July 24th–September 2nd
- Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Location: National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
Learners of all ages and their families will solve puzzles, decipher codes and engage in interactive challenges that promote STEAM education. The answers found in the 11 individual brain teasers and three group activities will lead visitors through each themed room of the mansion. The innovative challenges found in this are designed to promote problem solving, critical thinking and social-emotional skills.
July 24th–August 4th
- Time: Varies, see event link
- Location: Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda, Md.
Enjoy a captivating glimpse into the world of dinosaurs. Including state-of-the-art animatronics, ice-age animal light sculptures, amusement rides and more.
July 25th
A Love Story: Expressions of Love on Stamps
- Time: 2:00 p.m.
- Location: National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Washington, D.C.
This virtual program is designed for families with young children. Love comes in many forms and can be expressed in a countless number of ways. Throughout history, artists have used many different techniques and images to show how people show their love. Guest Artist Katie Kirk will explore just some of the interesting designs used to represent love on postage stamps. Registration required.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
- Time: 8:00 p.m.
- Location: Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.
A free night time screening of the sequel to classic adventure film National Treasure, this movie follows Nic Cage as archeologist Benjamin Franklin “Ben” Gates on a quest to find a book (of secrets!) that has been lost since the end of the Civil War.
July 26th
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Location: Alcova Heights Park, 901 South George Mason Dr., Arlington, Va.
Kids ages 3-9 are invited to the park for bounce house fun this summer. If you can’t make this event, check the event link for other dates and locations. Supervisors (age 16+) must remain on site. On-site registration required.
July 26th–August 19th
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
- Time: Varies, see event link
- Location: 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md.
Adventure Theatre’s season concludes with Knuffle Bunny, A Cautionary Musical, based on Mo Willems’ Caldecott Honor-winning children’s book. Angelisa Gillyard will lead the heartwarming story of a girl, her father and her beloved stuffed animal that will now be brought to life for DC families. Trixie and her father bustle through the streets of New York City down the block, through the park, past the school and to the Laundromat. But returning home, Knuffle Bunny is gone, and Trixie cannot tell her father what is wrong.
July 27th
- Time: 11:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Location: Smithsonian American Art Museum, F St. NW &, 8th St. NW, Washington, D.C.
“Adventure Awaits” at SAAM Arcade 2024! Join us for this annual celebration of video games as a creative force using coding and design as a medium. This day-long event features video games that celebrate the theme of travel, exploration and the exciting possibilities of visiting real and imagined new worlds. The popular Indie Showcase returns, with a selection of innovative games published by independent studios and presented by their developers.
- Time: 2:30–3:30 p.m.
- Location: Chantilly Regional Library, 4000 Stringfellow Rd., Chantilly, Va.
Ages 12 and up and their adults are invited to Chantilly Library to learn about the history of drones, their uses and how to build them.
July 27th–28th
- Time: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy., Mount Vernon, Va.
Explore how Americans in the 18th century were entertained at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Listen to 18th-century music that filled the Washingtons’ home and explore Music of the Revolution with Mount Vernon’s resident fifer. Learn popular 18th-century dances, create instruments and discover the music of the enslaved population at Mount Vernon.
July 28th
- Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Location: Lubber Run Amphitheater, 200 N Columbus St., Arlington, Va.
Groovy Nate is a children’s entertainer and Grammy nominee who creates fun and educational shows using funky grooves, exotic musical instruments and comedy— a la Sesame Street meets Parliament/Funkadelic. His shows encourage children and adults alike to move, sing and play creatively with one another.
July 29th
- Time: 2:00–3:30 p.m.
- Location: Olney Library, 3500 Olney-Laytonsville Rd., Olney, Md.
Teens are invited to this program as a part of True Crime week, where they’ll learn a new scientific technique to solve a crime. Microscopy to study hair and cloth fibers; chemistry to examine soil samples; spectrophotometry to identify liquid compounds; and fingerprint analysis to place suspects at the scene. (FYI: There is no death, blood or brutality in the crime.)
- Time: 4:30–5:30 p.m.
- Location: Richard Byrd Library, 7250 Commerce St., Springfield, Va.
Ages 5–12 are invited to come and create with library materials and their own imagination! Take inspiration from featured craft ideas or take off in your own direction in our maker hour during the school holiday.
July 30th
- Time: 5:00–7:00 p.m.
- Location: Marilyn J Praisner Library, 14910 Old Columbia Pk., Burtonsville, Md.
Participants of all ages are invited to the library to play board games from around the world including Chess, Parcheesi, Mancala, Backgammon, Checkers, Monopoly and more. There will be snacks and sweets from around the world to taste and enjoy.
July 30th-31st
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Location: Darnall’s Chance House Museum, 14800 Governor Oden Bowie Dr., Upper Marlboro, Md.
Learn real 18th century spying techniques during a role-laying, hands-on spy mission for General Washington. Find out how the American Army outwitted the British with secrets and Tricks. Ideal for children ages 6 – 14. Tickets required by signing up for a day and time on Parks Direct.
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