Back-to-School Season has me in a chokehold right now! From signing up for sports & classes to shopping for needed supplies and getting paperwork in on time, sheesh!! This time can get a little rough for everyone so I have a new recommendation... This week, we were invited to check out Silver Diner for their weekly "Unplug" event. Each Tuesday, Silver Diner offers you and your family a chance to "unplug" for intentional family time at their locations throughout the DMV. They have retro games to keep you entertained that rotate each week. This week we played "Would you Rather" as we waited for our meal to arrive. They also have ad libs for the kids and a kids menu that includes tic tac toe and coloring exercises. On their menu, they have healthier options for kids as well as breakfast all day, which is what my kids opted for. Note that there are 20+ locations throughout the DMV including one in DC at Navy Yard. We visited the Greenbelt, MD location and received excellent service provided by Stephanie! Definitely one to add to your stress-free meal list when you need it. More on that to come but for now, here's a look at kid-friendly activities coming up this weekend...
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 22, 2025
Washington, DC
- 2:00 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- 2:00 pm | Sing 2 (Sensory Friendly) at The Miracle Theatre ($)
- 3:00 pm | Movie Matinee: Monster’s University at Bellevue Neighborhood Library in SW ♣
- 3:00 pm | Back-to-School Drop-in Craft at Georgetown Neighborhood Library (Best for ages 5+)
- 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 10:00 am | Dig Day at Dinosaur Park in Laurel ($) (Best for ages 8+)
Montgomery County
- 11:00 am | Sensory Storytelling with ReadAbility at Little Falls Library in Bethesda
- 11:00 am | Mr. Jon and Friends at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville ♥
- Join in the music, and join in the fun with Mr. Jon! Songs, rhymes, books, and puppets that focus on early literacy, healthy movement, and positive interactions with others.
- 11:00 am | Abracadabra Alex at Kensington Park Library (Best for ages 3-10)
- Laugh and be amazed by Abracadabra Alex’s jaw-dropping and interactive magic show!
- 11:30 am | A “Grand” Adventure: Grandparent and Child Pontoon Boat Tour at Black Hill Discovery Center in Boyds ($) (Best for ages 3+)
- 1:00 pm | Write to Right: Social Justice Writing Workshop at Gaithersburg Library (Best for ages 9-15)
- This event is a weeklong workshop from Monday August 18th through Friday, August 22nd.
- 4:00 pm | The Sweetening at Silver Spring Recreation and Aquatic Center ♥
- Step into a world of sweet delights and joyful moments at this multigenerational social event where fun has no age limit. Indulge your sweet tooth with cupcakes, homemade ice cream, fluffy cotton candy and a dreamy chocolate fountain. Enjoy family-friendly games and get crafty in our arts and crafts corner. It will be a sugar-sprinkled celebration of fun and memories that are just as sweet as the treats!
More Maryland Events
- 3:00 pm | Make Woven Bookmarks at Waldorf West Branch Library (Best for teens)
- Learn how simple weaving can be by making your own bookmark!
- 3:00 pm | Swiftie Listening Party at The Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar in Old Ellicott City ($)
- Includes an energetic dance party, glitter tattoos & themed crafts!
- 7:00 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 6:00 pm | Met Park Movie Nights featuring The Parent Trap (1998) at Metropolitan Park ♣
- 8:30 pm | The Pike Movie Night featuring Mufasa: The Lion King (2025) at Arlington Mill Community Center ♣
City of Alexandria
- 10:00 am | August Artist Adventure at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 12+)
- Pick up a mystery kit with supplies for a craft to complete at home.
More Virginia Events
- 6:45 pm | Sunset Cinema featuring Despicable Me 4 at Cherry Hill Park in Falls Church ♣
- 7:30 pm | Mzansi Youth Choir at Reston Town Center
- As seen on America’s Got Talent, this dynamic choir showcases the best of South African talent. Founded to give talented teens and young adults the chance to shine both locally and abroad, the Mzansi Youth Choir is ready to inspire you with their powerful voices and vibrant energy.
Saturday (8/23) in Washington, DC
- 9:30 am | DC Ward 4 Day at National Children’s Museum
- Free visit day for Ward 4 residents. To reserve DC Ward Day tickets, enter your zip code as a promo code on the Discounts page during checkout.
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:00 am | Petworth Community Outreach Day at Petworth Playground in NW
- Includes school supplies, moon bounce, popcorn & more!
- [Just Added] 10:00 am | 4th Annual YogaFest at Reservoir Park Recreation Center ♥
- Includes Mommy & Me yoga!
- 10:00 am | First Studio: Art, Story and Workshop at The Kreeger Museum in NW ($) (Best for ages 3-5)
- 10:00 am | Just Drop In: How Things Work at The National Building Museum ($)
- Kids will use paper plates, straws, tape, and other simple materials to design and build their own marble mazes. Inspired by Rube Goldberg machines, these creative challenges encourage problem-solving, experimentation, and fun as kids guide a marble from start to finish.
- 10:00 am | Youth Sports Day at The Fields at RFK ♥
- Enjoy sports activities, music, food trucks, and fun for the whole family!
- 10:30 am, 11:45 am & 1:00 pm | Dance Sanctuaries curated by Kaimana Chee at The Kennedy Center
- free movement-based class
- 11:00 am | MTPD’s Back-to-School Bash at Fort Totten Station Parking Lot ♥
- Includes free food, drinks, haircuts, school supplies, giveaways & more!
- 11:00 am | Mapping the Solar System at Rock Creek Park Nature Center (Best for ages 5+)
- Learn about mapping our solar system from Earth to Jupiter’s moons in this planetarium program.
- 12:00 pm | Kennedy Recreation Center Backpack Giveaway (Best for ages 3-17)
- 12:00 pm | Tara Hoot’s Free Family Fun Story Time at Shakers in NW
- 12:00 pm | It Takes a Village Back 2 School Bash – Free Family Event at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in SE ♥
- Includes free backpacks & school supplies, delicious food & refreshments, games & activities & more!
- 12:00 pm | Back to School Bash at Sycamore & Oak in SE ♥
- Includes live music, youth vendors, free food, games & more!
- 12:00 pm | August Late Skate at Anacostia Park
- 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, 3:20 pm & 6:15 pm | K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($) ♥
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | 2nd Annual Island Festival at Hi-Lawn in NE ($)
- All-ages day-long celebration (2-10 PM) will feature delicious food from the DC metro area’s top Caribbean restaurants, festive tropical cocktails, and the groovy sounds of reggae, soca and salsa from live musicians and DJs.
- 2:00 pm | Accessible Movie Screening: Minecraft Movie at MLK Memorial Library ♣
- Includes ASL & open captions
- 2:30 pm | Back to School Uniform Swap at Lamond-Riggs Neighborhood Library in NE
- 4:30 pm | Opera in the Outfield featuring Porgy and Bess at Nationals Park ♥
- Gates open at 4:30 p.m. for family-friendly fun, including Slopera! A Bite-Sized Opera by Mo Willems and Carlos Simon airing at 5:30 p.m.
- 5:00 pm | Parents Night Out at iGEN Educational Academy at Eastern Market ($)
- 6:00 pm | Director’s Choice DPR Movie Night featuring Wicked at Banneker Pool in NW ♣
Saturday (8/23) in Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 8:00 am | M.A.D. – Making a Difference presents the 2nd Annual Suitland Peace Walk at Creative Suitland
- Walk to the Suitland Festival!
- 10:00 am | The 26th Annual Suitland Festival at Suitland Community Center ♥
- Includes a community parade, car show, live entertainment, free haircuts & hairstyles & more!
- 10:00 am | Outdoor Living Skills: Shelter Building at Watkins Nature Center in Kettering ($) (Best for ages 6+)
- This experience combines outdoor shelter building, a guided nature hike, and indoor basic survival needs training to equip you with essential skills for thriving in the great outdoors.
- 10:00 am | Dig Day at Dinosaur Park in Laurel ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- 10:00 am | Parkour with a Ranger at Southern Regional Tech and Rec Complex in Fort Washington ($) (Best for ages 10+)
- 10:30 am | Saturday STEAM Hour at the College Park Aviation Museum ($) (Best for ages 6-12)
- 11:00 am | Animal Encounters: Wings, Legs and Shells, Oh my! at Mt. Rainier Nature and Recreation Center ($)
- 12:00 pm | Great American Campout at Patuxent River Park ($) ♥
- $25 per campsite (covers 6 people max in a campsite) ~ Do you want to go camping, but don’t know how or where to go? Designed for first-time campers, this event provides an opportunity for families to learn basic camping skills, as well as connect with nature. For one night, park naturalists will show you camping newbies how to do it right.
- 1:00 pm | STEM Fun: Cubelets at Mount Rainier Library
- 2:00 pm | Painting African Masks on Canvas with Artist DionJa’y at National Harbor ♥
- 3:30 pm | All Ages Family Show at Bobby McKey’s Dueling Piano Bar at National Harbor ($)
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | Tiny Tots starring Penny Russell ~ Penny’s Puppets in Community Helpers at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 10:00 am | MCPS Back to School Fair at Westfield Wheaton ♥
- Enjoy free music, entertainment, giveaways and youth activities! Free immunization clinic and more.
- 10:30 am | Science Connections ~ Colorful Chemistry at Rockville Memorial Library (Best for grades 1-5)
- 11:00 am | Superb Saturday STEM at Noyes Library for Young Children in Kensington
- 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant’s Garden at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 12:30 pm | Family Yoga: An Adventure for the Family with Littles at Willow Street Yoga in Takoma Park ($) (Best for ages 3-6) ♥
- 4:00 pm | STEM at the Library: Sun Print Science at Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville
- Learn all about cyanotyping, a type of sun printing.
- 4:00 pm | Origami with Fold and Fun at Rockville Memorial Library (Best for ages 3-12)
- Learn how to make animals, shapes, and more by folding paper!
More Maryland Events
- 10:00 am | Picture Bingo at sweetFrog Laurel ($)
- 10:00 am | Good Kid-izens ~ Garden Guardians at Color Burst Park in Columbia ♥
- Doing good to benefit our community: Come pot your very own plant to place in your garden to spread beauty in the community.
- 12:00 pm, 3:30 pm & 7:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
- 1:00 pm | Planetarium Movie Showings – Zula Patrol: Down to Earth at Robinson Nature Center ($) (Best for ages 5+)
- 7:30 pm | Movie in the Park featuring Moana at Blandair Park in Columbia ♣
Saturday (8/23) in Northern Virginia
Arlington County
- 12:15 pm, 3:05 pm, 3:40 pm, 6:30 pm & 9:20 pm | K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along at Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City ($) ♥
- 2:00 pm | Dungeons & Dragons Club at Aurora Hills Library (Best for middle schoolers)
- 5:00 pm | Awesome Opossum Campfire at Gulf Branch Nature Center ($)
- 7:00 pm | Summer Teen Night: Foam Fest at Arlington Mill Community Center
City of Alexandria
- 10:00 am | Garden Artist – Hummingbirds: Tiny but Tireless at Green Spring Gardens ($) ♥
- Enjoy making a hummingbird craft. Go on a walk to spot hummingbirds and learn which flowers to plant at home to attract them.
- 10:00 am | STEAM-tastic: Neurographic Art Workshop at Del Ray Artisans ($) (Best for ages 10+) ♥
- Through structured linework and spontaneous design, participants will explore the connection between neural activity and creative expression. This calming activity promotes emotional regulation, cognitive flexibility, and visual mindfulness.
- 10:00 am | August Artist Adventure at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 12+)
- Pick up a mystery kit with supplies for a craft to complete at home.
- [For Adults] 10:30 am | Parenting Professional Development Series ~ Dream Team at Burke Branch Library
- How Corporate Team Building Best Practices Can Help Your Family Unit
- 11:00 am | 2025 Around the World Cultural Food Festival at Oronoco Bay Park ♥
- 12:00 pm | Family Friendly Wood + Canvas Workshop at AR Workshop ($)
- 12:00 pm | Summer Reading Guide Ice Cream Social at Old Town Books
- 12:00 pm | Mission Match Pathfinder Games at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 6-16) ♥
- The Pathfinder Games combine quick “mini-missions” with head-to-head card game tournaments where kids earn Mission Cards. Mini-missions are short (about 10 minutes or less) and focus on STEM, military, or leadership skills. Kids can move freely between challenges and tournament games, collecting Mission Cards and enjoying a fast-paced, flexible event that keeps them engaged from start to finish.
- 1:00 pm | Cake Pop Making: Back to School Apples at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 4-8)
- 2:00 pm | Scribble Stones at Winkler Preserve ($)
- Make some happiness grow with rocks from the park. After reading the book “Scribble Stones” by Diane Alber, find your very own rock to paint + learn about art & friendship.
- 3:00 pm | DIY Birthday Cards to Celebrate Alexandria Library’s Birthday at Barrett Branch Library (Best for ages 11+)
More Virginia Events
- 10:00 am | Try Ball Hockey for Free at Lake Fairfax Park in Reston (Best for ages 5-17)
- 10:00 am | Scavenger Hunt Adventure at Lake Accotink in Springfield ($) (Best for ages 4+)
- Join a naturalist to learn about various nature topics that relate to the lake depending on the season. Then go on a scavenger hunt adventure to find different related objects around the lake and collect a small themed prize.
- 10:00 am | Back to School Bash at Reston Town Center ♥
- Enjoy free family fun entertainment and browse the Children’s Entrepreneur Market at the annual Back to School Bash. Featuring live music, face painting, character appearances, games, and more!
- 10:30 am | Kidz Korner – Music with Marsha! Sing and Dance at Old Town Square in Fairfax
- 10:30 am | Herbal Tea in the Garden at Ellanor C. Lawrence Park in Chantilly (Best for ages 8+)
- Learn about and pick fresh herbs that will make your herbal tea the best its ever been. Sample herbal teas and get inspired to grow your own tea herbs at home to delight and inspire you.
- 11:00 am | K-Culture Festival at Tysons ♥
- Free Korean bites, refreshing drinks, and exciting giveaways! Explore booths featuring K-beauty, food, games, and cultural experiences.
- 6:00 pm | A Wonderful Family Adventure featuring Lilo & Stitch + Hawaiian Dance Lessons at Reston Row Plaza ♣
- 7:00 pm | Starlight Cinema Movie Night featuring the grandsons, jr. & Ratatouille at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly ♣
- Movie starts at 8:00 pm!
Sunday, August 24, 2025
Washington, DC
- 9:00 am | Countdown to Gabby’s Dollhouse at National Children’s Museum ($) ♥
- Includes pop-up activities inspired by Gabby’s Dollhouse
- 9:30 am | DC Ward 6 Day at National Children’s Museum
- Free visit day for Ward 6 residents. To reserve DC Ward Day tickets, enter your zip code as a promo code on the Discounts page during checkout.
- 9:30 am, 12:30 pm & 3:30 pm | Sesame Street the Musical at The Kennedy Center ($)
- There’s also a Brunch at 10:30 am with colorful plates & fun activities for $25 person! (Best for ages 2+)
- 10:30 am | Nick & Pinky Live: Smithsonian Treasure Hunt at the National Zoo ♥
- There’s also a 1:30 pm show! ~ This musical event is part of the Get a Head Start with the Smithsonian program. It stars Pinky the Jackalope puppet and Nick the Music Man playing his guitar. Kids will be encouraged to sing and dance along with them during this 30-minute interactive performance.
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 7:00 pm | K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along at Alamo Drafthouse DC ($) ♥
- 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm | Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the National Theatre ($)
- 2:00 pm | Rock the Block Back-to-School Festival at THEARC in SE
- Includes haircuts, games, backpack giveaway, treats & more!
- 3:00 pm | Romperayo: Concierto gratis en la Plaza! at Mt. Pleasant Neighborhood Library
- Musical concert
Maryland
Prince George’s County
- 12:00 pm | Riversdale Kitchen Guild: Gardeners Choice at Riversdale House Museum Historic Site
- Join the Riversdale Kitchen Guild over the open hearth as they highlight a seasonal fruit or vegetable of the Historic Gardener’s choice using 19th century techniques.
Montgomery County
- 10:00 am | Tiny Tots starring TPC’s Favorite Faces in Jennie The Cat at Glen Echo Park ($)
- 10:00 am | Petting Zoo at Olney Theatre Center ($) ♥
- Spend time with a variety of kid-friendly animals in our special petting zoo, including: goats, chicks, ducklings, bunnies, piglets, guinea pigs, and even a mini-horse!
- 11:00 am | Takoma Music One Year Anniversary Celebration in Takoma Park
- Includes live performances, food + meet & greet with teachers!
- 11:00 am | Community Fun Day at Takoma Park Seventh-Day Adventist Church
- Afternoon of family fun — including vegetarian hot dogs, fresh popcorn, lemonade, a baked goods competition, a pie eating contest, a dunk tank, a petting zoo, face painting, a photo booth, relaxing chair massages, and more. Everything is free, and everyone is welcome!
- 11:00 am | Kids’ Crafternoon: Cubist-Inspired Animals at The Green Room in Takoma Park ($) ♥
- Kids will use geometric shapes and vibrant colors to create their own Cubist-inspired animals, full of personality and imagination.
- 11:30 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm | Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre presents: The Selfish Giant’s Garden at Glen Echo Park ($)
More Maryland Events
- 12:00 pm, 3:00 pm & 6:30 pm | UniverSoul Circus at Security Square Mall in Baltimore ($)
Virginia
Arlington County
- 10:00 am | MoCA on the Move at Met Park: Summer Fun Family Series at Metropolitan Park
- Artist Spotlight: Zhenya Parish — Collaborative, Abstract Painting + live music
- 11:00 am | Family Class: BBQ Bash at Cookology ($) (Best for ages 8+) ♥
- 3:00 pm, 6:30 pm & 7:30 pm | K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along at Alamo Drafthouse in Crystal City ($) ♥
City of Alexandria
- 1:00 pm | Cake Pop Making: Back to School Apples at Tiny Chefs ($) (Best for ages 9-12)
- 1:00 pm | August Artist Adventure at Beatley Central Library (Best for ages 12+)
- Pick up a mystery kit with supplies for a craft to complete at home.
- 2:00 pm | Family Day with Young Historians at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum ($)
- 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 | International Food & Culture Festival in Downtown Manassas
- 11:00 am | K-Culture Festival at Tysons ♥
- Free Korean bites, refreshing drinks, and exciting giveaways! Explore booths featuring K-beauty, food, games, and cultural experiences.
- 12:00 pm | Kids Rock Festival at Shipgarten in McLean
This Week's Book Recommendation
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DMV Back to School Bashes
Looking for back-to-school fun? Check out this listing of events happening in DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia through September. Many of these events include backpack giveaways and school supply drives so make sure to pass it along to friends who might need it. Tap the button below to see the list!
New
Free + Discounted Movies
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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