A LOT happened this week and I can't really wrap my head around the noise. 850 officers patrolled the streets of DC to make 23 arrests in a single night. As someone who lost a teenage cousin to gun violence and sat through a funeral service full of youngsters [many of whom had lost other friends and family members], I know how out of control crime in the city can be but this isn't the way to resolve anything. I will continue to spotlight kid & family friendly events in the city and beyond with an emphasis on keeping kids safe. Please, if you know a teen, review their rights with them and try to keep kids informed as much as you can about what's going on around them. The article linked below can help with difficult conversations. Note that people are being arrested for petty crimes like fare evasion. Did you know kids and young adults who are residents (ages 5 - 21) ride metro free? Stay informed and remain resilient. This too SHALL PASS! I'll drop links mentioned below.
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.
Friday, August 15, 2025
Washington, DC
- 2:00 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 4:00 pm | Brentwood Backpack Giveaway at Brentwood Recreation Center in NE
- 7:00 pm | Roving Leaders Movie Night featuring Kung Fu Panda 4 at Takoma Recreation Center ♣
- 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 4:00 pm | Nature Makers Space: Polymer Clay Figurines at Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center ($) (Best for ages 13+)
- 7:30 pm | Ni Dembaya African Drum & Dance Ensemble Village Concert & Dance Party at Creative Suitland ($)
Montgomery County
- 6:00 pm | Teens Night Out – Let’s Skate at Laurel Skate Rink at Good Hope Neighborhood Recreation Center (Best for ages 12-18)
- 7:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($)
More Maryland Events
- 1:00 pm | Color, Cut, & Paste at Savage Branch Library in Laurel
- Practice accuracy and fine motor skills, and create your own art while coloring, cutting, and pasting.
- 2:00 pm | August’s Paint Party at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- 2:30 pm | Mosaic Tile Art at East Columbia Branch Library (Best for ages 6-12)
- 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
- 6:30 pm | Back-to-School Themed Cookie Decorating Class & Milkshakes at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar ($)
- 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 2:00 pm | The Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ($) ♥
- Includes free entertainment, kids activities, fair foods & a sensory tent!
More Virginia Events
- 6:00 pm | Movie Night featuring Toy Story in Window Plaza in Reston ♣
- Meet the Toy Box Buddies and enjoy free face painting!
- 8:00 pm | Campfire Fridays at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($)
- Explore the wonders of our natural world through nature walks, interactive activities and animal presentations. Includes s’mores.
Saturday (8/16) in Washington, DC
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:00 am | Saturday Community Fishing at Anacostia Park
- 10:00 am | Create a Pet Station at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
- 10:00 am | STAR Fest 2025 at MLK Memorial Library ♥
- Includes live music, free backpacks and school supplies, reading, writing & talk stations, petting zoo, character visits & more!
- 11:00 am | Art Enables Saturday Workshop Crafting Worlds: Peephole Dioramas in NE ♥
- 12:00 pm | Zip & Paint with Rain Young at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum
- Join artist Rain Young in a fun workshop that allows artists to express their creativity on wearable art.
- 1:00 pm | Emerging Artists Showcase at Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | 11th Annual Chuck Brown Day at Fort DuPont Park in SE ♥
- Catch the crank and vibes, kids zone, vendors, food trucks and more!
- 6:00 pm | Roving Leaders Movie on the Deck featuring Kung Fu Panda 4 at Banneker Pool ♣
- 7:00 pm | Sounds of Africa Concert Series at the National Museum of African Art
Saturday (8/16) in Maryland
Create a Pet Station at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 9:30 am | Wilderness Survival with a Ranger: Fire Building at Watkins Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 10+)
- 10:00 am | Back to School Bash at the City of Bowie Gymnasium
- Includes free school supplies, carnival games, moon bounces, cornhole, a DJ and a community resource area.
- 10:00 am | Dinosaur Park Open House in Laurel
- 10:30 am | Bibliobop Dance Party at Greenbelt Library (Best for ages 0-5)
- 10:30 am | Cub Corner: Airmail at College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 3-6) ♥
- Listen to a reading of Dragon Post by Emma Yarlett and stick around to color and decorate your own airmail stamp!
- 11:00 am | Back-to-School: Backpack Giveaway! presented by GrindHardDreamBig at Glenarden Library
- 11:00 am | Bike Rodeo at Driskell Park in Hyattsville ♥
- This family-friendly event will offer bike skills and safety training, bike and helmet fittings, and a bike repair station. Bring a bike and a helmet or borrow one for the morning, while supplies last!
- 11:00 am | Lawn Games of Bygone Days! at Surratt House Museum and Research Center in Clinton (Best for ages 6-17)
- 12:00 pm | Kitty Hall Adoption Event at City Hall with Bowie CLAW at Bowie City Hall
- 1:00 pm | Animal Encounters at Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton ($)
- 1:00 pm | School’s Out Screening: Mr. Peabody and Sherman at Greenbelt Cinema ♣
- 5:00 pm | Hot Joe’s Summer Series: Pan Masters Steel Orchestra at Joe’s Movement Emporium ($0+ donation based!) ♥
- Includes kids crafts
Montgomery County
- [For Educators] 9:00 am | 2nd Annual Teacher Appreciation Sale at People’s Book Takoma
- 12:30 pm | Princess Party at Olney Theatre Center ($) ♥
- Join for a morning of songs surrounding your favorite princesses. Whether they live under the sea or in an ice palace, have the power to control the ocean or change a beast’s heart, we love these characters for their intelligence, independence, and sense of adventure. Costumes strongly encouraged!
- 10:30 am | Color My World with American Sign Language – Summer Reading 2025 at Davis Library in Bethesda ♥
- Learn basic American Sign Language as we go on a signing adventure through stories, songs, and rhymes for the whole family that feature colors and art vocabulary!
- 10:30 am | Rhythmaya Dance at Rockville Memorial Library
- Learn about classical, folk and modern dances from all over India.
- 11:00 am | Back to School Fair at Upper County Community Recreation Center in Gaithersburg
- Free and fun family event featuring games and backpack distribution!
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 12:00 pm | 3rd Annual Back to School STEM Festival at East County Community Recreation Center in Silver Spring ♥
- This event includes interactive exhibits exploring areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Join us for backpack distribution, food, games and more!
- 1:00 pm | Wheaton Street Party
- Includes face paint, food & family activities!
- 3:00 pm | Story Swap: Stories around a “Campfire” at Brigadier General Charles E. McGee Library in Silver Spring
- Join Voices in the Glen for an afternoon of storytelling around a pretend campfire (with s’mores-flavored snacks!) to close out the summer!
- 8:30 pm | Dive-in Movie: Inside Out 2 at Upper County Outdoor Pool in Gaithersburg ($)
- 9:30 pm | Movie & Meteors at Observatory Park in Gaithersburg ♣♥
- Screening of the beloved classic E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial + After the movie, spread out your blankets and gaze skyward as we watch for meteors from the Perseid meteor shower, which will be nearing its peak. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and snacks for a comfortable night of stargazing.
More Maryland Events
- 11:45 am | Kindergarten Here We Come! at Savage Branch Library in Laurel (Best for ages 5-7)
- Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day.
- 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 1:00 pm | Kindergarten Here We Come! at Central Branch Library in Columbia (Best for ages 5-7)
- Stories and activities to help mark that all important first day + there’s a 3:00 pm session too!
- [Last Chance] 6:00 pm | Toby’s Dinner Theatre presents: The Little Mermaid in Columbia ($)
Saturday (8/16) in Northern Virginia
Create a Pet Station at Lowe’s Home Improvement Stores
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | The Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ($) ♥
- Includes free entertainment, kids activities, fair foods & sensory hours/tent + Children’s Entrepreneur Market.
- 1:00 pm | Share the Love of Building Structures at Glencarlyn Library
- Try out your love of building things using any of the following building materials: Legos, wooden blocks, etc. Have an idea in mind before you come or borrow one of our craft books.
City of Alexandria
- 11:00 am | Sweet Summer Social at the Lee-Fendall House Garden ($) ♥
- Includes summer-themed activities like a scavenger hunt & trivia, face paint, arts & crafts, treats, and learning.
- 1:00 pm | Cookie Decorating: Back to School at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 4-8)
- 1:00 pm | Artistic Outlets Creativity Workshop at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 12+)
- Explore ways to channel your feelings, thoughts, and experiences through different art styles and mediums.
More Virginia Events
- 10:00 am | Mr. Lilo at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly
- Mr. Lilo Gonzalez is a singer and songwriter who has touched the lives of many people with his fun yet thoughtful music, sending a message to adults and children of all cultures that we can and should unite to build a better world for all.
- 10:00 am | The YOJO Show at Wakefield Park in Annandale
- YoJo is a motivational, inspirational and hilariously entertaining blue fuzzy character that performs A+ assembly programs and kids’ comedy shows
- 10:00 am | Shake it Up Jam at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax
- Created and hosted by singer and DJ Lisa Mathews, the Shake it Up Jam brings fun, kid-friendly music to any event. The Jam combines engaging music with immersive props to curate unforgettable dance parties!
- 10:30 am | Kidz Korner – Mollie Bubble Party at Old Town Square in Fairfax
- 11:00 am & 3:00 pm | Appointed Chaplain to the Regiment at Mount Vernon Estate ($)
- 12:00 pm | Back to School – Kids Fashion Runway at Leesburg Premium Outlets ♥
- Enjoy exclusive deals, and a fashion-packed afternoon of fun! Plus, stick around for a Touch-a-Truck activation right in front of the Food Hall.
- [Limited Tickets Left] 2:00 pm | Animal Crackers and Me at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale ($) (Best for ages 3-8)
- Learn about animal adaptations while you munch on cookies and lemonade. Enjoy a story, craft and trail activity along a short hike.
- [Cancelled] 2:00 pm | Movie at the Mill – White Rabbit Tea Party at Colvin Run Mill in Great Falls ($)
- Bring your child to the mill and celebrate summer with this white rabbit themed tea party. You’ll enjoy tea, savory and sweet treats, crafts and 19th century games. Free film screening – Alice in Wonderland (1951) following tea service.
- 5:30 pm | Sunset Polo at Great Meadow in The Plains ($)
- Theme: Wild Wild West Night
- 6:00 pm | Summer Concert Series featuring Izis de la enfermera de la salsa at Mosaic in Fairfax
- 6:00 pm | A Wonderful Family Adventure: Yes Day + Foam Party at Reston Station ♣
- 8:00 pm | Campfire Saturdays – Stargazing at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station ($) ♥
- Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features.
- 8:00 pm | Starlight Drive-in Cinema featuring The Wild Robot at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ♣
- 8:00 pm | Campfire Saturdays – Stargazing at Lake Fairfax in Reston ($) ♥
- Enjoy a stroll along the lake shores and learn about the constellations, their stories and other night-sky features.
Virtual
- 1:00 pm | Virtual Planetarium Show hosted by the National Air & Space Museum
Sunday, August 17, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:30 am | DC Ward 2 Day at National Children’s Museum
- Free visit day for DC residents in Ward 2! To reserve DC Ward Day tickets, enter your zip code as a promo code on the Discounts page during checkout.
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 11:35 am | Family Funday at Nationals Park ($)
- Washington Nationals vs. Philadelphia Phillies ($)
- 1:00 pm | Teen Volunteer Project: Uplifting Incarcerated Voices with Free Mind
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 5:30 pm | How to Train Your Dragon at The Miracle Theatre ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:30 am | Storytime on Screen at Greenbelt Cinema
- 1:00 pm | Embodied Creativity: Yin/Gentle Yoga wit Devyn Beswick at Joe’s Movement Emporium in Mount Rainier ($)
- This workshop is designed to get you out of your head and into your emotional and spiritual body, through breathwork, gentle and intuitive movement, and sound, to access a flow state of creativity.
- 2:00 pm | 8th Annual Community Cuts for Kids at Springhill Lake Recreation Center in Greenbelt
- Includes free food, entertainment, community resources, and school supplies. Must register for haircut or hairstyling.
- 6:00 pm | Movies on the Potomac: Harold and the Purple Crayon at National Harbor ♣
- 6:00 pm | Let’s Dance at Roosevelt Center in Greenbelt
- End of Summer Line Dancing Event
- 6:30 pm | Know Your Rights Workshop: Navigating Interactions with Law Enforcement at MahoganyBooks National Harbor (Great for Teens + Adults) ♥
- An empowering, small-group workshop designed to help you navigate real-life encounters with law enforcement.
Montgomery County
- 11:00 am | Summer Smarts at Westfield Montgomery ♥
- Discover the fascinating world of bugs with Smithsonian Scientists – includes story time, ant trail relay, show & tell & activity time!
- 11:00 am | Sunday Workshop: Intro to Animation: Stop Motion at KID Museum in Bethesda ($) (Best for grades 2nd – 5th)
- Use code SUNFUN25 for 20% off admission!
- 11:00 am & 2:00 pm | The Lightning Thief presented by Adventure Theatre at Glen Echo Park ($)
More Maryland Events
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 2:00 pm | Cookie Decorating at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Ellicott City ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 8:00 am | Sunday Sunrise Yoga at National Landing
- 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park
- Make summer ribbon wands & listen to live music
- 11:00 am | The Arlington County Fair at Thomas Jefferson Community Center ($) ♥
- Includes free entertainment, kids activities, fair foods & sensory hours/tent.
- 1:00 pm | The YoYo Club at Central Library (Best for ages 8+)
- Learn new tricks; meet new people!
City of Alexandria
- 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: Squishmallow Adoption & Art at Del Ray Artisans ($) ♥
- Select your Squishmallow from a diverse collection—practice choice, observation, and categorization as you compare textures, colors, and sizes. Proceed to the Adoption Station, where you’ll complete an Adoption Certificate, giving your new plush pal a name.
- 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas Workshop at AR Workshop Alexandria ($)
- 1:00 pm | Cookie Decorating: Back to School at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 9-12)
- 2:00 pm | Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($)
- Jr Docents provide stationed tours throughout the two tavern buildings and operate special, hands-on activity stations about period clothing and chocolate making.
- 7:45 pm | Bat Night at Huntley Meadows ($)
- Presentation followed by a night walk where we will use a special acoustic device to listen for and identify bat calls not heard with the human ear.
More Virginia Events
- 10:30 am | Storytime at George Mason’s Gunston Hall ($)
- 12:00 pm | Kids Renaissance Festival at Shipgarten in McLean ♥
- Includes live magic performance, face painting, toy bow and arrow shooting, kid-friendly jousting & toy axe throwing!
- 1:00 pm | Spellbinders – Tales of Tails at Hidden Oaks Nature Center in Annandale
- Enjoy oral storytelling from countries around the world. Attendees are welcome to share a 5-minute story for ages 4 and above. From trickster tales to fables, oral stories share traditions and connect communities. Every child receives a free book.
- 2:00 pm | Dairy Days – Ice Cream Making & Butter at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ($)
- Churn butter, crank ice cream, and experience the products of a historic dairy. Learn more about the importance of dairy farms in Fairfax County’s past.
Next Week
Math | Summer of Adventure at National Harbor
Dive into money math by learning the ABC’s of financial literacy! Join WHUT at National Harbor on Tuesday, August 19th to celebrate their newest short series, FINANCIAL LETTERACY. These creative music videos teach various financial terms using the letters of the alphabet. Starts at 10:30 am. Tap the image above for more info!
Summer Movie Series: Moana 2 at The Wharf
Join Events DC on Tuesday, August 19th at The Wharf for a special screening of Moana 2. This is the last free movie screening of the Summer Movie series. This screening includes a live DJ, raffle, community resources and more! Tap the image above for additional details.
This Week's Book Recommendation
Related Blogs
New Movies Added!
As promised, new movies have been added to this recurring listing of indoor & outdoor movie screenings around the DMV! Most are free and some are paid experiences. Tap the button below to review the list!
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Need Daily Things-to-do?
Check out this list of 100+ recurring kid-friendly things-to-do for each day of the week. Most activities are free or low cost! This list is reviewed & updated weekly, so peep in frequently.
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