Dinosaur lovers will love Dino Fest at Great Country Farms. Photo courtesy of the event
Halloween Weekend 2024 in DC: Trick-or-Treat and More Things To Do with Kids
See the National Zoo in a whole new light at ZooLights. Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian National Zoo
29 Best Things to Do in DC November 2024 with Kids: Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, and Holiday Lights
The Wharf goes all out for Dia de los Muertos! Photo courtesy of Wharf DC
12 Things To Do to Celebrate Día de los Muertos in DC
Main photo by Tim & Selena Middleton/CC BY 2.0
GUIDE
DC Fall Day Trips Guide: Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Sweeten someone else's day and donate Halloween candy to troops, the elderly, or children in need. Photo courtesy of Canva
Sweet Ways to Donate Halloween Candy: Ronald McDonald House, Operation Shoebox, and More
Loads of autumn activities await at the Cox Farms Fall Festival. Photo courtesy of the festival
Best Harvest Fairs, Pumpkin Festivals, & Other Fall Festivals Near DC for Fall Family Fun
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
Ride the cow train at Great Country Farms. Photo courtesy of the farm
Best Farms with Family Entertainment Near DC
Look closely at the windows of the Decatur House and you just might see something creepy! Photo by Jennifer Marino Walters
Top Ghost Tours Near Washington, DC for Spooky Family Fun
Visit the famous Luray Caverns, the largest caverns in the eastern United States. Photo by Sam Posten III via Flickr 2.0
Fun Fall Day Trips From DC for Families
Child's Play has a great selection of toys, games, children's books, and more. Photo by Tony Ventouris Photography
Coolest Stores for Kids in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia
An arcade, board and card games, and more fun for kids await at City-State Brewing Company. Photo courtesy of the brewery
Top Family-Friendly Beer Gardens and Breweries Near Washington, DC
Enjoy a family fire at the Cherry Hill Park campground. Photo courtesy of Cherry Hill Park.
10 Campgrounds Near DC to Go Family Camping with Kids
Enjoy storytime each Wednesday at the Hirshhorn. Photo courtesy of the Hirshorn Museum
75 Free Fun Things To Do in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia with Kids
Hit a home run at a local batting cage!
14 Batting Cages Near DC for Young Baseball and Softball Sluggers
Have fun on the patio at True Food Kitchen. Photo by @classicchickenspicymomma
Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia

Best Free and Fun Things To Do in DC with Kids May 2024

Have a jumping good time at The Big Bounce. Photo courtesy of The Big Bounce
Have a jumping good time at The Big Bounce. Photo courtesy of The Big Bounce
4/28/24 - By Jennifer Swope

With May comes the unofficial start of summer in DC, and lots of family fun for Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

The Big Bounce America returns to the DC area this month, with opportunities for families to get their energy out in bounce houses of all sizes. There are also two opportunities to visit many of the embassies located in Washington, DC, and learn about different cultures during the Around the World Embassy Tour and the EU Open House.

Lastly, this is your final opportunity to see Titanic: The Exhibition at National Harbor and Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience in DC. Both immersive experiences close this month.

There's so much more to share, so read on for details on spring festivals, Mother's Day events, and Memorial Day celebrations.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this May, but don't forget to check our family activity calendar every day as we're always adding more events.

More Things To Do in DC This May With Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Get a hit of happiness at Dopamine Land before it leaves town on May 31. Photo by Jennifer Swope
Get a hit of happiness at Dopamine Land before it leaves town on May 31. Photo by Jennifer Swope

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids this May

Alice: Dreaming of Wonderland (at McLean Community Center)

McLean, VA - Thursday, May 2, 2024
Based on the classic by Lewis Carroll, Alice is an action-packed theatrical circus full of surprises, amazing acts, video projection with 3-D mapping, and live music. Imagine the March Hare balancing on a tower of chairs during a tea party with The Mad Hatter playing crazy instruments, or Alice performing acrobatics inside a giant keyhole. READ MORE

Flower Mart at Washington National Cathedral

Washington, DC - Friday & Saturday, May 3 & 4, 2024
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

Divinity Roxx at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, May 3-5, 2024
Celebrate self-love and positivity with Divinity Roxx, a Grammy®-nominated musician, recording artist, and composer. Her upbeat and sunny music is filled with powerful messages that encourage young people to become the best versions of themselves.  READ MORE

Anacostia River Festival

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 4, 2024
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

Around the World Embassy Tour

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 4, 2024
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

RESCHEDULED: Running of the Chihuahuas (at the Wharf)

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 4, 2024
Free
The Running of the Chihuahuas is a free, family-friendly event featuring iconic Chihuahua races on District Pier. Over 100 Chihuahuas race in groups of eight on a 60-foot “race track”. The fastest dogs move on in the winners’ bracket until a single Chihuahua is crowned the champion. Winners take home a dog-friendly swag bag, a trophy, and cash prizes. Spectators can view all the action on two giant video screens on both District and Transit Pier.  READ MORE

The World and Me Family Program: Amphibian Week Celebration with the USDA Forest Service and Friends (at the National Museum of Natural History)

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 4, 2024
Free
It's Amphibian Week. Families are invited to learn about amphibians alongside staff from the USDA Forest Service, the USGS, the Bureau of Land Management, and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Explore different stations and learn through play, art, and observations of live animals.  READ MORE

Family Archaeology Day at Needwood Mansion

Rockville, MD - Saturday, May 4, 2024
Free
Discover archaeology through hands-on activities, presentations, and live music at this free family event. Participate in a simulated archaeological dig, identify seeds, mend ceramics, make clay marbles and a clay pot, and try tinsmithing and weaving.  READ MORE

Family Day: Spacesuits: Past, Present, and Future at Udvar-Hazy Center

Chantilly, VA - Saturday, May 4, 2024
Free
Meet experts, do fun spacesuit-related activities, and explore how and why spacesuits were made the way they were. Discover how their design changed over time and what future spacesuits will look like for astronauts traveling to the Moon and Mars.   READ MORE

Free Comic Book Day 2024

Various Locations - Saturday, May 4, 2024
Pow! Crash! Boom!  Getting comic books for free is...super! Free Comic Book Day returns on its usual first Saturday in May date. READ MORE

International Family Equality Day at the National Zoo

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 5, 2024
Free
Celebrate family diversity with Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Visitors can speak with Zoo nutritionists, attend keeper talks, and see animal demonstrations. READ MORE

CiNoMatic at Alethia Tanner Park

Washington, DC - Wednesdays, May 8 - June 5, 2024
Free
"Epic Expeditions" 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

EU Open House

Washington, DC - Saturday, May 11, 2024
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

Baltimore Bubble Parade at Riverside Park

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, May 11, 2024
The Baltimore Bubble Parade centers around a performative walk where hundreds of participants are encouraged to blow bubbles in a parade-esque fashion around the park.  READ MORE

McLean Day at Lewinsville Park

McLean, VA - Friday & Saturday, May 17 & 18, 2024
Free
McLean's biggest annual festival is back with carnival rides, a petting zoo, music, games, food, and more. READ MORE

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

Boyds, MD - Saturday, May 18, 2024
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

Gaithersburg Book Festival (at Bohrer Park)

Gaithersburg, MD - Saturday, May 18, 2024
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

Wheaton Family Theatre Series: KidStory Theatre Festival

Wheaton, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 18 & 19, 2024
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 at Great Country Farms

Bluemont, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, May 18 - June 2, 2024
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

123 Andrés at Publick Playhouse

Cheverly, MD - Sunday, May 19, 2024
Latin Grammy winners 123 Andrés are the bilingual music duo of Christina & Andrés. Their songs in Spanish and English celebrate language and culture, and get the whole family moving and singing. READ MORE

Asian Festival on Main

Fairfax, VA - Sunday, May 19, 2024
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 19, 2024
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

Hometown Holidays Music Fest (at RedGate Park)

Rockville, MD - Saturday & Sunday, May 25 & 26, 2024
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

The Big Bounce America (at the Rosecroft Raceway)

Fort Washington, MD - Saturdays & Sundays, May 25 - June 9, 2024
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

ViVa Vienna!

Vienna, VA - Saturday - Monday, May 25-27, 2024
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

Galapagos George with Barefoot Puppets (at Discovery Theatre)

Washington, DC - Thursday & Friday, May 30 & 31, 2024
Audiences will follow the true story of “Lonesome George,” the last tortoise to be found on Pinta Island in the Galapagos archipelago, as he grows up among sea turtles, lizards, hungry goats, sea lions, and dancing birds with blue feet. This engaging and uplifting eco-fable shares an important lesson about human impact on the environment. READ MORE

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Sundays, through May 31, 2024
Dopamine Land is a multisensory experience combining media, technology, and play in one place. Visitors travel through an interactive museum boasting multiple rooms and activities that provide something new and exciting at every corner. READ MORE

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids on Mother's Day

Best Things to Do on Mother's Day 2024 in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Celebrate Mom with these great things to do in and around DC. READ MORE

Best Mother's Day Brunch in DC, Maryland, & Northern Virginia

Indulge Mom this Mother's Day by taking her out for a delicious brunch at one of these great spots. 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

Bowie's Memorial Day Parade

Bowie, MD - Saturday, May 25, 2024
Free
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 Choral Festival

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 26, 2024
Free with Ticket
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 Concert

Washington, DC - Sunday, May 26, 2024
Free
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 Parade

Washington, DC - Monday, May 27, 2024
Free
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 27, 2024
Free
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 27, 2024
Free
The 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
Multiple Locations
Historic Old Town Fairfax City
Old Town Alexandria
Discovery Theater – Ripley Center
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
West Lawn of the United States Capitol