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Weekend Fun for DC Kids: Festivals, Nature, Summer Movies August 17-18, 2019

DinoRoars at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Photo by Billings Productions Inc.
DinoRoars at Smithsonian’s National Zoo. Photo by Billings Productions Inc.
8/14/19 - By Christine Mooney

While the unofficial end of summer is just a few weeks away, there’s still so much to do: Festivals to head to, bucket list items to check off, pools to swim in, concerts and movies in the park to attend. So this weekend, DC families have plenty of (almost) end-of-summer fun to choose from. 

Check out our list of top picks for this August weekend and then take a peek at our events calendar for more ideas.

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Things to Do All Weekend

Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Gaithersburg, MD
This 75th annual fair offers 62 acres of fun for families, including over 5,000 animals, carnival rides and games, live entertainment, food, arts and crafts, and more.  READ MORE

DinoRoars at Smithsonian’s National Zoo

FREE - Washington, DC
Experience six animatronic dinosaurs, including a T. Rex that measures nearly 40 feet long, during DinoRaurs at the Smithsonian's National Zoo. READ MORE

Prince William County Fair

Manassas, VA
The Prince William County Fair features livestock and arts exhibits, tractor pulls, a rodeo, demolition derbies, live music and shows, food, carnival rides and games, and more. READ MORE

Arlington County Fair

Arlington, VA
The Arlington County Fair is back this year with competitive exhibits, midway rides and games, entertainment, vendors, and more. READ MORE
Flights of Fancy Story Time. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
Flights of Fancy Story Time. Photo courtesy of Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

Things to Do on Saturday

Morven Park Summer Hunter Show Series

FREE - Leesburg, VA
Morven Park International Equestrian Center hosts its new Summer Hunter Show Series. Children can expect to see 2’, 2’6”, and 3’ Hunter Derby in a family-friendly atmosphere. READ MORE

Scottish History and Dance

FREE - Alexandria, VA
Families can learn about Scottish history through dance at James M. Duncan Jr. Branch Library. Guests can expect a troupe of dancers from the Granfling School of Highland Dance to perform dances that tell the history of Scotland. READ MORE

Astronomical Observing

FREE - Washington, DC
Head to Phoebe Waterman-Haas Public Observatory to view the sun safely with the Museum's solar-filtered telescopes. This event is weather permitting. READ MORE

Campfire Safety for Families

Annandale, VA
Families who are interested in camping can participate in this session to get familiar with some camping basics at Hidden Oak Nature Center. During this one hour workshop, visitors learn how to safely build and enjoy a campfire as well as make s'mores. READ MORE
Family Movie Night at National Harbor. Photo courtesy of Visit Maryland
Family Movie Night at National Harbor. Photo courtesy of Visit Maryland

Things to Do on Sunday

Sunday Sunset Concerts at Allen Pond Park

FREE - Bowie, MD
Enjoy free concerts every Sunday evening at 7pm at the amphitheater at Allen Pond Park in Bowie, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. READ MORE

Sunday Morning Bird Walks

FREE - Alexandria, VA
Visit Dyke Marsh for an early Sunday morning bird walk led by experienced birders. Guests are asked to gather in the south parking lot of the Bell Haven picnic area at 8am. READ MORE

A Boy Named Charlie Brown

Fairfax, VA
Angelika Film Center presents A Boy Named Charlie Brown in recognition of its original release 50 years ago. The first animated feature film based on Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts® comic strip, Charlie Brown faces his fear with his friends by his side. READ MORE

Family Movie Night at National Harbor

FREE - National Harbor, MD
Enjoy an evening on the Potomac with Family Movie Nights at The Plaza, National Harbor. READ MORE

Grinding Demonstration

FREE - Great Falls, VA
Visit Colvin Run Mill to see how the miller uses 19th century technology to grind meal. Demonstrations are from 12 Noon through 3 PM, conditions permitting.  READ MORE

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