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Weekend Fun for DC Kids: Science, Festivals, Nature August 10-11, 2019

Go on a meadow bug hunt this weekend!
Go on a meadow bug hunt this weekend!
8/7/19 - By Christine Mooney

The weekend is almost upon us, and DC has plenty in store for families looking to spend some quality time together, especially those in the nature and science loving crowd. From astronomy to nature walks to geocaching, our events calendar on Saturday and Sunday is brimming with activities and events geared towards the natural world.

Want to take advantage of the bustling summer festival season instead? We’ve got you covered too with agricultural fairs and cultural festivals.

Check out our top picks for weekend fun, and then head to our events calendar for more ideas.

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Weekend

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD
This annual fair offers 62 acres of fun for families, including over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more.  READ MORE

Prince William County Fair

Manassas, VA
The Prince William County Fair features livestock and arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music and shows, food, carnival rides and games, and more. READ MORE

VietFest

FREE - McLean, VA
This annual Vietnamese American Celebration provides cultural fun for the entire family. READ MORE

Lawn at the National Building Museum

Washington, DC
The National Building Museum in conjunction with the LAB at Rockwell Group present the 2019 Summer Block Party installation called Lawn. Filling the entire Great Hall, this exhibit provides interactive experiences for all ages. Sloping green space, scaffolding superstructure, and lounging areas allows guests to appreciate summertime fun. Additional offerings include hammocks, storytimes and a catch/release firefly game. READ MORE

Cirque du Soleil: VOLTA

Tysons Corner, VA
Cirque du Soleil performers take the stage at Lerner Town Square at Tysons II as they present VOLTA. In this show, audiences follow the journey of Waz, a game show contestant who is searching for approval. Extraordinary acrobatics with dramatic props tell the tale. READ MORE
All weekend you can check out The Lawn at The National Building Museum. Photo by Timothy Schenck.
All weekend you can check out The Lawn at The National Building Museum. Photo by Timothy Schenck.

Saturday

Summer Tree ID Hike

Arlington, VA
Meet at the nature center at Potomac Overlook Regional Park to learn how to identify native trees, how they grow, and what external threats they face. READ MORE

Geocaching Workshop

Fairfax Station, VA
Participants can learn about GPS a.k.a. Global Positioning Systems at Burke Lake Park. Visitors locate hidden treasures using hand-held GPS devices by using latitude and longitude coordinates. READ MORE

Astronomical Observing

FREE - Washington, DC
Head to Phoebe Waterman-Haas Public Observatory to view the sun safely with the Museum's solar-filtered telescopes. This event is weather permitting. READ MORE

Boardwalk Astronomy

Alexandria, VA
Park Naturalists at Huntley Meadows Park take visitors on a tour of the night sky to view constellations, comets, and planets. READ MORE
Dyke Marsh. Photo courtesy of NPS
Dyke Marsh. Photo courtesy of NPS

Sunday

Latin Heritage Fiesta - Silver Spring

FREE - Silver Spring, MD
Celebrate Latin Heritage with food, dance performances, arts, crafts, music, and a party. In the evening, enjoy salsa, bachata, and merengue to dance to.   READ MORE

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

FREE - Alexandria, VA
Visit Dyke Marsh for an early Sunday morning bird walk led by experienced birders. Guests are asked to gather in the south parking lot of the Bell Haven picnic area at 8am. 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

Summer Scavenger Hunt

Arlington, VA
Explore Potomac Overlook Regional Park by completing a scavenger hunt sheet. The naturalist answers guest questions. Visitors can hike about the property and drop by the nature center, raptor house, frog pond, and master garden. READ MORE

Meadow Bug Hunt

Chantilly, VA
Ellanor C. Lawrence Park is filled with bug life for visitors to discover. Guests can capture and release crawling critters, amazing insects, and other arthropods during this session while learning the secrets of the meadow's special habitat. READ MORE

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