Spring is here!! Finally, the weather is getting warmer, flowers are blooming, and trees are starting to show their new leaves. The beginning of spring offers so many opportunities to spend time with your family. This guide to area family-friendly events highlights many ways to get out and about this month. Also, please check out our guide to Easter Pictures and Egg Hunts in the DC Area. Wherever this month takes you, we hope that your family shares unforgettable experiences as you plant a garden, take a hike, fly a kite, stomp in puddles, or clean up your community. Don’t forget: Earth Day is April 22nd!
Cherry Blossoms: A DC Highlight
The National Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 20th to April 12th this year. Several festival events are included in this guide, but there are many more. Find out about all Festival events here. Need guidance for navigating the Festival with kids? Check out our article, How to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms with Kids. If you want to avoid the crowds around the Tidal Basin, you can find other places to enjoy the blooms in 12 Unique Places to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms.
BloomFest at the Tidal Basin: Welcome Area & ANA Stage
Now through April 11
West Basin Drive, SW
Washington, DC
Head to the Tidal Basin to enjoy the cherry blooms and to enjoy live performances that celebrate the positive relationship and fruitful partnership between the U.S. and Japan. Over 100 performances of a wide variety of genres will be held throughout the festival. BloomFest runs from 10am until 6pm every day. Performances will begin at noon everyday. Take the kids by to earn a Bloomin’ Junior Ranger badge and to enjoy other family-friendly activities.
Eye Spy Trains
March 28 through April 26
Wheaton Regional Park
Wheaton, MD
Does your little one love trains? If so, hop aboard the Wheaton Miniature Train for this annual event. As you ride the train around the park, visitors will search for a bunch of hidden characters along the tracks. A limited number of tickets will be available onsite, so visitors are encouraged to buy tickets in advance online. While at the park, take the opportunity to ride the 108-year-old Ovid Hazen Wells Carousel.
Petalpalooza
April 4
Capitol Riverfront at the Yards
Washington, DC
This FREE, family-friendly event will celebrate spring with a full day of live music and fun activities along the banks of the Anacostia River. This day-long event will offer entertainment on multiple outdoor stages, interactive art installations, a beer garden, family-friendly hands-on activities, and more. It will be capped off by the National Cherry Blossom Festival Fireworks Show set to music starting at 8:30pm.
First Saturday Family Day
April 4
National Gallery of Art
Washington, DC
From 10am until 3pm, visitors to The National Gallery can enjoy a wide range of family-friendly activities exploring art and creativity. Learn about artists and works in the Museum’s collection through a kids storytime, drop-in art-making activities, face painting, children’s yoga, a gallery talk, and more. This is a FREE event.
Mosaic Fish Bowl Workshop
April 4
Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE event gives participants of any age the opportunity to express their creativity by designing and decorating a colorful fishbowl with mosaic tiles. This family-friendly activity will last about 2 hours and you must register online.
Anime Lounge
April 4 – 5
Smithsonian Asian Art Museum
Washington, DC
From 12pm until 5pm, fans of all things Anime can check out films during the Museum’s Anime and More Weekend. In addition to the films, visitors can enjoy talks about monsters of Japanese folklore and anime-inspired food demos. Special treats from SakuSaku Flakerie and tea from Teaism will be available. No registration is required for the FREE event.
April 6 – 9
Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center
National Harbor, MD
The Navy League of the United States is once again hosting its STEM Expo to encourage kids from 5th to 12th grade to pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students and parents will enjoy workshops, explore career information, learn from live demonstrations, and much more at this FREE event.
The Wiz
April 7 – 12
The National Theater
Washington, DC
This classic, Tony Award-winning musical is back, and it is sure to have your family singing “Ease on Down the Road” for days. Audiences will be stunned by the performances and choreography in this take on Dorothy’s journey as told in The Wizard of Oz. Check out the website for ticketing information. Please note that this production is suited for children age 8 and older.
Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Presents: Disney’s Encanto in Concert
April 10 – 12
The Music Center at Strathmore
North Bethesda, MD
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will bring the joyous, moving music of Encanto to life as audiences follow the story of the extraordinary Madrigal Family and its only ordinary member, Maribel. Attendees are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters and enjoy the themed photo op. Food will be available for purchase. Tickets are available online.
Family Day
April 11
Dumbarton Oaks
Washington, DC
During this FREE event, guests will visit the Museum and the Gardens. Fun hands-on activities, such as a mosaic workshop and medallion making, will give participants the chance to learn skills used in the Byzantine Empire. Docents will lead Museum and architecture tours. The Gardens will give visitors insight into the history and design of the gardens. While this event is FREE, attendees must register in advance online.
Sakura Matsuri – Japanese Street Festival
April 11 – 12
Pennsylvania Ave NW (between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Washington, DC
This annual event draws 40,000 visitors each year and is the biggest celebration of Japanese culture in the U.S. It attracts artists, performers, and restaurants that showcase Japanese culture and tradition from across the U.S. and the world. Tickets are required for this two-day event and are available online. Kids 10 and under are free and do not need a ticket. Check out the event website to learn more about Featured Exhibits.
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
April 12
Constitution Avenue NW (between 7th and 17th Street)
Washington, DC
This parade is a cornerstone of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Cheer on a variety of marching bands and performers, giant helium balloons, and fun floats. This year’s signature performers are the musical group, Quad City DJs, Grammy nominated Kathy Sledge, funk band Cameo, and more! Kids and kids at heart will delight in cheering on special guests Princess Ariel and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Spectators can purchase tickets for reserved grandstand seating, but some areas of the route are FREE for the public to view the parade (space is available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
Earth Day Celebration
April 12
Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op
Takoma Park, MD
The TPSS Co-op’s Earth Day Celebration celebrates our planet and helps us learn how to be better stewards of it. Enjoy live music, vendor food, and lots of local, earth-friendly organizations.
Sunday Story Time
April 12
Planet Word Museum
Washington, DC
The Museum hosts this FREE monthly event with the help of librarians from the DC Public Library. Kids from 2 to 6 years old will be delighted with songs, stories, and hands-on activities. After the program, which runs from 10am until 11am, visitors can explore the engaging exhibits at the Museum. Kids can also check out books from the pop-up DC Public Library wagon. This event is FREE and registration includes entry into the museum. Register online.
Spring Break Family Tours
April 17 – 18
President Lincoln’s Cottage
Washington, DC
President Lincoln’s Cottage museum and historic site is tucked away on 250 acres in Northwest DC. Typically, the museum offers one-hour guided tours. On April 17th and 18th, it is offering tours specifically geared for younger people. Tickets available online.
ALX Dog Walk
April 18
Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, VA
Take a walk with your favorite pup(s) at the annual ALX Dog Walk in historic Old Town Alexandria. Over 2,000 dog people and their fur babies are expected to join in the 2-mile walk. This year, the event will include a sustainability festival as well. The Alexandria Singers and the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will entertain the crowd. Participants will also enjoy a variety of activities for dogs and kids, a gift bag, a judged dog show, and more. And if you are looking to expand your family, there will be adoptable dogs on site!
Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration
April 18
Folger Shakespeare Library
Washington, DC
Celebrate the Bard’s 462nd birthday from 11am until 3:30pm at the Folger Shakespeare Library. There will be several family-friendly activities including face painting, a sonnet-writing competition, lawn games, and more. Visitors will be able to try on some super cool costumes and watch a stage combat demonstration. Swifties young and old will play “Swift or Shakespeare,” then learn The Fate of Ophelia dance moves. And of course there will be birthday cupcakes! And don’t forget to explore the Library’s exhibition halls and Reading Room during this FREE day of family-friendly fun.
Kids Ball
April 18
Planet Word Museum
Washington, DC
DC Parks and Rec is hosting this fun-filled event as part of DC’s year long celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. From 4pm until 7pm, kids age 12 and under are invited to this party that will feature a live DJ, refreshments, and more. This event is FREE to attend, but you must reserve tickets online.
That’s So Vintage Market
April 18 – 19
The Square
Washington, DC
This 2-day market will bring a variety of notable vendors from cities such as DC, Baltimore, Richmond, and Leesburg together in one spot, creating a super fun vintage shopping experience. Browse vintage size and gender inclusive clothing, glassware, books, vinyl, and more. This is a ticketed event. It is suggested that you pre-purchase tickets online. There will be some same-day tickets available onsite, but you may have to wait a long time to enter. Also, children under 12 do not need a ticket and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
21st Annual DC Emancipation Day Celebration
April 19
Franklin Park
Washington, DC
DC Emancipation Day annually commemorates the ending of slavery in the District on April 16, 1862, nearly nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation. This fun-filled festival will include a celebratory parade and a concert featuring amazing talent. This family-friendly event is FREE to attend.
DC Chocolate Festival
April 24 – 25
La Maison Française at the Embassy of France
Washington, DC
Satisfy your sweet tooth at the 9th Annual DC Chocolate Festival. Held at the Embassy of France, this festival celebrates chocolate and the artisans who make it. Attendees can expect to taste a lot of chocolate, but also learn about cacao and making chocolate. Tickets are available online. All ages are invited to attend. Kids age 10 and over need a ticket.
Georgetown French Market
April 24 – 26
Wisconsin Ave NW (from O St NW to Reservoir Rd)
Washington, DC
Take the family to the 23rd Annual Georgetown French Market to enjoy a mime, live music, stilt-walkers, and more. Over 40 local boutiques, galleries, and cafés will participate in this Parisian-inspired open-air market. Make sure you enjoy the food and drink specials offered by neighborhood restaurants that will feature French delights such as pastries, croissants, macarons, and lunch items grilled outside.
Live! At the Library: The Washington National Opera presents West Side Story
April 23
Library of Congress
Washington, DC
Visitors to the Library’s Live! At the Library events will be able to enjoy the its collections and exhibitions during extended hours. This evening’s event, beginning at 6pm, will celebrate American legends Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim. The audience will enjoy a preview performance and discussion of the Washington National Opera’s production of “West Side Story.” This event is FREE, but you must tickets online.
Earth Day Cleanup
April 25
Various Sites Around the Anacostia River Watershed
DC, Prince George’s County, and Montgomery County
Get hands-on at this giant volunteer event organized by the Anacostia Watershed Society. Over 1,000 volunteers will pick-up trash and serve over 25 locations along the Anacostia River and its tributary streams.
Stargaze at the Udvar-Hazy Center
April 25
Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA
Learn about the planets, stars, and the moon with the Museum staff and members of the Northern Virginia Astronomy Club during this evening of stargazing. Attendees can use the Club’s telescopes and receive expert help. This event is FREE and open to the public. It is also weather permitting.
Living Earth Festival: Always Becoming
April 26 & 27
The National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Throughout this FREE two-day event, visitors will learn about the relationship between the earth and art through stories, performance, hands-on activities, and more. And if you’ve been curious about the museum’s iconic outdoor sculpture installation, Always Becoming (2007), you can learn more about it from the artist, Nora Naranjo Morse. Check out the weekend’s schedule of events.
