June Family-Friendly Events Guide

0

Summer is finally here and it’s time to start enjoying all that the season has to offer! June offers DC-area residents so many options for family fun. This month, families can enjoy a variety of events to celebrate Pride Month and Juneteenth. If you have music lovers, history buffs, or art aficionados in your family, you will find several events to appeal to them. In addition to the highlights in this article, you can find ideas for fun outings here: Ultimate Spray, Splash, and Waterpark Guide, Spring & Summer U-pick & Farm Guide, and our list of Favorite DC Area Ice Cream Shops.

June events kid fun dc

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious

Now through September 4
National Children’s Museum
Washington, DC
The newest visiting exhibit at the National Children’s Museum is sure to inspire creativity and problem-solving for young learners. Several hands-on STEAM activities have been developed based on the many adventures of Curious George. For example, kids can design a building at the Construction Site and experiment with physics and engineering during three holes of mini-golf. This exhibit is recommended for kids from 3 to 7 years old. Tickets are available online.

Friday Evening Parades

June 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
Marine Barracks
Washington, DC
This summer tradition at “The Oldest Post of the Corps” is back in full swing. Each Friday at 8:45pm, the public can enjoy the music, camaraderie, and precision of the Marine Corps at Marine Barracks Washington, DC. “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform, as well as “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the esteemed United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Attendees can meet the Marine performers after the ceremony. FREE tickets for guaranteed seating must be reserved online.

Pride Family Day

June 3
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Washington, DC
Kick off Pride Month at this celebration of family! Music provided by DC’s Different Drummers, the Afro-Brazilian group Batala, and accapella singers, Snowday, will have you tapping your toes throughout the day. Craft activities, a photo booth, and face painting will be available. And an art scavenger hunt will teach visitors about LGBTQ+ artists in the SAAM collection. Tickets are not required for this FREE event, but registration is encouraged.

Dupont-Kalorama Museums Consortium Walk Weekend

June 3 & 4
Various Locations
Washington, DC
This annual event invites families to visit DKMC museums, which include The Phillips Collection, Anderson House, Dumbarton House, Dupont Underground, National Museum of American Jewish Military History, and The President Woodrow Wilson House. Each museum will offer FREE admission, family-friendly programming, and extended hours. Check out the website of each museum for specific offerings. Registration is available online.

Open Streets Event

June 6
12th Street NE (between Franklin Street and Michigan Ave.)
Washington, DC
The first of this year’s two DC Open Streets events will take place in Ward 5. From 9am until 3pm, this street will be closed to vehicle traffic, allowing for walking, biking, playing, skating and other activities. Mayor Bowser has stated that these events “provide an opportunity for residents to come together, be active, and enjoy our vibrant and thriving communities in new ways.” Visitors can expect businesses and community organizations to offer a variety of programming and activities including live music, double dutch, fitness classes, outdoor dining, and more.

World Ocean Day Celebration

June 8
Smithsonian Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC
The Museum has created a variety of programming to celebrate World Ocean Day. The day begins with a Play Date for families wherein they can build ocean landscapes, observe ocean collection specimens, and create art using the movement and sound of the ocean as inspiration. Penguin puppet performers will offer penguin encounters and penguin facts to curious visitors. Conversation Stations with artists and scientists will offer insight into how we can all work together to protect our waterways. This event is FREE.

Dance for All Series – The Washington Ballet

June 8 – 10
CityCenter DC
Washington, DC
Enjoy a FREE performance by the Washington Ballet underneath the eye-catching pink lanterns at CityCenter DC. The hour-long program will include classic pas de deux as well as impressive contemporary dance. Seating for this energetic performance is first-come, first-served. Enjoy good food and shopping before or after the program at CityCenter DC businesses.

Pride Parade

June 10
Logan and DuPont Circle Neighborhoods
Washington, DC
The Capital Pride Parade is back for its 2023 celebration. The event will celebrate the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods of DC by routing the parade through the Logan and DuPont Circle Neighborhoods. There will be a section of the parade route for families with kids, as well as a Family Zone. Check the website for details as the date gets closer.

Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival

June 10
Cherry Hill Park
Falls Church, VA
The whole family will have a ball at the 29th Annual Tinner Hill Heritage Music Festival, which celebrates the local African-American legacy with music and arts. The lineup this year is full of great blues, jazz, funk, and rock-reggae artists. Families will enjoy Rocknoceros, which will perform fun-filled music for children. In addition to the impressive music lineup, a variety of food and drink will be available for sale. When you need to rest your dancing feet, head over to Relaxation Village where you can get a massage or rest in a hammock. The Kid’s Village offers fun activities like face painting, musical crafts, and even a puppy petting party! Tickets are available online. Kids 11 and under are free with a paying adult.

Pride Festival

June 12
Pennsylvania Ave NW (between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Washington, DC
This FREE celebration is the largest annual event in DC. Attendees can enjoy two food courts and three beverage gardens. There will be a variety of entertainment on three stages throughout the day and into the night, including the Festival headliners, Idina Menzel, Debbie Gibson, and Shanice. There will also be 300 vendors to visit. The Festival caps off a weekend of Pride events. Check out the Capital Pride Alliance’s website for information about other events throughout the weekend.

Citizenship Ceremony

June 14
Smithsonian American History Museum
Washington, DC
Celebrate Flag Day at the home of the Star-Spangled Banner, the actual flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star-Spangled Banner.” To mark this day, the Museum will host a Citizen Ceremony wherein citizenship will be conveyed to 25 children. This ceremony is FREE to attend and open to the public.

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

June 16 & 17
Waterfront Park
Alexandria, VA
If you love live music, head down to Waterfront Park for two days filled with musical performances, food, and hands-on art and history activities. This year, the weekend begins with the 44th Annual Jazz Fest which features three jazz bands and live poetry. This FREE, family-friendly celebration continues into Saturday with an eclectic musical lineup that will satisfy a variety of musical tastes.

Juneteenth Celebration

June 16 – 18
Allen Pond Park
Bowie, MD
The City of Bowie, MD has scheduled several fun-filled events throughout the weekend to celebrate Juneteenth. The festivities will kick off with a screening of 42: The Jackie Robinson Story on Friday evening. On Saturday, the Juneteenth Family Reunion will celebrate African American history and heritage with musical performances, dance, games, and more. Sunday will bring: the Fathers & Families Celebration Bike Ride; the Fathers & Families Juneteenth Celebration with food, music, games, and more; and the Juneteenth Summer Concert Series presenting the reggae sound of the Proverbs Band.

Awesome Con

June 16 – 18
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
Over 70,000 fans of “geek culture” are expected to attend this three-day event celebrating comics, movies, games, books, and more. There will be opportunities to get photos and autographs from stars of popular TV shows and movies, including LeVar Burton, Jodie Whitaker, Danny Trejo, Elijah Wood, and more. Science and science fiction will meet at The Science Fair. Pride Alley will celebrate queer creators and fans. Families will find lots of family-friendly fun at Awesome Con Jr, where kid-friendly performances and activities are scheduled throughout the weekend.

Juneteenth for the City

June 17
The Michelle Obama Southeast Center of Bread for the City
Washington, DC
This 2nd Annual Juneteenth celebration hosted by Bread for the City and Mema’s Popups will entertain with music provided by MIXIAM entertainment and Chocolate City Soul. Attendees at this FREE event will also enjoy dining and shopping with various Black-owned businesses. Additionally, presentations will be made that explore the struggles and accomplishments of Black Americans.

Juneteenth Community Day

June 17
National Museum of African American History & Culture
Washington, DC
The National Museum of African American History & Culture has planned a variety of ticketed and non-ticketed activities to learn about and celebrate Juneteenth. Visitors will enjoy a number of outdoor activities including Stories from the Garden with storyteller Diane Macklin, creating seed art, a guided tour discussing the design of the Museum, a tour guided by SI Horticulture staff exploring plants of historical and cultural significance, a drum circle, and more. Tickets are not required for the outdoor activities. However, visitors will need tickets to participate in indoor Juneteenth Community Day events such as a beading workshop, performances by Rex Carnegie, and crafting Juneteenth-inspired fans.

Innovations in Flight

June 17
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
Chantilly, VA
This annual Smithsonian event is sure to delight any kid or kid at heart who is fascinated by flight. Over 50 various aircrafts will be flown in for this one day event. Visitors can get up close and even inside the modern and vintage crafts. Pilots will be on hand to discuss the engineering, design, and flight of these impressive machines. This FREE event is very popular, so reserve your timed-entry tickets soon!

National Ice Cream Festival

June 17
Spirit Park
National Harbor, MD

Cool down at this celebration of all things ice cream! This family-friendly event will host local and national ice cream brands offering a huge variety of flavors for limited free tastes (available with your ticket purchase) and for purchase. They will also compete for your vote in an ultimate ice cream showdown. Attendees will enjoy a variety of entertainment throughout the day, including SQRRL (band performing children’s entertainment) and The Legwarmers (80s tribute band). Tickets are required for this event.

Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods

June 20 – August 5
Wolf Trap National Park
Vienna, VA
Each summer, Wolf Trap National Park hosts programming for kids at its Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods. The summer season kicks off this year on June 20. 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 Lion King

June 22 – July 29
Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
Since 1997, Disney’s The Lion King has delighted audiences around the world. Its music (written by Elton John and Tim Rice), costuming, and choreography work together to create what has become the third longest running show on Broadway. This summer, DC families can experience this phenomenon at the Kennedy Center. Tickets are available online. Please note that VIP ticket packages are available.

Arlington Pride Festival

June 24
Rosslyn Gateway Park
Arlington, VA
Join the fun at Arlington’s 2nd Annual Pride Festival. The event’s message, “Moving Forward Together,” aims to inspire the community to work together to support and empower all LGBTQIA+ individuals, their families, and their friends. This FREE event will include games, a DJ, live entertainment, food, prizes, giveaways, and more.

Columbia Heights Day

June 24
Columbia Heights
Washington, DC
This FREE event, now in its 15th year, celebrates the vibrant and diverse neighborhood of Columbia Heights with family-friendly activities, food, music, carnival entertainment, and vendors. Events and activities will take place at two locations: Harriet Tubman Elementary School Field and the Columbia Heights Civic Plaza.

One Journey Festival

June 24
Washington National Cathedral
Washington, DC
This FREE annual event aims to celebrate the contributions and talents of refugees and displaced people around the world. Art, food, fashion, technology, music, dance, and storytelling will amplify refugee voices and bring together people from diverse backgrounds. More details about the schedule of events at this family-friendly festival will be released closer to the event date.

The National Capital Giant BBQ Battle

June 24 & 25
Pennsylvania Ave, NW (between 3rd and 7th Streets)
Washington, DC
The 31st Annual Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle is back and is sure to be fun for the whole family. Enjoy free BBQ samples and lots of other food options. Be inspired by cooking demos. Cheer on competitors in cooking contests, such as the Military Chef Cook-Off. Jam to live musical performances by EU (Experience Unlimited) featuring Sugar Bear, The Chuck Brown Band, BackYard Band, and more. Families will enjoy the Kidz Zone, which features games, prizes, ice cream, and more. Attendees can purchase tickets online.

Independence Fireworks

June 30 and July 1
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
Celebrate our nation’s founding at Mount Vernon with family fun and fireworks! Enjoy food, access to the Washingtons’ tomb, an ice cream-making demonstration, 18th-century dancing, and music from the National Concert Band and the Fifes and Drums Corps of York Town. You must purchase tickets online, with or without a Mansion tour included. Please note that tickets for this event do sell out, so purchase tickets early.

Do you know of other family-friendly June events? Please comment below or add them to our community calendar here!