SO much going on including the grand opening of 5 new galleries at the National Air and Space Museum this past week. Liv and I previewed the exhibits and had a lot to share about them so I put it all in a brand new blog. The new galleries include a questions-based approach to "Futures in Space" and a children's nook in the "Barron Hilton Pioneers of Flight" Exhibition. The Pioneers of Flight space was our favorite to explore. There's a storytime area, life size airplane with issues for kids to solve and a hot air balloon that's a perfect photo op. Besides the children's nook, there's also an in-depth look at Amelia Earhart's life that Liv enjoyed reading through and an interactive display board that delves into the travels of Black Wings and the African American experience in flight during the 1920s and 1930s. Very interesting exhibition space that I highly encourage visiting first if you go! Timed tickets are required but they're free through the museum's website. Now off to start planning for this weekend's adventures...
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 31, 2025
Where's Waldo Celebration in Alexandria
It’s a Waldo party! Head to Old Town Books in Alexandria, VA on Thursday (7/31) at 4:30 pm for a special treat. Celebrate the completion of a month of Where’s Waldo with free ice cream, photo ops with a giant cardboard cut-out of Waldo himself, and a chance to shop their selection of Where’s Waldo books! Tap the image above for more info.
Friday, August 1, 2025
Washington, DC
- 10:00 am | Storytime: Spectacular Spots/Magníficas manchas at The National Gallery of Art
- 2:00 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 2:00 pm | The Wild Robot (Sensory Friendly) at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 7:00 pm | Late Night Hype at Fort Stanton in SE
- Carnival style event with food, music, games, etc.
- Dusk | Extraordinary Cinema: Bend It Like Beckham at The Kennedy Center ♣
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
- 8:30 pm | Movie Night featuring Mufasa at Mount Rainier Nature Center ♣
Montgomery County
- 10:30 am | Barefoot Puppet Theater presents: New Squid on the Block at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- 6:00 pm | Gayle Wald for This is Rhythm at People’s Book Takoma
- Michele Valeri, member of the Silver Spring-based children’s group DinoRock for 40 years, will kick off the event with a sing-along (3 minutes) of Ella Jenkins’ “Did You Feed My Cow.”
- 6:30 pm | Free Movie Night: Lilo and Stitch (2002) at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown ♣
- 7:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
- 7:00 pm | Cabin John Village: Movies on the Green featuring Frozen 2 in Potomac ♣
More Maryland Events
- 10:30 am | Drive-In Movie ~ The Wild Robot at Discoveries: The Library at Westfield Annapolis ♣
- Decorate your own cardboard box car. A limited number of boxes will be provided, or bring your own!
- 3:00 pm | Mr. Lemoncello’s Library Challenge at Central Branch Library in Columbia (Best for ages 9-11)
- Can you solve Mr. Lemoncello’s puzzles to prove all you know about the library?
- 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
- 6:30 pm | Family Friday Planetarium Program & Movie at Robinson Nature Center ($)
- 8:00 pm | Outdoor Movie featuring The Mitchells vs. The Machines at Granville Gude Park & Lakehouse in Laurel ♣
Virginia
Arlington County
- 9:00 am | Dark Star Park Day 2025 at Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park
- At approximately 9:32 a.m., Nancy Holt’s Dark Star Park (1979-84) will perform a special effect. Shadows cast by the spheres and poles of this landmark outdoor sculpture align with their permanent forms on the ground, marking the moment of Rosslyn’s founding.
- 10:00 am | Bounce in the Park at Alcova Heights Park (Best for ages 3-9)
- 11:00 am | Intergenerational Storytime at Aurora Hills Library/Senior Center
- 5:00 pm | Journey of the Eels Campfire at Gulf Branch Nature Center ($)
City of Alexandria
- 10:30 am | Ventriloquism with Ty-Rone Travis at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 0-8) ♥
More Virginia Events
- All Month | Teacher Appreciation Month at LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield ($) ♥
- All through August, teachers receive FREE entry plus 30% off for their friends and family-up to six (6) guests.
- 12:00 pm | Stuff a Cruiser at Tysons Corner Center
Meet officers from FCPD, tour their cruiser, and stuff it with supplies to benefit children supported by victim services. Join them after touring the cruiser for crafts, live music, games, sweet treats and more!
Saturday (8/2) in Washington, DC
- 8:30 am | Morning at the Museum at the National Museum of Asian Art
- This free, sensory-friendly program is designed for individuals who are neurodivergent, have sensory sensitivities, or other learning and cognitive disabilities.
- 9:00 am | Create a Space Odyssey at Home Depot stores
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:00 am | The World & Me: Life ON and IN the Water! at the National Museum of Natural History ♥
- Join professional mariners to explore the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay, learn about traditional sailing tools, and try your hand at tying a variety of practical knots.
- 10:00 am | STEM Budding Builders at Palisades Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 0-5)
- 10:00 am | First Saturdays at the National Gallery of Art ♥
- Free festival that includes face paint, storytime, yoga, artmaking & more!
- 10:30 am | Joy of African Movement at the National Museum of African Art (Best for ages 16+)
- Join The Capoeira Spot who keep capoeira’s roots present in their teaching andpreserve capoeira’s history in their practice.
- 11:00 am | WILD Nature Play Club at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in SE
- Join us for unstructured play time in nature as well as a child-directed hike through the George Washington Carver Nature Trail. At the end of the hike, we will gather together for a story and nature activity then head back to the museum.
- 11:00 am | Friends of Pierce Mill Ice Cream Making Demonstration at Rock Creek Park ♥
- Rain date: Sunday, August 3rd.
- 11:00 am | Yoga with Nzinga at Francis A Gregory Neighborhood Library in SE
- 12:00 pm | Family Field Day at Reservoir Park Recreation Center ♥
- Includes music, family friendly fun, food, lawn games & more!
- 1:00 pm | Double Dutch 4 Fun with DC Retro Jumpers at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 3:00 pm | Watermelon Day at Sankofa Cafe in NW ♥
- This free, family friendly event is meant to ground us in community while learning about health and education. This year will include performances from Baba C, the Culture Queen, Iya Bashea & the Kuumba Kids, The CapoieraSpot DC, Dem Raider Boyze step team, Baba Bomani and hosted by Drew Anderson!
Saturday (8/2) in Maryland & Northern Virginia
Create a Space Odyssey at Home Depot stores beginning at 9:00 am.
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:00 am | Adventure Seekers: Brookside Gardens ($) (Best for ages 8-12)
- Pick up from Mt. Rainier Nature and Rec Center
- 10:00 am | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
- Explore the grounds where dinosaur bones have been discovered! Learn about fossils and recent dinosaur bone findings.
- 10:00 am | Youth Aviators Air Traffic Control at College Park Aviation Museum (Best for ages 13-18) ♥
- 4 week program that starts this week! Dive into the critical world of Air Traffic Control. Air Traffic Controllers have the responsibility of directing and tracking pilots for safe takeoffs, flights, and landings.
- 10:30 am | Family Zumba at Columbia Park Community Center in Landover
- 11:00 am | Airmail at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- Step back to 1918, when the first scheduled Postal Service airmail deliveries took off from College Park Airport, revolutionizing communication. Uncover the key figures and historic flights that shaped early airmail through the fascinating stories and artifacts held in the museum’s collection.
- 11:00 am | MahoganyBooks presents Black Books Matter Fest 2025 at National Harbor ♥
- Includes kids storytime and craft activity
- 11:30 am | Story Explorers: Beginning Readers at Largo-Kettering Library (Best for ages 5-8)
- Practice reading skills through group reading and games.
- 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
- 2:00 pm | Game on: Ping Pong Fun at Glenarden Library
- 2:00 pm | Therapy through Art Exhibit at Hyattsville Library
- This exhibit features the inspiring artwork created by teens and young adults (ages 16–24) who participated in the Therapy Through Art summer program at Hyattsville Library.
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | Beekeeper Q&A at Croydon Creek Nature Center in Rockville ($) (Best for ages 5+) ♥
- 10:00 am & 12:30 pm | Wicked Sing Along at Olney Theatre Center ($)
- 10:30 am | Mike Rose Magic at Rockville Memorial Library
- 11:00 am | Animal Incognito at Kensington Park Library
- Explore the world of color warning, camouflage, and chemical defense. Meet a few of these masters!
- 11:00 am | Enviro Drum! at Davis Library in Bethesda ♥
- Enviro Drum-Maryland wows audiences and “colors our world” with their high energy show performing on “found” percussion from around the home. This interactive performance will get you singing and dancing as they demonstrate “Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle” through song.
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
- 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Barefoot Puppet Theater presents: New Squid on the Block at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm | Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage ($)
- 2:00 pm | Crafts at the Library: Family Crafternoon at Chevy Chase Library
- 4:00 pm | Teens Night Out – College Sports Recruiting Panel at Plum Gar Community Recreation Center in Germantown
- 8:30 pm | Dive-in Movie: Transformers One at Germantown Outdoor Pool ($)
More Maryland Events
- 10:00 am | Annie’s Outdoor Puppet Show at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia ($)
- There’s also a 10:30 am show!
- 10:00 am | Saturdays in the Children’s Garden ~ Insect Detectives at Robinson Nature Center in Columbia
- 2:00 pm | Paint Like a Master at Central Branch Library in Columbia (Best for ages 6-10)
- 2:00 pm | The Humane Society presents: DOGgone it! at La Plata Branch Library
- This program will teach you all about canine companions and how to interact safely with them, from asking permission before interacting with someone’s pet to what to do if approached by a dog you don’t know. You’ll also learn about training tips for your pet and common issues affecting dogs, such as overpopulation in animal shelters.
- 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | “From Barriers to Ballots” The Fight for Equal Voting Rights in Virginia exhibition opening at the Arlington Historical Museum
- 11:00 am | Stationary Store Day at Open to Being Studio + Shop
- See their 110-year-old letterpress in action, color your own letterpress-printed postcard (get a stamp and drop it in their mailbox) & more!
- 1:30 pm | Waterwheels at Long Branch Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 6-12)
- Think like an engineer to identify a problem, brainstorm, plan, build, test and improve. They’ll provide recycled materials for a hands-on design challenge in Long Branch Creek.
- 2:00 pm | Dungeons & Dragons Club at Aurora Hills Library (Best for Middle School Students)
City of Alexandria
- 9:00 am | Friendship Firehouse Festival at Friendship Firehouse Museum ♥
- There will be booths by the Alexandria Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, music performances, displays by community organizations, local vendors, and food and beverage sales. Join in water play and please-touch artifact activities. Children will receive free toy Friendship firefighting helmets.
- 10:30 am | Orpheus Collar: Cartooning and Drawing Workshop at Charles Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 6-12) ♥
- Learn some cartooning and drawing skills with the illustrator of the Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles graphic novels!
- 12:00 pm | Orpheus Collar: Middle Schoolers with Swords at Beatley Central Library (Best for grades 4-12) ♥
- Meet the illustrator of the Percy Jackson, Heroes of Olympus, and Kane Chronicles graphic novels! Watch sketching demonstrations and learn about archaeology & the process of making a graphic novel.
- 12:00 pm | Carlyle House Family Fun Day: Pet Fête (Best for ages 4+) ♥
- Kids can participate in crafts & other themed activities.
More Virginia Events
- 10:00 am | Rocknoceros at Wakefield Park in Annandale
- Rocknoceros has entertained tens of thousands of fans around the country, performing at Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and the Kennedy Center.
- 10:00 am | The YOJO Show at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly
- YoJo is a motivational, inspirational and hilariously entertaining blue fuzzy character that performs A+ assembly programs and kids’ comedy shows.
- 10:00 am | Blue Sky Puppet Theater at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax
- Rufus, a shy little dog, has been lost from his owner. He’s been stuck out in the rain and he hasn’t had much to eat in two weeks. He meets the audience and asks for their help.
- 10:00 am | Family Fu Entertainment Series featuring Guava Jelly at Reston Town Square Park
- 10:30 am | Kidz Korner – My Gym! at Old Town Square in Fairfax
- Games, songs, and lots of movement for the preschool and very early elementary age children!
- 11:00 am | Manassas African American Heritage Festival at Metz Middle School
- Admission is free and features music, entertainment, dances, vendors, exhibits, food, art, crafts, history, children’s games, and free school supplies. Bring your lawn chairs and join in the celebrations!
- 6:00 pm | Summer Concert Series at Mosaic in Fairfax
- 8:00 pm | Back to the Future in Concert at Wolf Trap ($)
- 8:00 pm | Drive-In Movies: Harold and the Purple Crayon at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ♣
- 8:30 pm | Campfire Night Hike – Predators at Night at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly ($)
Sunday, August 3, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:00 am | Just Drop In: Future Cities at The National Building Museum ($)
- What will the cities of tomorrow look like? In this hands-on drop-in activity, kids are invited to design their own mini “future city” using recycled and craft materials.
- 10:00 am | Free Community Day at the National Museum of Women in the Arts ♥
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 1:35 pm | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
- Washington Nationals v. Milwaukee Brewers
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at National Harbor ($)
- 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Snow White (2025) at National Harbor ♥♣
- 6:00 pm | Summer Sunset Concert Series at Allen Pond Park in Bowie
- Featuring “Lady Da Flame & Friends” – Reggae
- 6:30 pm | Concerts in the Park at Bladensburg Waterfront Park
Montgomery County
- 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop: Intro to the Engineering Design Process: Simple Machines at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th) ♥
- Use code SUNFUN25 for 20% off Admission to KID Museum this Sunday!
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park ($)
- 11:30 am & 1:00 pm | Barefoot Puppet Theater presents: New Squid on the Block at Glen Echo Park ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- 1:00 pm | Stop Motion Animation ~ An Intergenerational Workshop at Kensington Park Library ♥
- Learn how to create a story board for your movie content and then dive in and make a fun stop motion animated video.
- 1:00 pm | Dory Fantasmagory at Imagination Stage ($)
More Maryland Events
- 5:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Summer Fun Family Series! at Metropolitan Park
- Featuring Pressed Tissue Paper Ice Cap Landscapes — inspired by current exhibition from Christina Lorena Weisner, Sea Marks: From the High Arctic to the Atlantic /Music from Scott Ricker
- 11:00 am | Make a Farmhouse Brunch at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 12+) ♥
City of Alexandria
- 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: Monet-Inspired Bridge Workshop at Del Ray Artisans ($) ♥
- 1:00 pm | Cake Pop Making: S’mores Campfire at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 9-12)
- 2:00 pm | Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($)
- 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
- 10:00 am | NVA Thai Street Food & Culture Festival in Manassas
- 12:00 pm | The Smurfs and Wicked Host Kids and Family Festival at Shipgarten in McLean
Next Week
Art | Summer of Adventure at National Harbor
On Tuesday, August 5th at 10:30 am, explore art with Howard University's radio WHUT & PBS Kids at National Harbor with the help of the PBS Kids show, Scribbles and Ink! This event includes art activities and giveaways for kids in attendance. Tap the image above for more info!
Summer Movie Series: Piece by Piece at DC Armory
On Thursday, August 7th, head to DC Armory for the first free movie screening of Events DC's Summer Movie Series. See Piece by Piece and enjoy giveaways, snacks, a live DJ, activities and more beginning at 6:00 pm. Tap the image for more info!
This Week's Book Recommendation
On the Blog...
New Galleries at the National Air & Space Museum
We previewed the newest exhibits that just opened at the National Air and Space Museum this week! These galleries include interactive activities, historic artifacts + a children's space. See the blog below to plan your next trip! Don't forget, you need timed tickets to visit this free museum, which are available online.
New
Updated List of Indoor & Outdoor Movies
This listing of indoor/outdoor movies has been updated to include screenings through the end of Summer and beginning of Fall around the DMV. Choose from free and discounted admission to classic and new-ish movies for kids and families. Tap the link below to start planning your next cinematic adventure.
Updated
