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 Native American Heritage Month and Diwali, 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. We also have put together a number of other guides 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 3rd!
Dino Fest
Now – November 24
Great Country Farms
Bluemont, VA
This event expertly mixes Fall fun with the joy dinosaurs bring to curious kiddos. For four weeks, Great Country Farms will have over 16 life-size dinosaurs placed around the farm, as well encounters with fan favorites such as a Triceratops and a baby T-Rex. Visitors will also enjoy photo ops and daily Dino Shows. Get your tickets now, before they go extinct.
Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: A Grr-ific Experience
Now – January 5
National Children’s Museum
Washington, DC
Visitors to this exhibition will be immersed in the world of Daniel Tiger’s neighborhood. Your little one will be able to stretch their imagination as they play characters using masks and costumes, step inside a clock factory, play unusual instruments, and even sort and deliver packages and letters at the exhibit’s Post Office. While enjoying these activities, visitors will also encounter the emotional lessons for which Daniel Tiger and his neighborhood friends are known. Tickets are required for museum admission.
Mvskoke Etvlwv: The Muscogee People Festival
November 1 & 2
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Celebrate Native American Heritage Month at the National Museum of the American Indian during this FREE two-day event. The Muscogee (Creek) Nation will share its tribal heritage and culture through music, fashion, hands-on activities, and presentations by veterans. There will be a showcase of traditional recipes, jewelry, and more. See the event’s website for the schedule of events.
Adams Morgan PorchFest
November 2
Adams Morgan
Washington, DC
Twenty 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 one of two event headquarters. Attendance is FREE.
Diwali Family Fun
November 2
Smithsonian Asian Art Museum
Washington, DC
This FREE family-friendly event will celebrate Diwali (the festival of lights) from 11:30am until 1pm. The Museum will host craft activities and story times. This event is geared for kids age 5 and older.
Freestyle Family Fun Day
November 2
Atlas Performing Arts Center
Washington, DC
Visitors can expect exciting dance performances, engaging freestyle dance contests, interactive games, and a DJ at this FREE family-friendly day of fun hosted with Elements Dance Company. In addition to dance activities, kids can get creative at a coloring and art station.
The Negro Motorist Green Book Exhibit Opening Weekend Celebration
November 2 & 3
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
Head to downtown DC to celebrate the opening of the Library’s newest exhibit, The Negro Motorist Green Book. This FREE event will explore how The Green Book was a vital travel resource for the growing African American middle class in mid-century America. Guests at this family-friendly event will be immersed in the Green Book era with activities and performances such as a children’s sock hop, a vintage car show, a throw-back 1960’s Teenarama Dance Party, and more.
Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure!
November 2 & 3
The Kennedy Center
Washington, DC
Everyone experiences mental and emotional pressures, even kids. Doktor Kaboom uses comedy and interactive science to explore those feelings. His highly entertaining and funny show aims to validate pressures that students may feel, as well as ways to deal with such difficulties. This show is geared for kids 8 and older.
Alexandria Fall Fest
November 3
River Farm
Alexandria, VA
This family-friendly Fall festival takes place on the beautiful grounds of River Farm. Oodles of activities will be available to entertain the kids, including a bounce house, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more. A wide variety of food trucks will be onsite. Tickets available online. Parking must be reserved in advance for a fee. Check out the event’s website for more parking and ticketing information.
Side Yards
November 8
The Yards
Washington, DC
Attendees of this 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.
Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse Live In Concert
November 8 & 9
The National Theater
Washington, DC
Fans of the film Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse will love this event. Audiences will be able to watch the movie on a giant HD screen with a full orchestra and DJ performing its iconic score and soundtrack live. Tickets are available online.
Family Owl Outing
November 8 & 17
Huntley Meadows Park
Alexandria, VA
The forest and wetland landscapes at Huntley Meadows Park are home to many animals, including beavers, herons, and deer. This family outing gives guests the opportunity to learn about and seek resident owls through a presentation and trail hike. Children age 6 and over are welcome to take part in this activity, but they must be accompanied by a registered adult. It costs $9 per person and you must register online.
Foil Sculpture Workshop
November 9
Anacostia Community Museum
Washington, DC
Do you have a budding artist in the family? If so, take them to this FREE, family-friendly workshop where participants will learn to create posed sculptures using foil and wire. The workshop will be followed by a mini art show where you can show off your creations. Please register online.
18th Annual Parade of Trabants
November 9
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.
Veterans Day Concert with the U.S. Navy Band
November 11
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library
Washington, DC
In honor of Veterans Day, join DCPL for special performances by the United States Navy Band’s pop music group, Cruisers, and the Concert Band’s 12-member brass ensemble. All ages are welcome. The event is FREE.
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
I’ll Take You There: Stax Records Co.
November 12 – 24
Signature Theater
Arlington, VA
Stax Records in Memphis, TN gave us some of the most beloved soul, blues, funk, and gospel sounds of the 60s. This production honors those artists through performances of hits by the likes of Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Booker T & the M.G.s, and more. This is a cabaret-style show that runs for 75 minutes with no intermission. Children under 6 are not permitted.
ICE! featuring A Charlie Brown Christmas
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, A Charlie Brown Christmas, carved in giant blocks of ice. 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.
Montgomery County Thanksgiving Day Parade
November 16
Veterans Plaza
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!
Family Workshop: Cram Thee with More Food
November 16
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 14. This event is FREE to attend, but you must pre-register online.
Pop-up Stargazing at Meridian Hill Park
November 22
Meridian Hill Park
Washington, DC
Join the experienced staff of the National Air and Space Museum for an evening of stargazing. Visitors will be able to observe wonders of space, including the moon, stars, and planets, using telescopes with the guidance of museum staff. This event is FREE and no reservations are required.
ZooLights
November 22 – January 4
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.
The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink Re-opening
November 23
National Gallery Sculpture Garden
Washington, DC
On November 23rd, the ice rink will open for the 2024-2025 winter season. It will be open 7 days a week. Check out the website for fees, ticketing options, and hours of operation. Also, ice skating lessons for individuals and groups are available through Washington Elite Skating School.
Season’s Greenings
November 28 – January 5
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 from 10am to 5pm daily, except for select Tuesdays and Thursdays in December when they will run until 8pm. This is a FREE family-friendly event and tickets are not required.
Native American Heritage Day: Honoring Zitkala-Ša with Hoop Dancer Starr Chief Eagle
November 29 & 30
National Museum of the American Indian
Washington, DC
Zitkala-Ša (translated “Red Bird”), was an activist for Native American rights whose efforts led to American Indians being able to have US citizenship while maintaining tribal standing. In addition to her activism, she was also a writer, composer, and educator. Zitkala-Ša, a member of the Yankton Dakota Sioux, will soon be honored as the 15th woman to be recognized through the U.S. Mint’s American Women Quarters Program. Watch as Starr Chief Eagle, a member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota Sioux Tribe, honors this important figure through the art of hoop dancing.
Winter Glow
November 29 – December 23
Mount Vernon Estate
Mount Vernon, VA
George Washington’s estate is beautiful any time of year, but it is especially lovely during the holiday season when it is lit by lanterns for festive fun. Visitors during this family-friendly event will learn about 18-century holiday traditions, play games, enjoy music, and watch the blacksmith in action. Interact with 18-century residents to learn more about that time in history. Food and drink will be available for purchase, including s’mores kits. Please note that the mansion interior will be closed for renovations during this time.
The Washington Ballet’s The Nutcracker
November 30 – December 29
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 100 dancers, including students and trainees from The Washington School of Ballet. See the event website for more information about signature events: The Nutcracker Tea Party (Dec. 8), Military Appreciation Night (Dec. 11), and Family Day (Dec. 15).
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 a community calendar that lists other local events.
