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Garden of Lights at Brookside Gardens will dazzle the whole family. Photo by Tony Ventouris for Montgomery County Parks
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Family Garden Days are monthly classes for families to join Washington Youth Garden's one-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Photo courtesy of Washington Youth Garden
Family Garden Days are monthly classes for families to join Washington Youth Garden's one-acre fruit and vegetable garden. Photo courtesy of Washington Youth Garden
7/10/19 - By Christine Mooney

As we enter into mid-July, it’s time to take a look at the family calendar and see what fun you can squeeze in because summer won’t last forever! 

There are plenty of summer bucket list ideas to check off this weekend, including the circus, kayaking, and hitting up a festival. If you’re looking for something that won’t cost a dime, then check out our list of 50 Free Things to Do with Kids in DC.

No matter what you choose, from beekeeping to butter churning, Mommy Poppins DC wishes you a most excellent summer weekend with the fam!

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Weekend

UniverSoul Circus

National Harbor, MD
The UniverSoul Circus brings together global circus performances with lots of fun and soul for the audience. Enjoy diversity and edge-of-the-seat performances at the 26th Anniversary edition this summer. READ MORE

Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

FREE - Washington, DC
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for its annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. During this weeklong event, guests can expect family games, arts and crafts, and cultural performances from around the world.  READ MORE
Morning kayak tour. Photo courtesy of Nova Parks
Morning kayak tour. Photo courtesy of Nova Parks

Saturday

Family Garden Days

Washington, DC
Children and parents learn about fruit and vegetable gardening through games, nature crafts, garden work, and fresh snacks at the Washington Youth Garden. READ MORE

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Bonanza

FREE - Vienna, VA
Celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar's 50th anniversary at the Patrick Henry Library. All ages are welcome to participate.  READ MORE

Morning Kayak Tour

Sterling, VA
Teens 14 and older along with an accompanying adult can paddle among the islands that are stretched out on this beautiful section of the river at Algonkian Regional Park. READ MORE

Local Beekeeping and the Importance of Honeybees

FREE - Falls Church, VA
Master Beekeeper Martha Kiene visits Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to teach participants about honeybees and what citizens can do to help bring back this important pollinator.  READ MORE

Rockin’ Yoga Concert with Kira Willey & Friends

Vienna, VA
See Kira Willey and her rockin’ band at the Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. Audiences can expect an interactive performance with singing, dancing, games, and yoga breaks. READ MORE

Ukulele Storytime

FREE - Great Falls, VA
Great Falls Library hosts a  special, musical storytime performed by members of the Northern Virginia Ukulele Society. READ MORE

Summer Saturdays

Mason Neck, VA
Children of all ages can visit Gunston Hall for its special programming available on Saturdays throughout the summer. Experiences include hands-on opportunities for the young and young at heart. READ MORE

Make & Take Art Workshop for Military Families

FREE - Lorton, VA
Families who are active duty, retired, veteran, and caregivers to military are invited to participate in this art workshop. No matter the skill level or age, participants have fun making art at the Workhouse Art Center. READ MORE

Animal Crackers and Me

Annandale, VA
Young ones are invited to Hidden Oaks Nature Center to imagine what would happen if animal cracker cookies came to life and to learn about animal adaptations through stories, crafts, and a trail activity with a short hike.  READ MORE

Leesburg Plaza Party

FREE - Leesburg, VA
Families can enjoy an evening on the plaza with live music, fun, and more. READ MORE

USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration

FREE - Alexandria, VA
Families can celebrate the 248th birthday of the USA and the 275th birthday of the City of Alexandria with a host of activities at Oronoco Bay Park. Guests can expect music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, cupcakes, a cannon salute, and fireworks.  READ MORE
Churn butter at Dairy Days. Photo courtesy of Sully Historic Site
Churn butter at Dairy Days. Photo courtesy of Sully Historic Site

Sunday

Silver Spring Arts & Crafts End Of Summer Celebration

FREE - Silver Spring, MD
Celebrate the end of summer on Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring with arts and crafts, music, dancing, live performances, more than 80 vendors, and fun activities for kids and adults.  READ MORE

Sunday Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park

FREE - Bowie, MD
Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening at 7pm at the amphitheater at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. READ MORE

Stream Walk at Loudoun Water

FREE - Ashburn, VA
The Children’s Science Center has partner with Loudoun Water to host a free stream monitoring event. For the first hour, children participate in a scavenger hunt through the water treatment facility. In the second hour, kids shadow trained stream monitors to analyze water samples. READ MORE

Dairy Days: Ice Cream and Butter Making

Chantilly, VA
You scream, I scream for ice cream at Sully Historic Site. Visitors can churn butter, crank ice cream, milk a fake cow, play 18th-century games, and experience the products of a historic dairy. READ MORE

Game Day

Fairfax Station, VA
Visit the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum for an afternoon of fun and games. Children can play a train or period correct game or try searching for items in a scavenger hunt. READ MORE

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