Summer is in full swing and there are a lot of family-friendly events going on in the DC area sure to entertain and enlighten! If you want to enjoy the warm weather, outdoor options this month include lots of music, river tours, checking out awe-inspiring aquatic blooms, and more. There are also many options for 4th of July Festivities!
However you choose to spend your time on these long summer days, we hope that you have tons of fun making sunny memories with your family. Find more ways to enjoy the summer with our Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun and our Indoor Play Guide.
Lubber Run Summer Concert Series
Now through August 1
Lubber Run Amphitheater
Arlington, VA
This FREE concert series will bring a wide variety of musical entertainment to Arlington this summer. Shows are scheduled on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sundays at 11am. The Sunday morning shows are family-friendly events geared toward children.
Dora Fantasmagory
Now through August 3
Imagination Stage
Bethesda, MD
Follow Dory’s imaginative adventure as she, the youngest child in her family, works to get her family’s attention. This comedy will have audiences laughing out loud as Dory is helped along the way by her fairy godfather and monster friend. Check out the show’s website for information about special performance, including Pajama Saturdays and The Fantasmagory Fashion Party on July 19th. This production, best for kids age 4 and over, lasts 65 minutes.
Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods
Now through August 9
Wolf Trap National Park
Vienna, VA
Each summer, Wolf Trap National Park hosts programming for kids at its Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods. Attendees can expect a wide variety of performers throughout the summer, including dance, music, puppetry, and storytelling. The performances are about an hour long and recommended for kids age 4 and over. Check out the website for the event schedule and to get tickets.
The Lightning Thief
Now through August 17
Adventure Theater
Glen Echo, MD
Since its Broadway debut in 2019, this musical adaptation of Rick Riordan’s bestselling book has entertained audiences of all ages. In it, Percy Jackson and his friends set out on a journey to find Zeus’ missing lightning bolt after Percy discovers that he is a demigod. This production is recommended for kids 7 and older, and with some knowledge of the book upon which the musical is based.
National Harbor Kids’ Day on the Plaza
July 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29
National Harbor
National Harbor, MD
Looking for a way to entertain the kiddos on a summer weekday? Head to National Landing on Tuesday mornings this summer for Kids Day on the Plaza. Each week the Plaza will host different family-friendly activities including circus acts, weather forecasting with PBS Kids, learning about dinosaurs, and more. Make a day of it by taking a ride on the Capital Wheel and the carousel, and grab lunch at one of the many nearby restaurants.
USWNT vs. Canada
July 2
Audi Field
Washington, DC
Cheer on the U.S. Women’s National Team as they take on Canada in the Allstate Continental Clásico. The Clásico happens every year and features elite teams from across the Americas. The USWNT is currently ranked number 1 and Canada is ranked number 8. Tickets are still available.
Smithsonian Folklife Festival
July 2 – July 7
National Mall
Washington, DC
This annual DC event is truly special. This year, it will delight the kids in your family as the Smithsonian celebrates “Youth and the Future of Culture.” Over half of the world’s population is under 30. Their values, interests, aspirations, and world views will shape the world they inherit. During the Festival, we can gain a better understanding of the future of culture through cooking demos, music, dance, and more. Check out the festival schedule for a full list of exciting and enlightening events.
Independence Day Celebrations
July 3 and 4
Baseball! Parades! Fireworks! Check out 11 Ways to Celebrate July 4th in the DC Area for information about some ways to celebrate Independence Day in and around DC.
Momentum Park(our)
July 3 – July 20
National Building Museum
Washington, DC
The National Building Museum’s summer installations are always exciting. This year, Momentum Park(our) “celebrates the human body’s ability to move fluidly and creatively through space.” Interactive stations will give guests the chance to learn about the science of motion, momentum, and kinetic energy. Professional athletes will be on-hand for coaching, demos, and performances. Tickets are required for this event.
Anacostia Watershed Society Boat Tour
July 3 – September 25
Various Locations
Washington, DC
Boat tours are offered on Thursdays (and occasional Saturday mornings) throughout the summer through the Society’s Anacostia River Discovery Series. Explore the river while riding in an open-air motorized boat during a one or two hour tour of the river. Guides will discuss the natural and cultural history of the river along with restoration efforts. The tours are FREE, but registration is required and limited for these events.
Artillery Demonstration
July 6
Fort Washington Park
Fort Washington, MD
A visit to historic Fort Washington Park on any day is like stepping back in time. However, visitors will feel especially transported through time as they observe an Artillery Demonstration. A Civil War era cannon will be fired as a Park Ranger explains the steps necessary to do so. Visitors sensitive to loud sounds should note that this is a loud demonstration. This 15-minute demo will occur three times throughout the day on July 7th.
Sunset Parade
July 9 – August 13
Marine Corps War Memorial
Arlington, VA
Spend a summer evening at the Marine Corps’ weekly Sunset Parade at the Marine Corps War Memorial. This FREE 45-minute performance will be held on Tuesdays until August 13. Don’t forget to take your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the show.
Cool Concerts for Kids
July 10, 17, and 24
The Gudelsky Gazebo at Strathmore
North Bethesda, MD
This summer, enjoy FREE, fun, family-friendly concerts outdoors at Strathmore’s Live from the Lawn series. Bring a blanket or low chairs to enjoy a variety of entertaining artists. Visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic, but there will also be food for purchase on site. These shows will last about an hour and there is no intermission.
Friday Night Live!
July 11
City Hall Plaza
College Park, MD
Throughout the summer, the City of College Park is hosting its Friday Night Live! series. Attendees will enjoy musical performances and other entertainment. Kids will be entertained by arts and crafts activities, a bounce house, and more. Local food and beer will be available for purchase. The concerts are FREE. See website for additional concert dates.
Smithsonian Sleepover
July 11 & 19
Smithsonian Natural History Museum
Washington, DC
Smithsonian Sleepovers at the Natural History Museum are a truly unique experience. Explore exhibits like Fossil Hall and the Hall of Mammals without the crowds. Enjoy fun activities, games, and challenges. If you have a kiddo who loves learning about the Earth and its creatures, they’ll love this immersive museum experience. This event is for kids from 8 to 14 years old and their adults. Advance registration is required.
Friday Night Fishing
July 11, 18, and 25
Diamond Teague Park
Washington, DC
Head to Diamond Teague Park across from Nationals Stadium for FREE fishing on Friday nights. Participation is first-come first-served, and you get 1 hour to try and catch a fish. Anacostia Riverkeepers will supply bait and equipment. They’ll also have staff on hand who can teach newbies how to fish.
USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
July 12
Oronoco Bay Park
Alexandria, VA
Celebrate Alexandria’s 276th and America’s 249th birthday along the Potomac waterfront at Oronoco Bay Park. Festivities will begin with a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and end with a Grand Finale fireworks display at 9:30pm. There will be local vendors and live music. And, of course, there will be birthday cupcakes!
Lotus and Water Lily Festival
July 18 – July 20
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens
Washington, DC
Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is such a local treasure. Early summer mornings in late June through July offer breathtaking, Seuss-like lotus flowers and water lilies in full bloom. The annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival celebrates the peak bloom in July. The three days will be full of cultural performances, wellness activities, classes, and much more. Whether or not you participate in any festival programming, a visit to the park is a stunning experience this time of year.
Family Day: Discover the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
July 19
The Library of Congress
Washington, DC
The theme of this month’s Family Day at the Library of Congress is, “Discover the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled.” Learn the many ways in which the NLS serves patrons and their families. This event is FREE, but attendees must secure a timed-entry ticket to enter the Thomas Jefferson Building.
USA Rugby Double Header
July 19
Audi Field
Washington, DC
DC is one of four US cities hosting a series of world-class international rugby matches this year. Head to Audi Field as the USA Men’s Rugby team takes on England. Then, the USA Women’s team will take on Fiji.
Kids World
July 26 & 27
Franklin Park
Washington, DC
This FREE annual event aims to promote health and fitness, literacy, science, entrepreneurship, and more to kids of all ages. Your child can enjoy story times and meeting characters from some of their favorite books, test their skills at jump roping and Superhero workouts, bounce to engaging performances, or enjoy the fantastical bubble garden. This event is FREE, but you can register online.
