April is one of the best months to get outside in the DC area — cherry blossoms are in bloom, the weather is warming up, and the region comes awash with family-friendly events. The good news? Some of the best ways to celebrate the season don’t cost a thing. From storytimes and hands-on workshops to outdoor festivals and cultural celebrations, these free events across DC, Maryland and Virginia give families plenty of reasons to get out and explore this month.
Key takeaways
- April in the DMV is packed with free, family-friendly programming across all three jurisdictions.
- The National Cherry Blossom Festival anchors much of the month’s biggest outdoor programming: Petalpalooza on April 4 and Jazz & Blossoms on April 12.
- There’s something for every age group, from toddlers to tweens, like weekly storytimes and sensory-friendly events for the youngest kids, hands-on STEAM and terrarium workshops for school-age children and full-day festivals and concerts the whole family can enjoy together.
Storytime for Young Readers
Every Sunday morning. People’s Book hosts a free children’s storytime featuring stories, activities and crafts. Authors and illustrators occasionally join, and families are welcome to stay for book signings afterward. The weekly program makes for an easy start to the day, particularly for families who want to pair it with a visit to the nearby Takoma Park Farmer’s Market or a neighborhood brunch spot.
Location: People’s Book, 7014-A Westmoreland Ave., Takoma Park, Md
Contemporary Art at the Folger
April 1-5. The Folger Shakespeare Library hosts rotating solo exhibitions from four recent Artist Fellows. The displays offer creative responses to early modern history and culture, with artwork featured throughout the museum’s galleries. Some artists give talks during the exhibition run.
Location: Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC
ARTEFFECT Gallery at the Milken Center
April 1-Oct. 19. This free exhibition showcases award-winning artworks created by students in grades 6-12 from around the world. The pieces span painting, drawing, sculpture, collage and short films, investigating themes such as freedom, justice, innovation, women in STEM and unsung heroes throughout history.
Location: Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, 1503 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC
Easter Egg Hunts at Green Meadows Petting Farm
April 5. Kids up to age 10 can hunt for prize-filled eggs during this fun community event. Families can also enjoy live music, crafts, hot cocoa, coffee and photos with Peter Cottontail. Egg hunts are organized by age group with two time slots available.
Location: Calvert Park, 4807 Drexel Road, College Park, Md
National Cherry Blossom Festival: Petalpalooza
April 4. Families can celebrate spring at this day-long outdoor festival along the Anacostia River. The event features live music on multiple stages, interactive art installations, hands-on activities and roaming entertainers. The festivities close with the National Cherry Blossom Festival fireworks show set to music at 8:30 p.m.
Location: Capital Riverfront, Navy Yard Metro, Washington, DC
Egg Hunt EGG-STRAVAGANZA!
April 5. Kids up to age 10 can hunt for prize-filled eggs during this fun community event. Families can also enjoy live music, crafts, hot cocoa, coffee and photos with Peter Cottontail. Egg hunts are organized by age group with two time slots available.
Location: Calvert Park, 4807 Drexel Road, College Park, Md
Stamp Out Waste!
April 11. Families can celebrate Earth Month with creative and educational activities focused on sustainability and reducing waste. Activities include writing eco-themed postcards, creating art from reclaimed materials and participating in story times at noon and 2 p.m. Smithsonian educators are also on hand throughout the day.
Location: National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, DC
Springfield Town Center Blossom Festival 2026
April 11. This free family-friendly festival features outdoor exhibitors, spring activities, live music, entertainment and kids’ activities. Visitors can stroll through dozens of booths and enjoy a lively spring celebration.
Location: Springfield Town Center, 6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, Va
Jazz & Blossoms 2026
April 12. This open-air festival blends live jazz, hip-hop, DJs, art and cultural activities as part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can enjoy games, an open dance floor, Japanese cultural experiences such as origami and haiku writing, food vendors and family-friendly play areas. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair.
Location: Franklin Park, 1332 I St. NW, Washington, DC
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