Weekend picks for families in and around Washington, DC

This weekend is going to be HOT, hotter than any weekend we’ve had HOT. Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty of indoor options for you and some extra indoor fun here. On the blog there are plenty of other options at the top tab, including fun local, theatre productions. Tap a dip in a pool or waterpark this weekend. Washington Post has some great ideas on where to chill this weekend.

The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum will help lead a national celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo missions. On Friday and Saturday, a 17-minute show called “Apollo 50: Go for the Moon” will re-create the launch of Apollo 11 on the Washington Monument.

Aladdin is at The Kennedy Center through September 7!

Sunday is National Ice Cream Day! The Yards and Ice Cream Jubilee Celebrate National Ice Cream Day By Creating DC’s Longest Sundae

Friday

4:00pm-5:00pm: Open Studio: Family Mindfulness
Beat the heat with your little ones during our summer meditation series! Take a moment to pause and reflect in front of artworks in the Freer’s permanent collection. Then, admire nature’s beauty in the courtyard with a series of facilitated activities to help deepen self-awareness. Finally, we’ll slow things down and experience guided breathing, storytelling, and other beginner-friendly mindfulness techniques led by instructors. Come ready to move in comfortable clothes. For ages four and above with adult companions. No registration required. First-come, first-served.

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: The 19th Street 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

9:00am-10:30am: Curious George Preschool Class at the National Zoo
Curious George loves to explore, just like the monkeys at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo! We’ll learn about the special features that help them make mischief, then put on your yellow hats and pay a visit to our favorite pint-sized primates! 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.

9:30am AND 11:00am: Saturday Morning at The National featuring Traveling Lantern: My Mother the Astronaut
You and your children are invited to join us at The National on Saturday mornings for a series of free programs that engage and inspire the young mind. Play, laugh, learn, and discover through interactive performances, puppets, dance, and music that are designed to light up the imagination and celebrate a world of wonder.

10:00am-3:00pm: The 8th Annual Day of Archaeology Festival
This event is a fun-filled day for both adults and children. Children can get hands-on with in mock-excavations, crafts, and 3D printed artifacts. Speak with archaeologists in person and learn about their projects locally and globally. There will be live music, family activities, face painting and food trucks for all to enjoy. The Day of Archaeology Festival is a great way to learn about DC’s local history and visit Dumbarton House and is free.

10:30am: Marsha and the Positrons at Jammin Java
Marsha and the Positrons play fun, positive songs about science & how the world works, with shows that are playful, educational, and entertaining for kids and grown-ups too. They will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Moon Landing with a fun music show about astronomy and space!! Tickets are $5 per person with special prizes and giveaways.

Sunday

11:30am: The Yards and Ice Cream Jubilee Celebrate National Ice Cream Day By Creating DC’s Longest Sundae
The Yards, DC’s most exciting waterfront neighborhood for living, dining, shopping and relaxing, and Ice Cream Jubilee invite you to celebrate National Ice Cream Day with a free event, where DC’s longest sundae will be created – and eaten! Each participant will receive a 2-scoop sundae with Ice Cream Jubilee’s signature flavors as we create a new city record! Tickets can be reserved here or in person at Ice Cream Jubilee’s Yards Park location.

4:45pm: Advance screening of DORA AND THE LOST CITY OF GOLD at the Smithsonian National Zoo
The film’s stars Isabela Moner and Eugenio Derbez will be hosting an introduction, as well as exclusive meet & greet opportunities. RSVP’s are on a first come, first served basis, RSVP here with the subject line: Beltway Bambinos

6:00pm: Movies on the Potomac at National Harbor: The Nutcracker and the Four Realms
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.