1. The Hive at the National Building Museum

   401 F St. NW
   July 4-Sept. 4, 2017

   $10-$16

   Constructed from thousands of reflective paper tubes, The Hive at the National Building Museum will transport visitors from the museum’s historic great hall to an interactive exploration of sound and space. The interlocked tubes will soar toward the ceiling – the largest structure reaching 60 feet high – leaving plenty of room for visitors to marvel at the structures from their interiors. The installation was designed by Studio Gang, an architecture and urban design practice based in Chicago and New York City. The Hive is part of the museum’s annual Summer Block Party series, which previously brought famous interactive spaces such as ICEBERGS in 2016 and the BEACH in 2015. The museum will also host a series of exhibit-related events, such as discussions, musical performances and late night passes throughout the installation’s two month showing. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit go.nbm.org/hive.

2. Growing Children’s Imaginations at the U.S. Botanic Garden

   100 Maryland Ave. SW
   Summer 2017

   Free

   Little ones are welcome to play in the dirt in the newly renovated children’s garden at the United States Botanic Garden. Kids can grab a garden tool or a watering can as they learn to care for and gently touch vibrant flowers. After a months-long closure for renovations, the children’s garden will reopen this summer with a new climbing structure, a tunnel made of vines, a digging area and more shaded spots and seating. For more information, visit usbg.gov.

3. Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap

   1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, VA
   Several Dates

   $8-$12

   Head to Wolf Trap this summer to immerse your kids in culture, song, dance and more as they experience the wonder of a live stage performance. The venue will host a variety of children’s performers, including a celebration of Native Americans with the Native Pride Dancers troupe, a morning with one-man-band KB Whirly, a recital by the Maryland Youth Ballet and so much more. Tickets are required for all performances. To view the full calendar of events and to purchase tickets, visit wolftrap.org.

4. Summer Fun Deal at the Newseum

   555 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
   July 1-Sept. 4

   Free

   Explore the historical power of the press with free kids’ passes to the Newseum. Through September 4, up to four youth visitors under 18 years old can visit the museum for free with each paid adult ticket. Be sure to take in the Berlin Wall Gallery, the stunning Pulitzer Prize-winning photos and a reflection on the 50 years since the Civil Rights Movement of 1967. Then bring the kids to the rooftop terrace for a remarkable view of the city. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit newseum.org.

For more summer fun activities around the DMV CLICK HERE for our Stay & Play guide.