ♥
- The origins of Kente cloth date back to 12th century Africa, in the country of Ghana and the Ashanti people. The cloth was worn by Kings, Queens, and important figures of state in Ghana’s society during ceremonial events and special occasions
- Sunday (4/26) at 1:30 pm | Beginner Sewing Workshop at Merry Pin in NW ($) (Best for ages 7+)
- In this class, students will learn the ins and outs of a household sewing machine. You will learn to identify the parts of the machine, thread your machine, and sew a variety of lines. Students will make their very own unique and comfy throw pillow as a souvenir!
Maryland
- Sunday (4/26) at 9:00 am | Family Fun Day: Day Out with Thomas at B&O Railroad Museum ($) ♥
- Hop on board for a real train ride with Thomas, strike a pose at photo ops and snag something cool at the exclusive gift shop. Then, keep the beat going at the Music Corner, packed with lawn games, hands-on activities, and music-inspired fun that’ll have the whole family dancing!
- Sunday (4/26) at 10:00 am | Earth Day at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton ♥
- Explore the science and art of sustainability through child-driven projects, plantings, and crafts.
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am | Spectacular Science: Fire and Ice presented by Mad Science at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring
- Learn about the science of magic! See water disappear and tricks played with air pressure.
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop 2026: Laser Cut Engraved Key Chain/Necklace at KID Museum in Bethesda ($)
- [Opening Weekend] Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Aesop’s Fables presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($) ♥
- Adapted by acclaimed playwright Mike Kenny, this fast-paced production features a lovable troupe of traveling storytellers—Wolfie, Syd, Harriet, and Barry—who use humor and imagination to retell five classic fables: The Tortoise and the Hare, The Boy Who Cried Wolf, The Wind and the Sun, The Lion and the Mouse, and The Wolf and the Jackdaw.
- Sunday (4/26) at 2:00 pm | Story Hour ~ “I & You: The Musical” at the Olney Library
- An afternoon of stories to celebrate Olney Theatre’s production of “I & You: The Musical” with guest storyteller Liz Osborn!
- Sunday (4/26) at 4:00 pm | Dallas Black Dance Theatre Weekend at Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville ($) ♥
- The ensemble, a contemporary modern dance company, consists of experienced, full-time dancers performing a mixed repertory of modern, jazz, ethnic, and spiritual works by nationally and internationally known choreographers.
Northern Virginia
- Sunday (4/26) at 9:00 am | Exhibit: Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka ~ The Struggle and Beyond at Alexandria Library Special Collections
- The art exhibit celebrates the anniversary and lasting impact of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, a court decision on May 17, 1954, that ended segregation in public schools.
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am | Specialty Tour: A Magical Apothecary at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Learn about the muggle botanical science that inspired the potions and herbology of Harry Potter’s wizarding world on a tour of this 19th century apothecary, and make your own magical potion!
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am | City Nature Challenge at Long Branch Nature Center
- Learn how to use the iNaturalist app and how it can help you identify plants and animals. You can also post your observations to the global iNaturalist database, if you’d like.
- Sunday (4/26) at 11:00 am | Earth Day Every Day at Lee Heights Shops in Arlington ♥
- Activities include a scavenger hunt, Arlington nature center activities & live animals + Encore Stage face painting!
- Sunday (4/26) at 12:00 pm | Kiddo Rave at Shipgarten in Tysons
- This daytime dance party is designed just for kids, featuring upbeat music, colorful lights, and nonstop fun in a family-friendly environment.
- Sunday (4/26) at 1:00 pm | Spellbinders Story Fest at Long Branch Nature Center (Best for ages 4+)
- The Arlington Spellbinders will unleash the power of oral storytelling with favorite tales from around the world.
- Sunday (4/26) at 3:30 pm | Reading is Wild! at Long Branch Nature Center (Best for ages 5-9)
- Join us for a special book reading by the Wildlife Rescue League.
- Sunday (4/26) at 7:00 pm | Family Owl Outing at Huntley Meadows in Alexandria ($)
- Discover the secret world of owls. Learn what makes these raptors excellent night predators with a presentation followed by a trail hike to hopefully hear or spot one of Huntley’s resident owls.
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am & 11:30 am | Saturday Morning Live! presents: Good Morning, Good Night at The National Theatre
- ASL interpreted ~ In this Main Stage presentation, children will discover the beauty of the world during daytime and nighttime.
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:15 am | Sensory Storytime at Central Library (Best for ages 0-11)
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:30 am | Story Time for the Spectrum at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 0-5)
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | ASL Story Time at Takoma Park Neighborhood Library in NW (Best for ages 2-5)
- Saturday (4/25) at 6:00 pm | Sensory-Friendly Evening at the Garden: America’s State Flowers at U.S. Botanic Garden
- Explore the new exhibit “America’s State Flowers: An America250 Celebration,” showcasing U.S. state and territory flowers throughout the Garden with living plants, artistic displays, and more.
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Loving the Skin, I’m In at Kenilworth Recreation Center in NE (Best for grades 8-12)
- The Loving Me Girls Conference, hosted by the Washington, D.C. Chapter of the National Alumnae Association of Spelman College, is a FREE in-person conference designed to equip girls in grades 8 through 12 with essential tools for personal growth and development. Embrace your inner B.O.S.S.!
- Saturday (4/25) at 12:00 pm | Kingman Island Teen Band Summit in NE ♥
- The event will feature eight local bands led by DMV teens and a resource fair with community partners showcasing arts and environmental related opportunities for DC high school students.
Maryland
- Saturday (4/25) at 10:00 am | Veterinary Medicine Day at the National Museum of Health and Medicine (Best for ages 11+) ♥
- Meet military and community veterinary experts, learn about STEM career paths, explore learning stations that may include facility animals, laboratory science, food safety and inspection, zoonotic diseases, and veterinary medical training.
- Saturday (4/25) at 11:00 am | Career Pathways Career Fair at Germantown Library (Best for ages 16-25)
- A career‑readiness event with resume help, interview practice, workplace skills, entrepreneurship, LinkedIn Learning, and the WorkSource MoCo Mobile Job Center, & more.
- Saturday (4/25) at 1:00 pm | Mindfulness and Mental Resilience for Teens at Germantown Library
- Learn practical tools to build emotional balance, confidence, and resilience—skills that support both academic success and overall well-being.
- Saturday (4/25) at 2:00 pm | Financial Fitness: From Teens to Retirement at Oxon Hill Library ♥
- Learn practical strategies for managing your money and planning for the future. Topics will include saving money, checking and savings accounts, preparing for college, understanding debt, taxes, retirement planning, spending habits, and the basics of life insurance.
- Saturday (4/25) at 2:00 pm | The Write Moment: A Creative Writer’s Workshop at Upper Marlboro Library ♥
- This interactive session invites participants to explore the joy and craft of writing through guided prompts, creative exercises, and reflective moments. Whether you’re putting pen to paper for the first time or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll have the opportunity to generate original work, experiment with new ideas, and connect with others through storytelling and poetry.
Northern Virginia
- Saturday (4/25) at 12:00 pm | Flower Pot Painting at Glencarlyn Library (Best for tweens & teens)
- Celebrate the Spring season with a hands-on planting activity! Participants will decorate their own flower pot, fill it with soil, and plant a seed. Take your creation home and watch your plant grow all season long!
- Saturday (4/25) at 1:00 pm | TTRPG One-shot Share Session at Central Library in Arlington
- Table-top role-playing games (TTRPGs) can take many forms, but no other format is as malleable and varied as the ‘one-shot.’ Usually aiming to be completed in a single session, one-shots embody both the creativity and the inclusive spirit of contemporary TTRPGs. However, while the condensed nature of these games can make them easy to plan and to organize, they can sometimes be tricky to run.
- Sunday (4/26) at 2:00 pm | Colonial Crafternoon at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library (Best for teens & adults)
- Learn about the art of cross-stitch, a craft popular during the American Colonial period. Create a small sampler to take home.
This Week's Book Recommendation
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