The Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival is one place to celebrate DC's cherry blossoms. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0

Free Spring Activities for Kids and Families in DC

1. See and Celebrate the Cherry Blossoms

The famous Washington, DC cherry blossoms are a symbol of spring, and they are truly a sight to behold. There are many events around the area where you can celebrate and enjoy the blossoms, including National Cherry Blossom Festival events and the Sakura Matsuri Japanese Street Festival. But you can also marvel at the flowers on your own at one of the area's places to see the cherry blossoms.

2. Explore the Monuments and Memorials

Spring is the perfect time to stroll around the iconic National Mall. Since you won't have to rush indoors to escape the cold or get relief from the heat, you can cover more ground and really spend time at each monument. Check out day one of our three-day DC itinerary to learn how to see most of the top monuments and memorials in one day. And when you get hungry, here are the best places to eat with kids near the National Mall.

3. Roll on Over to a Skate Park

Break out the helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads and take your skateboarder or inline skater to one of the many great skate parks near DC before the summer heat and humidity begin.

4. Take a Hike

With all of the amazing parks in the DC area, as well as miles and miles of gorgeous hiking trails, your family could take a different hike every day this spring and still not do them all. Try one of the hikes listed in our roundup of 12 fall hikes near Washington, DC and see how different it looks with spring in full bloom!

5. Visit Chessie's BIG Backyard

This fantastic, accessible playground for kids of all ages (part of Franconia Rec Center) has lots of features to climb, crawl, and slide on. There's also a tree house and the 2,160-foot Chessie’s Trail, where kids can explore sensory features like a sound garden and animal figures. Spring is the perfect time to visit because the carousel is open (for a small fee), but the adjacent Our Special Harbor Sprayground is not, which means crowds can be thinner. Chessie's is one of our must-visit destination playgrounds.

6. Tour the Embassies

Passport DC, a monthlong event that takes place every May, includes fun programming by 70 embassies and a variety of DC's cultural institutions. A highlight is the free Around the World Embassy Tour, when more than 50 embassies open their doors to visitors to share the food, dance, music, art, fashion, innovations, and goods from their countries.

7. Snag a Free Comic Book

May 3 is Free Comic Book Day 2025! Head to a free comic-book store near you to snag a free comic book. Some stores also offer other fun activities on Free Comic Book Day!

RELATED: 12 Hiking Games for Kids That Turn Walks into Adventures Again

Check out the Children's Garden at the US Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of usbg.gov

8. Stroll through a Botanical Garden

There is no better time to visit the DC area's many botanical gardens than spring, when flowers and trees are bursting into life after a long winter. Try the US National Arboretum and the US Botanic Garden in DC; Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland; or Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia.

9. Meet the New Pandas at the National Zoo

Giant pandas made Bao Li and Qing Bao their debut at the National Zoo in January (read all about them in our post). If you haven't wanted to brave the cold to go meet them, do it this spring!

10. Explore Free Nature Centers

We have a great list of free nature centers near DC where kids can learn about the natural world and see amphibians and reptiles up close. They're open year-round, but they're great to visit in spring because they all have outdoor areas such as ponds, trails, and playgrounds.

Spring Festivals and Fairs for Families in DC

There are around 30 fun events on our list of the best spring festivals in the DC area for kids and families. But since you can't do 'em all, here are the one we recommend. Bonus: Admission is FREE (though activities will cost you.!

11. Georgetown French Market

This Parisian-inspired open-air market in the charming Book Hill neighborhood features face painting, roaming whimsical street performers, caricature artists, and more. C'est magnifique!

12. Flower Mart

Flower Mart brings families to the Washington National Cathedral grounds for food, vendors, carnival games, an antique carousel, more fun activities, and lots and lots of flowers for sale.

13. KinderFest

This festival at Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, MD is just for kids! The fun includes games, interactive exhibits, carousel rides, nature activities, a pumpkin pyramid, tennis demonstrations, food vendors, and more.

14. ViVa Vienna!

Head to Vienna, VA for this three-day festival on Memorial Day weekend. Enjoy food, rides, live music, children's activities, and so much more.

RELATED: Awesome Trampoline Parks Near DC for Indoor Family Fun

Test your skills at the country's oldest continually operating mini golf course. Photo courtesy of East Potomac Mini Golf

Outdoor Spring Adventures in DC

15. Play a Round of Mini Golf

The area's many great mini golf courses open back up in spring, including the only remaining course in Washington, DC itself—East Potomac Mini Golf. The 18-hole course, which opened in 1931, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest continuously operating miniature golf course in the country.

16. Relax at a Winery, Beer Garden, or Brewery

Sometimes parents just want—no, need—to unwind with a cold beverage while the kids run around and play. They can do just that at a number of kid-friendly wineries, beer gardens, and breweries in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Some of them offer live music and other entertainment, and many even welcome dogs!

17. Go Camping

Ah, spring... the perfect time to head into the great outdoors to enjoy nature with your family. Whether you like to brave the elements and pitch a tent or you're more of a cozy-cabin kind of camper, there are plenty of family-friendly campgrounds within a four-hour drive of DC. These campgrounds offer a wide range of outdoor activities and fit a variety of budgets.

18. Go Fishing

Another good-weather family activity is fishing, and there are lots of great fishing lakes around the DC area where families can cast their lines. Just know that everyone ages 16-64 needs a fishing license to fish anywhere in DC, including along the Potomac and Anacostia rivers. You can purchase a fishing license online.

RELATED: 6 Little League Baseball Drills You Can Do at Home

Take the kids out to a ballgame to cheer on the Washington Nationals. Photo courtesy of federalbaseball.com

19. Root, Root, Root for the Home Team

Head to Nationals Park to cheer on the Washington Nationals and enjoy kid-friendly activities like a play structure and the opportunity to run the bases after every Sunday afternoon home game. Be sure to sign your kids up for the Jr. Nationals Kids Club. For a more low-key baseball experience, take the kids to cheer on a minor-league team like the Fredericksburg Nationals. You could also take a day trip to Baltimore to root for the Orioles.

20. Pick Tulips

Bring some spring into your home by picking fresh tulips and daffodils at Burnside Farms in Nokesville, VA. Pack a picnic, and don't forget your camera—the flower fields make for spectacular photo ops!

21. Go Paddleboarding, Kayaking, or Canoeing

It may not be warm enough to go swimming just yet, but you can still enjoy the DC area's many rivers and lakes. Paddleboard, kayak, and canoe rentals open back up in April or May. If you'd rather pedal than paddle, the Tidal Basin's famous paddle boats offer spectacular views of the cherry blossoms from the Potomac River.

22. Meet Baby Animals

Spring is when many baby farm animals are born! Visit them at one of the great animal farms and petting zoos in Northern Virginia and Maryland. We recommend South Mountain Creamery in Middletown, MD, where you can actually bottle-feed baby cows. Read all about our experience at South Mountain Creamery. You can also celebrate the baby animals' arrival at Spring Farm Day at Frying Pan Farm in Herndon, VA.

23. Pick Your Own Strawberries

Strawberry picking at Maryland and Northern Virginia farms generally begins in May, and sometimes as early as late April. Check out our list of the best places to go strawberry picking near DC, many of which offer other fun farm activities like playgrounds, petting zoos, and more.

RELATED: Easter Scavenger Hunts and Other At-Home Easter Egg Hunt Ideas

Lee-Fendall House is one place to hunt for eggs this spring. Photo courtesy of leefendallhouse.org

Spring Holiday Activities in DC

24. Go On an Easter Egg Hunt

Easter egg hunts are a big thing in the DC area, giving families lots of options. Kids can hunt for eggs at Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia, at Butler's Orchard in Germantown, Maryland, or at one of many other Easter egg hunts near Washington, DC.

25. Get Colorful for Holi

The Holi Festival of Colors was in March, as you may have seen in our post about celebrating Holi with kids. But since March in DC is often brrr, many Holi celebrations are scheduled in April. Try Holi at Mosaic in Fairfax, VA or the Festival of Colors at Bull Run in Centreville, VA.

26. Commemorate Earth Day

There are several family-friendly Earth Day events throughout the DC area. One of our favorites is Earth Day Fairfax at Sully Historic Site in Chantilly, VA, where kids can enjoy nature exhibits, outdoor learning activities, an obstacle course, farm animals, a touch-a-truck, and more. Earth Day Every Day on Langston Boulevard in Arlington, VA is another fun event featuring live music, environmental booths, kids' activities, and an arts market.

27. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo

We can't think of a better place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo (two days earlier) than at the Running of the Chihuahuas at the Wharf. There's also a Cinco de Mayo Kids Festival with Encanto and Darth Vader at Shipgarten in McLean, VA, featuring face painting, moon bounces, crafts, live music, and more. 

Delicious Spring Food Experiences in DC

28. Have Breakfast or Brunch with the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is in town this spring, and there are plenty of places in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for families to meet and take pictures with the bunny. Find them all in our list of Easter Bunny brunches and breakfasts near DC.

29. Feast On a Mother's Day Brunch

Whether you're looking for a fancy affair or a more laid-back vibe, the DC area has plenty of restaurants that serve a delicious Mother's Day brunch. If you don't feel like going out, help your kiddos whip up one of these Mother's Day brunch recipes kids can make—or just stay in bed and let someone else give them a hand!

30. Try Cherry Blossom Ice Cream

In honor of cherry blossom season, grab a scoop (or two) of "Cherry Blossom Festival"—fresh cherries and rose water ice cream—at Sarah's Handmade Ice Cream in Bethesda, North Bethesda, or Rockville, MD. If traditional flavors are more your style, Sarah's has those, too. Or, you can try one of our favorite ice cream shops near DC. 

31. Have a Spring Cupcake...

Georgetown Cupcake has several spring-themed cupcakes that are as pretty as they are yummy. Flower-themed picks include the Cherry Blossom, the Cherry Cheesecake, and the Pink Tulip. Easter options are the Vanilla Confetti Easter Egg, the Chocolate Caramel Easter Bunny, the Butterscotch Bunny, and the Lemon Marshmallow. They're almost too pretty to eat!

32. ...or a Spring Cakecup!

That's right—we said "cakecup!" Georgetown's Baked & Wired has brought back its Cherry Blossom Cakecup—vanilla cake with maraschino cherries folded and chopped into the batter, and topped with maraschino cherry buttercream. 

RELATED: Free Museums Near DC to Visit with Kids

 
See all sorts of LEGO sculptures at The Art of the Brick. Photo by the author

Creative and Artsy Spring Ideas in DC

33. See The Art of the Brick

The Art of the Brick, the world's most famous LEGO exhibit, is currently on display at the Rhode Island Center through May (though it could get extended). It features more than 130 sculptures crafted out of over a million LEGO bricks, and has some creative activities for kids at the end. Check out my review of The Art of the Brick before you go!

34. Make Easter Bunny Art

Kidcreate Studio in Alexandria, VA is hosting workshops on Friday, April 18 (spring break for many local public schools) where kids can create an Easter Bunny scene or a neon glow bunny. Kidcreate's Ashburn and Fairfax, VA locations are hosting several Easter workshops in April.

35. Visit the LEGO Discovery Center

If you haven't yet visited the LEGO Discovery Center in Springfield, VA, spring is a great time to go—especially if you have a young car enthusiast. The center's LEGO® F1®-themed Build the Thrill Event is going on now through April 27. Grab your pit passes and driver's briefing while choosing your team for the event, where you can create a minifigure driver, build a racecar, and head to the pit stop to take on build challenges.

36. Create Animation at the National Children's Museum

The Animationland traveling exhibit lets children step into the world of storytelling, channel their creativity, and develop their own animated masterpiece using storyboarding, stop-motion, sound effects, and more. Recommended for ages 6-12, Animationland closes after May 11, so hurry over!

Museums and Exhibits to Check Out this Spring

37. Bond in Motion at the International Spy Museum

Now through April 30, the International Spy Museum is hosting an official exhibition of vehicles used on-screen by James Bond and his allies and adversaries. Props, scale models, and clips from the films are also on show alongside cars, motorcycles, submarines, and more from the Q Branch garage.

38. Dopamine Land

If the longer days haven't brightened your mood enough already, Dopamine Land will! The Decompression Room, Infinity Bliss, Lucid Dreams, and Pillow Fight are just some of the adventures filled with illuminations, endless visuals, reflections, and photo moments. The Rhythm Studio features a one-of-a-kind vocal track and sound. Read our writer's review of Dopamine Land, then hurry over before it leaves town at the end of April.

39. Blooming Wonders: A Best of Spring Exhibition at ARTECHOUSE

Through interactive technology and immersive design, Blooming Wonders will transport you into larger-than-life floral landscapes, mesmerizing digital dreamscapes, and interactive environments that capture the fleeting beauty of spring.

40. Mount Vernon

Visit George Washington's home during Revolutionary War Weekend and you'll get to see battle reenactments, meet soldiers and civilians who traveled with them, and walk through General George Washington's war tent.

Live Theater, Concerts and Shows to See this Spring

41. Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: A Discovery Play

Kids ages 3-6 will love this darling Discovery Theater play, in which some favorite community helpers will take them on an adventure through the neighborhood and they'll become volunteer firefighters. The show includes recycled crafting and interactive songs.

42. Charlotte's Web

Beloved children's book Charlotte's Web comes to life at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo, MD. It's playing for an entire month this spring, so you'll have plenty of time to get over there and see it!

43. Mother Goose

Through innovative puppets, props, and original music, eight classic Mother Goose rhymes come to life at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, MD. The magical Mother Goose invites the children in the audience to join in with each rhyme’s story. It's perfect for ages 1-5, but hurry—it's only playing until April 13!

44. Sister Act

Adults and teens alike will love this riotous musical comedy based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg. Even cooler that it's at Ford's Theatre!

45. The Circus

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® has reimagined The Greatest Show on Earth and is headed to Fairfax, VA and Baltimore, MD this spring. The show is still full of superhuman feats pushing the limits of possibility, but no longer has animals.