Washington DC for Kids: Events

Story time programs introduce young children to books, rhymes, music, and other fun activities. Every week the library offers programs matched to the developmental levels of different ages of children. Check the website for times and branch locations.

Watch the parade, hear patriotic music, see brilliant fireworks and experience the thrill of Independence Day in the nation's capital. An enthusiastic audience numbering hundreds of thousands gathers to view the procession of invited bands, military and specialty units, and floats. The parade travels on Constitution Avenue along the National Mall from 7th to 17th Street.

Explore the roots of our country's government through stories, hands-on activities, an interactive tour, a scavenger hunt, and more family-friendly activities.

This program helps children (4-7) make careful observations, analyze artists’ choices, ask questions, and use their imagination while exploring works of art. Led by museum educators, each program includes reading a children’s book, exploring one work of art in the galleries, and completing a simple hands-on activity. Featured artists: Helen Franthaler, Wassily Kandinsky, and Georgia O'Keefe (National Gallery of Art, July 7–July 31, 2017)

Take a seat at a large, communal table in the center of the exhibition to share their own thoughts and experiences about food and change in America. See Julia Child’s home kitchen — with its hundreds of tools, appliances and furnishings. (National Museum of American History)

Relax by the fountain and enjoy free jazz performances at the outdoor café every Friday evening throughout the summer. (National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden)

After viewing a selection of construction toys from the Museum’s collection, from the familiar Tinker Toys and Lincoln Logs to the lesser-known Bumpalow House and Ringa-Majigs, visitors can reconfigure their environment and design their own course of play with individually-sized blocks.

The Newseum offers everything from the Berlin Wall and Pulitzer Prize-winning photos to interactive games. This summer, kids 18 and younger get in free! (July 1 through Labor Day).

Yo ho ho, ahoy there, me lads and lasses! We invite you aboard to join our crew of friendly pirates for a cruise along the Potomac River. Try the treasure hunt cruise, especially for families. (Georgetown Waterfront at the end of 31st street)

Learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage of Rock Creek Park on a ranger-led program. Join park staff for unique recreational and astronomy programs.

Visit this state-of-the-art planetarium located in Hylton High School. Public programs include full-dome shows about astronauts, legends of the night sky, stars and other astronomical features. Music fans will love the wide variety of lyrical laser shows featuring genres such as pop and country and iconic artists like the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Check the calendar for full descriptions and schedules. Tickets for all programs are $10 each and must be purchased in cash with exact change only. Because seating at this intimate venue is limited to only 65 people, it’s highly suggested to purchase tickets early.

Our own Women's National Basketball Association Team team, playing at the Verizon Center in the heart of downtown DC. Check the website for game schedules and special events.

Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC area’s finest music clubs. Concerts happen most days of the week. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing.

Each evening, at 6:00 p.m., the Millennium Stage features free performances by a broad range of music, dance, and theater artists from the Washington metro area, across the nation, and around the world.

Strathmore provides vibrant performances for families throughout the year that inspire the youngest audience members to learn, explore, and connect to their world and each other in new ways.

The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences (KCTYA) Program commissions, produces, tours, and presents performances in theater, opera, dance, music, puppetry, and storytelling for children and their families.