Spring is hitting its stride across the DMV, and this weekend brings a great mix of things to do with kids. From butterfly encounters at Brookside Gardens and hands-on Earth Month activities to spring festivals, art exhibits and community events, April 10–12 offers plenty of ways to get out and try something new as a family.
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Here’s what’s happening across DC, Maryland and Northern Virginia this weekend. This page is updated every week, so bookmark it for future planning. For a full searchable calendar of upcoming events, visit our DC Kids Events calendar. For longer planning, see our guide to free family activities in the DMV this month or our Cherry Blossom Festival family guide if you’re visiting during blossom season.
April 10th
Jazz Concert featuring Meklit Hadero
- Time: 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Location: National Museum of African Art, 950 Independence Avenue Southwest, Washington, DC 20560
Celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month with a free live performance by Meklit Hadero, an Ethiopian–American vocalist known for blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with contemporary jazz. The event highlights music from her album A Piece of Infinity and showcases her distinctive Ethio–Jazz style. Registration is required.
The Butterfly Experience
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- Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Location: Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Avenue, Wheaton, Md
Visitors can enjoy an up-close look at hundreds of vibrant live butterflies from around the world as they fly among flowers inside the South Conservatory. This seasonal exhibit offers a visually stunning nature experience.
April 6th, 9th-11th
Hershey Super Sweet Adventure
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- Time: 1:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. on 4/10, 10:00 am-8:00 pm on 4/11
- Location: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons, Va
Families can step into an interactive experience celebrating iconic treats from The Hershey Company. Featuring hands-on games, multi-sensory activities, and playful challenges, the event offers a fun-filled environment that sparks creativity for all ages. Tickets are required.
April 10th – 12th
Blossom Fever Photo Exhibition at Dupont Underground
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- Time: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Location: Dupont Underground, 19 Dupont Circle NW, Washington, DC
This exhibition features over 60 local photographers capturing the beauty and energy of cherry blossom season in Washington, D.C. Through a mix of different perspectives, the showcase highlights themes of nature and community. Admission is low-cost, with tickets available at the door.
April 10 & 12 (Additional dates: April 6 & 7)
ARTEFFECT Gallery at Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
- Location: Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, 1503 Pennsylvania Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC
This free gallery showcases award-winning student artwork from around the world, featuring a variety of media and styles. Centered on the theme of “Unsung Heroes,” the gallery explores stories of courage, innovation, and impact through visual displays.
April 11
Stamp Out Waste!
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- Time: 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
- Location: National Postal Museum, 2 Massachusetts Avenue Northeast, Washington, DC
Celebrate Earth Month with a day of hands-on activities focused on sustainability and creativity. Guests can write eco-themed postcards, create art from recycled materials, and enjoy sessions led by museum educators. The event is free and open to all ages.
Spring Community Clean-Up
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
- Location: Community Center, Kenneth R. Burnett Building, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church, Va
Join neighbors for a morning of volunteering to help beautify the local community. Participants will assist with litter removal, planting, and other outdoor projects suitable for all ages. The event is free and open to everyone.
Spring Book Sale
- Time: 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
- Location: Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Road, Oxon Hill, Md
Don’t miss the seasonal Spring Book Sale at Oxon Hill Library. Held in the library’s art gallery space, the event offers a wide variety of books for all ages and interests, including fiction, nonfiction, children’s titles, and rare finds. Visitors can browse, discover unique collections, and take advantage of great deals while supporting the library.
Star Strack Superstars 5th Annual Spring Fling
- Time: 3:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.
- Location: Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School, 12650 Brooke Lane, Upper Marlboro, Md
Celebrate the season at Star Struck Superstars’ 5th Annual Spring Fling, a lively community event filled with music, entertainment, and fun for all ages. Attendees can enjoy games, performances, and social activities in a festive atmosphere that brings friends and families together. Tickets are available in advance.
April 11 – 12 (Additional date: April 6)
Bunnyland Festival at Butler’s Orchard
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- Time: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Location: Butler’s Orchard, 22222 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Md
Spend a day of spring with family fun at Butler’s Orchard Bunnyland Festival! Kids can enjoy an egg hunt, goodie baskets, giant slides, jump pads, farm animals, pedal tractors, a straw pyramid, a playground and a festive hayride. Reservations are strongly encouraged, as this popular event often sells out. Tickets are free for children under 12 months.
Art Blooms at Mosaic District
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- Time: 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Location: Mosaic District, 2910 District Avenue, Fairfax, Va
Mosaic district invites families for a weekend of fun! Activities include a kids’ game corner, cherry blossom-themed arts and crafts, cooking demonstrations, face painting, and hair braiding by the Vienna Singing Princesses. Visitors can also enjoy live music, browse local vendors, and relax in beer and wine gardens for adults. Admission is free for all.
Netherlands Carillon Tulip Festival
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- Time: 4:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. on 4/11, 10:00am-2:00pm on 4/12
- Location: Netherlands Carillon, 327 Marshall Drive, Arlington, Va
Enjoy live concerts from talented carillonneurs on the 53-bell Netherlands Carillon as tulips bloom around the site. The festival features educational presentations on Earth Month, tulips, and the history of this local treasure. Visitors can explore the grounds, learn about the carillon, and experience a beautiful springtime celebration. This event is free to attend.
April 12
Let’s DIY: Spring Craft Upcycled Can Decor
- Time: 2:00 p.m.–3:30 p.m.
- Location: Germantown Library, 19840 Century Boulevard, Germantown, Md
Celebrate Earth Day in advance with a creative, hands-on workshop at Germantown Library. Participants will upcycle tin cans into decorative containers using simple decoupage techniques. This family-friendly event encourages sustainability and creativity, making it perfect for crafters of all ages.
Prose in the Park
Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Location: Cabin John Regional Park, 7400 Tuckerman Lane, Potomac, Md
Enjoy a peaceful morning at Cabin John Regional Park with Prose in the Park. Visitors can relax with books, live acoustic music, and story time while surrounded by nature. Fresh coffee and pastries will be available for purchase, making this a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors. The event is free and open to all.
A Local Parent’s Insider Tips to the National Cherry Blossom Festival
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
Allison Chan is a Washington Parent intern and a rising senior at Winston Churchill High School in Potomac, Maryland. She is passionate about writing and community engagement.
