November is a time to celebrate the peak of fall and all the good things that the holiday season brings, including precious time with your family. If you are looking for fun things to do in November, here are some amazing family-friendly events happening in our area that are sure to educate, entertain, and enlighten. Several events listed are related to Veterans Day. There are also opportunities to celebrate Día de los Muertos and Maryland Emancipation Day, as well as happenings to satisfy your kiddos who love theater, nature, or history.
This guide is updated throughout the month as we learn of additional family-friendly events in the area, so make sure you check it out each week. Also, please note that the government shutdown has impacted many scheduled events in our area, from Smithsonian Museums to the Library of Congress to National Parks and National Monuments. This events guide will be updated when the shutdown ends.
Check out other guides we have put together that will help you plan your family outings during this season of shorter days and sweater weather, including our Guide to Pumpkin Patches and Fall Fun and 80+ Places to Explore Nature with Kids around the DMV. And don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on November 2nd!
Bubble Planet
Now through January 4
Rhode Island Center
Washington, DC
Bubble Planet is an immersive experience that is a treat for all five senses. Guests will explore 10 rooms that will ignite the imagination with playful and reality bending experiences such as a VR room, an LED “underwater” experience, a room filled with balloons, and a giant bubble bath (which is actually a ball pit). There is even a room where guests can sketch their own designs and watch them come to life. This family-friendly event is appropriate for all ages, though kids under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Please see the event website for more details and ticketing.
Celebración Día de los Muertos
November 1
The Wharf
Washington, DC
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Wharf at this FREE family-friendly event. Wearing your brightest colors, take part in many fun activities including face painting, sugar skull decorating, live music, and a community light procession. See event website for a timeline of activities and performances.
Día de Muertos Open House
November 1
Mexican Cultural Institute
Washington, DC
Visitors are welcome to explore this important Mexican tradition with a tour of the Institute’s traditional altar that features the art of Mexican artist Paloma Vianey. There will also be traditional music, dancing, pan de muerto, and hot chocolate to enjoy. Please note that this event is currently sold out, but there will be a same-day walk-in queue from 12pm until 4pm. Not all in the queue will be allowed entry, but the altar will stay on display through November 26th.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
November 1
Adams Morgan
Washington, DC
Over 25 porches, stoops, parks, and patios in the Adams Morgan neighborhood will turn into concert spaces from 2pm to 6pm. Around 100 bands representing nearly every genre, including rock, classical, go-go, rap, and blue grass, will entertain your family as you wander the tree-lined neighborhood streets and area local businesses. You can get an event map and a free wristband that will give you discounts at a variety of neighborhood businesses at any of the three event HQ tents. There will be a limited number of maps available so it is recommended that you access a digital map on the event website. Attendance is FREE.
Maryland Emancipation Day Event
November 1
Josiah Henson Museum and Park
North Bethesda, MD
Maryland Emancipation Day celebrates the ratification of the Maryland Constitution of 1864 which abolished slavery in Maryland and emancipated all those still held in bondage. Mark this day of reflection at Josiah Henson Museum and Park. There will be self-guided tours, hands-on activities in the Riley-Bolten House, and lawn games for all to enjoy. There is an admission fee, but children 5 and under are FREE. Montgomery County Parks is offering several Maryland Emancipation Day events. Check out this listing for more details.
Alexandria Fall-O-Ween
November 1
John Carlyle Square
Alexandria, VA
If you don’t get your fill of Halloween fun on October 31, continue the celebration the next day at this FREE family-friendly event. There will be artisan crafts and yummy treats for sale. Kids will enjoy taking part in a variety of activities such as face painting and pumpkin painting. There will even be costume parades for kids and pets!
Community Day
November 2 & 12
National Museum of Women in the Arts
Washington, DC
Each month, the NMWA offers FREE admission, allowing everyone the opportunity to explore its collection and exhibits. This is a family-friendly event. Throughout the day, visitors can create their own works of art (children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult). There will also be a 30-minute gallery talk at 12pm and a 45-minute guided tour at 2pm.
Fiddler on the Roof
November 4 through January 25
Signature Theater
Arlington, VA
Fiddler on the Roof is an iconic musical that portrays the story of Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman, and his community in Czarist Russia as they strive to honor their traditions while living in a world of rising antisemitism. Enjoy its beloved score and songs in the intimate setting of Signature Theater. This is a 2 hour and 40 minute production with one 15 minute intermission. It is recommend for kids 13 years or older. Children under 6 are not permitted. Tickets available online.
National STEM Day
November 8
National Children’s Museum
Washington, DC
The National Children’s Museum is a true gem in the DMV. It aims to ignite a curiosity and passion for all things science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in kids up to 12 years old. To celebrate National STEM Day, the Museum will be open for FREE. Visitors will be able to explore its many engaging exhibits, including wind-powered vehicles and flyer contraptions in the Tinkering Corner. There will also be a Tinker Tot Early Learner Program from 10:30am until 11am.
The Phillips Plays: Drop-In Art Program
November 8
The Phillips Collection
Washington, DC
Kiddos with a creative streak will enjoy this drop-in art program that explores the colors of Fall among the Museum’s collection. Activities include a scavenger hunt and creating your own painting on canvas. Families can also enjoy the play area that offers blocks, books, and toys. This program is included with the cost of museum admission, but advance reservations are recommended.
19th Annual Parade of Trabants
November 8
International Spy Museum
Washington, DC
Once again, the International Spy Museum will celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall by hosting the Annual Parade of Trabants. These little cars, which have become a symbol of East Germany and the fall of Communism, will be parked around the Museum on L’Enfant Plaza SW along with other vintage Cold War vehicles. Experts will be on hand to discuss the Cold War and Communism. Visitors will be able to try their hand at Berlin-style graffiti, enjoy the music of a German band, and even attempt to fit into the tight spaces of a Trabant. The event is FREE and no registration is required.
Be More Like Pippi Family Day
November 9
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
Celebrate the 80th anniversary of Pippi Longstocking at this family-friendly event hosted by the DC Public Library and the Embassy of Sweden. This FREE event will honor the independent spirit, imagination, and strength of this beloved literary character. From 1pm until 5pm, there with be a film screening, arts activities, exhibition, and, of course, birthday cake. There will also be a children’s story time at 1:30pm and a special musical performance at 2pm.
The African American Civil War Memorial Museum Grand-Reopening
November 10 – 11
The African American Civil War Memorial Museum
Washington, DC
Since it opened in 1999, The African American Civil War Memorial Museum has aimed to “honor the heroic roles of 209,145 US Colored Troops (USCT) who helped end slavery and kept America united under one flag.” It has recently concluded a vast, multi-year expansion project and invites all to its Grand Reopening events. On November 10th, there will be a Ribbon Cutting ceremony followed by a Community Program that will include games, displays, and living history interpretation. On November 11th, there will be Veterans Day and a Reading of the Names event.
Veterans Day Events
November 11
Various Locations
We live in an area replete with monuments honoring the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. As such, there are many opportunities for you to observe the day. Some sites will host wreath-laying ceremonies that the public can attend. Below is a list of several options:
Arlington National Cemetery
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
World War II Memorial
U.S. Navy Memorial
Honoring Native Veterans at the National Museum of the American Indian
Side Yards
November 14
The Yards
Washington, DC
Attendees of this family-friendly event will no doubt be delighted and entertained! A number of top-notch performers including magicians, sword swallowers, contortionists, escape artists, and more will thrill grown-ups and kids of all ages. There will also be tarot card and palm reading, a balloon artist, and even Lucha Lubre Mexican Wrestling. This event is FREE and no registration is required.
Continental Army Family Days
November 15 – 16
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
Learn all about the importance of Henry Knox’s journey from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston 250 years ago to the American Revolution. Visitors will hear about life during the Revolutionary War, learn about Knox’s epic journey, and explore the day-to-day life of Continental Soldiers. There will be a number of hands-on activities such as making a tricorn hat and washing clothes as the Army would’ve done. Visitors during this family-friendly event will learn about blacksmithing, baking, and making clothes in the 18-century. This event is included in the cost of admission to the Estate.
DMV Chocolate & Coffee Festival
November 15 – 16
Dulles Expo Center
Chantilly, VA
Lovers of all things coffee and/or chocolate will devour this family-friendly event. Over 200 vendors and artisans from the DMV and beyond will be selling their products, some will offer free samples. Visitors can learn from demos and classes and kids can flex their creativity at the coffee filter craft and coloring table. Check out the event website for tickets and more information about the event schedule and onsite experiences.
ICE! featuring The Polar Express
November 15 – December 28
Gaylor National Resort & Convention Center
National Harbor, MD
ICE! provides frosty fun for the whole family. Guests will enjoy scenes from the holiday favorite, The Polar Express, carved in giant blocks of ice. Looking for a thrill? Enjoy zooming down the five ice slides! The scenes are created by over 40 master artisans working with roughly 2 million pounds of ice. To maintain the ice art, the event is cold…9 degrees Fahrenheit to be exact. As such, guests are provided with parkas designed for such temperatures. Tickets are available online. Kids 3 and under can get in for FREE.
Author Talk: Jason Reynolds, Coach
November 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
Critically acclaimed and bestselling author, Jason Reynolds, will discuss his latest book, Coach. It is about a middle schooler named Otie whose dad, Coach, disappears. This is a prequel that explores the coach introduced in Reynolds’ Track series. Reynolds, who lives in DC, is a MacArthur Fellow and served as the 2020–2022 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. This event is FREE to attend, but you must register online as space is limited. Also, 50 FREE copies of Coach will be given out on a first-come first-served basis. Please note that this event is geared for teens from 13 to 19 years old.
Corn Grinding and Clay Pottery
November 20
Huntley Meadows Park
Alexandria, VA
The forest and wetland landscapes at Huntley Meadows Park are home to many plants and animals, including beavers, herons, and deer. This outing gives guests the opportunity to learn how the Powhatan Native Americans used these resources for food, clothing, medicine, and more. In addition to a guided tour of the park, guests will grind corn, make a clay pot, and learn how to play corn darts. Children age 4 and over are welcome to take part in this activity, but they must be accompanied by a registered adult. It costs $12 per person and you must register online.
A Christmas Carol
November 20 – December 31
Ford’s Theater
Washington, DC
This classic holiday tale written by Charles Dickens is once again brought to life on the Ford’s Theater stage. Join Ebenezer Scrooge has he transforms from a grumpy miser into the jolly embodiment of the Christmas spirit, with a little help from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future. Tickets are available online. Please note that there are select dates for sensory-friendly, ASL-interpreted, and audio-described performances.
ZooLights
November 21 – January 3
National Zoo
Washington, DC
ZooLights is a fun, family-friendly way to celebrate the winter season. Attendees will enjoy dazzling light displays and musical performances. Yummy seasonal food and beverages will be available for purchase. Tickets are required and may be purchased online. If driving, attendees must pre-purchase tickets to park in the zoo lots.
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 22
Georgia Ave (between Ellsworth Dr. and Silver Spring Ave.)
Silver Spring, MD
Ring in the holidays with the only Thanksgiving Parade in the DC area. Families will be delighted by the floats, marching bands, and large inflatables. And, of course, Santa and his elves will be there with all of their holiday cheer!
Pokémon in Real Life
November 22
Potomac Overlook Regional Park
Arlington, VA
If you know a kiddo who loves Pokémon and nature, this is the event for you. Participants will explore Potomac Overlook Regional Park with a NOVA Parks Roving Naturalist, identifying species and helping to collect citizen science data for iNaturalist. They will also learn how to use a Pokédex and get to show off their Pokémon knowledge. You must register online. Participants must be 5 years old or more to participate and all children must be accompanied by an adult.
Season’s Greenings
November 27 – January 4
U.S. Botanic Garden
Washington, DC
The ever popular holiday display at the United States Botanic Garden is back! Festive decor, poinsettias, and models of DC landmarks made with plant materials will delight visitors in the Conservatory. The beloved train display will be outdoors in the gated gardens. Trains will run daily, except for December 25. On select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December, the garden will remain open late. This is a FREE family-friendly event and tickets are not required.
Family Workshop: A Shakespearean Feast!
November 29
Folger Shakespeare Library
Washington, DC
Shakespeare included many drama-filled dinner parties in his plays, as well as lively feasts and poetic meals. This Family Workshop will allow guests to learn Elizabethan table manners, create an imaginary feast, and act out an interrupted dinner party from one of the Bard’s plays. There are two sessions, the first is for kids age 5 to 7 and the second is for kids age 8 to 11. This event is FREE to attend, but you must pre-register online.
Holly TrolleyFest
November 29 – December 21
National Capital Trolley Museum
Colesville, MD
This popular annual event at the National Capital Trolley Museum is sure to delight train lovers of all ages. Typically, this event includes trolley rides, holiday model train displays, hands-on activities, and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Details have not yet been released for this year’s event, but tickets go on sale beginning November 1st.
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
November 29 – December 28
Warner Theater
Washington, DC
This beloved DC holiday tradition transports families to a charming, DC winter wonderland. This production, set in historic Georgetown, is set to Tchaikovsky’s time-honored score. Audiences of all ages will enjoy the beautiful set designs, period costumes, and the artistry of over 380 dancers(!), including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet.
We hope you enjoy this guide! If you know of additional family-friendly events in our area this month, please leave it in the comments below. Don’t forget that we also have community calendar that lists other local events.
