We're already half-way through Summer! Is it just me or is time flying? This past Sunday we entered the world of pomp and pageantry at the "2025 Miss HBCU Teen Pageant" to cheer on Liv's BFFs, who were competing for the crown. Receivers of the official crown and satin sash (winners) received scholarships, financial contributions to additional pageants, a whole hosts of gifts & prizes plus a bunch of networking opportunities. Contestants are as young as 5 years old in the Little Miss HBCU division and within the Senior Division, contestants are no older than 19. We witnessed a talent show, ball gown runway and question & answer period. There are a few other rounds of activities prior to the final show as well. Tap the photo above of Liv and I to view details about the Miss HBCU Teen Pageant. Lots going on this weekend, especially for the elementary/middle school aged kids. Happy Planning!
Sarah Acors
Creator of 4DMV Kids & Founder of BCB DMV+
Events
Favorite picks in this list have the heart symbol ♥ at the end of the listing.
Free movies in this list have the club symbol ♣ at the end of the listing.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Be a Cardiologist in Gaithersburg, MD
On Thursday, July 17th from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, learn about what it takes to be a Cardiologist in this free program hosted by the Gaithersburg Community Museum. "A patient with heart problems has a blocked artery. Use a model to observe how the blockage affects blood flow, then design a tool to clear the blockage and restore healthy circulation." Recommended for ages 7-9! Tap the image above to register.
Friday, July 18, 2025
Washington, DC
- 11:00 am | Family Program: Sorting and Shaping Seeds at the US Botanic Garden ♥
- Sort seeds into categories based on their shapes and structures to predict their primary mode of dispersal, then engineer your own seed that can conquer the challenges of dispersal via water and/or animal.
- 2:00 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 2:00 pm | The Lego Movie at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 3:30 pm | Film – Max Goes to the Moon at The Rock Creek Park Nature Center and Planetarium (Best for ages 5+) ♣
- 4:30 pm | The NeverEnding Story at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 5:00 pm | Virtual Reality Game Time! at Shaw Neighborhood Library
- 5:00 pm | Labubu Meet Up at The Plaza at CityCenter
- 7:00 pm | Late Night Hype at Trinidad Recreation Center in NE
- 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 11:00 am | Farm Education – Horse Breeds at Old Maryland Farm ($) (Best for ages 8+)
- 1:00 pm | Kids Create: Beaded Bracelets at Mount Rainier Branch Library
- 4:00 pm | Nature Makers Space: Mini Terrariums at Mount Rainier Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 13+)
- 5:30 pm | Summer Jam: Backyard BBQ at Hyattsville City Building ♥
- Kids (grades K-6th) can create an original anthem with Mr. Root!
- 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
Montgomery County
- 4:00 pm | Teen Career Cafe: Level Beat Books at Gaithersburg Library
- Teens and tweens can join us to learn about what it’s like to work as a book publisher.
- 6:00 pm | Teens Night Out – Under the Stars at Martin Luther King Jr. Outdoor Pool in Silver Spring
- Includes music, food and swimming under the stars!
- 7:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
More Maryland Events
- 2:00 pm | The Art of Escape at Potomac Branch Library in Indian Head (Best for ages 10+)
- Put your puzzle solving skills to the test with this exciting escape room!
- 3:00 pm | Owl Pellet Dissection at East Columbia Branch Library (Best for ages 8-10)
- 3:00 pm | Readers’ Theater at Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 9-14) ♥
- Calling all readers to take the stage! Build confidence by reading lines aloud while playing a character.
- 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
- 7:00 pm | Kidz Bop LIVE Certified BOP Tour in Baltimore ($)
- 8:30 pm | Outdoor Movie ~ The Wild Robot at Granville Gude Park & Lakehouse in Laurel ♣
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | Bounce in the Park at Virginia Highland Park (Best for ages 3-9)
- Bounce house fun!
- 7:00 pm | Footloose at Encore Stage and Studios ($) ♥
- Mostly kid cast production!
- 8:30 pm | The Pike Movie Night featuring Moana at Arlington Mill Community Center ♣
City of Alexandria
- 10:30 am | Rhythmaya: Bollywood Dance at Beatley Central Library ♥
- Dance along as Rhythmaya shares Indian culture through music, art and movement.
- 5:00 pm | Friday Family Fun Night at the Pool at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility ($)
- Bring the whole family for an hour of swimming, followed by a cozy movie screening and delicious snacks.
- 7:00 pm | Café Vibes Night for Teens at Tiny Chefs ($)
- Relaxed night of sweet treats and fun while whipping up delicious pastries and sweets inspired by chill café vibes.
Saturday (7/19) in Washington, DC
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- [Just Added] 10:00 am | A Beyond the Book Author Talk with Kwame Alexander at Tenley-Friendship Neighborhood Library ♥
- Celebrate the joy of reading with rhythm, rhyme, and imagination with award-winning author Kwame Alexander as he brings his signature storytelling style to How to Sing a Song—a lyrical new picture book created with musician Randy Preston and illustrator Melissa Sweet.
- 10:00 am | Create a Messi Soccer Shootout at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
- 10:00 am | Community Fishing at Anacostia Park
- 10:00 am | Labubu Scavenger Hunt at Mt. Pleasant Library – happening all day through August 23rd!
- 10:30 am | July Family Day: Discover the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled at the Library of Congress
- Learn all about the work and resources of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) at the Library of Congress.
- 10:30 am | NMAAHC Kids Story Time: Grandma’s Records at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (Best for ages 4-8) ♥
- Make our own music with instruments! Children will take a closer look at records as they learn to use a real record player, explore the Museum’s Musical Crossroads exhibit and make their own album cover art. Don’t forget to use our kid-friendly guide for visiting the museum!
- 11:00 am | Diversión Storytime: “Paletero Man” at the National Museum of American History
- Special storytimes and music with Multi-Grammy Award-winning musician and author Lucky Diaz.
- 11:00 am | `Aha `Ohana: Plants and Voyaging Traditions of Hawai`i at the US Botanic Garden ♥
- Engage with voyaging knowledge including experiences in lāʻau lapaʻau (traditional Hawaiian medicine), nā mea kanu ʻōiwi o Hawaiʻi (Native Hawaiian plants), hands-on activities with ʻohe kāpala (bamboo stamping), Hawaiian games, and a kuʻi ʻai (poi pounding) demonstration.
- 12:00 pm | Tara Hoot’s Free Family Fun Story Time at Shakers ♥
- 12:00 pm | Crafty Caps at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Workshop on designing baseball caps using paint pens, fabric, patches, stickers, gems and other decorative materials. Supplies are provided.
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 1:30 pm | Rapping with Mr. Root – Get Involved at Rosedale Neighborhood Library in NE ♥
- This interactive and engaging Hip Hop based assembly is challenging, fun and entertaining! Each member of the audience has an opportunity to ‘GET INVOLVED’ with call-and-response, steady beat chants, beat production and even some group dancing.
- 6:00 pm | Late Night Drip at Langdon Park in Pool in NE
- Includes extended hours for the pool, music, games & more!
- 7:00 pm | Sounds of Africa Concert Series at the National Museum of African Art
Saturday (7/19) in Maryland & Northern Virginia
Beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday (7/19) create a Messi Soccer Shootout at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:00 am | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
- 10:30 am | Bibliobop Dance Party at Greenbelt Branch Library (Best for ages 0-5)
- 11:00 am | Tuskegee Airmen take to the skies: Living History Tour at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 16+)
- 11:00 am | Sip and Paint: Alma Thomas at Bowie Branch Library (Best for teens) ♥
- 11:00 am | Game On: Super Smash Bros. Tournament at Surratts-Clinton Branch Library (Best for ages 5-12)
- There’s also a 1:00 pm session too!
- 12:00 pm | Tanger x Crocs: Back to School Stop at Tanger National Harbor ♥
- 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
- 1:00 pm | Community FUN Day – Celebrate the Holidays in July! at Southern Regional Technology and Recreation Complex in Fort Washington ♥
- Enjoy FUN games, bike and toy giveaways, food, and so much more.
- 4:00 pm | Creative Writing with Ellen Carter Woodbridge at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier ($) (Best for ages 5-10)
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | Colored Pencil Class for Families at The Strathmore in Rockville ($)
- 10:30 am | Kids Glow Up Dance Party at Rockville Memorial Library
- 10:30 am | Parachute Party Family Storytime at Aspen Hill Library
- 11:00 am | Eco Adventures – Summer Reading 2025 at Quince Orchard Library in Gaithersburg ♥
- Eco Adventures’ very own Colorologist will guide guests through the crazy world of animal pigmentation, and what better way to do that, than with LIVE animal color ambassadors!
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
- The 2:00 pm will be ASL Interpreted!
- 12:00 pm | Patch It Up! Pop-Up with The Little Patch Club at Dov & Company ($) ♥
- Customize your own keychain, pouch, tote — or even bring your own piece! Pick your patches and customize your own piece on the spot!
- 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage ($) ♥
- Fashion Party at 2:00 pm & meet the actors at the 4:00 pm show!
- 2:00 pm | Chesapeake Critters from Glen Echo Park Aquarium at Gaithersburg Library
- Children will have the opportunity to see live animals including an oyster, hermit crab, horseshoe crab, flounder, toadfish, and blue crab, just like this year’s Summer Reading mascot, Artie!
- 2:00 pm | Color our World with the Science Guys of Baltimore at Kensington Park Library
- Through fun experiments and interactive demonstrations, young scientists will learn about light sources, prisms, and the science of rainbows!
- 2:00 pm | Enviro Drum! at White Oak Library
- A high energy music performance using recycled materials.
- 2:00 pm | Fun Art Activities for Kids at Davis Library in Bethesda
- Kids 6 and up will make their own storybooks, with the help of “Art Ambassadors”, a group of local high school students.
- 8:30 pm | Dive-In Movie: The Wild Robot (en espanol) at Long Branch Outdoor Pool in Silver Spring ($)
More Maryland Events
- 10:00 am | National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery in Baltimore ($) ♥
- 10:00 am | The Art of Escape at Potomac Branch Library in Indian Head (Best for ages 10+)
- Put your puzzle solving skills to the test with this exciting escape room!
- 10:30 am | Christmas in July at B&O Railroad Museum ($) ♥
- Visit with Santa, enjoy frozen hot chocolate, decorate a Christmas stocking, make a snow globe, write letters to St. Nick & more + Polar Express tickets will be 10% off!
- 11:00 am | Summer Splash Play Day at Billingsley Community Center in White Plains ($) (Best for ages 4-10)
- 11:00 am | Books! The Magic is Real! at Maryland City Library in Laurel
- Magician Joe Romano returns with his show that features tricks and books with color, art and invisible paint!
- There’s also a 1:00 pm show!
- 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | Crafty Kids Take and Make Seashell Necklaces at Columbia Pike
- 10:00 am | Basic Self Defense Class with EvolveAll at Columbia Pike Library (Best for teens & adults) ♥
- There’s also a 1:00 pm class at Westover Library!
- 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Footloose at Encore Stage and Studios ($) ♥
- Mostly kid cast production!
- 8:30 pm | The Pike Movie Night featuring Moana 2 at Arlington Mill Community Center ♣
City of Alexandria
- 10:30 am | Kofi Dennis at Beatley Central Library ♥
- Enjoy music, dance, drums and stories highlighting West African culture!
- 11:00 am | Friendship Firehouse Museum Open House
- 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas Workshop at AR Workshop ($)
More Virginia Events
- 9:30 am | Archaeology Family Day at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
- Explore how archaeology has shaped what we know about the Washingtons, the lives of the enslaved people who lived at Mount Vernon, and the 18th century.
- 10:00 am | Groovy Nate at Wakefield Park in Annandale
- High energy funky grooves in children’s music that entertain and educate
- 10:00 am | Marsha and the Positrons at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly ♥
- Specializing in fun songs about science and 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.
- 10:00 am | Munit & Z Love Bugs at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax ♥
- Munit & Z Love Bugs is an Ethiopian-Haitian-American family band that plays music from around the world!
- 10:00 am | Family Fun Entertainment Series featuring Rocknoceros at Reston Town Center
- 10:30 am | Children’s Theatre -in-the-Woods featuring Dan + Claudia Zanes with Tyree Austin at Wolf Trap ($) (Best for ages 2-12)
- 10:30 am | Kidz Korner – A Taylor Swift Tribute “Miss Amer-I-CAN-a” with Enchanted Empowerment in Fairfax
- Mini-concert featuring fan favorites and a short photo opportunity to follow.
- 12:30 pm | Children’s Book Talk: First Ladies Make History at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
- Listen to a reading of “First Ladies Make History” by authors Anita McBride and Giovanna McBride.
- 2:00 pm | Summer Engineering Challenge at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 6-11)
- 5:30 pm | Sunset Polo at Great Meadow in The Plains ($) ♥
- Theme: Disney Plus Party!
- 6:00 pm | Summer Concert Series featuring Munit Mesfin at Mosaic in Fairfax
- 6:30 pm | A Wonderful Family Adventure featuring Jumanji: The Next Level at Reston Row Plaza ♣
Virtual
- 1:00 pm | Virtual Planetarium Show with ASL Interpretation hosted by the National Air and Space Museum
Sunday, July 20, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 10:30 am | Katie Yamasaki, Author of Mural Island ~ Read Aloud + Meet & Greet at Politics and Prose (Best for ages 4-8)
- 1:00 pm | Meditation Watercolor Kit Giveaway at MLK Memorial Library
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 1:35 pm | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
- Featuring the Washington Nationals v. the San Diego Padres
- 2:00 pm | PowWow Dance with Miss Chief Rocka at Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 5-12) ♥
- Miss Chief Rocka is a multi disciplinary nêhiyaw (Cree) artist representing amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton, Canada) and a proud member of Frog Lake First Nation.
- 2:00 pm | The NeverEnding Story at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | Sunday Movie Matinee ~ The Six Triple Eight at Woodridge Neighborhood Library in NE (Best for teens & adults) ♣
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 12:00 pm | Tanger x Crocs: Back to School Stop at Tanger National Harbor ♥
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
- 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Piece by Piece at National Harbor ♣
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | Sportrock’s Block Party in Gaithersburg ($) ♥
- Full-day climbing fest that includes climbing, games, crate stacking, table bouldering, and more! Free food & beverages from 4 – 7 PM.
- 10:00 am | Junk Art Contest for Tweens & Teens at Davis Library in Bethesda
- 11:00 am | Music Everywhere with Teresa Jimenez at Aspen Hill Library
- Sing, move, and play along to songs in Spanish and English.
- 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop: Intro to Coding: Hummingbird:BIT at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th) ♥
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
- 2:00 pm | Story Hour “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Olney Library ♥
- an afternoon of stories to celebrate Olney Theatre’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, with guest storyteller Simoné Boyd!
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Summer Fun Family Series
- Make a Paper Mosaic Masterpiece + Live Music
- 11:00 am | Lubber Run Summer Concerts – The Rainbow Rock Band at Lubber Run Amphitheater (Best for ages 0-7) ♥
- 1:00 pm | The YoYo Club at Central Library (Best for ages 8+)
- Learn new tricks; meet new people! Do you have an appreciation for yo-yos, kendama, diablo, juggling and any other trick based skill activity? Learn from experienced throwers and build your skills together.
- 2:00 pm | Footloose at Encore Stage and Studios ($) ♥
- Mostly kid cast production!
City of Alexandria
- 2:00 pm | Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($)
- Jr Docents provide stationed tours throughout the two tavern buildings and operate special, hands-on activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making.
More Virginia Events
- 12:00 pm | 3rd Anniversary Petting Zoo at Shipgarten in McLean
This Week's Book Recommendation
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Check out this brand new blog with the scoop on where to find the best storytimes for early learners in DC, Maryland & Northern Virginia. It includes recurring, daily events that you may find useful for summer days! Check it out through the link below.
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Summer Movies are Calling Your Name!
Recently updated with even more free, outdoor movies to check out + movie theater deals around the DC metro area! Make sure to bookmark it for future updates. Tap the link below to view it.
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