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No ocean? No problem at Greenbrier State Park. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources
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Learn about various cultures at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Learn about various cultures at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
5/28/23 - By Jennifer Swope

Get ready for summer break! June in DC brings Father's Day, Juneteenth, ripe strawberries, and the first day of summer.

This month is bursting with summer festivals, free outdoor movies and summer concerts, Juneteenth celebrations, Pride Month events, and plenty of outdoor fun! Start off your summer with Open Streets on 12th Street NE. Walk or bike as your family enjoys activities, supports local businesses, and connects with community. If you're looking for kid-friendly summer shows, the Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap is back starting June 20 with shows from Tuesday through Saturday all summer long.

The Smithsonian Folklife Festival returns to the National Mall this year with activities, performances, and more to learn about the Ozarks region of the US and Living Religions. The festival runs for an entire week, including on the 4th of July (but not on July 5).

Find more top June fun in our list of the best places to go strawberry picking, our Washington, DC Theme Parks and Water Parks Guide, and our Summer Activities Guide for DC Kids.

We’re adding more events to our family activity calendar every day, so don’t forget to check it frequently.

Get our picks for every weekend in your inbox—sign up for our newsletters.

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There are so many places to celebrate Juneteenth in DC. Photo courtesy of the Department of Parks and Rec in Prince George's County
There are so many places to celebrate Juneteenth in DC. Photo courtesy of the Department of Parks and Rec in Prince George's County

Best Things to Do with Kids in DC in June 2023

New Squid on the Block with Barefoot Puppets

Washington, DC -Thursday - Friday, June 1-2, 2023
In this show featuring beautiful puppets, audience members celebrate creative thinking, problem-solving, friendship, and fun. With penguins, a submarine, orcas, and a curious squid, this show takes the audience on an epic journey to Antarctica.  READ MORE

DinoRock presents Dinosaur Babies

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, June 1 - July 9, 2023
For nearly 40 years, DinoRock has entertained children with sing-a-longs with life-sized, colorful, pre-historic friends. This 45-minute show will have kids dancing and singing the entire time. READ MORE

Charlotte's Web

Arlington, VA - Fridays - Sundays, June 2-11, 2023
Charlotte’s Web, the beloved story of friendship and talking barnyard animals, comes to life at Encore Stage. Rarely does a spring pig live to see the fall of winter. In this heartwarming tale, a young girl meets her best friend, Wilbur, a plucky spring pig, along with a new set of furry friends. Wilbur desperately wants to live to see his first snowfall. Charlotte, a kind and loving spider, transforms Wilbur from the runt of the litter to prize-winning “some pig.” READ MORE

Annual Frank Lloyd Wright Birthday Celebration

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, June 3, 2023
Join the Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House to celebrate the 156th birthday of American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Enjoy an open house tour of the Pope-Leighey House and learn about the history of the house and its designer. In the yard, enjoy activities related to the life and work of Frank Lloyd Wright and grab a celebratory bite of cake.  READ MORE

KidsFest Spring Fair

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 3, 2023
Free
Local, family-friendly businesses are gathering on the lawn of the Manassas Museum to exhibit their services to families. There are also carnival games, inflatables, food vendors, live entertainment, and other fun activities. READ MORE

Strawberry Festival

Sandy Spring, MD - Saturday & Sunday, June 3 & 4, 2023
Sandy Spring Museum's 41st Strawberry Festival is a giant block party, a picnic neighborhood gathering, and a community celebration rolled into one spectacular event. Families can enjoy two days of live music, kids’ games, a petting zoo, pony rides, food trucks, a crafts sale, the world’s greatest strawberry shortcake, and more. READ MORE

Weber's Cider Mill Farm Strawberry Festival

Parkville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, June 3 & 4, 2023
Weber's Cider Mill Farm's 8th annual Strawberry Festival features fresh strawberry treats, a barrel train ride, slides, live music, farm animals, play structures, and more family fun. READ MORE

Open Streets: 12th Street NE

Washington, DC - Sunday, June 4, 2023
Free
One mile of 12th Street NE closes to cars and opens the street for people to walk, bike, scoot, and play. With classes and demonstrations including yoga, arts and crafts, live music, and more, there's something for all ages and abilities. READ MORE

World Heritage Festival - Silver Spring

Silver Spring, MD - Sunday, June 4, 2023
Free
Families can sample delicious ethnic foods, watch cultural performances, and shop from more than 70 vendors at Silver Spring's World Heritage Festival.  READ MORE

World Ocean Day

Washington, DC - Thursday, June 8, 2023
Through interactive experiences and conversations with experts, visitors to the Natural History Museum can celebrate World Ocean Day. In the Sant Ocean Hall, art, science, and community action connect humans to Earth's waters. READ MORE

Capital Pride Parade

Washington, DC - Saturday, June 10, 2023
Free
The Capital Pride Parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ parades, and this year its route honors the history and evolution of the LGBTQ+ neighborhoods in DC.  READ MORE

Fest Of Spring Caribbean Wine, Food, & Music Festival (at Good News Stables)

Poolesville, MD - Saturday, June 10, 2023
This Caribbean festival celebrates local and Caribbean culture through live performances, wine tasting, delectable cuisines, and an arts village offering an array of indigenous jewelry, clothing, and crafts. The festival also has kid-friendly activities. READ MORE

Arts on the Horizon Presents: Arco Iris

Arlington, VA - Thursdays, Saturdays, & Sundays, June 11-24, 2023 (plus Friday, June 9)
Iris is excited about taking a trip to el parque with Abuela, but Iris can't decide what color shirt to wear. While exploring color, Abuela explains to Iris that colors are inside everyone even when only choosing one to wear. Told through vibrant imagery, dynamic movement, and a beautiful soundscape created by each of the performers, this sensory-rich production is inspired by a Zapoteca myth and Quechua legends about the rainbow. READ MORE

Awesome Con - Washington, DC's Comic Con

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, June 16-18, 2023
Awesome Con is a celebration of geek culture that brings fans together with their favorite stars from across comics, movies, television, toys, games, and more.  READ MORE

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

Alexandria, VA - Friday & Saturday, June 16 & 17, 2023
Free
Summer kicks off at this fun festival that begins Friday evening with an eclectic collection of jazz performances. It continues Saturday with live music, a beer garden, local food, hands-on art and history activities, and more. READ MORE

Capital Book Fest: Children's Event

Washington, DC - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
Children and their families can enjoy a variety of activities including author readings, book-making and illustration workshops, a STEAM station presented by the National Children’s Museum, Double Dutch led by DC Retro Jumpers, a book sale for all ages, and DC Public Library’s Discover Summer Program featuring book giveaways, bookmark-making, and more. READ MORE

Juneteenth Community Day

Washington, DC - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
At the National Museum of African American History & Culture's Juneteenth Community Day, visitors can explore gardening and the culinary arts, hear stories, listen to music, and participate in craft projects for all ages. These activities represent the museum's perennial theme—Senses of Freedom: The Taste, Sound, and Experience of an African American Celebration. READ MORE

National Ice Cream Fest (at One Loudoun Festival Grounds)

National Harbor, MD - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Enjoy a day of ice cream, games, music, fun, and more at the National Ice Cream Fest. This year, the fest is at One Loudoun Festival Grounds. READ MORE

Pride Family Day at Glen Echo

Glen Echo, MD - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
Glen Echo Park presents its 3rd annual Pride Family Day. Families can enjoy free arts and crafts, free carousel tickets, rainbow desserts, and more. READ MORE

Kensington Juneteenth Celebration

Kensington, MD - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
The town of Kensington is hosting its second annual Juneteenth Celebration with live music, poetry, historical presentations, kids' activities, food trucks, and more. This year's theme is Acknowledging Our Past and Charting the Future. READ MORE

Juneteenth at Watkins Regional Park

Upper Marlboro, MD - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
This festival commemorates Juneteenth, the day African American slavery ended in the United States. Join this cultural program as it entertains and educates through performances, family activities, vendors, and a genealogy workshop. READ MORE

Juneteenth Celebration at Frying Pan Farm Park

Herndon, VA Saturday, June 17, 2023
Free
Celebrate Juneteenth with African American stories, food trucks, live music, crafts, and history at this free one-hour event at Frying Pan Farm Park. READ MORE

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour - Tysons, VA

Tysons, VA - Saturday, June 17, 2023
Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour brings Blippi and special guest Meekah off the screen and onto the stage in this interactive musical that will have kids singing and dancing along. Discover what makes cities unique and special. Always curious, Blippi encourages learning through playing, doing, and exploring. READ MORE

Flying Circus Father's Day Air Show

Bealeton, VA - Sunday, June 18, 2023
The Flying Circus Air Show on Father's Day celebrates dads with daring feats of flight.  READ MORE

Sully Antique Car Show

Chantilly, VA - Sunday, June 18, 2023
This annual car show includes over 200 antique cars on display, music, food, a children's tent, a flea market, and more. Visitors can also learn about Juneteenth and little-known African American inventors and patent holders in the transportation industry. READ MORE

Disney's The Lion King at the Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, June 21 - July 29, 2023
Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Disney's The Lion King returns to the Kennedy Center this summer. Featuring gorgeous visuals and the music of Elton John and Tim Rice, this story is one of hope and adventure. READ MORE

Nate The Great

Bethesda, MD - Tuesdays - Sundays, June 22 - August 11, 2023
Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one, but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing, dancing life. READ MORE

Manassas Bee Festival

Manassas, VA - Saturday, June 24, 2023
Free
Celebrate pollinators at the Manassas Bee Festival. Guests can taste fresh honey, dance with other bees and butterflies in costume, enjoy honey crafts, and see an apiary. READ MORE

Giant National Capital BBQ Battle

Washington, DC - Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 2023
Restaurants and chefs from around the country compete at this festival, which also offers plenty of food, live music across four stages, BMX and skateboarding freestyle shows, backyard games, and lots of other activities.  READ MORE

The World and Me Family Program: Pollinator Celebration with MISTER G

Washington, DC - Sunday, June 25, 2023
Free
The National Museum of Natural History with the US Forest Service and USDA invite families to celebrate pollinators and learn about how humans connect to pollinators and plants with interactive activities and a concert with MISTER G. READ MORE

Tot Rock: Rainbow Rock Band

Washington, DC - Wednesday - Friday, June 28-30, 2023
The Rainbow Rock Band entertains young audiences with tunes and laughs while listeners learn about shapes, colors, and movement. The show is a mix of musical genres from folk to pop rock to rockabilly, all while being educational and fun. READ MORE

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC - Daily, June 29 - July 9, 2023 (except Wednesday, July 5)
Free
Through cultural performances, storytelling, workshops, food, and more, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival aims to spark curiosity of various cultures and nurture human connection. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Discovery Theater – Ripley Center
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House
12th St. NE between Franklin St. NE to Michigan Ave. NE
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center
One Loudoun Festival Grounds
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Liberia House and Grounds
Discovery Theater – Ripley Center