Enjoy nighttime art installations in 22 DC neighborhoods at Art All Night. Photo courtesy of the DC Art All Night Facebook page
Art All Night, World Culture Festival, and More Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend
It's not fall without a visit to the pumpkin patch. Photo courtesy of Great Country Farms
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 30 Top Things To Do Near DC This Fall
The National Zoo's giant pandas are set to return to China by December 7, 2023. Photo credit to Smithsonian’s National Zoo
Panda Palooza: A Farewell to the National Zoo's Giant Pandas
Find spooky Halloween fun around Washington, DC with our guide.
GUIDE
Halloween Fun and Activities Guide for Kids in Washington, DC
Kids of all ages enjoy apple picking and chomping on an apple right off the tree. Photo courtesy of Butler's Orchard
Apple Picking Near DC: Best Apple Orchards for Apple Picking with Kids
Enjoy loads of autumn activities at the Cox Farms Fall Festival. Photo courtesy of the
Best Harvest & Pumpkin Festivals Near DC, plus More Fall Fairs and Fests for Family Fun
Pick the perfect pumpkin at Great Country Farms.
Best Pumpkin Patches Near DC for Picking the Perfect Pumpkin
Get lost in a fun corn maze this fall. Photo courtesy of the Maryland Corn Maze
Best Corn Mazes Near DC for Kids and Families
There are so many places to celebrate Halloween in the DC area. Photo courtesy of Howard County Maryland
Best Halloween Events in DC for Kids and Families: Halloween Festivals, Trunk-or-Treats, and More
Keep the DC public school calendar handy so you'll always know what days your kids have class.
Here's the DC Public School Calendar for 2023-2024 (Plus Other Area School Districts)
Get building tips from Master Model Builders in the LEGO Discovery Center Washington, DC's Workshop. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
New LEGO Discovery Center Opens Near Washington, DC
Kids are allowed—and even encouraged—to touch Reclining Liberty. Photo courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Arlington
Reclining Liberty Statue Comes to the DC Area — and Kids Can Climb and Touch It!
Visit the home of George Washington in Virginia. Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon
100 Things To Do in DC with Kids Before They Grow Up
Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
Fall Fun Guide for Washington, DC Families
The indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland is the largest of all Great Wolf Lodge locations. Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
The New Great Wolf Lodge Maryland: An In-Depth Review
With 75 themed walls for kids to tackle, it's impossible to get bored at ClimbZone. Photo courtesy of ClimbZone
Best Indoor Rock Climbing Gyms and Spaces for Kids Near DC
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com
Kids can suit up in hazmat gear, dodge lasers, and crack codes at Beat the Bomb. Photo courtesy of Beat the Bomb
21 Fun Things to Do with Teens and Tweens in DC
The National Children's Museum offers spaces and storytimes just for babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the museum
21 Things To Do with DC Babies Before They Turn 1
We've launched a partnership with Care.com to bring background-checked nannies and sitters to the Mommy Poppins Directory.
Find Trusted Babysitters and Nannies Now on Mommy Poppins–Powered by Care.com

31 Best Things to Do in DC May 2023 with Kids

Jump in the world's largest bounce house at Big Bounce America. Photo courtesy of the event
Jump in the world's largest bounce house at Big Bounce America. Photo courtesy of the event
4/30/23 - By Jennifer Swope

From Mother's Day to Memorial Day, we'll be finding fun things to do all month long—May the 4th be with you!

May brings the return of some of our favorite annual DC events. Enjoy beautiful May flowers at Washington National Cathedral's annual Flower Mart. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the family-friendly Running of the Chihuahuas. Take a trip around the world with your family at the Around the World Embassy Tour and the EU Open House. Or jump into summer at the Big Bounce America.

As the Nation's Capital, the Washington, DC area plays host to many Memorial Day celebrations throughout the entire three-day weekend. Honor fallen heroes at parades, concerts, and other ceremonies.

Find more top May fun in our lists of where to have Mother's Day brunch near DC, what to do on Mother's Day, and the best things to do in DC with kids this spring.

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.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

May the best dog win at the Running of the Chihuahuas. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
May the best dog win at the Running of the Chihuahuas. Photo courtesy of Wharf DC

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this May

CiNoMatic

Washington, DC - Wednesdays, May 3-31, 2023
Free
"Villains We Love" is the theme for Wednesday-night free movies at Alethia Tanner Park. Enjoy lawn games and food from local vendors beginning an hour before the movie's start. READ MORE

Cirque de la Symphonie

Washington, DC - Thursday - Saturday, May 4-6, 2023
Jugglers, aerialists, contortionists, strongmen, and more bring the music of the National Symphony Orchestra to life in unique and delightful ways in this show for the entire family.  READ MORE

The Jurassic Encounter

Chantilly, VA - Thursdays - Sundays, May 4-14, 2023
Walk through and have up-close encounters with more than 45 life-sized animatronic and static dinosaurs in this outdoor experience. Kids can try digging up bones and enjoy bouncy houses and games.  READ MORE

Flower Mart

Washington, DC - Friday & Saturday, May 5 & 6, 2023
Free
Flower Mart brings families to the Washington National Cathedral grounds for food, vendors, carnival games, an antique carousel, and more fun activities. READ MORE

A Concert Presentation of: You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Manassas, VA - Friday - Sunday, May 5-7, 2023
Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang ask life's great questions as they play, sing, and celebrate friendship. READ MORE

Around the World Embassy Tour

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 6, 2023
Free
More than 50 embassies open their doors to visitors to share the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations, and goods from their countries. Past activities have included karate demonstrations, sari-wrapping lessons, alpaca petting, and more. READ MORE

Fyütch

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 6, 2023
Through Hip Hop, soul, R&B, pop, and reggae, Fyütch shares Black history and culture. Filled with spirited songs, spoken word, and visual storytelling, audience members are educated, entertained, and empowered. READ MORE

Running of the Chihuahuas

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 6, 2023
Free
DC’s funniest Cinco de Mayo celebration returns to The Wharf for a day of live music, fun family activities, and Chihuahua races. Over 90 Chihuahuas race in groups of eight on a 60-foot “race track” and winners take home pet-friendly gifts and prizes. READ MORE

Honolulu Theatre for Youth: The Pa’akai We Bring

McLean, VA - Saturday, May 6, 2023
The Alden Family Series has musical, comedy, dance, film, and children's shows for theatergoers of all ages. The May 2023 show is The Pa'akai We Bring. READ MORE

Free Comic Book Day 2023

Various Locations - Saturday, May 6, 2023
Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns to its usual "first Saturday in May" date. READ MORE

International Family Equality Day

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 7, 2023
Free
Celebrate family diversity with the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Visitors can speak with Zoo nutritionists, attend keeper talks, and see animal demonstrations. READ MORE

EU Open House

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 13, 2023
Free
Families can go on a trip across the European Union without leaving DC! At the popular EU Open House, embassies from EU countries open their doors to visitors with food, music, games, cultural exhibitions, and more. READ MORE

Mother's Day Sail

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 14, 2023
Treat Mom to an afternoon cruising on the 65-foot schooner American Spirit. Pack a picnic and drinks (beer and wine are permitted, but no spirits). Little sailors are welcome, and strollers are allowed on board. READ MORE

Flying Circus Mother's Day Air Show

Bealeton, VA - Sunday, May 14, 2023
Head out to the Flying Circus Air Show on Mother's Day for daring feats of flight and a flower drop just for moms. If you're feeling daring (and spendy), opt for a biplane ride before or after the show. READ MORE

Anacostia River Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 20, 2023
Free
This premier DC event marks the official close of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Families can celebrate with outdoor activities, local performances, food trucks, and more.  READ MORE

Gaithersburg Book Festival

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, May 20, 2023
Free
Gaithersburg 's annual book festival features a variety of family-friendly activities. Attendees can meet their favorite authors, participate in workshops, purchase books, and celebrate literacy. READ MORE

KidStory Theatre Festival

Wheaton, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 20 & 21, 2023
Free
InterAct Story Theatre artists, over the years, have helped kids craft their own stories. Some of these stories are presented as a series of short plays and stories performed by InterActors. READ MORE

Strawberry Jubilee Fest

Bluemont, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, May 20-28, 2023 (and Memorial Day, May 29)
Great Country Farms celebrates the royal strawberry with a Jubilee packed with live music, farm contests, wagon rides, great food, and fun games for the whole family. READ MORE

The Big Bounce America

Fort Washington, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, May 20 - June 11, 2023
The Big Bounce America—the world's largest touring inflatable event—returns to the DC area, featuring the world's largest bounce house (Guinness certified!), a bouncy sports area, an inflatable obstacle course, slides, ball pits, and a 60-foot-tall maze. READ MORE

Asian Festival on Main

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, May 21, 2023
Free
Celebrate the diversity of Asian cultures with food, arts and crafts, live performances, and more. Families can also learn how to fold origami, improve their yo-yo skills, and do tricks on a skateboard. READ MORE

Old Town Festival of Speed and Style

Alexandria, VA - Sunday, May 21, 2023
Free
This annual festival in Old Town Alexandria combines exotic cars and high fashion for a unique festival experience. Over 100 exotic supercars, antique racing cars, and motorcycles are on display for kids to look at close up. READ MORE

Madagascar The Musical

McLean, VA - Friday, May 26, 2023
Delight in a new musical from Dreamworks. Madagascar the Musical brings Alex, Mary, Melman, and Gloria to life as they escape from the Central Park Zoo and find themselves in Madagascar and King Julien's zany kingdom. READ MORE

Hometown Holidays Music Fest

Rockville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 27 & 28, 2023
Free
The city of Rockville presents a fun festival celebrating Memorial Day with two stages of entertainment by local acts, a Taste of Rockville, and activities for kids. READ MORE

ViVa Vienna!

Vienna, VA - Saturday - Monday, May 27-29, 2023
Free
ViVa Vienna! is a three-day, fun-filled event celebrating community and honoring Memorial Day. Families can enjoy food, rides, music, children's activities, and more.  READ MORE
Head to the National Mall for live music throughout Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the National Memorial Day Concert Series
Head to the National Mall for live music throughout Memorial Day weekend. Photo courtesy of the National Memorial Day Concert Series

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids on Memorial Day

National Memorial Day Concert Series

Washington, DC - Friday - Monday, May 26-29, 2023
Families can listen to patriotic and inspiring performances throughout Memorial Day weekend on the National Mall and at the Memorials in Washington, DC. READ MORE

Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

Bowie, MD - Saturday, May 27, 2023
Marching bands, performers, floats, local clubs and organizations, and much more are featured at this year's annual Bowie Memorial Day Parade, as members of the Armed Forces are recognized. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Concert

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 28, 2023
For more than 30 years, the National Memorial Day Concert has featured star-studded performances honoring the military service and sacrifice of men and women in uniform, their families at home, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.  While aired nationally on PBS, the public is welcome to attend this free event. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Choral Festival

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 28, 2023
Designed to honor our nation's veterans and fallen heroes through musical tribute, this concert features 200 singers representing choirs from throughout the US performing with the United States Air Force Orchestra. READ MORE

National Memorial Day Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, May 29, 2023
At the nation's largest Memorial Day Parade, fallen heroes are honored. The parade features personal stories of those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice. Special celebrity guests and musical performers are part of this family-friendly event. READ MORE

Rockville Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade

Rockville, MD - Monday, May 29, 2023
The Memorial Day Ceremony and Parade honors the sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedoms. The event begins with a musical tribute at 9am, followed by the ceremony at 9:30am and a parade featuring military and community groups, marching units, dance troupes, and more at 10am. READ MORE

Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival

Falls Church, VA - Monday, May 29, 2023
The 41st annual Falls Church Memorial Day Parade & Festival includes a Memorial Day ceremony hosted by the Falls Church Veteran's Council, a 3K Fun Run, food, vendors, live music, kids' entertainment, and a parade. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Multiple Locations
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Multiple Locations
Historic Old Town Fairfax City
West Lawn of the United States Capitol
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
i