Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

Port Discovery Children’s Museum is having their grand re-opening celebration and welcomes visitors to come see their new exhibits and structures! While you’re there, spend the day or weekend in Baltimore with these great spots to hit!

There are many fun family events and deals happening this weekend courtesy of the Washington Nationals. Check them out here!

Friday

5:00pm-8:30pm: Jazz in the Sculpture Garden
The Jazz in the Garden Series begins its 19th season in May. The free concert series features jazz artists performing a wide variety of styles—Brazilian Folk Jazz, Alternative Modern, Blues, Reggae, World Steam Punk, Afro Funk, African Fusion Jazz, Cuban Charanga, Django Guitar, New Orleans Jazz, and more—every Friday evening from 5:00 to 8:30 in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You can purchase food and adult beverages or bring your own picnic (but no adult bevs are allowed in, purchase them there).

7:00pm-9:00pm: Friday Night Concert Series:  Shane Gamble Band
The free Capitol Riverfront Friday Night Concert Series is back for its 9th Season. Every Friday night this summer, head to Yards Park to relax and enjoy the river view, fantastic bands, food and beverage, and a large variety of great restaurants within a few minutes walk from the park. Family-friendly lyrics and grassy open space make this an enjoyable event for adults and kids alike.

Saturday

8:00am-1:00pm: DC’s Annual Truck
The event at RFK will feature a variety of free activities for kids and adults. A host of DC government agencies will present and demonstrate nearly 30 vehicles used to clean and repair streets, change traffic lights, collect refuse, clear snow, provide emergency services, administer mobile health care, and more. Coordinated annually by the DC Department of Public Works, kids are encouraged to climb into trucks and adults invited to test drive various equipment. The DC Department of Parks and Recreation will also provide a bevy of activities for kids and adults including, tennis, basketball and fitness activities. Free boxed lunches will be provided to kids up to age 18 as part of the DC Free Summer Meals Program.

10:30am-12:30pm: Pop-up Father’s Day Card Workshop at National Postal Museum
Make a card for your father figure with our fun craft supplies! Free. All ages welcome.

1:00pm-8:00pm: 10th Annual Pirate Fest
Join the Lock House for the 10th Annual Havre de Grace Pirate Fest. Enjoy live music, food trucks, refreshing beverages, pirates and mermaids, kids activities, craft vendors, and hands-on maritime demonstrations. Swashbuckling fun for the whole family! ‘You Bet your Axe’ the super popular axe throwing game out of Elkton will be there all day. Proceeds will benefit the Lock House Museum. 5-8pm is for grown-ups only with live music, beer, fire pits.  *In the event of severe inclement weather, the event will be held Sunday, June 16. Kids 2 and under free (does not include Pirate hat and cookie decorating).

5:00pm-7:00pm: Pizza + Picasso- Art Night with Makeshift
Join us for pizza and arts + crafting from 5-7pm Saturday night! Ticket prices are $22.50 for kids ages 1+ and include pizza and art activities from 5-7pm.  Siblings/additional children receive 50% off their tickets. 
Parents join + eat free. If you want to turn this into Date Night they have partnered with District Sitter to offer babysitting services throughout the event. Please select this optional Add-On at Checkout to request a Dedicated District Sitter who will watch your kids (and your kids only) while they eat and create at Makeshift! Your children will be assigned a sitter who will help them participate in the pizza + art activities and watch them throughout the event. The cost is $45 for 2 hours of dedicated babysitting services for up to 2 kids AT MAKESHIFT from District Sitter.

7:00pm: Cinema Del Ray: Ralph Breaks the Internet
Free open air movie showings sponsored by The Jen Walker Team. Bring blankets and cozy up. No 4 legged friends.

Sunday
Happy Father’s Day! Here are some fun ways to spend the day

9:00-10:30am: Littlest Critters Preschool Class at the National Zoo  
Celebrate Father’s Day at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo by getting to know one of the newest little critters at the Zoo: our wallaby joey! Friends of the National Zoo preschool classes are designed for children ages 2-3 to discover a whole new view of the National Zoo. “Adult-and-me” format classes use interactive learning stations, hands-on activities and crafts, Nature Play, and exciting Zoo Walks to engage your child’s sense of wonder and curiosity about wildlife and the natural world. Pre-registration is required. Please note that classes do not include any behind-the-scenes access or animal contact. $28/child for FONZ members. $35/child for non-members. Registration fee covers one child with adult. 

1:00pm-2:00pm: Family Yoga “Playshop”
A playful class designed for kids ages 4-9 to experience beginning yoga and yoga inspired movement along with a parent or caregiver. They will incorporate music to help guide interactive movement, and partner poses for kids and adults to enjoy together. Kids and their adult partners will learn and practice some yoga poses and yoga games, and get exposure to mindfulness and relaxation techniques that can benefit the whole family. It is a wonderful way to connect with your children through movement and mindfulness! No yoga experience required. $25 for two family members, $10 for each additional member. 

5:00pm: Alphabet Rockers at McLean Central Park
GRAMMY-nominated Alphabet Rockers make music that makes change. They inspire American kids to stand up to hate and be their brave and beautiful selves.

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: Ralph Breaks the Internet
Nothing says summer like an evening under the stars—and there’s no better way to enjoy the season than Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor. Pack your picnic blankets, grab food to go from one of the delicious dining establishments, and meet at the Plaza’s big screen for a FREE evening of fun for all ages! Please note that movies will begin at 6:00pm and will be shown once. They also feature Date Night Movies on Thursdays at 7:00pm.