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Museum Events, Free Fun, and More Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

This weekend is your last chance to visit Momentum Park(our) at the National Building Museum! Photo courtesy of the museum.
This weekend is your last chance to visit Momentum Park(our) at the National Building Museum! Photo courtesy of the museum.
7/16/25 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

Looking for the best things to do in DC this weekend? Here are some family-friendly events and activities to add to your list for this weekend.

As the heat wave continues in the DC area, stay cool at some fun events at local museums! Head to Baltimore to celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Port Discovery or Christmas in July at the B&O Railroad Museum. The National Building Museum's interactive parkour exhibit, Momentum Park(our), is also open through Sunday.

There are several opportunities for FREE fun this weekend, like the Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Family Day at the Library of Congress, where you can learn all about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. And Saturday is the last Summer Movie Night in Alexandria, where you can watch Shrek under the stars!

Check out our deals link at the top of the calendar, as well as our Guide to Free Things To Do in DC with Kids, to find all the great deals that are part of our Summer of Savings 2025.

More Things To Do in Washington, DC this Week with Kids:

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Top Things To Do in DC This Weekend With Kids

Sesame Street the Musical at the Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Sundays, July 10 - August 31
Elmo, Cookie Monster, Abby Cadabby, and your favorite Sesame Street friends are bringing the TV show’s iconic songs and stories to the stage! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy the Muppets from Sesame Street in an intimate, joyous theatrical setting at the Kennedy Center. READ MORE

Machu Picchu: The VR Experience

Washington, DC - Various dates, through September 28
Machu Picchu: The VR Experience is a groundbreaking, free-roam virtual reality journey that transports guests deep into the heart of the Incan Empire. Crafted in collaboration with historians and the Embassy of Peru, this first-of-its-kind experience fuses cinematic storytelling with historical accuracy. Terry Crews stars as robot guide TERI. READ MORE

Momentum Park(our) at the National Building Museum

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Sundays, through July 20
National Building Museum invites visitors of all ages to experience Momentum Park(our), a bold new installation that transforms the Museum’s Great Hall into an immersive parkour environment. Open from July 3–20, this limited-time exhibition offers a thrilling physical and educational journey through the intersections of movement, design, and spatial awareness.   READ MORE

The Frog Prince (The Puppet Co. Playhouse at Glen Echo Park)

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, through July 20
Great Lakes National Puppet Theater presents another classic fairytale. The Frog Prince was first published in Germany in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm. It is the story of a prince who is placed under a spell by a wicked witch and can only be restored by the kiss of a beautiful princess. READ MORE

Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Washington, DC - Fridays - Sunday, July 18-20
Free
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for its annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. During this fun event, guests can expect family games, arts and crafts, and cultural performances from around the world. Lotuses and water lilies are on display.  READ MORE

Peach Fuzztival at Great Country Farms

Bluemont, VA - Saturday & Sunday, July 19 & 20
Celebrate peak peach-picking season at Great Country Farms with peach-eating and peach pit-spitting contests, family water games, pick-your-own peaches, and lots more.    READ MORE

Archaeology Family Day at Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Saturday, July 19
Learn about the archaeological process with Mount Vernon educators through hands-on activities. Participate in a miniature dig, put broken objects together, make your own replicas out of clay, and pick up take-home activities (while supplies last). Hear from Mount Vernon archaeologists about their role at Mount Vernon and their recent discoveries.  READ MORE

National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, July 19
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Port Discovery by grabbing some free ice cream samples and participating in ice cream-themed games. READ MORE

Purcellville Wine & Food Festival (at Dillon's Woods)

Purcellville, VA - Saturday, July 19
This family-friendly festival in the heart of DC's wine country features live music, vendors, kids' activities, and of course food and wine. READ MORE

Summer Movie Nights in Alexandria (at the AlexRenew Terrace at Limerick Field)

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, July 19
Free
Need a fun and free Saturday-evening activity the whole family will love? Grab your ticket for the best summer experience: an outdoor movie, snacks, and treats from local businesses at a truly unique Alexandria location. READ MORE

Family Day at the Library of Congress: Discover the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled

Washington, DC - Saturday, July 19
Free
Do you listen to audiobooks? Have you ever wondered how to read braille? Do you or someone you know have dyslexia? Learn all about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) and how it serves Library of Congress patrons and their families. Experience the Jefferson Building through the Visitor Engagement Office’s signature hands-on Touch History displays. Hear audiobook narrator demonstrations at 11am, 12:30pm and 2pm. READ MORE

Christmas in July at B&O Railroad Museum

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, July 19
Get in the Christmas spirit early this year at the B&O Railroad Museum! Take photos with Santa, drink frozen hot chocolate, decorate your own Christmas stocking, make a snow globe, and write letters to St. Nick. Summer never looked so festive! And of course, get your Polar Express™ tickets for 2025. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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