- Updated: 7/16/2026
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 17, 2026
Washington, DC
- Friday (7/17) at 11:00 am | Art Break at the National Museum of Asian Art
- Make art inspired by objects from our collections while discovering the techniques, histories, and cultures behind them.
- Friday (7/17) at 11:00 am | Fun with Flora and Fauna at Rock Creek Nature Center in NW
- Park Rangers will teach kids (and visitors of all ages) about the fantastic flora and fauna in the park.
- Friday (7/17) at 11:00 am | Naptown Jazz Kids Performance at the National Museum of American History ♥
- Naptown Jazz Kids is a non-profit that offers education programs, community engagement, and musical training in the greater Annapolis area.
- Friday (7/17) at 11:00 am | Nature Journaling at Smithsonian Gardens
- Nature journaling is an opportunity for visitors to slow down, reflect, and connect to the gardens.
- Friday (7/17) at 12:00 pm | Wicked: For Good Sing Along at MLK Memorial Library ♣
- Friday (7/17) at 3:45 pm | TeenyBopper Cinema featuring The Secret Garden (1993) at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW ♣
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Friday (7/17) 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 (7/17) at 10:30 am | Playday at the Library: Water Play at Laurel Library
- Friday (7/17) at 5:30 pm | Summer Jams Backyard BBQ at City Building in Hyattsville
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Summer Movie Nights featuring Trolls World Tour at Accokeek Park ♣
- Friday (7/17) at 8:00 pm | Movies in the Park featuring Jurassic World Rebirth at Watkins Regional Park ♣
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Friday (7/17) at 10:00 am | Summer RailQuest STEM Workshop ~ Waves in Liquids at National Capital Trolley Museum in Colesville ($) (Best for ages 7-13) ♥
- Students will learn how energy can be transmitted through waves to affect the movement of other objects; to learn the relationship between amplitude and frequency.
- Friday (7/17) at 10:00 am | Little Farm Friends: All About Frogs! at Agricultural History Farm Park in Derwood ($) (Best for ages 0-5)
- Hop into learning about frogs! Your little ones will learn about the world of frogs through crafts and hands-on activities.
- Friday (7/17) at 10:30 am | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Enjoy this retelling of a classic story, this time with a conservationist twist just right for a puppet show in the park! Come see four classic Piper marionette puppets in a brand-new script featuring audience interaction.
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Lakefront Live – a Red, White & Rio Concert featuring Run For Cover at RIO in Gaithersburg
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Outdoor Movie Night featuring Barbie at Flower Ave. Park in Silver Spring ♣
- Friday (7/17) at 8:00 pm | Family Movie Night featuring Disney PIXAR Finding Nemo at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown ♣
More Maryland Events
- Friday (7/17) at 3:00 pm | A Dino-Sized Magical Circus at Discoveries: The Library at the Mall in Annapolis ♥
- Learn about the W.O.R.K. problem-solving method (What’s the problem? Organize your tools and plan. Run the plan. Keep calm.) while figuring out how to dino-size this wild and wacky circus adventure.
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Community Athletic Program at Harriet Tubman Cultural Center in Columbia
- Activities vary but can include basketball, baseball, flag football, floor hockey, tennis, board games, and video games.
- Friday (7/17) at 8:30 pm | Friday Flicks Series featuring Hoppers at Granville Gude Park & Lakehouse in Laurel ♣
Northern Virginia
- Friday (7/17) at 10:00 am | Bounce in the Park at Virginia Highland Park in Arlington (Best for ages 3-9)
- [Limited Seats Available] Friday (7/17) at 10:30 am | Mega Ran ~ Positive Hip-Hop at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 2-12)
- Friday (7/17) at 10:30 am | 123 Andrés at Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library in Alexandria
- Friday (7/17) at 11:30 am | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Fairfax Corner (Best for ages 6-10)
- In this 90-minute session, kids will work together using iPad to design superheroes and send them on a mission to help others.
- Friday (7/17) at 3:00 pm | FREE Ice Cream Social at Manassas Mall
- Includes face paint, balloon twisting & family-friendly entertainment!
- Friday (7/17) at 3:30 pm | Footsteps in History at Westover Library in Arlington
- Rainbow Puppet Productions returns with a show that teaches about the Powhatan tribe and the arrival of English settlers, marking the beginning of a nation shaped by struggle and hope.
- Friday (7/17) at 4:30 pm | Mix, Mingle and Make a Mess at First Baptist Church of Clarendon in Arlington
- Water & mud play area, bike/scooter course, games & light refreshments!
- Friday (7/17) at 4:30 pm | Apple Camp: Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Fairfax Corner (Best for ages 6-10)
- In this 90-minute session, kids will work together using iPad to design superheroes and send them on a mission to help others.
- Friday (7/17) at 5:30 pm | Family Movie Night featuring National Treasure at Tyson’s Corner Center ♣
- Friday (7/17) at 7:00 pm | Encore Stage presents The Addams Family at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- When the two families come together for one unforgettable dinner, secrets spill, tempers flare, and love works its unexpected magic. Full of humor, kookiness, and heart, this musical celebrates family, acceptance, and embracing the people you call home… even if they’re a little unusual.
- Friday (7/17) at 8:00 pm | Campfire Fridays at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores.
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Washington, DC
- Saturday (7/18) at 9:30 am | Odyssey-Themed Stamp Rally at MLK Memorial Library
- Collect stamps and visit displays on each of the MLK Library’s Staffed Floors in an Odyssey that coincides with and highlights the release of the July 17 film.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Friends of Pierce Mill Water Power Day in NW ♥
- Experiment with water toys, learn about Archimedean screws, and construct a paper-plate waterwheel. DC Water will provide plenty of fresh, cold drinking water and a misting tent. And the Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin will bring creek critters–also know as macroinvertebrates–to identify.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Partner Pop-Up: Taiwan Fun at National Children’s Museum ($) ♥
- Two traditional Taiwanese activities rooted in lunar calendar traditions: “Wearing Wooden Clogs to Wake Up the Pangolin” and “The Banned Rock Flight.” Explore Taiwanese culture and summer celebrations through hands-on interactive play.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Day of Service with the Kingman Island Rangers in NE
- Remove trash on and near Kingman + Heritage Islands and the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail before it makes its way into the Anacostia River.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Pinstripes Kids Club at Pinstripes in NW DC ($)
- All the fun of summer camp with crafts and activities for kids!
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | The Sky Tonight: Live Planetarium Show at the National Air and Space Museum
- Come to the planetarium at the Museum in DC for a live, guided tour of what you can see after sunset. The facilitator will answer questions and customize the program based on audience interests.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Lift Every Voice! at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Best for ages 8 & under) ♥
- During this story children will discover the unifying power of music and learn this special anthem. Then, create your own instrument with recycled materials!
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Fuse Bead Keychains at MLK Memorial Library (Best for ages 7 & up)
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Riggs Park Art Crawl at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE
- Experience a lively walk through the neighborhood, checking out amazing local artists and their unique work.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Grind to Greatness Football Camp at Rosedale Recreation Center in NE
- Athletes will go through intense drills test their skills in 1-on-1 battles and showcase their talent in their talent in live 7on7 competition.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 2:00 pm | Story Time with the Author: Jessie Taken Alive-Rencountre at the National Museum of the American Indian (Best for ages 5-9) ♥
- Hear from Hunkpapa Lakota authorJessie Taken Alive-Rencountre as she shares her stories including Thunder’s Hair and We Are All Related! After story time in the Reading Room ends, visitors can get their books signed by the author.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am & 1:30 pm | Art & Me | Family Workshop: Outdoor Sculpture at National Museum of Asian Art (Best for ages 3-8) ♥
- Explore outdoor sculptures at the museum and learn how conservators care for artworks exposed to sun, rain, and more. Then, kids make their own outdoor art and observe how it stands up to the elements, just like experts do.
- [Just Added] Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 pm | For the Culture Community Day at Anacostia Park in SE ♥
- Enjoy free food, music, games, family-friendly activities, and a day celebrating Black joy, culture, and community.
- Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 pm | Roving Leaders’ Day at Langdon Park in NE ♥
- Fun for the whole family with moon bounces, carnival rides, water slides, jumbo games, and, of course, popcorn and snow cones.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Just Your Imagination Workshop with The Phillips Collection at Takoma Park Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Phillips Educators will lead participants in an exploration of Jacob Lawrence’s The Migration Series, as well as a hands-on art activity inspired by the artworks.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Family Improv at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library in NW
- An afternoon of Improv games created and played by you.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Archaeology in the Community at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE (Best for ages 8-14) ♥
- Explore archaeology through games, puzzles, crafts, and teamwork!
- Saturday (7/18) at 3:00 pm | Stars, Stripes, and Stadiums: America’s 250th & FIFA 2026 at the National Museum of African Art ♥
- Enjoy a moderated panel discussion, a Sounds of Africa concert, drop-in artmaking, a slideshow featuring soccer photography, and drinks for purchase! + DC Public Library’s Library on the Go-Go, a book bike that’s a pop-up library!
- Saturday (7/18) at 4:00 pm | GoGo Meets Afro Beats Festival at Anthem Row in NW
- A powerhouse lineup of hometown talent for an evening packed with music, dancing and unforgettable performances.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Bilingual Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-6)
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) reading of Going on a Plane by Anna Civardi, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. Discover what it’s like to travel through an airport and fly on an airplane, then dive into hands-on fun using Ozobots to learn basic color coding and simple programming. Kids will practice coding their robots to perform different actions inspired by moments from the story.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Storybook Magic Show at Oxon Hill Library ♥
- Watch as objects vanish, appear, and transform—each magical moment connected to the adventures, mysteries, and characters of your favorite tales.
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Math, Art, Play! at Rockville Memorial Library (Best for ages 5-12)
- Participants can move between creative activity stations, including math-inspired coloring pages, geometric stamps, washable printmaking, and geometric jewelry design.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Abracadabra Alex at Potomac Library (Best for ages 3-10) ♥
- Join Abracadabra Alex for nonstop laughs and entertainment in an interactive magic show. Kids will unearth the stories and other treasures available to them in the library to learn more about Dinosaurs, Paleontology, and Archeology.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Diggin’ for Dinosaurs with Culture Queen at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg ♥
- Join Culture Queen as children use their imagination to travel back to prehistoric times through music and movement!
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:30 am | Music with Teresa Jiménez at Kensington Park Library
- Join us for interactive, engaging songs, and movement for kids and their grown-ups in English and Spanish! Sing about dinosaurs, exploration, and discovery.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Enjoy this retelling of a classic story, this time with a conservationist twist just right for a puppet show in the park! Come see four classic Piper marionette puppets in a brand-new script featuring audience interaction.
- Saturday (7/18) at 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Read our 4DMV Kids’ review of Pete the Cat!
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Solar Science at Observatory Park in Gaithersburg ♥
- Discover the science behind the Sun and Earth at the historic Latitude Observatory! Join experts from leading science and engineering organizations for hands-on activities and learn how science has shaped our nation.
- Saturday (7/18) at 3:00 pm | Summer Crafts with ScribbleArtz at Gaithersburg Library
- Saturday (7/18) at 4:00 pm | Art Studio for Kids Celebrates Prehistoric Art at White Oak Library (Best for grades K-6th)
- Celebrate prehistoric art with a focus on cave painting.
- Saturday (7/18) at 9:00 pm | Moth-o-palooza at Croydon Creek Nature Center in Rockville ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- Using light sheets and observation tools, discover and document local moth species while learning about their role in pollination and the food web. The evening also includes moth crafts and activities, and a campfire.
More Maryland Events
- Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 pm | The Baker’s Lab at 5-12 Dessert: Ice Cream Cookie Sandwich Lab in Waldorf ($) (Best for ages 4-12)
- Scoop cookie dough, bake fresh chocolate chip cookies, build delicious ice cream cookie sandwiches, and decorate them with colorful toppings before packaging everything to take home.
- Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 pm | Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($) ♥
- Mix up a batch of your own bubble solution, design your own bubble wand, and put your bubble making skills to the test. Experiment with bubble towers, double bubbles, fizzy foamies, and explore all the different ways to make a bubble.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Mr. Lilo Live! at Maryland City Library in Laurel ♥
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Seol Gyeong with Korean American Cultural Arts Foundation at P.D. Brown Memorial Branch Library in Waldorf
- Come learn about and participate in Korean traditional paper folding with the Korean American Cultural Arts Foundation!
Northern Virginia
Arlington County & City of Alexandria
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | LibraryFest: Happy 250! at Central Library in Arlington
- Celebrate libraries and the Arlington community, enjoy musical and spoken word performances, historic craft demonstrations, historical presentations, storytimes and Summer Reading activities for all.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am & 1:00 pm | Discover Amazing Alexandria Historic Walking Tour for Kids ($)
- Saturday (7/18) at 6:00 pm | Family Skate and Dance Night: Christmas in July at Franconia Recreation Center in Alexandria ($)
- Switch off the summer heat and get on your feet with a Christmas in July themed skate night. The Franconia Rec Center gym will be transformed into a festive holiday wonderland.
- Saturday (7/18) at 7:00 pm | Encore Stage presents The Addams Family at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- When the two families come together for one unforgettable dinner, secrets spill, tempers flare, and love works its unexpected magic. Full of humor, kookiness, and heart, this musical celebrates family, acceptance, and embracing the people you call home… even if they’re a little unusual.
- Saturday (7/18) at 8:00 pm | Campfire Skills for Women and Girls at Long Branch Nature Center in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8+)
- This engaging program will be filled with entertaining activities that may include stories, special animal guests, games, songs and of course, S’mores!
More Northern Virginia Events
- Saturday (7/18) at 9:00 am | Family Fishing at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ($)
- 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 (7/18) at 10:00 am | Snakes Secret Lives at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($)
- Explore the remarkable adaptations and behaviors of these specialized predators through hands-on encounters with non-venomous snake ambassadors. Discover the sophisticated hunting strategies, sensory capabilities and ecological roles that makes this reptiles masters of evolutionary design.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Shake it Up Jam at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ♥
- Created and hosted by singer and DJ Lisa Mathews, the Shake it Up Jam brings fun, kid-friendly music to any event. The Jam combines engaging music with immersive props to curate unforgettable dance parties!
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | La Musica – A World of Encanto with JChris at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly
- Kids will sing, playing percussion instruments and learning about Latin rhythms with music from Disney films like Coco, Saludos Amigos and Encanto.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | The Great Zucchini at Spring Hill Recreation Center in McLean
- The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini’s show keeps children on the edge of their seats.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Munit & Z Love Bugs at Lorton Community Center ♥
- Munit & Z Love Bugs is an Ethiopian-Haitian-American family band that plays music from around the world, and love it when the audience sings with us making one big musical community.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | 123 Andrés at The Rooftop Park Space in Springfield ♥
- 123 Andrés brings their singable tunes, humor and engaging and interactive show – transforming the park into a full family dance party.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Rocknoceros at Wakefield Park in Annandale ♥
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Swing Makes You Sing! at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 2-8) ♥
- The Swing Makes You Sing! ensemble playfully explores key elements of jazz, including the blues, swing, improvisation, and self-expression. Dance along as you connect with others and learn about this classic art form!
- Saturday (7/18) at 12:00 pm | Water Mania at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church ♥
- A splash-filled afternoon of water games and fun challenges.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Making Ice and Ice Cream at Walney in Chantilly ($)
- Crank ice cream as you discover how ice was harvested and stored in this 19th century farm. Try using ice tongs.
- Saturday (7/18) at 7:30 pm | Bolivian Cultural Heritage Night: ‘Ballet Folklorico Boliviano Nuestras Raices’ at Ossian Hall Park in Annandale
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Washington, DC
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:00 am | Drag Story Hour with Tiffany D. Carter at Loyalty Books Petworth in NW
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:30 am | Apple Camp Create a Superhero to Help Others on iPad at Apple Georgetown in NW (Best for ages 6-10)
- In this 90-minute session, kids will work together using iPad to design superheroes and send them on a mission to help others.
- Sunday (7/19) at 3:30 pm | Free: The Great Zucchini at City House Public House in NE ♥
- Sunday (7/19) at 6:00 pm | SpyKids Mission Training at Volta Park Pool in NW ($)
- 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).
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- Sunday (7/19) at 9:00 am | Bowie Farmer’s Market featuring Tie Dye at Bowie High School
- Get creative with FREE tie dye! Bring your own clothing item (such as a T-shirt, tote bag, or other fabric piece) and add your own colorful twist.
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:30 am | Bilingual Cub Corner at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-6)
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) reading of Going on a Plane by Anna Civardi, illustrated by Stephen Cartwright. Discover what it’s like to travel through an airport and fly on an airplane, then dive into hands-on fun using Ozobots to learn basic color coding and simple programming. Kids will practice coding their robots to perform different actions inspired by moments from the story.
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:30 am & 2:30 pm | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Enjoy this retelling of a classic story, this time with a conservationist twist just right for a puppet show in the park! Come see four classic Piper marionette puppets in a brand-new script featuring audience interaction.
- Sunday (7/19) at 5:45 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Freakier Friday + Costume Contest at National Harbor ♣
- Get into the Freakier Friday spirit with our Parent Swap Costume Contest! Dress up as your parent (and have them dress up as you) for a hilarious role reversal before the movie. Show off your look for a chance to win fun prizes before the film begins!
Maryland
Montgomery County
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:00 am | The Uncle Devin Show at Long Branch Library in Silver Spring ♥
- An interactive musical experience for children that uses percussion instruments to cultivate their minds!
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:00 am & 12:30 pm | Family Workshop: Geared Motor Flashlights at KID Museum in Bethesda ($)
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | Adventure Theatre’s Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler at Glen Echo Park ($)
- Sunday (7/19) at 1:00 pm | Cup Fans Unite: Final Watch Party in Wheaton
- Enjoy games, food and drinks ahead of the big game. Bring your own chairs and blankets to watch on two jumbotrons!
- Sunday (7/19) at 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Pete the Cat: A Live Rock Musical at Imagination Stage in Bethesda ($) (Best for ages 4-10) ♥
- Read our 4DMV Kids’ review of Pete the Cat!
More Maryland Events
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:00 am | National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery in Baltimore ($) ♥
- A day full of sweet, ice cream-themed activities, games, and art projects that will delight kids and parents alike!
- Sunday (7/19) at 12:00 pm | Bubble Days at Maryland Science Center in Baltimore ($) ♥
- Mix up a batch of your own bubble solution, design your own bubble wand, and put your bubble making skills to the test. Experiment with bubble towers, double bubbles, fizzy foamies, and explore all the different ways to make a bubble.
- Sunday (7/19) at 12:30 pm | Ice Cream Sundays on the Train at B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore ($)
- These Sunday train rides are extra sweet – because, let’s be honest, everything is better with an ice cream treat!
Northern Virginia
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:00 am | Mommy/Daddy & Me: Nugget Picnic at Cookology in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 4-7) ♥
- Together, you’ll mix up a fizzy Green Apple Spritzer, layer delicious Dirt Cup Pudding, and make crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets. Little chefs will practice pouring, mixing, coating, and decorating while building confidence in the kitchen alongside their grown-up helper.
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Family Fun Series at Metropolitan Park in Arlington
- Artist Spotlight: Jaqui Falkhenheim — Paper Garden Postcard Collages + live music!
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:00 am | Arts in the Park featuring Rocknoceros at Strawberry Park in Fairfax ♥
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:30 am | 123 Andrés at Lubber Run Amphitheater in Arlington ♥
- Sunday (7/19) at 10:30 am | Princess Backpack and Benjamin ~ Joyful + Playful Songs at Wolf Trap in Vienna ($) (Best for ages 2-8) ♥
- Sunday (7/19) at 12:00 pm | Mill in Motion at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($)
- Explore 200-year-old Colvin Run Mill as we grind grain using the power of the waterwheel. Hear and smell the grindstones at work. Learn how automated gristmills revolutionized flour production.
- Sunday (7/19) at 2:00 pm | Family Day with Jr. Docents at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum in Alexandria ($)
- Every Sunday afternoon this summer, guests can learn from and be inspired by the museum’s Jr. Docents–students 4th grade and older. In addition to stationed tours, Jr. Docents offer additional hands-on activities and a chocolate-making demonstration.
- Sunday (7/19) at 3:00 pm | Animals Underground at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 2-5)
- Dig down deep and investigate who lives in the dark, damp world under the forest floor as we learn about moles, earthworms, termites and the many other creatures of the soil.
- Sunday (7/19) at 3:00 pm | Encore Stage presents The Addams Family at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre in Arlington ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- When the two families come together for one unforgettable dinner, secrets spill, tempers flare, and love works its unexpected magic. Full of humor, kookiness, and heart, this musical celebrates family, acceptance, and embracing the people you call home… even if they’re a little unusual.
- Sunday (7/19) at 4:00 pm | Post of the Pasts at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon ($) (Best for ages 8+)
- Step inside the historic Frying Pan Meeting House and discover the stories preserved in its 1791 meeting minutes. Tour the meeting house and cemetery, then try writing with a quill pen and ink.
- Sunday (7/19) at 4:00 pm | Ice Cream at Historic Huntley in Alexandria ($) ♥
- Make and enjoy hand-cranked ice cream as Huntley’s Harris family may have done. Discover how the histories of ice cream and Huntley follow a similar path from elite luxury to family fare.
Sensory Friendly & Accessible
- Friday (7/17) at 9:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Time at Cub Run Recreation Center Indoor Water Park in Chantilly, VA ($)
- During Sensory Friendly times experience limited capacity, reduced sounds (louder water features are turned off) and staff trained to respond to children with special needs.
- Friday (7/17) at 10:30 am | Sensory Playtime at Southwest Neighborhood Library in DC (Best for ages 1-5)
- Friday (7/17) at 12:00 pm | Wicked: For Good Sing Along at MLK Memorial Library in NW DC ♣
- Film will be shown with open captions.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Story Time for the Spectrum at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library in NW DC (Best for ages 0-5)
- Saturday (7/18) & Sunday (7/19) at 11:00 am | Sensory-Friendly Hours at Dentzel Carousel at Glen Echo Park in MD
- Here’s info for Sunday!
- Sunday (7/19) at 11:30 am | The Puppet Co. presents The Three Billy Goats Gruff at Glen Echo Park in MD ($) (Best for ages 4+) ♥
- Sensory-friendly performance! Enjoy this retelling of a classic story, this time with a conservationist twist just right for a puppet show in the park! Come see four classic Piper marionette puppets in a brand-new script featuring audience interaction.
For Tweens & Teens
Washington, DC
- Thursday (7/16) – Sunday (7/19) | Beetlejuice at the National Theatre in NW ($) (Best for ages 13+)
- Friday (7/17) at 12:45 pm | Friday Movie ~ Avatar: Fire and Ash at Southwest Neighborhood Library (Best for teens & adults) ♣
- Friday (7/17) at 3:30 pm | Making Beats with Words, Beats and Life at Deanwood Neighborhood Library in NE
- A teaching artist from Words, Beats, and Life will lead a workshop for teens on how to create music using easy-to-access technology.
- Friday (7/17) at 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Teen Night at the Museum of Illusions in NW
- The DC Public Library is excited to offer free admission to teens at the Museum of Illusions, a museum filled with perspective changing-rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. Plus, you can participate in special activities facilitated by the Teen Council, including a craft and a scavenger hunt, and stop by the DC Library table for DC swag and book giveaways while supplies last! Registration for this event is mandatory.
- Saturday (7/18) at 9:00 am & 1:00 pm | Maker’s Workshop: Color as a Building Block at the National Building Museum in NW ($) (Best for ages 13+)
- This hands-on color workshop, inspired by the Museum’s summer installation, THE PLAYGROUND, and the exhibition Visible Vault: Open Collections Storage introduces how color palettes and theory shape human experience within the built environment.
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Kente Weaving Workshop for Kids at Sankofa Cafe in NW ($) (Best for ages 10-15) ♥
- Young participants will learn the art and history of traditional Kente weaving in a creative and hands on environment.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Kids: Learn to Code with Swift Playground at Apple Georgetown in NW (Best for ages 12+)
- Swift is a powerful programming language created by Apple that’s used to build many popular apps, and Swift Playground is an app for iPad that makes learning how to code interactive and fun.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Archaeology in the Community at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE (Best for ages 8-14) ♥
- Explore archaeology through games, puzzles, crafts, and teamwork!
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:30 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 10+)
- Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.
- Saturday (7/18) at 6:00 pm | Late Night Drip + Movie at Langdon Park Pool in NE ♥
- With music, games, and good energy, it’s a party with a purpose: teaching DC youth the importance of water safety in a fun and welcoming environment.
- Sunday (7/19) at 1:30 pm | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Carnegie Library in NW (Best for ages 8-12)
- Create a theme song for a favorite show, book, or game using GarageBand on iPad.
Maryland
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Teens Night Out – Under the Stars at MLK Jr. Outdoor Pool in Silver Spring (Best for ages 12-18)
- Friday (7/17) at 6:00 pm | Teen Game Night at Waldorf West Branch Library
- Friday (7/10) & Saturday (7/11) at 6:00 pm | Community Center Teen Nights in PG County
- Friday (7/17) & Sunday (7/19) | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: Mean Girls in Columbia ($)
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:30 am | Family Zumba at Columbia Park Community Center in Landover (Best for ages 13+)
- Saturday (7/18) at 11:00 am | Bike Maintenance Workshop & Helmet Fit Demo at Bladensburg Library
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:00 pm | Karaoke: Back to the 90s at Upper Marlboro Library (Best for teens & adults)
- Step up to the mic and sing your heart out! Whether it’s a solo, duet, or group performance, have fun belting out your favorite tunes in a lively and supportive atmosphere.
- Saturday (7/18) at 3:00 pm | Teen & Tween Movie Day ~ National Treasure at Maggie Nightingale Library in Poolesville ♣
- Saturday (7/18) at 3:00 pm | Kids: Code Your First App at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 10+)
- Kids will experiment with code and design an app using the About Me playground.
- Saturday (7/18) at 4:00 pm | The Baker’s Lab at 5-12 Dessert: Artisan Ice Cream Experience in Waldorf ($) (Best for teens & adults)
- Sunday (7/19) at 1:00 pm | Kids: Make a Theme Song at Apple Bethesda Row (Best for ages 8-12)
- Create a theme song for a favorite show, book, or game using GarageBand on iPad.
Northern Virginia
- Friday (7/17) at 12:30 pm | Beaded Fish Keychains at Dov & Company in Arlington ($)
- Make the cutest beaded fish keychain — a fun, colorful accessory you’ll want on every bag this summer.
- Friday (7/17) at 1:00 pm | Summer at the Rec at Arlington Mill Community Center
- This free, drop-in summer program provides a daily hot lunch (that’s actually good) and activities chosen by teens like music, games, cooking, art, and sports. Learn new skills at our weekly DJ and Music Production classes, game with friends in our state of the art esports lounge, get some energy out in the gym, or enjoy a space just to chill and be yourself.
- Friday (7/17) at 2:30 pm | Brick and Chill: Teen LEGO Hangout at Glencarlyn Library (Best for grades 6-12)
- Whether you’re flying solo or teaming up with friends, come build wild creations, tackle fun challenges, or just kick back and chat.
- Saturday (7/18) at 10:00 am | Intro to Kayaking at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($)
- Saturday (7/18) at 1:00 pm | Hands on History – Spinning Wool at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ($)
- Discover how woolen textiles were made in the 19th century and examine different spinning wheels. Learn to use a drop spindle and spin wool yarn to take home.
- Saturday (7/18) at 2:15 pm | Kids: Learn to Code with Swift Playground at Apple Pentagon City (Best for 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.
- Saturday (7/18) at 8:30 pm | Miss Congeniality at Penrose Square in Arlington ♣
- Rated PG-13 ~ tiara-making before the movie at MOCA Arlington, then settle in for an evening of comedy under the stars.
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