Things to Do With Kids in the DMV This Weekend (July 24-26)

Looking for the best things to do with kids in the DMV this weekend? Summer is in full swing, and the region is packed with ways to fill July 24-26 without breaking the bank. From free story times and sun-gazing on the National Mall to sunflower fields, outdoor concerts and a big Smithsonian family celebration, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do with kids across the District, Maryland and Northern Virginia, leading with the free ones in each area. Confirm details with each organizer before you head out, and pack water and sunscreen for the July heat.

This page is updated every week, so bookmark it for future planning. Bookmark our DC Kids Events calendar for new events added every week. Looking to keep the budget light? Check out free family activities in the DMV this month, updated regularly with the best no-cost options in the area.

Washington, D.C.

Observe the Sun

• Date: Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, 12–3 p.m.
• Location: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, 7th Street and Independence Avenue SW
• Cost: Free

Step up to a safe, filtered telescope and get a rare, close-up look at our nearest star, including sunspots and solar flares. Museum educators are on hand to answer the kids’ questions and explain what they’re seeing, making it an easy and awe-inspiring stop for curious young scientists. No reservations are required, though the program is weather-dependent, so check the forecast before you go.

Story Time: Amazing Airplanes

• Date: Friday, July 24, 11–11:30 a.m.
• Location: Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, 650 Jefferson Drive SW
• Cost: Free (timed-entry museum passes required)

Little aviation fans will love this lively read-aloud of Amazing Airplanes by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker. Through playful storytelling, children discover how planes take flight, learn key parts like the cockpit and landing gear, and explore the different jobs that keep an airport running. It’s a short, engaging program that pairs perfectly with a morning exploring the museum’s galleries.

America 250 July Music Performances

• Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24-26, 5–6:30 p.m.
• Location: Eastern Market Metro Park, 701 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
• Cost: Free

Wind down the day with live outdoor music in a relaxed, family-friendly park setting as part of this summer concert series celebrating local talent. Spread out a blanket, let the kids move to the beat, and enjoy an easygoing evening on Capitol Hill. It’s a simple, feel-good way to soak up a summer night close to home.

Jazz in the Garden

• Date: Friday, July 24, gates 5 p.m., music 6–8:30 p.m.
• Location: National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Constitution Avenue and 7th Street NW
• Cost: Free (weekly pass lottery at nga.gov/jazz, plus limited first-come gate passes at 5 p.m.)

One of DC’s most beloved summer traditions, Jazz in the Garden fills the National Gallery’s Sculpture Garden with live music beside the fountain. Families can settle in on the lawn, share a picnic and let the kids wander among the sculptures as the sun goes down; this week even includes a pre-show dance class. Passes go through a weekly online lottery, with a limited number available first-come at the gates starting at 5 p.m.

Smithsonian Family Day: America 250

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Arts & Industries Building, 900 Jefferson Drive SW
• Cost: Free

The historic Arts & Industries Building transforms into a daylong celebration of America’s 250th birthday, packed with hands-on activity zones, live performances and outdoor fun in the Haupt Garden. Kids can dive into interactive experiences from across the Smithsonian’s museums and even bump into surprise “visits” from historical figures like George Washington and Amelia Earhart. It’s a standout free pick for all ages, though it can get busy, so plan to arrive early.

Hill Family Biking: Yards Park Ride

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 4–6 p.m.
• Location: Meet at Watkins Elementary School parking lot, 420 12th St. SE
• Cost: Free

Join a friendly community bike ride that rolls about four miles from Capitol Hill to Yards Park along the Anacostia. The ride wraps up with a chance to cool off in the pool and enjoy free ice cream from Ice Cream Jubilee, making it a fun reward for pedaling families. It’s a great low-key way to stay active and connect with neighbors on a summer afternoon.

Taste of History: Food Experience on the National Mall

• Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24-26, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Location: National Mall (multiple kiosks), Jefferson Drive SW
• Cost: Free to browse (food for purchase)

Turn a day of museum- and monument-hopping into a tasty adventure with this rotating food experience set up at kiosks across the National Mall. Families can grab a bite near their favorite landmarks and sample creative, locally inspired menu options without straying far from the sights. It’s a convenient way to keep hungry kids happy while you explore the heart of the city.

International Colombian Festival

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
• Location: Catholic University, 3598 John McCormack Road NE
• Cost: Kids under 12 free (adults ticketed)

Celebrate the color and energy of Colombian culture through a full day of live music, traditional dancing, art and authentic food. Performances from local and international artists showcase Colombia’s rich heritage, while the festive atmosphere invites the whole family to join the fun. With free admission for kids under 12, it’s an easy way to introduce children to new sounds, flavors and traditions.

Lavender Con: A Book Festival Celebrating LGBTQIA+ Authors and Stories

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
• Location: Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE
• Cost: See listing

Presented by Little District Books, this vibrant literary festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ authors, stories and voices with a full slate of readings and discussions. It’s a welcoming, community-minded gathering where book-loving families can meet writers and explore diverse perspectives. Check the listing for the day’s schedule and any age recommendations before you go.

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!

• Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24-26, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
• Location: National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
• Cost: Included with museum admission

The world’s most playful primate is back at the National Children’s Museum with a hands-on exhibit made for young explorers. Kids ages 3 to 7 can dig into science, math and engineering through building, sorting, problem-solving and plenty of creative play. It’s included with museum admission, so you can pair it with a full day of interactive fun under one roof, perfect if the weather turns.

Smithsonian Sleepover at the American History Museum

• Date: Friday–Saturday, July 24-25, 7 p.m.–9 a.m.
• Location: National Museum of American History, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW
• Cost: Ticketed; advance registration required

For a truly memorable night, families with kids in grades 3 through 8 can bed down inside the National Museum of American History. The overnight adventure takes participants on an all-American “road trip” through the exhibits, with games, guided activities and hands-on exploration before lights-out in the galleries and breakfast the next morning. Space is limited and advance registration is required, so book early if this one’s on your list.

Maryland

Runway Rhythms Summer Music Series: The Hyattsville Jazz Collective Trio

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 11 a.m.
• Location: College Park Aviation Museum, Prince George’s County (confirm venue address on the listing)
• Cost: Free (includes museum admission)

Bring a blanket and a picnic for a laid-back morning of live jazz in the museum courtyard, featuring the Hyattsville Jazz Collective Trio. Food trucks round out the fun, and admission to the museum is included, so families can explore the exhibits before or after the show. It’s a relaxed, free outing that mixes music, history and open-air space for the kids to spread out.

Summer Evenings with Glenstone

• Date: Saturday, July 25, open until 8 p.m.
• Location: Glenstone Museum, 12100 Glen Road, Potomac
• Cost: Free admission (free timed passes; patio live music ticketed separately)

On summer Saturdays, Glenstone stays open into the evening, inviting families to wander the sculpture-dotted grounds and striking architecture in the golden late-day light. Take a leisurely outdoor walk, then head to the patio for food, drinks and a serene setting to unwind. Admission is always free with a timed pass, though the patio’s live music is ticketed separately, making this a calming pick for families with older kids.

Bethesda Outdoor Movies: “Ocean’s 8”

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 8:45 p.m.
• Location: County Parking Lot 24, 4650 Willow Lane, Bethesda
• Cost: Free

Downtown Bethesda’s beloved summer movie series returns to the big inflatable screen with a free outdoor showing of “Ocean’s 8.” Pack blankets and low chairs, grab a treat from the on-site vendors, and settle in for a fun family movie night under the stars. Arrive early to claim a good spot; the PG-13 pick is best suited to tweens and up.

LaurelKids Canvas Painting Experience

• Date: Saturday, July 25, 10–11 a.m.
• Location: Pleroma Cuisine, 952 4th St., Laurel
• Cost: See listing

Young artists ages 4 and up can get creative during this hands-on canvas painting hour led by local artist Angie O’Neal. With supplies provided, kids follow along to create their own mini masterpiece and take home a one-of-a-kind work of art. It’s a sweet, low-key morning activity that encourages imagination and a little community connection; check the listing for details before you go.

Sleeping Beauty: The Time Traveler

• Date: Friday–Saturday, July 24-25, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
• Location: Adventure Theatre, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo
• Cost: Ticketed

Adventure Theatre puts a clever spin on a classic with this time-traveling musical, following a boy named Rolly back to the Age of Charlemagne. There he meets a brave young Princess Aurora determined to follow her dreams, in a story full of humor, music and heart. Set in the charming Glen Echo Park, it’s a perfect introduction to live theater for younger audiences.

Virginia

Summer on the Green: Fat Chance

• Date: Friday, July 24, 6:30 p.m.
• Location: Vienna Town Green, 144 Maple Ave. E., Vienna
• Cost: Free

Vienna’s beloved Friday-night concert series rolls on with a lively set from Fat Chance on the Town Green. Pack lawn chairs, a blanket and a picnic dinner, and let the kids run and dance in the open space while you enjoy the music. It’s a quintessential small-town summer evening and an easy free outing for the whole family.

The Disney Classics

• Date: Sunday, July 26, 7 p.m.
• Location: Reston Town Square Park, 11900 Market St., Reston
• Cost: Free

Cap off the weekend with an evening of Disney magic performed by Shenandoah Conservatory’s musical theatre students as part of the Sunday Art in the Park series. Families can spread out a blanket, share a picnic and sing along to beloved favorites in a relaxed outdoor setting. It’s a warm, free way to send everyone into the new week smiling.

Reston Public Art Scavenger Hunt

• Date: Anytime through Aug. 15
• Location: Around Reston
• Cost: Free

Turn a stroll around Reston into a creative treasure hunt with this free, self-paced scavenger hunt exploring the community’s public art. Download a hunt card, then wander the area scanning QR codes and snapping selfies beside each artwork. Complete your card and you’ll be entered for a chance to win prizes, making it a flexible outing you can tackle any day that works for your family.

The Summer of Sunflowers

• Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24-26, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Location: Burnside Farms, 11008 Kettle Run Road, Nokesville
• Cost: Ticketed

Wander through acres of vibrant sunflower fields and enjoy a pick-your-own experience at this seasonal favorite. With dozens of sunflower varieties and scenic farm views, it’s a relaxing, photo-worthy outing that kids and grown-ups both love. Aim for the early hours for cooler temperatures, softer light and a more comfortable way to explore the blooms.

Hershey Super Sweet Adventure

• Date: Friday–Sunday, July 24-26, 12–7 p.m.
• Location: Tysons Corner Center, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons
• Cost: See listing

Step into a candy-filled world at this interactive experience featuring games, hands-on activities and creative challenges inspired by favorite Hershey treats. Families can explore themed areas together and make some sweet memories along the way. It’s an indoor, air-conditioned option that’s easy to fold into a weekend at Tysons; check the listing for ticket details.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

• Date: Friday–Saturday, July 24-25, 7–9:30 p.m.
• Location: Osbourn High School, 1977 Eagle Way, Manassas
• Cost: Ticketed

Fans of the wildly popular book series will love this lively musical adaptation of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, following Greg Heffley through the ups and downs of middle school. As Greg navigates friendships, popularity and the dreaded “Cheese Touch,” the show brings plenty of humor and heart to the stage. It’s a fun evening out for anyone who remembers just how awkward growing up can be.

Loudoun County Fair

• Date: Friday–Saturday, July 24-25
• Location: 17558 Dry Mill Road, Leesburg
• Cost: Ticketed; prices and hours vary by day

Experience a true country fair complete with 4-H animals, carnival rides, live entertainment and all the classic fair food you can handle. Kids can meet livestock up close, take in shows and contests, and even catch a mini demolition derby. It’s a full day of old-fashioned family fun, so check the schedule for daily hours and ticket prices before you head out.

Shark Month at the Children’s Science Center Lab

• Date: Through Sunday, July 26
• Location: Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
• Cost: Lab admission

Wrap up the summer’s Shark Month with a weekend of hands-on, ocean-themed fun at the Children’s Science Center Lab. Little scientists can explore interactive activities, take part in a shark-tooth excavation and snap a photo at the shark photo booth. It’s an engaging, indoor way to spark curiosity, and a great backup plan if the heat or a summer storm keeps you inside.