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41 Best Things to Do in DC with Kids July 2024: 4th of July Events and More

LuminoCity Dino Safari is the world's only immersive experience blending light art with life-sized, roaring dinosaurs. Photo courtesy of the event
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6/30/24 - By Jennifer Swope

Summer is in full swing! July in DC brings Fourth of July, sunflowers, peaches, and more summer fun.

The DC area really celebrates Independence Day. Local towns and neighborhoods like Takoma Park, Vienna, and Capitol Hill have hometown festivities while the city plays host to large celebrations such as the National Independence Day Parade and the big DC fireworks show on the National Mall.

July has so many reasons to be outside, including the Loudoun County Fair, Summer of Sunflowers & Peaches, free DC summer concerts, and free outdoor movies.

We have so many more great events listed below for your family this July, 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 July With Kids:

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

Celebrate Independence Day at the Takoma Park 4th of July Parade. Photo by Steve LaRocque, courtesy of takomapark4th.org
Celebrate Independence Day at the Takoma Park 4th of July Parade. Photo by Steve LaRocque, courtesy of takomapark4th.org

Top Things To Do in DC with Kids in July: 4th of July Events

Vienna's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

Vienna, VA - Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Free
Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks at Yeonas Park. Enjoy a live performance by the US Navy Concert Band, food, games, fun, and a fireworks show. Fireworks begin at 9:30pm. READ MORE

Loudoun County Celebrate Independence!

Loudoun County, VA - Wednesday & Thursday, July 3 & 4, 2024
Free
Loudoun County Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) hosts multiple events in honor of Independence Day offering many opportunities to see incredible fireworks and fun festivities. The events commemorating Independence Day take place Friday, June 28 through Thursday, July 4. READ MORE

Capitol Hill Community 4th of July Parade

Washington, DC - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
The annual Capitol Hill Community Fourth of July Parade is back in person on Barracks Row. READ MORE

Family Day: Summer Party at The Capital Jewish Museum

Washington, DC - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Visit The Capital Jewish Museum before the fireworks for specialty crafts, music, food, and fun. Learn about Jewish Revolutionary War history from The National Museum of American Jewish Military History. Connect and celebrate traditions for the home with mezuzah activities brought by MyZuzah. Enjoy themed crafts and activities in the Community Action Lab and classic outdoor games and music on the newly opened third-floor terrace.   READ MORE

July 4th at the National Archives

Washington, DC - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Celebrate the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. The day includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, presentation of the colors, and more. READ MORE

National Independence Day Parade

Washington, DC - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Families can watch marching bands, floats, military units, giant balloons, and more to celebrate Independence Day in this patriotic celebration of America's birthday. READ MORE

Washington, DC 4th of July Celebration

Washington, DC - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
The National Park Service hosts its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration on the National Mall. The fireworks start at 9:09pm and launch from both sides of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. READ MORE

Baltimore 4th of July Celebration

Baltimore, MD - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Families can enjoy an entire day of fun July 4th celebrations in Baltimore. READ MORE

Germantown Glory (at South Germantown Recreational Park)

Germantown, MD - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Germantown celebrates 4th of July with music beginning at 7pm and fireworks at 9:15pm. READ MORE

Kensington's Annual Fourth of July Bike Parade

Kensington, MD - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
This annual bike parade is open to any and all. Join in with bikes, scooters, wagons, and strollers as the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department leads the parade. READ MORE

Rockville's Independence Day Celebration

Rockville, MD - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Celebrate 4th of July with live music and fireworks at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park for Rockville's annual Independence Day Celebration. READ MORE

Takoma Park 4th of July Parade and Evening Celebration

Takoma Park, MD - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Takoma Park's 4th of July parade begins at 10am. The evening celebration features music, games, food and drinks, and other fun activities and begins at 6:30pm. READ MORE

4th of July Hometown Celebration & Fireworks (at Great Falls Village Centre)

Great Falls, VA - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
The city of Great Falls celebrates the 4th of July throughout the day with a parade and fun activities in the morning followed by a fireworks display at 9pm. READ MORE

An American Celebration at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Meet George Washington, watch made-for-daytime fireworks, listen to live music, watch a US citizenship ceremony, and more during Mount Vernon's annual Independence Day Celebration. READ MORE

Celebrate America in Manassas, VA

Manassas, VA - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Celebrate Independence Day in downtown Manassas with a fun festival with lots of activities for kids beginning at 3pm, followed by a fireworks display at 9:15pm. READ MORE

City of Fairfax Independence Day Parade

Fairfax, VA - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Fairfax City's annual Independence Day parade, beginning at 10am, includes high school marching bands, large balloons, floats, and costumed characters. READ MORE

Town of Herndon 4th of July Celebration

Herndon, VA - Thursday, July 4, 2024
Free
Families can celebrate July 4th with activities, music, games, and a fireworks display in Bready Park. READ MORE

Six Flags America Coca-Cola July 4th Fest

Upper Marlboro, MD - Thursday - Saturday, July 4-6
Celebrate 4th of July all weekend long at Six Flags America with rides, live music, and fireworks every night. READ MORE
Meet lots of cute animals at the Loudoun County Fair. Photo courtesy of the fair
Meet lots of cute animals at the Loudoun County Fair. Photo courtesy of the fair

More Great Things to Do in DC with Kids in July

Smithsonian Folklife Festival

Washington, DC - Daily, through July 7, 2024 (except July 1 & 2)
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

Summer Tuesdays at National Children's Museum

Washington, DC - Tuesdays, July 2 - August 27, 2024
More sun means more fun! National Children's Museum is staying open for select Tuesdays in the months of July and August! Summer Tuesdays encourage more days of play for young learners and their families. The Museum is open during normal operating hours and will resume Tuesday closures in September. READ MORE

Dopamine Land: A Multisensory Experience

Washington, DC - Thursdays - Sundays, through July 7, 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

LuminoCity Dino Safari (at Westfield Montgomery Mall)

Bethesda, MD - Daily, July 4 - August 4, 2024
Visit the world's only immersive experience blending light art with life-sized and roaring dinosaurs. The 2024 theme features volcanic and Ice Age illumination where more than 40 dinosaurs come to life. READ MORE

Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experiences (at Baltimore Convention Center)

Baltimore, MD - Tuesdays - Sundays, July 5 - September 15, 2024
Step into the captivating world of Van Gogh and Monet as their masterpieces come to life. READ MORE

The Wizard of Oz (The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo Park)

Glen Echo, MD - Thursdays - Sundays, July 6 - August 4, 2024
This award-winning musical production uses the original Denslow design from the books. Using several styles of puppetry, The Puppet Co. tells the great American fairy tale written by L. Frank Baum. The story takes place at the 1900s Kansas State Fair, with performers in costumes, guiding the audience down the yellow brick road. READ MORE

Barbie The Movie: In Concert at Jiffy Lube Live

Bristow, VA - Sunday, July 7, 2024
Get ready to dance the night away as Ameris Bank Amphitheatre transforms into Barbie Land. The full-length feature film is accompanied live by a musically renowned, all-women, majority women-of-color orchestra. READ MORE

LEGO® DREAMZzz: Agents Wanted Event at LEGO Discovery Center

Springfield, VA - Daily, July 12 - August 3, 2024
Defend the Dream World! Meet Izzie & Z-Blob from LEGO DREAMZzz and defend the dream world in the limited-time event. The Never Witch is stealing memories, and families can become Night Agents to stop her. READ MORE

The World and Me Family Program: Explore the Earth's Past in a Deep Time Exhibit Takeover! (National Museum of Natural History)

Washington, DC - Saturday, July 13, 2024
Free
The World and Me team is going out into the museum for a special fossil-focused adventure. Experience the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils tailored to families with learners of all ages. Scientists and educators from the Smithsonian welcome families and anyone interested in exploring Earth’s deep past.  READ MORE

French Alliance Family Day at George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA - Saturday, July 13, 2024
Families can discover the role of the American-French alliance in the American Revolution. Visitors meet Rochambeau, Commander of French Forces in the American Revolution, and learn about other American and French individuals who fostered alliances that helped to forge a nation. There are also opportunities to create a sash and pick up take-home activities, listen to music of the Revolution, and read Revolutionary Friends: General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette with Mount Vernon staff. READ MORE

Star Wars: A New Hope in Concert at Wolf Trap

Vienna, VA - Saturday, July 13, 2024
Coming to Wolf Trap from a galaxy far, far away…the most epic space adventure of all time! Join Luke Skywalker on his journey in the film that started it all—Star Wars: A New Hope. From the triumphant opening fanfare to the ethereal “Princess Leia’s Theme,” the National Symphony Orchestra brings John Williams’ Oscar-winning score to life in this powerful multimedia experience. READ MORE

USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration

Alexandria, VA - Saturday, July 13, 2024
Families can celebrate the 248th birthday of the USA and the 275th birthday of the City of Alexandria with a host of activities at Oronoco Bay Park. Guests can expect music by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, cupcakes, a cannon salute, and fireworks.  READ MORE

Lotus and Water Lily Festival at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens

Washington, DC - Friday - Sunday, July 19-21, 2024
Free
Visit Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for its annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival. During this weeklong event, guests can expect family games, arts and crafts, and cultural performances from around the world.  READ MORE

Encore Stage's The Sound of Music (at Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre)

Arlington, VA - Fridays - Sundays, July 19-28, 2024
The beloved story tells the tale of young postulant Maria Rainer, whose free spirit has trouble fitting into the rules of Nonnberg Abbey. She is commissioned by the Mother Abbess to serve as the governess of seven children. She transforms the Von Trapp home from a place of rules and regulations to one filled with joy, laughter, and music. Over time, Maria wins over the love of the children and the children’s father, Captain Von Trapp.  READ MORE

National Ice Cream Day Celebration at Port Discovery

Baltimore, MD - Saturday, July 20, 2024
Celebrate National Ice Cream Day at Port Discovery by grabbing some free ice cream samples and participating in ice cream-themed games. READ MORE

National Ice Cream Fest (at One Loudoun Festival Grounds)

Ashburn, VA - Saturday, July 20, 2024
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

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

Purcellville, VA - Saturday, July 20, 2024
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 of Sunflowers & Peaches at Great Country Farms

Bluemont, VA - Daily, July 20 - August 11, 2024
Visit Great Country Farms to pick sunflowers, enjoy fun farm activities (and live music on weekends), and take great family photos. Pick-your-own sunflowers are $1 per stem, or you can purchase a bucket. Peaches will also be ready to pick throughout the festival. READ MORE

Back to the Future: The Musical at The Kennedy Center

Washington, DC - Tuesdays - Sundays, July 23 - August 11, 2024
Great Scott! Back to the Future, the beloved, cinematic classic, is now a Broadway musical. When Marty McFly finds himself transported back to 1955 in a time machine built by eccentric scientist Doc Brown, he accidentally changes the course of history. Now he’s in a race against time to fix the present, escape the past, and send himself... back to the future. READ MORE

Loudoun County Fair

Leesburg, VA - Tuesday - Saturday, July 23-27, 2024
Enjoy food, carnival rides, live entertainment, games, a petting zoo, a demolition derby, and more at the annual Loudoun County Fair. READ MORE

Ghostbusters in Concert at Wolf Trap

Vienna, VA - Friday, July 26, 2024
They’re here to save the world! The Oscar-nominated film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. Experience the beloved ’80s classic like never before as the National Symphony Orchestra performs Elmer Bernstein’s Grammy-nominated score and Ray Parker Jr.’s Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping theme song, “Ghostbusters,” live to film. READ MORE

SAAM Arcade

Washington, DC - Saturday, July 27, 2024
Free
SAAM Arcade is back in the Kogod Courtyard for a day full of new games from indie developers along with classic arcade and console games. This year's arcade highlights games that use music and sound design in engaging, experimental, and inventive ways, from rhythm games to musical instrument simulators to groundbreaking soundtracking. READ MORE

Peach Fuzztival at Great Country Farms

Bluemont, VA - Saturdays & Sundays, July 27 - August 4, 2024
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

Places featured in this article:

Various Locations - Loudoun County
Great Falls Village Centre
Historic Downtown Manassas
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One Loudoun Festival Grounds
The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts