- Updated: 7/9/2026
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, July 10, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Art Break at Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Children’s Tour at Pierce Mill at Rock Creek Park
- Bring your children to Peirce Mill and explore a real water-powered mill! Discover how giant wooden gears, moving machinery, and powerful millstones worked together to turn grain into flour.
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Nature Journaling at Smithsonian Gardens
- Smithsonian Gardens will provide journals, prompts, and art materials to get you started. All ages are welcome!
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm | Animation Celebration at the National Museum of the American Indian
- Enjoy animated short films by Indigenous filmmakers, featuring colorful folktales, humorous encounters, and lighthearted lessons. Stream films online too!
- Friday (7/10) at 12:00 pm | Wicked Sing Along at MLK Memorial Library ♣
- As part of our Disability Pride celebrations, raise your voice and join the sing-along edition of Wicked!
- Friday (7/10) at 4:00 pm | Movie Matinee: Finding Dory at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW ♣
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am | Summer Culture Hub: Connecting Foodways at Montpelier Historic Site & Museum in Laurel
- Discover food traditions shared across the Americas and the Diaspora, historic architectural preservation, and the art of traditional textiles.
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm | I Spy at Darnall’s Chance Historic Site & Museum in Upper Marlboro (Best for ages 6-12) ♥
- Learn real 18th century spying techniques during a role-playing, hands-on spy mission for General George Washington. Find out how the American Army outwitted the British with secrets and tricks to win the American Revolution!
- Friday (7/10) at 10:30 am | Pre-K Story Hour 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 (7/10) at 1:30 pm | Movie: Hoppers at Upper Marlboro Library ♣
- Build, create, and explore with Brain Flakes ! Watch “Hoppers” (rated PG) while you construct your idea.
- Friday (7/10) at 4:00 pm | Get Active: Yoga for Families at Laurel Library (Best for ages 6-10)
- Friday (7/10) at 6:00 pm | Movies in the Park: Shark Tale at Watkins Regional Park ♣
- Friday (7/10) at 6:00 pm | Friday Summer Sounds featuring Southern Line Dancing at National Harbor
- Enjoy line dancing on the Plaza Stage by the DMV CitySlickerz.
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am | Parks Playhouse Junior featuring Rocknoceros at Ellsworth Park in Silver Spring (Best for ages 2-5) ♥
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am | Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop at National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville ($) (Best for ages 7-13)
- Waves in Solids – Students will observe the difference between a transverse wave and a compression wave.
- Friday (7/10) at 10:30 am | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Music with Ms. Niki! at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park in Bethesda ($)
- Friday (7/10) at 3:00 pm | The Science of Ice Cream at Kensington Park Library
- Learn about the science of ice cream with a special guest from Bruster’s Ice Cream
- Friday (7/10) at 6:30 pm | Movies on the Green: Encanto at Cabin John Village in Potomac ♣
More Maryland Events
- Friday (7/10) at 1:30 pm | Dino-Mania! at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library in Waldorf (Best for ages 5-12)
- Take part in Dino Bean Bag Toss, Life-Sized Dino Memory, Dino Whack-A-Tale, and Track Those Tracks games all while learning about the different species of dinosaurs.
- Friday (7/10) at 8:30 pm | Friday Flicks Series: A Minecraft Movie at Granville Gude Park & Lakehouse in Laurel ♣
Northern Virginia
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am | Bounce in the Park at Barcroft Park in Arlington (Best for ages 3-9)
- Friday (7/10) at 10:00 am | LEGO Ninjago: The True Ninja Trials at LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield ($)
- Friday (7/10) at 10:30 am | Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance at Beatley Central Library in Alexandria ♥
- Dance along with us as Rhythmaya shares Indian culture through music, art and movement.
- Friday (7/10) at 10:30 am | Recitos and the Three Bears at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 4-12) ♥
- In this bilingual musical adaptation of the Goldilocks story, audiences join the ever-inquisitive Ricitos (Goldilocks) as she stumbles upon the family home of three bears, samples their sancocho (stew), and tries out their chairs.
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Intergenerational Storytime at Aurora Hills Library in Arlington
- Friday (7/10) at 11:00 am | Bar C Ranch: Amazing Adaptations at Charles Barrett Recreation Center in Alexandria (Best for ages 6-12) ♥
- This exciting program introduces five or more animals from around the world. Learn about their habitats, diets and some of the amazing adaptations that help them to survive in the wild.
- Friday (7/10) at 3:30 pm | Raging Reptiles at Westover Library in Arlington ♥
- This unique hands-on experience with reptiles will spark curiosity and inspire kids to consider future academic and career paths in STEM fields.
- Friday (7/10) at 4:30 pm | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Pentagon City (Best for ages 6-10)
- Friday (7/10) at 6:30 pm | Community Family Picnic at Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center in Alexandria
- Friday (7/10) at 8:00 pm | National Chamber Ensemble at Lubber Run Amphitheater
- Free outdoor concert celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary!
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Soar Together Family Day: Happy 50th Birthday, National Air and Space Museum ♥
- Enjoy a play by Smithsonian’s Discovery Theater, storytime + make paper airplanes with The Paper Airplane Guy!
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Library Day at President Lincoln’s Cottage in NW ♥
- President Lincoln’s Cottage is a historic site and museum located on a 250 acre campus located in the Petworth neighborhood of D.C., President Lincoln’s Cottage, its galleries, and its landscape feature experiences for all ages.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Fort Stevens Day at Fort Stevens Park in NW
- Experience the story of July 1864 through living history demonstrations, music, storytelling, historical interpreters, hands-on activities, and interactive exhibits that bring the Civil War Defenses of Washington to life.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Community Day: Blacklisted at Capital Jewish Museum
- The entire Museum, including special exhibition Blacklisted: An American Story, will be free to the public.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | The Phillips Plays ~ Artist Process: Jacob Lawrence at The Phillips Collection in NW ($)
- Learn how Jacob Lawrence applied color to his 60-panel Migration Series one color at a time, and create your own artwork using a similar process.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Apple Camp Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Georgetown in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Midsummer Market at Chinese American Museum DC in NW ♥
- An afternoon celebrating Asian-inspired flavors, handcrafted goods, and the incredible local small businesses that make our community so vibrant.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm | Animation Celebration at the National Museum of the American Indian
- Enjoy animated short films by Indigenous filmmakers, featuring colorful folktales, humorous encounters, and lighthearted lessons. Stream films online too!
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am | Luce Local Community Day at Smithsonian’s American Art Museum ♥
- An afternoon of demonstrations by local artists, scavenger hunts, and hands-on craft making that will appeal to all ages. End the day with a cupcake “toast” at 2:30 p.m. Supplies and cupcakes are limited, first come, first served.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am | Minions & Monsters Family Party at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 8-12)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm | STEAM Saturday: Slides at National Building Museum ($)
- Explore the science behind your favorite playground equipment! Participants will step into the role of playground scientists, experimenting with materials and angles to determine the specifications of the perfect slide.
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm | World Cup Carnival at Harrison Park in NW
- Logan Circle Main Street and U Street Main Street are celebrating World Cup season with a free, family-friendly Carnival celebrating soccer, community, and local business.
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm | A Day at the Fair at MLK Memorial Library in NW ♥
- the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library will transform into a lively fairground inspired by the creativity, energy, and community spirit that define Washington, D.C.
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Kids: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth at Apple Georgetown in NW
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:30 pm | Circle Singing at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library in NW
- Join the circle to make improvisational, acapella music! Try a turn being a facilitator to create a three minute song or simply follow along.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Greenbelt Pride Parade and Festival at Gardenway and Roosevelt Center
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Summer Culture Hub: Connecting Foodways at Montpelier Historic Site & Museum in Laurel
- Discover food traditions shared across the Americas and the Diaspora, historic architectural preservation, and the art of traditional textiles.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Sankofa Open House at Historic Chelsea House in Upper Marlboro
- Visit this museum-on-wheels and use virtual reality to meet local activists of the past. Shop at the farmers market and tour a beehive collective. Connect with community resources. Participate in their oral history program by telling your story. Educational activities and free food while supplies last.
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm | Animal Encounters at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($) ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Mindfulness Nature Hike at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
- Under the guidance of a certified mindfulness meditation teacher, you will go on a journey that deepens your connection with the natural world.
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Storybook Magic Show at Laurel Library ♥
- Step into a world where books and magic collide! In this interactive show, every trick is inspired by a story, bringing the pages of beloved books to life. Watch as objects vanish, appear, and transform—each magical moment connected to the adventures, mysteries, and characters of your favorite tales.
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Game On: Evolve or Perish at Accokeek Library ♥
- Play a board game developed by artist-illustrator Hannah Bonner and the Evolution of Terrestrial Ecosystems Program, Smithsonian Institution. This Chutes and Ladders like game takes you back 630 million years!
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Parks Playhouse Junior featuring Rocknoceros at Cabin John Regional Park in Bethesda (Best for ages 2-5) ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | AOE Robotics Day at The Square in Rockville ♥
- AOE Robotics Club, the biggest one in the DMV area, is excited to invite the community to AOE Robotics Day, a family-friendly event celebrating creativity, engineering, and innovation in robotics and STEM. Includes a robots showcase, 3D printing demos, STEM activities & more!
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | The Science of Ice Cream at Rockville Memorial Library
- Learn about the science of ice cream with a special guest from Bruster’s Ice Cream!
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Luis Garay Percussion at Twinbrook Library in Rockville
- Luis Garay’s blend of spicy undulating South American, Caribbean, and African rhythms is a highly educational, entertaining and musical journey, introducing the audience to many exotic instruments such as the balofone, djembe and talking drum, and also the more familiar congas, bongos, timbales and drum set.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Dino Party! at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg (Best for ages 4+)
- Party like it’s the end of the Cretaceous! Have a roaring good time with classic party games, like Long Neck Limbo and the T-Rex Challenge.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Kids’ Train Show at National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville ($) ♥
- Step into a world where model trains of every size are in motion. Watch beautifully detailed N Scale, HO Scale, O Scale, and G Scale layouts come to life as locomotives wind through miniature towns, mountains, and rail yards. Train enthusiasts will also showcase rare vintage model trains, operating accessories, and fascinating displays that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:30 pm | Turtle Talk at Brookside Nature Center in Wheaton
- Watch Eastern box turtle stretch their legs in their outdoor enclosure! Learn about the big role they play in our forests and communities.
- Saturday (7/11) at 3:00 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 8-12)
- Saturday (7/11) at 3:00 pm | The Uncle Devin Show at Davis Library in Bethesda ♥
- An interactive musical experience for children that uses percussion instruments to cultivate their minds!
More Maryland Events
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Good Kid-izen: Little Aggies at Color Burst Park in Columbia ♥
- Kids will enjoy learning where food comes from (farm-to-table basics), understanding fruits, vegetables, and crops, and supporting local farmers and markets.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Science Saturdays: Ice Cream at Maryland City Library in Laurel (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
- Explore the science of making ice cream and enjoy a special treat afterwards.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | July’s Finger-Paint Party at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- Each $10 ticket covers all art supplies, step-by-step instruction, and a kid’s cup of sweetFrog to celebrate your masterpiece!
Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Mommy, Daddy, & Me: Monster Mash Cooking Party at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 4-7) ♥
- Chefs will mix a fizzy Slime Lime Soda, build Monster Meatball Sliders, and make a gooey Green Pasta Bake. Kids will practice mixing, shaping, assembling, and stirring.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Stories Come Alive! with ETC Beginnings at READ Book Nook in Ballston
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | UNLEASHED! Meet and Greet with Artist Adam Henry ♥
- A community event recognizing the completion of a new sculptural installation by AIR@2700 artist Adam Henry. A multidisciplinary artist who lives and works in Arlington, Henry creates murals, sculptures, and community-based art projects that encourage interaction and engagement. The Animal Welfare League of Arlington will partner onsite with activities and information in support of their mission to improve the lives of animals and people by providing resources, care, and protection.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Clarendon (Best for ages 6-10)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Minions & Monsters Family Party at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Pentagon City (Best for ages 6-10)
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:15 pm | Kids: Create an Interactive Story of Kindness at Apple Pentagon City (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 6:00 pm | Imagine the Moon at Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium ($)
Northern Virginia
City of Alexandria
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Parent & Me: Beach Ball Cake Pops Decorating Studio Class at Tiny Chefs ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Rainbow Puppets: The Really Big Dinosaur Show at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 2-8) ♥
- Through original songs and the use of over 20 giant puppets, the time of the dinosaurs appears on stage.
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Rainbow Puppets: The Really Big Dinosaur Show at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (Best for ages 2-8) ♥
- Through original songs and the use of over 20 giant puppets, the time of the dinosaurs appears on stage.
- Saturday (7/11) at 6:00 pm | Alexandria & USA Birthday Celebration at Oronoco Bay Park ♥
- Enjoy cupcakes, local vendors, live music and an extended runtime. Fireworks at 9:30 pm!
More Northern Virginia Events
- Saturday (7/11) at 8:00 am | Family Fishing at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Join a naturalist to learn the basics of fishing while enjoying the beauty of the lakefront. Gain a better understanding of not only how to fish, but also how we can better connect with the natural world while participating in recreational activities, such as fishing. Rod and bait will be provided.
- Saturday (7/11) at 9:00 am | The Sun: Our Neighborhood Star at Turner Farm Park in Great Falls (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Learn what powers the sun, how it compares to other stars, and how to observe it safely. This program includes a discussion of solar features and an observing session with solar telescopes, weather permitting.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | 123 Andrés at Lorton Community Center ♥
- 123 Andrés brings their singable tunes, humor and engaging and interactive show – transforming the park into a full family dance party.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Marsha and the Positrons at Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean ♥
- Specializing in fun songs about science & how the world works with positive social messages! Sing and dance along to songs that inspire curiosity about science and bring smiles to all ages.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | La Musica – A World of Encanto with JChris at The Rooftop Park Space in Springfield
- Kids will sing, play percussion instruments and learn about Latin rhythms with music from Disney films like Coco, Saludos Amigos and Encanto.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Dan and Claudia Zanes at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax
- Haitian American jazz vocalist / music therapist Claudia Zanes and Grammy winning all-ages entertainer Dan Zaneshave been making music together since the day they met in 2016.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | The Great Zucchini at Wakefield Park in Annandale
- The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s show keeps children on the edge of their seats.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | LEGO Ninjago: The True Ninja Trials at LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | The Declaration of Independence in 1776 and Today at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ($)
- Learn about the people who signed the Declaration and why they took the risk, then decide if you’d sign too. Discover what the fight for liberty meant for different people. Help build a Liberty 2026 wall by posting what the Declaration means to you, while enjoying refreshments.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Nature’s Hidden Heroes at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Meet native crawlies, friendly giant millipedes and hissing cockroaches as you discover the important roles these “creepy crawlies” play in keeping our ecosystems healthy. This hands-on family program reveals why these incredible invertebrates are actually the unsung heroes of the natural world.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Recitos and the Three Bears at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 4-12) ♥
- In this bilingual musical adaptation of the Goldilocks story, audiences join the ever-inquisitive Ricitos (Goldilocks) as she stumbles upon the family home of three bears, samples their sancocho (stew), and tries out their chairs.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:30 am | Milkshake Trio at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly
- The GRAMMY ® -nominated Milkshake Duo has released five award-winning CDs, a Parents Choice Silver award-winning DVD Screenplay, and has had music videos on Nick Jr., PBS KIDS and the Emmy-winning cartoon Todd World.
- Saturday (7/11) at 12:15 pm | Super Snakes at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Join a naturalist to meet live snakes and learn why snakes are important. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.
- Saturday (7/11) at 4:00 pm | COPA Tysons Soccer Watch Party at The Boro in Tysons
- Enjoy food and drinks from the new Boro Biergarten, interactive activities, giveaways, plus live commentary from legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson and U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Bruce Murray.
- Saturday (7/11) at 7:30 pm | Disney’s The Little Mermaid in Concert at Wolf Trap ($) ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 7:30 pm | Peruvian Cultural Heritage Night ‘Centro Cultural Peru’ at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale ♥
- Celebrate Peru’s cultural heritage with dance and music.
Sunday, July 12, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | Sunday Storytime at Planet Word in NW
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am | Drag Story Hour with Charlemagne Chateau at Loyalty Books Petworth in NW
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm | Animation Celebration at the National Museum of the American Indian
- Enjoy animated short films by Indigenous filmmakers, featuring colorful folktales, humorous encounters, and lighthearted lessons. Stream films online too!
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:30 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Georgetown (Best for ages 6-10)
- Sunday (7/12) at 12:00 pm | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Carnergie Library in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
- Sunday (7/12) at 1:30 pm | Kids: Make Your Own Emoji at Apple Carnergie Library in NW (Best for ages 8-12) ♥
- Sunday (7/12) at 1:35 pm | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
- Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees
- Sunday (7/12) at 2:00 pm | Kung Fu Panda at The Miracle Theatre in SE ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 6:00 pm | SpyKids Mission Training at Volta Park Pool in NW ($) (Best for ages 12 & under) ♥
- During SpyKids Mission Training your SpyKid will be guided through Georgetown to learn about the many spies who once traded secrets for cash (and still do). Along the way you will learn about how spies secretly communicate, what motivates a spy to spy, and the role bananas had in overthrowing a government. You will also have to read signals, create concealment devices, decode secret messages, and load a dead drop.
Maryland
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | Summer Culture Hub: Connecting Foodways at Montpelier Historic Site & Museum in Laurel
- Discover food traditions shared across the Americas and the Diaspora, historic architectural preservation, and the art of traditional textiles.
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | Wild for Water Day at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ($) ♥
- Enjoy water games and experiments for the whole family. Participate in a river treasure hunt. Meet live creatures that depend on rivers and streams. Explore the wonders of snow, ice and water in the “stages of water” area for little ones. Food trucks on-site.
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am & 1:00 pm | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:30 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 6-10)
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop: Wooden Board Game at KID Museum in Bethesda ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 2:00 pm | Story Hour at the Olney Library
- To celebrate the production of A Gentlemen’s Guide to Love and Murder, the Olney Theatre Center is sponsoring an afternoon of stories at the library, hosted by guest storyteller Liz Osborn.
- Sunday (7/12) at 3:30 pm | Kids: Create Comics Inspired by Planet Earth at Apple Bethesda Row ♥
- 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. You’ll take photos, draw, and add stickers to make a one-of-a-kind comic strip on iPad with Apple Pencil. Recommended for kids and their parents or guardians, who must be present during the session.
- Sunday (7/12) at 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: October Sky at National Harbor ♣
Northern Virginia
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park
- Artist Spotlight: Shaylin Wallace — Doodles & Friends + live music from Duck Chuck Goose
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | Dan and Claudia Zanes at Strawberry Park at Mosaic District in Fairfax
- Haitian American jazz vocalist / music therapist Claudia Zanes and Grammy winning all-ages entertainer Dan Zaneshave been making music together since the day they met in 2016.
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:30 am | Recitos and the Three Bears at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 4-12) ♥
- In this bilingual musical adaptation of the Goldilocks story, audiences join the ever-inquisitive Ricitos (Goldilocks) as she stumbles upon the family home of three bears, samples their sancocho (stew), and tries out their chairs.
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am | King Bullfrog at Lubber Run Amphitheater
- King Bullfrog is a kindie rock trio that plays high-energy tunes that are developmentally appropriate for kids and grownups actually like.
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am | All about Brunch: Cajun Morning Family Class at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Learn to make Breakfast Jambalaya, a Cajun-inspired dish packed with savory spices, sausage, and veggies. Then, master the art of fluffy Scrambled Eggs, cooked to perfection. To round out the meal, bake Buttery Cornbread Muffins, golden, tender, and irresistibly delicious.
- Sunday (7/12) at 11:00 am | LEGO Ninjago: The True Ninja Trials at LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 12:00 pm | Kids and Family Festival with Minions and Gru at Shipgarten in McLean
- Sunday (7/12) at 2:00 pm | Family Day with Jr. Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria ($)
- In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.
- Sunday (7/12) at 2:00 pm | Science Meets History at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($) (Best for ages 6-10) ♥
- Get ready for a little deception, secret messaging and eavesdropping. Learn the science of spying and create your own secret messages and practice a few of these skills yourself.
- Sunday (7/12) at 3:00 pm | Legends of the Starry Realm at Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium ($) (Best for ages 6+)
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (7/10) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library in DC (Best for ages 1-5)
- Saturday (7/11) at 8:30 am | Sensory Friendly Morning at the Garden: Celebrate Summer at the U.S. Botanic Garden in DC
- Visit a Discovery Cart to learn about the plant science behind chocolate or get hands-on with an interactive pot-a-plant activity.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Accessible Game Meet-Up at MLK Memorial Library in NW DC
- Play accessible versions of board and card games such as Uno, Bananagrams, chess, and more with the Center for Accessibility! Boards and cards are tactile and include braille labelling and other accommodations for low-vision and blind players.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Kids’ Train Show at National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville, MD ($) ♥
- To provide a welcoming experience for all families, a Quiet Hour from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. is reserved exclusively for children with special needs and their families.
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:30 pm | Accessible Movie Screening: How to Train Your Dragon at MLK Memorial Library in NW DC ♣
- This film will be shown with ASL and open captions right on the screen.
- Sunday (7/12) at 9:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Days in Nature at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton, MD ($)
- Sunday (7/12) at 9:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, MD ($) ♥
- Enjoy a gentle morning at The Butterfly Experience at Brookside Gardens with limited capacity and natural lighting for visitors with sensory sensitivities.
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:00 am | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Sensory-friendly performance!
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Friday (7/10) – Sunday (7/12) | Beetlejuice at The National Theatre ($) (Best for ages 13+) ♥
- Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes.
- Friday (7/10) at 6:00 pm | Kids: Learn to Code with Swift Playground at Apple Georgetown (Best of ages 12+) ♥
- Swift is a powerful programming language created by Apple that’s used to build many popular apps, and Swift Playground is an app for iPad that makes learning how to code interactive and fun.
- Friday (7/10) at 7:00 pm | Late Night Hype at Barry Farm Recreation Center in SE (Best for ages 13-18)
- Tropical Luau / Island Vibes: Come in bright Hawaiian shirts, leis, and summer colors. Enjoy hula, limbo, and tropical-themed games.
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Expert is In: Plants As Fuel at the U.S. Botanic Garden
- Want to know more about renewable resources? Drop by the Garden Court in the Conservatory to talk with Quinta, learn how plants like sunflowers, corn, and beets can be used to produce clean fuels, and dive into important steps people are taking toward a more sustainable future.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Think B4U Move: The Art of Strategy Chess Tournament & Program at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
- Centered on the idea of chess as a moving art, the program invites youth, families, and community members of all skill levels to engage with strategy, culture, and connection in a vibrant museum setting.
- Saturday (7/11) at 2:00 pm | Calligraphy Workshop at Planet Word in NW
- This year, calligraphers of all ages — from elementary school students to adults — addressed creative envelopes with the theme “Great Beginnings.”
- Saturday (7/11) at 6:00 pm | Late Night Drip at Anacostia Pool in SE
- Late Night Drip is the place where young people can cool off, vibe out, and make a splash during extended pool hours. With music, games, and good energy, it’s a party with a purpose: teaching DC youth the importance of water safety in a fun and welcoming environment. Also includes a movie night!
- Sunday (7/12) at 10:30 am | Teen Volunteer Project: First Aid Kits for Father McKenna Center (Best for ages 11-18)
- Sunday (7/12) at 1:30 pm | Sewing with Mama T at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Best for teens & adults)
- Learn how to sew from an experienced seamstress and Ms. Senior DC from 2019-2021.
- Sunday (7/12) at 2:00 pm | COMICTROPOLIS: Lights, Panels, Actions; Tomorrow King on Comics and the Big Screen at MLK Memorial Library in NW (Best for teens) ♥
- Supergirl is in theaters this summer. The movie is based on a comic Tom King wrote called Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. A space western about Supergirl, a dying alien girl, and revenge.
Maryland
- Friday (7/10) at 4:00 pm | Fresh Voices Open Mic at New Carrollton Library (Best for teens & adults)
- An open mic for poets, storytellers, and listeners, hosted by Dialect Poets of Prince George’s County. Experience the power of the spoken and written word as renowned poet Patrick Washington curates a space for expression.
- Friday (7/10) & Saturday (7/11) at 6:00 pm | Community Center Teen Nights in PG County
- Friday (7/10) at 6:00 pm & Sunday (7/12) at 5:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: Mean Girls in Columbia ($)
- Saturday (7/11) at 9:00 am | Nature Club at Watkins Nature Center (Best for ages 10-14)
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | MYAC Youth Townhall for PG County in Hyattsville ♥
- Saturday (7/11) at 10:00 am | Hands on History: Teen StoryLab-History on the Mic at Riversdale Historic Site & Museum (Best for ages 13-18) ♥
- Join Riversdale’s day-long Teen StoryLab this summer and create your own history podcast from the ground up! With guidance from museum historians and media experts, participants will dive into Riversdale’s collections, develop a topic, and record a short podcast episode using professional audio equipment.
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:00 am | Tuskegee Airmen Take to the Skies: Living History Tour at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 16+)
- Saturday (7/11) at 11:30 am | Unearth Dinosaur & Earth Science Careers at Bladensburg Library (Best for teens & adults) ♥
- Unearth dinosaurs & earth science careers! Explore these fascinating jobs using fun activities and the library’s online resources.
- Saturday (7/11) at 12:00 pm | Teen Movies at the Library: White Bird at Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 13-17) ♣
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:00 pm | Game On: Learn “Earth” at Bowie Library (Best for teens & adults)
- Learn “Earth,” play one of the hosts’ other games, or bring some of your own!
- Saturday (7/11) at 1:30 pm | Gardening Together: Herb Growing Workshop at Oxon Hill Library
- Learn the basics of growing herbs at home, including how to choose the right containers, select herbs that thrive in your space, use appropriate soil, and care for your plants as they grow.
Northern Virginia
- Friday (7/10) at 1:00 pm | Summer at the Rec at Arlington Mill Community Center
- Friday (7/10) at 6:00 pm | Teen Nights Summer Kickoff at Arlington Mill Community Center
- Friday (7/10) at 6:30 pm | A Evening with Dr. Charis Chambers at Ms. Moxie’s Moon Shop in Alexandria ($) ♥
- Join Ms. Moxie’s & @ThePeriodDoctor for a signed book event on puberty & periods. Breaking stigmas with expert info!
- Saturday (7/11) at 7:30 pm | Supermassive Black Holes ~ Uncovering the Invisible at Arlington’s David M. Brown Planetarium ($) (Best for ages 10+)
This Week's Book Recommendation
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Outdoor Movies this Summer
Recently updated! See our full list of outdoor movie screenings in the DMV, which was recently updated to include screenings in DC by DC DPR, Germantown MD, Tysons, VA & Falls Church, VA.
Updated
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.
